Once my Pokémon entered the Hall of Fame, I thought the game was over, and I was okay with it. All things considered, I felt like I’d gotten my money’s worth. Imagine my surprise after discovering there was a whole new region to explore! Exploring Kanto after conquering Johto felt mysterious and even forbidden – as if I had somehow broken into the game’s secrets thanks to my stellar performance in the Pokémon League. Since then, I’ve loved Pokémon games offering many regions in one title – and same goes for ROM hacks. For those of you who just love exploring as much as I do, here are some of the most worthwhile Pokémon ROM hacks & fan games that feature multiple regions.
10. Pokémon Blazed Glazed
Check Out This ROM Hack This updated version of the old-school hit hack Pokémon Glazed runs on an Emerald ROM, but changes everything about the game other than the graphics and soundtrack. Along with the classic Gen 3 critters you’d expect to see in Emerald, you’ll find some from Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos. All Pokémon typing and movesets have been updated to match gen 6 – and Goldenrod Gym has been re-worked as a Fairy-type gym. Other than Johto, you’ll also explore the all-new regions of Tunod and Rankor in your quest to stop Team Fusion’s dastardly plans.
9. Pokémon Light Platinum
Check Out This ROM Hack If you don’t want anything to do with classic regions like Johto, consider Pokémon Light Platinum, a Ruby ROM hack taking place in the novel regions of Zhery and Lauren. Of course, these two regions are complete with 16 new gyms to challenge and a new Elite Four. This game’s Pokédex features stars from Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh and Unova, including every Legendary from these regions. Then once you’re done with the main game, you’ll tackle the Pokémon World Championship and finally prove yourself the greatest Pokémon trainer.
8. Pokémon Prism
Check Out This ROM Hack Pokémon Prism is a Crystal ROM hack that brings the player to the industrialized region of Naljo, where new Pokémon types such as Gas and Sound roam the land. Prism happens to be the sequel to the famous first-gen hack Pokémon Brown, so once you’re done overcoming the challenges of Naljo, you get to revisit Brown’s region of Rijon for an all-new adventure. Something that makes Pokémon Prism extra special is the side-scrolling segments and some sections where you play as your Pokémon in a way that reminds me of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon. If you can dig the old-school GBC graphics & music then you owe it to yourself to give this one a try.
7. Pokémon Crystal Clear
Check Out This ROM Hack Personally, I’m fine with revisiting the usual regions – as long as the ROM hack I’m playing offers a new perspective. Pokémon Crystal Clear does just that by turning Kanto and Johto into an open world. This Crystal hack lets you create and customize your own character and choose where you want to begin your adventure. As you can guess, starting from Cerulean City provides a massively different experience compared to starting from Goldenrod City. Same goes for really any starting destitution. Once you hit the field, nothing stops you from walking all the way to the other side of the world and collecting gym badges in any order you prefer.
6. Pokémon Liquid Crystal
Check Out This ROM Hack Another way of providing a new perspective is by updating the game engine, improving the graphics, and adding new music to a classic adventure. Pokémon Liquid Crystal is a FireRed ROM hack that ports the OG Crystal experience to the GBA, letting you experience the same story that captivated your childhood with some much-needed upgrades to mechanics and loot. The game also adds new places and hidden areas to discover all along Kanto and Johto – including an open ocean! With weekly events all over, a day and night system, and updated battle mechanics, this is probably the best way to revisit Crystal.
5. Pokémon Fire Ash
Check Out This ROM Hack If there’s a globe-trotting champion in the Pokémon world, it must be Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. Throughout his adventures in the anime, this dude has traveled Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, and even Alola. Made in RPG Maker XP, Pokémon Fire Ash is a fan game following the hero’s adventures through these many regions. You’ll get a chance to re-create his team, compete against his rivals, and befriend his traveling companions as you battle through 50+ Gyms. This game also features almost every Pokémon released up to Gen 7, with Mega Evolution and even Alolan forms, all to help you create your dream team and maybe even catch ’em all.
4. Pokémon Resolute
Check Out This ROM Hack Pokémon Resolute is one of those ROM hacks that manages to fly under the radar of many enthusiasts, despite being among the best. You’ll play as either Logan or Alma, trainers from Cedar City recruited by Prof. Avery to collect Pokémon data – a good-old Pokémon adventure. Your childhood friend Elijah will join you on a massive journey through the regions of Sylon, Tyron, and Johto, which are populated by all Gen 3 Pokémon along with some hand-picked critters from Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, and Alola – including Alolan forms. This Emerald hack supports Mega Evolution and most of the QoL improvements we’ve come to expect from modern ROM hacks. It’s a must-try if you’re into multi-region games.
3. Pokémon Revolution Online
Check Out This ROM Hack Pokémon Revolution Online – better known as PRO – is one of the biggest online Pokémon experiences to share with friends or meet new people with the same Poké-interests. This online multiplayer fan-game shines for its active player base of well over 10.000 gamers logging in regularly, as well as its fun seasonal events that keep the game fresh and exciting. What earns PRO a spot on this ranking is its massive game world, comprised of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh – along with some new custom areas. Also, you can ride your Pokémon as a mount. Isn’t that the coolest thing?
2. Pokémon Nameless
Check Out This ROM Hack Pokémon Nameless is an incredible Emerald ROM hack that works as a prequel to the notorious Pokémon Mega Power, and a sequel to Pokémon Resolute. It’s a story-driven game where players take control of Chronya – a young survivalist girl who’s given a mysterious Pokémon by the man who saved her life after escaping the Valo Empire. The game mainly takes place in the Cyenn Region, but you’ll get access to Western Tyron, the Sevii Islands, and the Lande region from Mega Power as the game goes on. You’ll also meet a lot of Pokémon from Gens 4-8 as you explore, slowly crafting an unbeatable team. One of my favorite features is being able to have Chronya think about what she’s doing and where she needs to go (for ideas on how to progress). I tend to get disoriented in open-world type games, and this helps keep me on the right track.
1. PokéMMO
Check Out This ROM Hack PokéMMO offers much of the same things PRO does: character customization, almost every Pokémon released so far, seasonal events, competent PvP, and a chance to meet new people – but there’s one thing it does differently. This fan-made game is basically a giant emulator. It lets you travel through Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova – but you actually jump from game to game, meaning the graphics, music, and some other details change whenever you travel to a new region. This creates massive contrast between each region, making the game feel varied and fresh. Plus the game can even be modded for extra customization!
