ROM hacks have been rocking the Pokemon fanbase since the 90s. Technology has gotten so much better since then, leading to the rise of new, old, and updated Pokemon ROM hacks.
The GBA ones tend to have a large following and library. That’s why we’re here to discuss the 20 best Pokemon GBA ROM hacks for 2024.
All hacks in this list are playable on GBA emulators. The hacks are a mix of new and updated games from the past.
We’ll make sure that you’ll get every important information down to the detail of why these hacks are so good to play this year.
Editor’s Note (April 2024): Playing GBA ROM hacks is still an enjoyable pastime for Pokemon fans of all ages. To give provide our readers with quality and up-to-date information, we added a new hack entry and reviewed this article to make sure it follows our editorial standards.
Related:
- Best Pokemon Games for GBA, Top 10 Recommended
- Completed Pokemon ROM Hacks List
- 25 Best Pokemon ROM Hacks
- 10 Best Mythical Pokemon
Table of Contents
List of the 20 Best Pokemon GBA ROM Hacks (2024 Edition)
Give the following Pokemon GBA ROM hacks a try and see if they’ll make your top 20s as well:
20. Pokemon Dark Rising
Let’s start our list of the 20 best Pokemon GBA ROM hacks for 2024 with Pokemon Dark Rising.
This game has an interesting story where you have a dream before the game begins. That dream becomes a reality as the events slowly unfold.
You set out to explore the Core Region and make sure that your dream isn’t just a dream. The game has Pokemon up until Gen 5 which is around 386 as of now.
Dream World Abilities have also been included in this hack.
If you want to download Pokemon Dark Rising, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- Pokemon roster goes up to Gen 5 (not all)
- Chanseys on the map will heal you
- EVs have been removed
19. Pokemon Saiph
Pokemon Saiph’s story is an unofficial continuation of one of the Pokemon Rangers games for the DS.
While this game is a GBA hack, it has some updated sprites which look good and they do feel like they are from the DS games.
The story is your typical Pokemon stuff where an evil organization is up to no good and you as a Trainer have to stop them.
The sprites are based on the Pokemon ORAS games with a whole new Region. There is also a set of updated music and a ton of features for Pokemon Saiph.
If you want to download Pokemon Saiph, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- Physical and Special Split
- TMs are reusable
- Fairy-type included
18. Pokemon Emerald Rogue
This next hack uses Pokemon Emerald as its base game. The title itself is called Pokemon Emerald Rogue, so that’s a no-brainer.
Emerald Rogue is basically Emerald with lots of revisions. It has the same story although some minor parts are changed. A lot of the features are interesting such as randomized Pokemon, Trainers, and others.
There’s also a feature where you can customize your character and a lot more.
If you want to download Pokemon Emerald Rogue, CLICK HERE.
Notable Features
- Difficulty settings to choose from
- Mega Evolution
- Galarian Forms
17. Pokemon Sun Sky & Moon Galaxy
These two hacks are the same game because Pokemon Sun Sky & Moon Galaxy follow that Pokemon motif of having two games released. They both use Pokemon FireRed as the base anyway, so the games are the same.
The story takes place several years after the events of FireRed and LeafGreen. You will play as Red’s child, and it’s time for this new-generation trainer to become a Pokemon Master.
The Pokemon roster goes up to Gen 7 with Kanto and Alola as the regions to explore, together with a bunch of other features.
If you want to download Pokemon Sun Sky & Moon Galaxy, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- Mega Evolution
- Z-Moves
- Alolan Forms
16. Pokemon FireRed Extended Version
The hack’s title says it all — it is an extended version of FireRed. It has the same story with an extended part taking place after the post-game.
There is a lot of new content for you to breeze through which even surpasses the original FireRed. Extended story and added gameplay mechanics are just a couple of things to anticipate in this game.
The Pokemon roster goes up to Gen 8 allowing players to choose from all 8 generations of starter Pokemon.
If you want to download Pokemon FireRed Extended Version, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- Gen 8 Pokemon are available
- Updated graphics and sprites
- An NPC can change your Pokemon’s Nature
15. Pokemon Ultra Shiny Gold Sigma
This hack is a remake and updated version of the Gen 2 games Gold, Silver, and Crystal. You even get to play as Kris, the unsung female character of Crystal.
A lot of the story is pretty much around Gen 2 and this time it is pumped up with a lot of features. It has over 800 Pokemon going up until Gen 8.
The game also has altered and improved graphics compared to its base Pokemon FireRed. Explore Johto and later Kanto once again with updated music included.
If you want to download Pokemon Ultra Shiny Gold Sigma, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- No need to trade a Pokemon to get its evolved form
- Mega Evolutions in battle
- Gym Leader rematch available
14. Pokemon Orange Islands
If you’re a fan of the first season of Pokemon anime (or just the anime series in general), then Pokemon Orange Islands is a must-try ROM hack for you.
Pokemon Orange Islands takes place in the Orange Archipelago and is an attempt to remake Ash’s adventures from the anime into the game.
Considering this follows the events of the anime arc, Pikachu will be the player’s starter Pokemon and there are only 4 Gym Leaders and several features to boot.
If you want to download Pokemon Orange Islands, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- All Gen 1 Pokemon are available
- Physical and Special split
- Altered graphics and sprites
13. Pokemon Liquid Crystal
Pokemon Liquid Crystal is another Gen 2 hack utilizing Crystal’s storyline. While the story is the same, there are a few nicely added things post-game and other subtle features that you won’t notice at first glance.
At least all Gen 2 Pokemon are available in the hack. Graphics and sound have also been altered and updated to make a different hack from the others. Liquid Crystal does give the original games a nice update.
If you want to download Pokemon Liquid Crystal, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- Explore Johto, Kanto, and Orange Islands
- Day and Night cycle
- Weather system
12. Pokemon Adventure Red Chapter
If Pokemon Orange Islands is based on the anime, this hack is based on the manga series. Pokemon Adventure Red Chapter follows or at least utilizes some aspects of the manga with the same title.
Several features and updates are included. Gen 1 to 3 Pokemon are available as well as the Fairy-type. Mega Evolution and Primal forms are also added to specific Pokemon.
Updated graphics and character portraits are also added to the mix.
If you want to download Pokemon Adventure Red Chapter, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- Level Cap is increased to 255
- TMs are reusable
- Physical and Special split
11. Pokemon GS Chronicles
Pokemon GS Chronicles is another hack attempt at remaking the original Gen 2 games. This game looks good with the updated sprites and graphics. It does follow the story of Gold and Silver, hence the title GS Chronicles.
The original games are given a new coat of paint with this hack. You even get to play as Kris and not the Lyra from the HGSS remakes for the DS.
A ton of features are still present from the Gen 2 games, as well as new ones, such as having Fairy-type Pokemon and Gen 8-updated moves.
If you want to download Pokemon GS Chronicles, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- Dynamax (post-game)
- Day and Night cycle
- Physical and Special split
10. Pokemon the Last FireRed
We’re halfway through our list of the 20 best Pokemon GBA ROM hacks for 2024. This hack is called Pokemon the Last FireRed.
The story is the same as FireRed but there might be some notable tweaks in the dialogue. The locations are also slightly modified and the places look more alive.
You can see Pokemon moving around and other interesting spots to go through. The game has a ton of features such as having a Pokemon roster go up to Gen 7, level scaling, Fairy-type, and so much more.
If you want to download Pokemon The Last FireRed, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- Day and Night cycle
- Mega Evolution
- Physical and Special split
9. Pokemon Clover
Fakemon might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Pokemon Clover is one of those hacks that excelled in terms of creating an entire generation of fakemons.
The hack also provided a handful of significant overhauls on the map, and despite being a FireRed hack, it also exhibited newer battle engine such the ones you can see in Generations 7 and 8.
We highly recommend this hack if you’re looking for games that provide sidequests and more competitive AI trainers.
If you want to download Pokemon Clover, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- Two new regions to explore (Fochun and Ebin Isles)
- You can capture a total of 386 Fakemon
- AI Trainers are capable of switching their Pokemon in battle
- Hilarious character dialogues
8. Pokemon AshGray
This is another hack that utilizes the anime as its plot. It slowly follows the events of the anime so you play as Ash Ketchum.
Pikachu will also be your Starter Pokemon and you can get the other Pokemon that Ash gets throughout the course of the anime.
That doesn’t mean you can’t catch your own Pokemon though, since you’re still free to get the classic Gen 1 starters and more.
If you want to download Pokemon AshGray, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- Follow the events of the anime’s first season
- HMs have been replaced by Tools
- Get some guaranteed Pokemon
7. Pokemon Emerald Kaizo
Utilizing Emerald as its base, this hack is not for the faint of heart. The difficulty term Kaizo is in the title, which means hard and unfair.
However, for players who like to step up to the challenge, it’s still a good hack even without the Kaizo aspect.
You can get all Pokemon up to Gen 3 and all gym leaders will have six Pokemon for you to fight. If you want an unforgiving gameplay experience, you’ll be thrilled to hear that this game doesn’t allow you to use items in battle.
Pokemon Inclement Emerald could also be a good substitute for this game minus the unfair difficulty.
If you want to download Pokemon Emerald Kaizo, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- Increased difficulty
- All Pokemon up to Gen 3 can be caught
- Moves for Pokemon have been changed
6. Pokemon Gaia
As far as ROM hacks go, Pokemon Gaia is definitely one of the most popular hacks out there. This uses FireRed as the base and this hack is so good that it’s been used in a lot of speed-running events.
The latest and final version is 3.2, which contains all the features that come with it. It has an original story to boot as well as having a roster going up to Gen 6.
Fairy-type Pokemon and Mega Evolution mechanics are also present in the game as you explore the Orbtus Region.
If you want to download Pokemon Gaia, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- Physical and Special split
- TMs are reusable
- Get EXP when you catch Pokemon
5. Pokemon Light Platinum
There are two hacks with the same title Light Platinum. The one we are discussing is the hack for the GBA. The other one is specifically titled Pokemon Light Platinum DS, since it is a hack for DS systems.
This hack uses Pokemon Ruby as its base, so that’s cool since Ruby or Sapphire doesn’t really get used a lot.
Explore two Regions namely Zhery and Lauren doing your typical Pokemon thing. The hack itself is good with updated visuals and a good Pokemon roster to utilize.
If you want to download Pokemon Light Platinum, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- Explore 2 Regions
- Roster goes up to Gen 5
- Physical and Special split
4. Pokemon FireRed Rocket Edition
Everyone’s used to playing the hero of the story, so why not try Pokemon FireRed Rocket Edition?
In this hack, you will be a Team Rocket Grunt armed with your starter Pokemon, a Rattatta. The story takes place during the events of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen.
Instead of playing as the main character, you will be the bad guy of the story. While the heroes are doing their thing, you’re out to do no good.
One interesting feature of this game is that you can steal the enemy trainer’s Pokemon after you beat them. You can still catch Pokemon normally but the stealing part is just a great and unique touch.
If you want to download Pokemon FireRed Rocket Edition, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- All Gen 1 Pokemon are available
- Gen 6 features added
- Morality system included
3. Pokemon Glazed
We’re finally in the top 3 of our 20 best 2024 Pokemon GBA ROM hacks. Pokemon Glazed is definitely an OG when it comes to ROM hacks.
It has spawned numerous versions like Blazed Glazed, Glazed Rebirth, and others. It has gotten numerous updates over the years and the current one is very good.
Pokemon Glazed is another hack that utilizes Pokemon Emerald with an original story. You have five Starters to choose from with a lot of other features like Mega Evolution.
If you want to download Pokemon Glazed, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- 5 Starters to choose from
- Mega Evolution can be permanent
- Pokedex displays more information
2. Pokemon Radical Red
Radical Red has its own reputation to uphold because it is indeed one of the best ones out there. Moreover, this game has gotten numerous updates since it was first made.
Features have been added over the years like Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, Dynamax, and even Raiding.
That’s right, the same Raid mechanics that are common in recent Pokemon game adaptations.
These Raids are in 2D of course, which is good enough for the GBA platform. This game is also notorious for being hard, but not to the level of being a Kaizo.
The latest version does allow players to choose their difficulty mode. The difficulty hack did give Radical Red its identity but things change.
If you want to download Pokemon Radical Red, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- Customize your game’s preferences from the start (i.e. difficulty, randomizer, etc)
- Updated graphics and sprites
- Raid Battles
1. Pokemon Unbound
The #1 game in our 20 best Pokemon GBA ROM hacks for 2024 is Pokemon Unbound.
Much like the other games on this list, this hack has gone through a lot of updates since its earliest version.
This hack recently had graphic changes and more features have been added to maximize its gameplay.
For example, it has a questing system that will allow players to progress the game their way, kinda like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet for the Switch.
The game is riddled with side quests, together with unique mechanics to give you hours’ worth of interesting content.
If you want to download Pokemon Unbound, CLICK HERE. For the cheats, CLICK HERE
Notable Features
- Mega Evolution
- Questing system
- Mini-Games available
In Closing
That concludes our list of the 20 best Pokemon GBA ROM hacks for 2024. While these hacks weren’t all made this year, they still hold up today, and some might even get future updates.
Some ROM hacks require a base ROM file to patch its files. Be sure to use the right base file for a specific Pokemon ROM hack, so your chosen game can work properly.
Whether it’s based on Pokemon FireRed, Pokemon Emerald, or other GBA games, ROM hacks are always playable using any available GBA emulator.
We hope you enjoyed our top 20 list of GBA ROM hacks. That’s all and enjoy playing a new ROM hack this year!
