The best fan-made Pokémon games

It is downright remarkable that many Pokémon fans harbor aspirations of becoming game designers, with Pokémon serving as both a creative outlet and a game series. The evidence lies in the sheer infinite pool of fan-created games that exists. Naturally, some Pokémon fan games rise to the surface more prominently than others, but those that do are true gems.

Moreover, you are aware that this is true: the official games can sometimes become a bit monotonous. Therefore, if you're seeking a way to spice things up and experience the Pokémon franchise in an entirely new light, one of these Pokémon fan games might be just what you need to satisfy that longing.

Updated on September 15, 2023, by Jack Pierik: Perhaps you've already had your fill of Pokémon Sword & Shield, Legends: Arceus, or even Scarlet and Violet. However, there might be something stirring within you, yearning for an indie-like or passionate project atmosphere. If that's the case, the modding and fan-made communities have you covered with three fresh and unique interpretations of the Pokémon formula. From a complete overhaul of the typical gameplay mechanics to something highly replayable, as well as new original regions, side quests, and Pokédexes that combine Pokémon from numerous generations, this could be the spark you need to immerse yourself once again in one of Nintendo's most successful JRPG series.

18 Pokemon Emerald Rogue

Creator:	Pokabbie
Release Date:	Aug 22, 2022
Art Style:	Gen 3
Source:	Link

If you have a fondness for the roguelike formula, it's time to dust off your old GBA emulator that you haven't used in months. As the name suggests, Pokémon Emerald Rogue by Pokabbie transforms the typical gameplay into a predominantly randomized and highly replayable roguelike experience.

Once you have everything set up and start the game, you'll leap out of that nostalgic moving truck, but things will look completely different. Head south and find the professor, where you'll choose one of three entirely randomized starter Pokémon. From there, you'll be guided to the world map; this is where the journey begins. Good luck, may the random number generator (RNG) always be on your side.

17 Pokemon Infinite Fusion

Creator:	Schrroms
Release Date:	2015
Art Style:	Gen 3 - Gen 4
Source:	Link

Pokemon Infinite Fusion by Schrroms was developed using RPG Maker XP and is based on a simple question: What if you could combine two Pokémon to create a new one? If you're excited by the idea of trial and error and creating your own little "Franken-Mons" until a truly cool one emerges, then you absolutely must give this game a try.

The Pokemon Infinite Fusion website offers various download options, allowing you to play the game on PC, Mac, Android, and iOS. While the game draws strong inspiration from Kanto, it boasts graphics reminiscent of the DS era and provides a complete post-game experience inspired by Johto, which you can explore.

16 Pokemon Daybreak

Creator:	mizzypd
Release Date:	July 22, 2020
Art Style:	Gen 3
Source:	Link

Pokemon Daybreak by mizzypd is a game inspired by the 3rd generation and takes place in a beautifully designed region called Armira. Interestingly, the Pokédex is not limited to Pokémon from the 3rd generation alone; it encompasses a selection from every generation up to the 9th generation.

In total, you can catch up to 400 Pokémon, with some having new regional variants and the possibility of Mega Evolution. While there is approximately 20 hours of content and plenty to explore, you might also be interested in the changes to the Eevee evolutions, which allow for multiple type evolution possibilities.

15 Pokemon Ash Gray

Creator:	metapod23
Release Date:	May 31, 2009
Art Style:	Gen 3
Source:	Link

Pokemon Ash Gray is a ROM hack that, like many other Pokemon ROM hacks, is based on the original release of Pokemon FireRed. The game allows players to control Ash Ketchum and follows the events of the Pokemon anime instead of those from the original Generation 1 and Generation 3 games.

While there are several Pokemon fan games revolving around Ash, Ash Gray is widely regarded as the best among them. It is evident that a great deal of hard work has been put into its development, along with a few excellent ideas. HMs have been replaced with items such as rafts and axes, and many of the sprites and tiles have been redesigned and enhanced.

14 Pokemon Godra: Remastered Version

Creator:	BubblyBuizel
Release Date:	May 14, 2020
Art Style:	Gen 4
Source:	Link

The roster of Pokemon Godra includes Pokemon from the first six generations of the Pokemon games, providing players with unprecedented freedom. You can choose to take on a job, start the game from two different locations, and have a starter Pokemon assigned to you based on your responses to a series of questions.

The remastered version, released in mid-2020, brings the graphics more in line with the games of the 4th generation and also offers some additional quality-of-life improvements. The locations visited will vary depending on whether you choose to start your journey in East or West Godra, and your decisions will ensure that your adventure is completely unique.

13 Pokemon Creepy Black

Creator:	Unknown
Release Date:	October 19, 2011
Art Style:	Gen 3
Source:	Link

Pokemon Creepy Black started as a creepypasta that described a player's experiences with a cursed 1st generation Pokemon game. Since then, numerous versions of the title have been created, but the best among these fan games is undoubtedly the one based on Pokemon FireRed.

Many of the elements mentioned in the original creepypasta can be found in the game, and the creator does an excellent job of creating a creepy atmosphere through both the visual elements and the dialogue. In this regard, it differs greatly from some other fan games in the Pokemon universe but remains incredibly entertaining nonetheless.

12 Pokemon Dark Rising

Creator:	DarkRisingGirl
Release Date:	March 8, 2017
Art Style:	Gen 3
Source:	Link

Pokemon Dark Rising is one of the more ambitious Pokemon fan games created over the years, introducing a range of new features, items, and abilities. It includes a total of 386 Pokemon and allows players to visit the first five regions from the main Pokemon games.

The game proved to be so popular that it spawned two direct sequels as well as a Kaizo version for those seeking a real challenge. Considering that, if you're looking for a series to keep you entertained until the next main Pokémon game is released, you could definitely do much worse than the Dark Rising trilogy.

11 PokeMMO

Creator:	Squirtle
Release Date:	July 25, 2012
Art Style:	Gen 3 & Gen 4
Source:	Link

As the name suggests, PokeMMO is an online version of Pokemon that allows players to share their Pokemon journey with other players from around the world. It offers four different regions, hundreds of Pokemon, and an incredibly helpful and welcoming community that is eager to provide tips and advice for new players.

Since its initial release in 2012, the game has come a long way, with developers constantly making improvements. It's hard to say what's more impressive: the immense work that has been put into the game's development or the fact that it has existed for almost a decade without Nintendo shutting it down. In any case, it is a must-play for fans of the series and should definitely be experienced.

10 Pokemon Emerald Kaizo

Creator:	SinisterHoodedFigure
Release Date:	June 19, 2017
Art Style:	Gen 3
Source:	Link

Most games on this list will be completely original, but some fan game developers have also taken a different approach: they simply make the official games harder. If that's exactly what you're looking for, then Pokemon Emerald Kaizo is the right choice for you.

The post on PokeCommunity describes it best: Pokemon Emerald in "Super Hard Mode." The enhancements offered by this ROM hack of Pokemon Emerald are quite straightforward. There are more Pokemon to catch, a few additional boss battles, and most notably, a much, much tougher AI. It has become infamous in the Pokemon community, especially among Twitch streamers, as one of the most challenging games for Nuzlocke challenges. This AI will ruthlessly exploit every mistake you make.

9 Pokemon Light Platinum

Creator:	Wesley FG
Release Date:	October 27, 200
Art Style:	Gen 3
Source:	Link

This is one of the classics of the ROM hack boom in the Pokemon community, and it still holds up quite well compared to newer fan games and even the new mechanics of the official games. Pokemon Light Platinum takes place in the Zhery region, where you have access to Pokemon from Kanto to Unova.

There is nothing particularly special about Pokemon Light Platinum, aside from being a successful original ROM hack. The game offers shiny new tilesets that grab just the right amount of attention, and a well-thought-out storyline that is engaging enough to hold your attention. It even has a decent postgame that takes you to a new region.

8 Pokemon Prism

Creators:	RainbowDevs
Release Date:	December 25, 2016
Art Style:	Gen 2
Source:	Link

Pokemon Prism and its predecessor, Pokemon Brown, are hacks of games before the GBA. It might take some getting used to going back graphically if you're accustomed to newer games, but once you get past that, you'll be rewarded with an incredible amount of content.

Prism specifically grants you access to Pokemon up to the 4th generation, a total of five regions to explore, and two new types called Gas and Sound (three if you count the Fairy type, which the original ROM did not have). The quality of the game was so close to the originals that they actually received a cease and desist order from Nintendo.

7 Pokemon Reborn

Creator:	Amethyst
Release Date:	September 29, 2012
Art Style:	Gen 3
Source:	Link

This is one of the most extensive Pokemon Essentials games ever created. Pokemon Reborn takes place in the Reborn region, and the storyline revolves around you, as the player, restoring the region to its glorious days after crime and destruction have taken hold.

Aside from the intriguing story and captivating characters, Pokemon Reborn features Pokemon and mechanics updated to the 7th generation, a Gym Leader for each type, and the brand-new "Field Effects" that add a beautiful additional twist to battles. It's safe to say that there is almost nothing you can't do in this game, and it will keep you engaged for quite a while.

6 Pokemon Fire Ash

Creator:	Reinhartmax
Release Date:	September 6, 2017
Art Style:	Gen 3
Source:	Link

Many Pokemon fans have thought about being Ash Ketchum for a day, either because they wanted to emulate their childhood hero or because they wanted to undo one of his silly decisions. Many fan games have taken this route, but Pokemon Fire Ash is arguably the best one that accomplishes this.

At the very least, it is the most extensive and content-rich game that follows Ash's journey up to the Sun and Moon season of the anime. It offers all the features you need, such as Pokemon from generations 1 to 7, Pikachu following you, battles with Ash's rivals and companions, as well as special Pokemon forms like Ash-Greninja and Mega Evolutions.

5 Pokemon Radical Red

Creator:	soupercell
Release Date:	July 13, 2020
Art Style:	Gen 3
Source:	Link

Pokemon Radical Red is another hack that falls into the category of "difficulty hacks" like Emerald Kaizo while also adding some brand-new features.

Among ROM hacks, this FireRed hack is the only widely spread one that offers complete mechanics from the 8th generation. This includes everything from the Pokemon themselves to the new abilities (including a few original ones), as well as new moves and quality-of-life features. It even includes Max Raid battles that function identically to those in Sword and Shield. However, since the game is fundamentally a difficulty hack, it remains incredibly challenging, so be prepared with your competitive strategies when playing it.

4 Pokemon Uranium

Creators:	JV & Twitch
Release Date:	August 6, 2016
Art Style:	Gen 4
Source:	Link

Similar to Pokemon Prism, Pokemon Uranium closely followed the typical Pokemon design to the point where its creators received DMCA takedown notices directly from Nintendo's lawyers. This demonstrates how close it is in quality to a genuine Pokemon game if that's what you're looking for.

As indicated, Pokemon Uranium functions as a new generation of Pokemon, featuring completely original Fakemon that make up the new region of Tandor. The game follows the basic Pokemon formula in terms of creating Fakemon and the storyline, but it has an interesting feature: the new Nuclear type and atomic variants of real Pokemon. The official website has been removed, but you can still access the wiki page with download links.

3 Pokemon Clover

Creators:	Various
Release Date:	April 10, 2020
Art Style:	Gen 3
Source:	Link

Of course, a note: This game is infamous for being crude and politically incorrect, parodying the overtly offensive tendencies found on 4Chan servers. Fortunately, the creators have slightly toned it down in recent updates, but its coarse nature still persists. If you do not support such material, that is completely understandable.

Nevertheless, that hasn't stopped Pokémon Clover from becoming one of the most well-crafted ROM hacks ever popular. If you can overlook the excessively dark humor, you'll find a game that is jam-packed with content, infinitely creative, and incredibly challenging. All Fakemon in both regions of the game are completely original, and the AI comes pretty close to replicating real competitive strategies.

2 Pokemon Phoenix Rising

Creators:	Phoenix Rising Team
Release Date:	May 25, 2018
Art Style:	Gen 4 & Gen 5
Source:	Link

This is definitely the most ambitious fan-made Pokémon game ever created, as it significantly alters the mechanics of the entire campaign. Pokémon Phoenix Rising was developed with one goal in mind: to create a PC gaming experience that closely resembles the Pokémon Essentials template.

Even though they didn't fully achieve it, the developers of Phoenix Rising came pretty close. Some of the features that make the game so unique include Skyrim-style skill trees, a traditional role-playing quest system, and, most importantly, a story that evolves based on your actions. The redesigned Mega Evolutions and Relic forms are the icing on the cake and beautifully crafted.

1 Pokemon Insurgence

Creators:	TheSuzerain & Deukhoofd
Release Date:	December 20, 2014
Art Style:	Gen 3
Source:	Link

All in all, it seems fitting that Pokémon Insurgence tops this list. It is incredibly popular within the Pokémon community, and rightfully so; it is the complete package when it comes to what one looks for in a fan-made Pokémon game.

A new region? Check. An extensive list of Pokémon? Double-check. Quality of life improvements? Yup. New Mega Evolutions? Absolutely. An engaging storyline that captivates you? Of course. And the cherry on top? Delta Species, official Pokémon that have been given new types, abilities, and designs. If you want something that comes close to a real Pokémon game but also offers something new to experience, then this is the way to go.