Including all 1025 Pokemon from all 9 generations in one ROM hack is not an easy task, especially since the newer generation creatures also require modern moves, abilities and mechanics to be imported into the hack in order for everything to work properly.
ROM hacks longtime Pokemon fans should know
There are plenty of fan-made Pokemon Game/ROM hacks that are great all-around adventures.
Most Pokemon ROM hacks that have a complete list use Pokemon Emerald as their base. This is mainly due to the GBA ROM hack base Pokeemerald Expansion (created by DizzyEggg), a tool that allows creators to import a plethora of mechanics from later generations into Emerald. As a result, Emerald remains a destination for those looking to include Pokémon from all 9 generations in their game.
Updated on November 28, 2025 by Hamza Haq: Pokemon ROM hacks have much less freedom compared to fan games in terms of the number of Pokemon they can have in the game. That said, even though RPG Game Maker offers a lot more options, clever fans have still come up with ways to make ROM hacks stretch further than they have a right to. The article has been updated with two more Pokemon ROM hacks that contain every Pokemon for players to enjoy.
Pokémon Black Pearl Emerald
Simplified gameplay with QoL features
Pokémon Black Pearl Emerald is a ROM hack upgrade that aims to modernize the Emerald game experience with new quality of life features, advanced custom trainer AI, different difficulty options, and of course all Gen 1-9 Pokemon obtainable through wild encounters.
Black Pearl Emerald also features Mega Evolutions, an updated Battle UI, increased Shiny rates, and a dedicated Nuzlocke mode for those looking for a challenge. Players can find a full list of encounters in the included Google Doc, making planning ahead a breeze.
Pokemon ROWE 2.0
Gen 3 open world exploration
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Created by: Rioluwott
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Game: Pokemon Emerald
Pokemon ROWE 2.0 is an open-world version for the Hoenn and Sevii island regions that offers players a non-linear experience carefully balanced to remain as fair as possible while providing complete freedom. Pokemon from all nine generations appear in the game.
With a total of 16 gyms to master, there is more than enough content to keep players occupied for a while, and many quality additions such as move tutoring, reusable TMs, speeding up in-game battles and many more make the experience unforgettable. Players can also choose between three difficulty modes as well as several game modes that will drastically change each run.
Pokemon Emerald Crest
A classic emerald with a modern twist
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Created by: Aaghat
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Game: Pokemon Emerald
Pokemon Emerald Crest is a vanilla plus upgrade ROM hack that keeps the main story of Emerald but adds features, mechanics and creatures from later generations to spice up the gameplay loop. The Hack ROM contains all 1025 Pokemon up to Gen 9, including regional variants from Hisui, Galar, and Alola, as well as The Teal Mask DLC exclusive.
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While Emerald Crest isn't necessarily a ROM difficulty hack, the updated battle AI and trainer scaling can result in a challenging experience, especially for players attempting the Nuzlocke challenge. The various QoL features included in the hack drastically reduce the time players have to spend grinding, making the overall experience much more enjoyable.
Pokemon Emerald Rogue
Endless replayability with unique runs
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Created by: Pokabbie
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Game: Pokemon Emerald
Pokemon Emerald Rogue is a roguelike game where players engage in one battle after another against random trainers with progressively stronger teams. Wild encounters and items found in the game are procedurally generated according to the power level of the player's team, although rare legendary encounters are still possible. Each run is different, as available Pokemon, enemy teams, and even gym leaders change from run to run.
A “run” ends either when the player's entire party passes out, or when they defeat a champion. Every single Pokemon from Gens 1-9 is available in Modern Encounters, although not all of them can be caught in one run.
Pokemon Radical Red
One of the hardest Pokemon ROM hacks ever
Pokemon Radical Red is considered one of the most difficult Pokemon ROM hacks and offers players a brutal challenge that will not only test the extent of their gaming knowledge, but also their ability to strategize. Enemy trainers come with their own custom teams to make encounters hellishly difficult, especially on higher difficulty settings.
In addition, Radical Red also features a number of new quality-of-life features, gameplay improvements, game modes, and Pokemon from all 9 generations. Players who want a less punishing run can lower the difficulty. However, even on the lowest settings, the game remains harder than vanilla, although still easier than Hardcore mode.
Pokemon Elite Redux
Unique difficulty hack with multiple abilities
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Created by: darkyy92
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Game: Pokemon Emerald
Pokemon Elite Redux is a difficult hack full of quality-of-life features and game add-ons that help it stand out from the crowd. Notably, Elite Redux grants each Pokemon four individual abilities, three of which are fixed, while the last can be switched between multiple options, opening the door for build experimentation like no other. To accommodate this, the creator created over 200 custom abilities distributed among various creatures.
Additionally, Elite Redux offers custom movesets to opposing trainer teams using the smartest version of combat AI. The need for level crushing has been removed with built-in infinite rare candies, EV adjusters and auto-perfect IVs, allowing players to fully focus on the battles ahead. And of course all 1025 Pokémon can be caught in Elite Redux.
Pokemon Blue Stars 4
GBA ROM hack Perfect for Nuzlockers
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Created by: Jean Stars
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Game: Pokemon FireRed
Pokemon Blue Stars 4 is a FireRed A ROM hack set in a new area called Shinstar. The story revolves around Mewtwo's escape from Team Cosmic, an organization that wants to use its power to revive an ancient Pokémon.
Pokemon Blue Stars 4 it contains all Pokemon up to Gen 9, Hisui forms as well as tricks like Mega Evolution and Dynamaxing. For players who like difficult ROM hacks, it also offers a built-in level cap system that supports Nuzlocking, as well as three different difficulty levels to increase the challenge.
Pokemon Chaos Purple
Classic Kanto route with Gen 5 talent
Pokemon Chaos Purple features a classic retelling of the original Kanto story using Gen 4 and 5 graphics and tilesets. Hack ROM Pokémon HeartGoldcontains all Pokémon up to Generation 9, including regional variants from Hisui and Galar to complete the Pokedex.
The story of the game centers on Team Rocket's efforts to bring Mewtwo to life using Mew's DNA. In addition to Kanto, the game also features the Sevii Islands, where post-Gen 1 Pokémon can be obtained in the wild. This is an excellent choice for players looking for a modern version of Pokémon Red and Blue.
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