While waiting for the highly anticipated release of Pokemon Winds and Waves, now is the perfect time to explore the wide variety of Pokemon ROM hacks and fan-made games available to play.
As of 2026, the Pokemon community has blessed us with countless fan-made games that are worth checking out. Based on our team’s experience, some of the most well-made titles include Pokemon Reborn, Pokemon Rejuvenation, and the ever-popular Pokemon Infinite Fusion.
While these titles aren’t part of the mainline Pokemon series, many offer a fresh experience with unique gameplay mechanics, original stories, and even new regions to explore.
Behold, our newly updated and expanded list of the best fan-made Pokemon games for this year! Use this page as your checklist for your next Pokemon adventure and discover games made by passionate fans who want to give us fresh Pokemon experiences while we wonder what Nintendo has in store for us next.
Editor’s Update (September 2026): Added more entries into the list.
Fan-Made Pokemon Games vs. ROM Hacks: What’s the Difference?
Although ROM hacks can technically be considered “fan-made” since they are created by fans rather than Nintendo, there are some key differences that set them apart from traditional fan-made Pokemon games.
The unofficial Pokemon games commonly described as fan-made are often created using tools such as RPG Maker XP and Pokemon Essentials. RPG Maker XP is a game-development engine, while Pokemon Essentials is a toolkit that provides many of the systems and resources needed to create Pokemon-style games.
Unlike Pokemon ROM hacks, which are created by modifying the ROM files of existing Pokemon games, fan-made Pokemon games don’t require a base ROM or an emulator to run. Instead, you can download them from their official websites and launch them directly like a regular computer program.
Top 16 Pokemon Fan-Made Games to Enjoy Right Now
Here are some of the best Pokemon fan-made games to play in 2026:
16. Pokemon Gamma Emerald
Pokemon Gamma Emerald is a fan-made game built from scratch using a custom codebase and Unreal Engine 5 rather than RPG Maker XP or Pokemon Essentials.
It’s essentially an enhanced take on Pokemon Emerald, but its most interesting feature is its 3D graphics, which mimic the visual style of the Pokemon games set in the Unova region.
The game recently entered early access, and the Pokemon community is already talking about it. The bad news is that it’s still under active development, with only around three gyms and three to six hours of gameplay currently available.
Hopefully, the game receives more updates soon, as fans of the Hoenn region are definitely looking forward to seeing what else it has to offer.
15. Pokemon Xenoverse: Per Aspera Ad Astra
Pokemon Xenoverse: Per Aspera Ad Astra is not your typical fan-made Pokemon Game.
Apart from having a memorable Latin name, Pokemon Xenoverse offers something new by introducing a unique region and distinctive Pokemon battle HUD.
The developers behind Pokemon Xenoverse, the Weedle Team did a great job creating a new Pokemon world with a design that can rival the Gen 5 of the mainline games.
Features of this game include an entire generation of fakemons, more interactive battle scenes, improved graphics, and Vintage Pokemon.
14. PokeMMO
For players looking for a competitive environment, PokeMMO is definitely worth a try. This game boasts an online multiplayer feature where anyone can enjoy PVP Pokemon battles.
PokeMMO has a massive world composed of four regions (Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Unova). In addition to PVP, the developers added more challenges to the game by providing the gym leaders with stronger Pokemon.
The team behind PokeMMO regularly installs updates to maintain balance and introduce fresh contents that continually changes the game’s current meta.
13. Pokemon Clockwork
As the name suggests, Pokemon Clockwork is a fan-made game that revolves around the concept of time. This makes Celebi, the Time Travel Pokemon an ideal choice to become its version mascot.
Pokemon Clockwork’s story takes place in the Rosari region, where the main character can travel through time and complete a series of quests.
The region is beautifully designed with color palettes similar to the Pokemon games on Nintendo DS, but a bit better.
Players can encounter a wide variety of Pokemon from Generation 1 to 4, which can be captured depending on the game’s day and night cycle system.
12. Pokemon Fire Ash
Ash Ketchum has come a long way indeed. After losing several tourneys from the previous seasons, Ash finally becomes a champion after beating Gladion in the Alola League.
Ash used the momentum he gained from Alola to compete in the World Coronation series, eventually defeating Leon, the strongest Pokemon trainer at that time.
For those who want to witness Ash’s momentous journey to victory, Pokemon Fire Ash is a perfect choice. This fan-made Pokemon game follows the events of the anime, starting from Kanto all the way to Alola.
Considering the length of the story, Pokemon Fire Ash has a massive world consisting of 50+ gyms and at least 800 Pokemon waiting to be captured and trained.
11. Pokemon Sage
Unlike ROM hacks, fan-made Pokemon games are made with more serious efforts to create something new and memorable for their players. And when it comes to uniqueness, Pokemon Sage is a game that doesn’t fall behind the competition.
Pokemon Sage has a roster of around 200 new Pokemon originally made by its developers. In layman’s terms, these non-Nintendo made Pokemon are known as Fakemons.
The game introduces the Urobos region, which is inspired by the places and culture of Latin America.
While the Pokemon formula is still prevalent in Pokemon Sage, it will remain its independence by not adding some familiar features like Mega Evolutions and Z-moves.
10. Pokemon Apex
Pokemon Apex is a game that deviates itself from most fan-made games. It removes the usual gameplay mechanic of collecting gym badges to immerse the players into its distinctive storyline.
The game is about an unnamed teenager living in a city called Nascene. While on the way to school, the teenager is mysteriously transported to a Pokemon world where a malevolent cult resides.
The developers are still working on completing Pokemon Apex. While in the ALPHA stage, the game is expected to become more adult-oriented through a serious plot with more mature dialogues.
Other game features include side quests, unlimited TMs, and a total of 400 Pokemon available as of writing this article. More features will be integrated into Pokemon Apex in the future.
See more information and screenshots of Pokemon Apex here.
9. Pokemon Phoenix Rising
Pokemon Phoenix Rising is another RPG-heavy game that provides more emphasis to its story.
The player will journey around the Hawthorne region, trying to capture Pokemon while quelling a rebellion led by a family claiming to be of royal blood.
Its defining feature is a multichoice storyline, letting the players change the course of the story based on their decisions in the game.
There are also options for character customization, as well as a skill tree system.
The graphics are similar to a classic JRPG, and its creators made the game with pure passion as they released Pokemon Phoenix Rising by episodes, all completely free.
8. PokeRogue
Unlike all the other entries in this list, PokeRogue is a fan-made game created using Phaser3 2D game framework. As the name imply, PokeRogue’s gameplay is rooted on its rogue-like mechanics rather than world exploration.
In PokeRogue, everything is all about random Pokemon battles. You start with a small team, and you get to make it stronger by capturing higher level Pokemon. Winning battles also rewards you with various items that you can use throughout your run.
For fans looking for a fresh twist on the Pokemon formula, PokéRogue offers a challenging and engaging alternative that rewards experimentation and long-term mastery.
7. Pokemon Empyrean
Pokemon Empyrean’s story is something you can easily describe as absolute cinema. As a Pokemon Trainer, your father suddenly goes missing, only for you to discover that he was abducted by an organization he had previously defeated.
You must embark on a journey to rescue your father while pursuing your dream of becoming the strongest Trainer in the Omuran region.
The story is packed with events that you won’t often see in other fan-made Pokemon games, but we won’t reveal anything else to avoid spoiling the experience. Go ahead and play it yourself to see what makes the story so special.
Some of the features worth checking out in Pokemon Empyrean include new Pokemon types, a fusion mechanic, and plenty of engaging post-game content.
6. Pokemon Uranium
With 8 badges to collect in the Tandor region, some fans believed that Pokemon Uranium feels more like a Pokemon game than those from the official series.
Pokemon Uranium contains more than 150 Pokemon, with the addition of a new type called Nuclear.
Nuclear-type Pokemon are vulnerable to all types of moves except steel. However, they can also deal massive damage since their attacks are super-effective against every type, but again, except for steel.
Players looking to beat the game with a twist can do so with Pokemon Uranium’s Nuzlocke mode.
5. Pokemon Realidea System
Pokemon Realidea System is one of the most unique fan-made games in terms of its theme, story, and mechanics. Its characters and Fakemon are well-designed and beautifully drawn, giving them a level of polish that makes the game feel like it could have come from a major game development studio.
The game follows the familiar formula of training your Pokemon and conquering the Pokemon League, but with an unusual twist. You will encounter a phenomenon called the Realidea System, which allows Trainers and Pokemon to artificially form bonds with each other. However, there is more to the Realidea System than most players realize, and you’ll be the one to uncover its true nature.
Alongside its new region and story, the game offers plenty of other features to explore, including quality-of-life improvements, a randomizer mode, and more.
4. Pokemon Insurgence
Pokemon Insurgence is a jam-packed game that offers a vast number of content that every Pokemon fan will surely enjoy.
The world of Pokemon Insurgence is filled with a new variant of Pokemon known as Delta Species. To encounter these creatures, the player must traverse the massive region of Torren.
Also read:
- What is The Best Starter in Pokemon Insurgence?
- What’s the Pokemon Insurgence Best Team? Read our Indepth Guide!
Mega Evolution is present in the game, and some Pokemon are even designed with new and unique mega evolutions.
Pokemon Insurgence is 100% complete and has an active community and creators that regularly update the game for a better experience.
3. Pokemon Infinite Fusion
This game ranked so high on our list that i that turns the curious dream of some Pokemon fans into reality.
Imagine a fan-made game where you can fuse Pokemon to create a new one, similar to what happened to Kyurem in Pokemon Black and White 2.
Using the DNA splicers from the said games, combining Pokemon became the key element in Pokemon Infinite Fusion.
Players have the freedom to fuse any two Pokemon they like starting from Generation 1 to 7. All 176,400 possible combinations will result in a hybrid Pokemon with different stats, movepool, and sprites.
Players can use these Pokemon in battles to fight gym leaders and collect 16 badges across the regions of Kanto and Johto.
2. Pokemon Rejuvenation
Prepare for some all-nighters if you want to play this one. With around 100 hours of gameplay, Pokemon Rejuvenation is considered by many players across various online communities to be one of the best fan-made Pokemon games ever made, and we at PokeCoders feel the same way.
Pokemon Rejuvenation takes you to the Aevium region, a beautiful land that was once devastated by a great calamity. Your goal is to become a Pokemon Master while protecting Aevium from Team Xen, an evil organization threatening the region.
Be prepared for some seriously challenging Pokemon battles, as the game’s Field Effect system can force you to change your strategy and rethink how you use your Pokemon.
You can also choose from a whopping 27 starter Pokemon, making each playthrough feel different if you decide to revisit the game for another run.
1. Pokemon Reborn
If ever there is a fan-made Pokemon game that can rival Pokemon Rejuvenation, it’s definitely Pokemon Reborn.
Built from the style of Pokemon Emerald, this game can give a hint of nostalgia to its players. Centered around the Reborn City, Pokemon Reborn also features a wide range of content amounting to over 100+ hours of playtime.
Apart from having 807 obtainable Pokemon, it also makes capturing more exciting by allowing the player to acquire rare Pokemon by different means. Notable examples include finding Pokemon in concealed locations, receiving gifts, and many more.
Pokemon Reborn is equipped with servers to accommodate online Pokemon battles and friend-to-friend trading.
How to Play Fan-Made Pokemon Games
Fan-made Pokemon games are much easier to set up compared to ROM hacks. Again, you don’t need a ROM file or an emulator to play one. Just download its main file, run the game’s app, and that’s it! Enjoy the game!
For beginners, check your antivirus settings if it prevents the game from running. Also, make sure you properly extract the game files first if you downloaded them in a ZIP file.
Related articles:
Can You Play Fan Made Pokemon Games on Android, Mac, or Steam Deck?
Most fan-made Pokemon games are made for Windows, so playing them on Android, Mac, or Steam Deck depends on the specific game and how it was developed.
Some RPG Maker XP games can run on Android through compatibility apps such as JoiPlay, while Steam Deck users can try running Windows versions through Proton. Mac users, on the other hand, may have a harder time since many fan-made games don’t have a dedicated macOS version.
Before downloading a game, check its official page or documentation to see which platforms it supports and whether you need additional software to run it.
FAQ about Fan-Made Pokemon Games
What is the best fan made Pokemon game?
Pokemon Reborn is one of the best fan-made Pokemon games thanks to its deep story, challenging battles, 18 Gym Leaders, and massive amount of content.
Are fan-made Pokemon games free?
Most fan-made Pokemon games are free to download and play, although some developers may accept optional donations to support their projects.
Are fan made Pokemon games legal?
Fan-made Pokemon games exist in a legal gray area because they use Pokemon-related intellectual property without Nintendo’s official involvement, and their availability can depend on whether the copyright holder takes action.
Do I need a ROM to play a fan made Pokemon game?
No, fan-made Pokemon games are usually standalone programs that don’t require a Pokemon ROM or emulator to run.
Can you use cheat codes in fan made Pokemon games?
Some fan-made Pokemon games support cheats or have built-in debug features, but this depends entirely on how the game was developed.
Is Pokemon Infinite Fusion a fan game or a ROM hack?
Pokemon Infinite Fusion is a fan-made Pokemon game rather than a traditional ROM hack, as it is a standalone game that doesn’t require an original Pokemon ROM or emulator to play.
Conclusion
Every fan-made Pokemon game provides a breath of fresh air for those who want to temporarily escape the quintessential elements found in the official games.
To attract more players, developers of these fan-made games work tirelessly to push the boundaries of the Pokemon gaming experience. Fan games are indeed great games, no doubt about that.
As mentioned above, most of these games are made by RPG Maker XP or Pokemon Essentials, and they are one-of-a-kind.
Just sad to say that some of these games no longer offer updates and support due to DMCA takedown notices which were issued by Nintendo.
Have you played any fan-made Pokemon we mentioned in this list? Let us know what you think in the comments section below!
