Pokemon is one of the most popular video game franchises available. Many Pokemon games fanatics enjoy playing the game on a Game Boy Advance Emulator (GBA). But some players find the old games repetitive and easy, hence the need for GBA ROM hacks.
GBA hacks are the modified versions of Pokeman games with new and improved features. The hacks are created by game enthusiasts and fans interested in changing the gameplay mechanics to challenge even pro players.
The first GBA hacks appeared in the later 1990s after the official Pokemon Red and Blue games were released. Earlier hacks only had basic modifications.
As the game gained popularity, game enthusiasts developed more ambitious and complex hacks with advanced ROM hacking technology.
Today, the GBA ROM hacks community is vast, with multiple hacks ranging from small and personal projects to large and professional games. In this article, I’ll share some of the highly-rated and popular GBA ROM hacks worth trying. Read on.
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Best GBA ROM Hacks
1. Gaia
Pokemon Gaia is one of the most complex yet exciting hacks for FireRed. It was created in 2014 by Spherical Ice. With Pokemon Gaia, you’ll explore a new region with over 100 towns, cities, and villages.
In the game, you’ll fight through regions like Kanto and Johto in your quest to save Orbtus. You’ll love this game more If you are a fan of climbing up walls and walking around underwater.
Gaia features exciting move sets that are accurate with working effects and animation. Other features include modern abilities, an in-battle mega evolution system, updated Pokemon sprites, and original songs.
Pokemon Gaia features an entirely different story. The game happens in the Orbtus region, which was once civilized and populated. The region is swept away in a series of earthquakes, leaving only idols, temples, and the back story.
Your task in the game is to collaborate with a local archeologist and Pokemon professor, Professor Redwood, to prevent the Earth from consuming Orbtus one more time. Pokemon Gaia is available in a free, complete, and downloadable version.
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2. Flora Sky
Next on my list is the Pokemon Flora Sky. Flora Sky is a GBA ROM hack for Pokemon Emerald authored by Poke-Mega. The hack was released in 2020, featuring a new story, new characters, and many changes to offer a unique experience.
Flora Sky introduces you to a land of mysteries of the legendary Pokemon. The game opens the world of Gitarina and the real world after a battle between Dialga and Palkia. Gitarina brings in an anticipated amount of dangers, so yours is to close this portal before it’s too late.
Some of Flora Sky’s features that will cultivate your gaming experience include a whole new story happening in a small town based on the real-world Johto region, new abilities and moves exclusive to the small town, and a new battle system featuring fairy-type and Mega Evolution Pokemon.
Pokemon Flora Sky has two versions; the Main and Complement Dex Version. You can download it for free from its official download page. You can also keep up with Flora Sky GBA ROM hack updates through social media (Facebook or Twitter)
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3. Dark Rising
Dark Rising is another excellent GBA ROM hack based on Pokemon FireRed. The hack was developed on January 1, 1970. The game features a dark storyline and higher difficulty levels than most games in its division.
The story behind Dark Rising starts with a dream, where a Pokemon randomly appears and chooses you, a young boy, to save the world. You wake up with many questions but decide to ignore the dream and step out of your hometown of Fells in the core region.
Surprisingly, your best friend had a similar dream. They quickly ask you to meet a town professor with a crucial emergency message. The professor informs you of the climate changes and disasters throughout the core region.
Everyone is in a panic, including his employees. The professor then sends you out to pick up a delivery package from Professor Oak at a delivery station.
As you set out for this simple task, you meet a mysterious girl who is also aware of your dream about a creature called Darugis.
On receiving the package, you meet another powerful Pokemon who quickly engages you in a battle with your friend. You are knocked out by the powerful Pokemon and only wake up to your mom and friend patiently waiting for your recovery.
The interesting storyline goes on to unravel mysteries. Dark Rising will excite you with newer generation moves and dream world abilities. Dark Rising is available for free download.
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4. Light Platinum
If you have yet to play a Pokemon hack game, I highly recommend Light Platinum. It is one of the few games that you can enjoy without worrying about bugs.
Light Platinum is a robust recreation of Pokemon Ruby. The version has included many new and exciting features, including new regions (Zhery), new rivals, new sprites, and a new final event; the Pokemon World Championship.
Pokemon Light Platinum was created in 2009 by Wesle FG. It was released in English and Portuguese. Hence, it is one of the most accessible GBA ROM hacks available.
While the game can be found through multiple emulators on multiple websites, its completed version is available in Cartridge format that works with real GBA for an authentic gameplay experience.
The game opens with a player in their dream sequence featuring four powerful Pokemon. The player is later sent to visit Professor Jasmine in Central City. The game follows a strict routine, where, as the game star, your task is to save the professor.
Action sets in quickly, so you will easily notice the evil Team Steam. You must pick on a first-generation Pokemon to tackle Team Steam as you begin your quest into the Zhery region.
The best part about this hack is that its story is straightforward and devoid of any complicated twists. The villains have basic reasons to be evil, making it easy for you to fast-track their intentions as the game progresses.
While Light Platinum is a fan-packed game, some players might find it amateurish compared to other Pokemon games. So, if you are looking for a strong story in a Pokemon game, I’ll advise you to look elsewhere.
Overall the game is entertaining enough and should keep you interested. Its story is well-written and engaging, with an excellent background for gameplay. Download Pokemon Light Platinum for free and enjoy the gameplay.
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5. Glazed
Pokemon Glazed was released in 2012 as a GBA ROM hack for Emerald. It is an excellent solution for anyone interested in exploring ancient ruins and discovering why the real world and the Pokemon world are about to collide.
The game is set in the Tunod region featuring a young player who just turned 12 and now has permission to train a Pokemon to become an able partner on the battlefield. The game was initially created by Redriders 180 but was later picked up by TrainerX493.
TrainerX493 worked collaboratively with Tudou, who later created the Pokemon Glazed Offshoot Hack, called Blazed Glazed.
The journey begins in the Tunod region at a time when the world is facing a severe disaster. A mysterious force is sending the real world and the Pokemon world into a nasty collision, and yours is to discover these mysterious teams causing the unrest.
In your quest, you will meet allies and friends to work together to restore normalcy. You will also meet other legendary Pokemon from different Pokemon game series to help you play Pokemon Emerald with new skills and items in a perfectly designed environment, maps, and buildings.
What will excite you more about this GBA ROM hack is the freedom to choose from five starters instead of three, a chance to travel across Tunod, Unova, and Kalos regions, and rematches with trainers and gym leaders. Download it for free and start playing.
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6. Radical Red
Pokemon Radical Red is another excellent GBA ROM hack for FireRed. It is a typical modification of the FireRed gameplay elements, just that it has better and more intriguing gameplay mechanics.
Before anything, it’s essential to note that this Pokemon hack can be complicated and challenging. So go for it if you love challenges.
While the game allows you to randomize at the beginning of the game, I strongly discourage it considering how hard it can get unless you have finished the game.
There is little to talk about the storyline since it is similar to FireRed. The characters are identical, so you already know what to expect.
But what makes it more exciting is the gameplay since you will be dealing with a different Pokemon game and handling different challenges.
As earlier stated, the game gives you a randomizing option at the beginning, but it’s essential to note that once you randomize everything, you cannot reverse it. Radical Red offers multiple customization options when it comes to abilities.
So you can swap your abilities or train them even more. Radical Red is said to have more feature updates in the future, so prepare for more exciting gameplay in the days to come.
Other Radical Red essential features include EV training areas, gym leaders that can be fought again later, and colored IV on the status menu.
Soupercell released Radical Red version 3:1 in 2020. Visit the Pokecommunity to find details on how you can download the hack. You can also download it from here.
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7. Unbound
Pokemon Unbound by Skeli is another GBA ROM hack based on FireRed. The game was last updated in 2022. Its latest version, 2:1:1:1, is available for free download.
Its latest version will be a worthy addition to your Pokemon games playlist. Pokemon Unbound happens in the Barrius region, a region rich in history. Years ago, the Barrius region had fought the Kalos region in a fierce battle.
While the region released a dark force to help them defeat the Kalos region, Kalos used their ultimate weapon to defeat Barrius. The battle finally ended, and the dark force was sealed to prevent future damage.
But years later, an organization named “The Shadows” plans to re-release the dark force for their selfish interests. As a skilled Pokemon trainer, you are well-equipped to stop The Shadows and save the Barrius region from turmoil.
Your success in the game positions you as a hero in the virtual world of Pokemon Unbound. Unbound promises exciting new features, including updated graphics, a new HM system, challenging puzzles, and exciting mini-games.
The character customization option allows you to choose from over 300 skin tones, outfit colors, or hair color combinations. It also has a unique mission system featuring over 75 missions to complete, and you can always track your mission progress from the Mission Log.
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8. Liquid Crystal
Pokemon Liquid Crystal was created by Linkandzelda in 2016 using FireRed V1.0 as the base ROM. It is an excellent remake of the original Crystal game but with added events and a new region to explore; Orange Islands.
While playing Liquid Crystal guarantees you the ultimate experience of the original story, expect new evil teams, dozens of hiding areas, rivals, items, and other game twists that will elevate your gaming experience.
Some of the new features you’ll enjoy with Liquid Crystal include updated maps, graphics, and music. Other features include new regions such as Johto, Kanyo, and Orange Islands and a real season based on weather effects.
It is weird how the original GBA ROMs lack the day and night feature. But Pokemon Liquid Crystal added the day and night system to its download package to make the experience more fun.
The updated battle mechanics allow you to earn EXP, like in Black and White. This exciting game has incorporated a unique and enhanced EXP system to change how you battle entirely. Ready to play? Download it here.
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9. Ash Gray
If you are a big fan of the Pokemon FireRed, try the Ash Gray GBA ROM hack. The game allows you to relive the classic Pokemon gaming adventure but with new tiles, sprites, gym leaders, and more.
Metapod23 created Ash Gray in March 2017. Your name in the game is Ash Ketchum, and you are ready to embark on an exciting Pokemon adventure. You start as a young trainer with the goal of becoming a Pokemon League Champion.
But to achieve the Pokemon League Champion, you must defeat the current champion and the Elite Four. Additionally, you’ll have to face your rival, Gary Oak, a formidable opponent with a vibrant team of Pokemon.
You travel through Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh, with multiple stop-offs at various gyms. You will encounter four elite leaders, Team Rocket Villains, and gym leaders along the journey.
Its teleport computer system ensures that you traverse the regions easily and faster. You can access the system via the Pokemon Center PC.
Ash Gray does more than just retell a story. Some of its additional features and events, like rock climbing, enable you to access initially inaccessible areas. Its user-friendly UI and compelling graphics make it appealing to players of all ages.
The game has other activities that players can engage in, such as gathering resources, capturing and training Pokemon, and fishing. The new tiles offer new ways to explore the Kanto region like never before. Download Ash Gray for free and start playing.
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10. Reign of Legends
Reign of Legends is another excellent GBA ROM hack worth trying. Destinedjagold last updated Reign of Legends in 2019. It was created using the Pokemon Ruby Destiny code base, and now it is available for free download.
The adventure-packed role-playing game is featured in a new region called Gento, which consists of four main islands: Lorina, Borora, Selaro, and Retazo.
The story begins when your brother and mother urge you to join them in the Gento region, where your brother is a Snow Soft City Gym Leader. You arrive in the region but decide to settle down in Sun Ford City, where you meet your first Pokemon to start your journey.
Your mission in the city is to stop Luminous Cenaries and Royale Darkness from executing their evil plots. Luminous Cenaries’ vision is to overcast the world with sunlight, while Royale Darkness’ plan is to shade the world with darkness.
You need to find out what the future holds. So you embark on a journey from the Shadow of Lugia to save the world. Along the way, you’ll meet a series of Pokemon to help you stop the cause of destruction.
Reign of Legends has many new features to improve your gaming experience. Some of these features include a whole new region with four islands, new tiles, new evil gangs, new events, and characters from FireRed and LeafGreen.
Each day you get stronger with your Pokemon. So download and play to see what you must do to save the world.
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11. Team Rocket
If you are more interested in blasting off into the mischief world and mayhem, look no further than the Team Rocket GBA ROM hack.
Team Rocket is a ROM hack of the original FireRed. Team Rocket features new locations, characters, and a different storyline for the original Pokemon FireRed.
As a member of Team Rocket, your mission in the game is to climb the ranks to become the top agent. As the game progresses, you’ll be embroiled in conspiracies involving a rival villain organization and a secret government agency.
You must fight against other trainers throughout the game. You need to collect and train your own Pokemon team and compete in various activities. Team Rocket features a unique storyline that lets you see the Pokemon world from the villain’s perspective.
The game also gives you a glimpse of how the inner circle of Team Rocket works and how its members stay motivated. You’ll also discover various Pokemon not found in the original FireRed game.
Team Rocket happens in a new location called the Rocket Region. The location is filled with new cities, landmarks, and towns. The game’s graphics and sounds use similar sprites and tiles but with a darker twist.
Generally, Team Rocket’s features and abilities set it apart from others. A player can steal Pokemon from a defeated trainer to advance into Rank. It’s parallel to Firered’s. Hence, the game sheds more light on the secrets of the Kanto region in the absence of Red.
You can download Team Rocket to enjoy improved gameplay, better mechanics and interface, and reduced encounter rates in caves and water.
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12. Mega Power
Mega Power is the last on my list of the best GBA ROM hacks. As the name suggests, Mega Power is a powerful ROM hack by Wind1158 based on the legendary Pokemon Emerald.
In the Mega Power game, you resume the role of Neil/Tyra, a genius scientist and professor, who dreams of making the strongest Pokemon by himself. Neil does enough experiments to justify his dreams, but the only setback is a need for more money.
A renowned businessman called Kasper promises the young professor that he will fund the project on the condition that the professor shares his achievements with him.
Without a second thought, Neil would have accepted the offer; after all, the goal was to achieve his dream.
But as a young genius, Neil also understands that Mr. Kasper is a leader of a secret team called “ Team Delta.” So the biggest mystery in the game is whether the young professor should accept or deny Mr. Kasper’s offer.
Watch out for new and exciting features on Mega Power, including three new regions: Ivara, Lande, and Sevii Island. You will also discover new tiles, sprites, and a host of all mega evolutions.
Creator 1158 last updated the completed Beta 5.62 version in July 2018. You can download the version for free and start enjoying it.
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Final Words
There you have it! These are some of the most amazing Pokemon GBA ROM hacks worth adding to your playlist. Remember that with the release of the 9th generation of the Pokemon games, the only chance of you accessing the titles that span over 25 years is through ROM hacks.
The hack you choose depends on your gaming preferences and what you wish to achieve at the end of the gameplay. So take your time and choose right.
But if you are looking for a FireRed hack with exciting characters, an attractive location to explore, and powerful Pokemon to catch and train, I recommend Pokemon Gaia.
