20 Best Pokemon ROM Hacks that Worth to Play in 2025

Penny Warren Published on April 23, 2025GPS Location3-min reading

Pokemon GO is one of the most beloved franchises of all time. There are hundreds of thousands of players and fans all over the world. It makes sense that some of them are no longer satisfied with simply playing games. Fans have taken creative liberties, making their own stories and videos, and more. One of the most fascinating expressions is Pokemon ROM hacksM. This article lists and reviews a top list that you can play in 2025.

Part 1: What Is Pokemon Hack

A ROM hack is a modified version of a published game. It was created by adjusting the code of the read-only memory or ROM to create something new. It is popular among specific communities within the Pokemon fans. In fact, most Pokemon ROM hacks are fan games created by changing ROM dumps, disassembling, or decompiling the official Pokemon games.

It is well known that the Pokemon game system is very versatile. That makes it well for modification, giving hackers a lot of creative freedom together with a solid game engine. That leads to the creation of hundreds of game generations from minor adjustments to new fan games.

The Pokemon ROM hacks date back to the late 1990s with modified editions of Pokemon Red. One of the most notable Pokemon hacks in history is Pokemon Brown, which was released by user Koolboyman in the early 2000s. It is the first hack to completely game with a brand new region and plot.

According to our research, there are five categories of Pokemon ROM hacks:

1. Pokedex hacks. They are designed to make all Pokemon available in-game including event Pokemon, first patterner Pokemon, version-exclusive Pokemon, and more. Some advanced hacks also include Pokemon from later generations, like Fairy-type, newer moves and abilities. The game name indicates the size of the National Pokedex, like Pokemon Emerald ROM Hacks 386 or Pokemon Fire Red ROM Hacks 151.

2. ROM bases. These hacks often include major revisions of the base code and are used as a base for other ROM hacks. Developers may add new features like a playable female character into Pokemon Gold.

3. Difficulty hacks. They rarely differ from official games in terms of story. These hacks are more difficult than usually experienced in regular Pokemon games. Many fans see Pokemon Black 2 ROM Hacks as an acknowledgment of these hacks.

4. Language hacks. The core series of early Pokemon GO were released in Japan. Amateur enthusiasts translate Japanese Pokemon games into other languages, such as Pokemon Vietnamese Crystal ROM Hack.

5. Full hacks. With new characters, regions, features, and plots, these hacks are complete overhauls of the games. They may include Pokemon, movies, and types from later generations and brand-new ones created by hackers.

Part 2: Top 20 Pokemon Hacks

Top 1: Pokemon Prism

Pokemon Prism is a Pokemon ROM Hack by Koolboyman based on Pokemon Crystal. The last update was released in August 2023. That is the story of Prism. After playing in an unidentified region, it ends up in the region of Naljo.

Notable Features

1. 252 Pokemon from all four generations.

2. New region of Naljo and Rijon.

3. Four crafting skills.

4. New mini-games.

Top 2: Pokemon Light Platinum

Pokemon Light Platinum is based on Pokemon Firered with new regions, Pokemon, graphics, and a World Championship event. Players can choose between the Final and Plus versions with various features.

Notable Features

1. Two new regions, Zhery and Lauren.

2. New Leaders and Elite Four.

3. Pokemon from Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova.

4. New final event.

Top 3: Pokemon Liquid Crystal

Pokemon Liquid Crystal is a Pokemon FireRed ROM hack created by Linkandzelda. It is a complete remake of the original Pokemon Crystal game from the GameBoy Color.

Notable Features

1. New events and a whole new region.

2. Updated graphics, maps, and music.

3. Explore new and hidden areas.

4. Include Johto, Kanto, and Orange Islands.

Top 4: Pokemon Emerald Seaglass

Pokemon Emerald Seaglass is a game based on the original Pokemon Emerald. It comes with new visuals, Pokemon, battles, and minigames. Players can download the USA version for the Game Boy consoles.

Notable Features

1. Complete visual overhaul.

2. New minigames and events.

3. In-game cheat codes.

4. Adjustable difficulty and settings.

Top 5: Pokemon Mega Power

Pokemon Mega Power is a GBA ROM hack based on Pokemon Emerald in English. The last update was launched in November 2024. Players can explore three new regions on computer and mobile. However, Pokemon GO may fail to detect location since it's a hack version.

Notable Features

1. Three new regions, Ivara, Lande, Sevii Islands.

2. All mega evolutions.

3. Include generation 4 to 7 Pokemon.

4. New tiles and Sprites.

Top 6: Pokemon Kanlara Ultimate

Pokemon Kanlara Ultimate is the sister game to Kanlara Adventures hack released by Sakakii based on Pokemon FireRed ROM in English. The last update was launched on January 21, 2020.

Notable Features

1. Explore new stories and new regions.

2. 386 Pokemon from generations 1 to 7.

3. A brand new type called Demon.

4. Custom TM list.

Top 7: Pokemon Radical Red

Pokemon Radical Red is a modification of Pokemon FireRed. It maintains the original storyline and setting but adds an array of changes and updates. It stands out due to its commitment to creating a challenging yet fair experience.

Notable Features

1. Move up to generation 8.

2. Updated Pokemon sprites.

3. Ability popups during battle.

4. Day and night.

Top 8: Pokemon Ultra Shiny Gold Sigma

If you are looking for a GBA ROM hack, Pokemon Ultra Shiny Gold Sigma is a good option. It is based on Pokemon FireRed by Alex Sanchez. The last update was released on January 1, 2024.

Notable Features

1. Over 900 Pokemon.

2. New evolutionary stones.

3. New effects like ash grass.

4. Rightfully fly everywhere.

Top 9: Pokemon Black 2 Kaizo

Pokemon Black 2 Kaizo is an NDS ROM hack by Insipid Axiom based on Pokemon Black 2 in English. The last update was released in October 2022. It has many features both from difficulty and quality of life.

Notable Features

1. About 450 Pokemon.

2. Access hidden ability.

3. Trade-based evolutions.

4. Adjusted movements.

Top 10: Pokemon Gaia

Pokemon Gaia is another Pokemon FireRed ROM hack released by Spherical Ice. The last update was launched in November 2018, but it is still available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Notable Features

1. Updated Pokemon sprites.

2. Original songs.

3. B2/W2 Repel system.

4. EXP capture system.

Top 11: Pokemon Glazed

Pokemon Glazed is one of the largest Pokemon ROM hacks. It is the Final Version and little change with more mega Evolution, attack, and more. Players can choose from five starters instead of three.

Notable Features

1. Travel across regions.

2. Capture all five starters.

3. Physical/Special split.

4. New out-of-battle effects.

Top 12: Pokemon Emerald Rogue

Pokemon Emerald Rogue is a ROM hack of the classic Pokemon Emerald by Pokabbie. The last update was released on July 2024. When going on an adventure, all routes and items are chosen based on your progress.

Notable Features

1. Randomly choose routes.

2. Customize character.

3. Seeded mode.

4. Mega evolution.

Top 13: Pokemon Ash Gray

Pokemon Ash Gray is another fan-made ROM hack by metapod23 based Pokmon FireRed in English. The last update was launched in January 2022. The character is Ash Ketchum and embarked on a big adventure.

Notable Features

1. Catch all Pokemon Ash does.

2. New Tiles, Sprites, and Maps.

3. New tools.

4. 116 events.

Top 14: Pokemon Blazed Glazed

Pokemon Blazed Glazed is a Pokemon ROM hack for GameBoy Advance. Pokemon Glazed is amazing, but it is out of date. Pokemon Blazed Glazed is an enhanced and improved version made by tudou.

Notable Features

1. New moves from generation 4 to 6.

2. New Pokemon.

3. Typing changes.

4. Altered wild distributions.

Top 15: Pokemon DarkFire

Pokemon DarkFire is a GBA ROM hack that works on Desmume by Karl and Ray Maverick based on Pokemon Emerald in English. Pokemon have been acting strange and some are even missing. Scientists blamed it on a severe Pokemon virus.

Notable Features

1. New region.

2. Completely custom music.

3. Beautiful battle backgrounds.

4. Stat nature colors.

Top 16: Pokemon Elite Redux

Pokemon Elite Redux is a GBA ROM hack by Darkyy92x based on Pokemon Emerald in English. The last update was launched in December 2024. It places a strong emphasis on challenging gameplay.

Notable Features

1. Up to 4 abilities.

2. Full custom move-set.

3. Stronger AI.

4. Portable on PC.

Top 17: Pokemon Polished Crystal

Pokemon Polished Crystal is another GBC ROM hack by Rangi based on Pokemon Crystal. The last update was released in September 2016. As its name indicates, it is based on the Crystal version but improved.

Notable Features

1. 253 Pokemon.

2. New evolution methods.

3. 48 new moves.

4. New characters.

Top 18: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon - Red Rescue Team EX

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon-Red Rescue Team EX is a ROM hack that makes various changes to Pokemon Mystery Dungeon-Red Rescue Team. It provides an improved QOL and freshener experience.

Notable Features

1. Overhauled recruitment values.

2. Automatic and manual control.

3. New starter abilities.

4. Increase PP of certain moves.

Top 19: Pokemon Moon Silver

Pokemon Moon Silver is a DNS ROM hack based on Pokemon Soul Silver by walnut3072 in English. As a fan-made hack, it comes with many changes in Pokemon moves, type charts, and more.

Notable Features

1. New sound, tiles, and sprites.

2. New Gym leaders.

3. New music

4. New boot screen.

Top 20: Pokemon GS Chronicles

Pokemon GS Chronicles is a ROM hack based on Pokemon FireRed. The last update was released on June 2024. It has new storiesies, mega evolution, day and night system, and much more.

Notable Features

1. A renewed storyline.

2. New events.

3. 494 Pokemon.

4. All new moves of generation 4 to 8.

Part 3: Best Way to Hack Pokemon GO on iPhone

The simple way to hack Pokemon GO is a spoofer tool. For instance, imyPass iLocaGo enables you to simulate routes on an iPhone or iPad and capture Pokemon, PokeStops, and Gyms quickly. More importantly, it is pretty easy to use and doesn't require any technical skill.

How to Hack Pokemon GO on iPhone

Launch the best spoofer software once you install it on your PC. There is another version for Mac users. Next, connect your iPhone to your PC with a Lightning cable. The software will detect your device automatically.

When the mode window pops up, you will see Modify Location, One-stop Mode, Multi-stop Mode, and Joystick Mode. The first is used to change your iPhone location and the other three are used to make virtual routes. Choose one based on your purpose. Here we pick Joystick Mode to move on.

Click the Start Move button and you use your keyboard or mouse to control the direction while playing Pokemon GO. You can also move the slider to adjust the speed. This program can also change location for Spotify.

Conclusion

Now, you should get at least the best Pokemon ROM hacks that are still available. You can read our review and pick your favorite hack. imyPass iLocaGo lets you hack Pokemon GO on your iOS device easily. If you have other questions about this topic or better recommendations, please feel free to leave a message below this post.