2025 is coming to a close, and I, for one, have to say that it’s been an absolutely stellar year for Pokémon Rom Hacks.
The community and its passionate developers have been working harder than ever to bring the world some of the best and brightest games we’ve ever seen. And all for free too! Aren’t we lucky?
From enhancement hacks to whole new worlds, this year has brought us some titles that have become instant classics. So let’s jump in and see what 2025 has to offer, and hopefully you’ll get some new ideas for your next favourite game!
10
Pokemon Valiant
A Journey Through Time
When I came across Valiant for the first time, I was pretty stunned by the impressive visual prowess of this title. Perhaps it’s nothing totally new, but it’s certainly easy on the eyes.
What followed was a charming story, taking place in the Lavan region as you attempt to uncover the secrets and mysteries surrounding the mythical Pokémon Celebi. Am I biased because that’s one of my favourite Pokémon? Maybe…
Of course, you’ll encounter a new evil team and mess around with some time-travel, while building a team with a mix of ‘mons from the 1st 3 generations. It’s not exactly the most groundbreaking hack ever released, but it’s quite nostalgic in its simplicity. Anyone of any skill level should still get something from this one.
9
Pokemon Hearth
Simpler Times
While I would love to put Pokémon Hearth a bit further up this list, it’s pretty difficult when the full game isn’t actually out yet. Usually, I try and focus on fully released titles that give the player a complete experience, but I couldn’t leave this one out.
The thing I love most about Hearth is the unique design identity it has. Honestly, it doesn’t really look like anything else out there right now. Perhaps it’s the calm pastel colour palette, or the brilliant chat heads of the character sprites, or maybe it’s just the fact that it seems so polished.
And what’s more, this game takes place in the past, kinda like Legends Arceus if you’ve had the chance to play that one, which works really well with the lore and history of the Pokémon world. If you love calm and cosy vibes, with a difficulty level that’s not gonna blow your socks off, Hearth is the perfect place for you.
8
Pokemon Spirits of the Storm
A Glimpse of Things to Come
Initially, I didn’t expect a whole lot from Pokémon Spirits of the Storm, but in all honesty, I was pleasantly surprised.
Instead of the classic Pokémon journey, defeating gyms and taking down baddies, you play the role of Looker, our favorite international detective. Now, the interesting thing about this hack is that Looker has some interesting new powers, allowing him to see into the future.
This actually has some pretty important influence on the fights themselves, as you’re able to see the moves your opponents are about to use. I’m a massive Slay the Spire fan, so this felt like some nice genre blending. In addition, most of the battles are also double battles, which is my favorite style!
While this hack may be a little on the short side, what’s there is certainly worth playing.
7
Pokemon Pisces
Hoenn, Refreshed and Reshuffled
Hoenn is my jam; it defined my childhood, to be honest. So when I heard about a hack that takes place in the future of Hoenn and massively changes the region, I couldn’t help but take a look.
And what I found totally blew me away. Normally, I struggle a bit with Fakemon: so many are extremely generic or downright bad. But the colourful cast of critters here actually made me smile.
And what’s more, the sprite-work here is top-notch. There are numerous new characters with impressive models and even full splash artwork that blend seamlessly with the game world. And yet it also doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is a breath of fresh air. I think we’re all a bit fed up with overly edgy romhacks, right?
So if you fancy seeing Hoenn in a whole new light, give this hack a try!
6
Pokemon Recordkeepers
Just One More Attempt!
This is another hack that totally left me speechless when I saw it for the first time. Maybe I’ve played too much Pokémon, or rather, too many hacks, but after a while, many of them kind of start to blend together.
This is not like that. Recordkeepers has such a distinct art style that’s reminiscent of older games like Okami. You know the one, swirling brush strokes, like you’re walking among the muted colors of some ancient painting.
And that’s before we even get to the game itself. This isn’t your regular Pokémon. In fact, it’s more of a Roguelike, where you try to get as far as possible without losing your team. You enter strange and mysterious stories, battling with the ability to switch your Pokémon around at will, without losing a turn. This makes for some bizarre yet satisfyingly tactical battles.
I love this kind of experimentation in the hacking scene. If only the Pokémon Company could push the boat out a bit, too, eh?
5
Pokemon Dreamstone Mysteries
Unravel the Secrets of the Dreamstones
Dreamstone Mysteries is a really weird one for me. On the one hand, part of me was a little disappointed with the game due to its use of the basic Hoenn tileset and the art style. I’ve seen it so much that I really just want something new and fresh.
And yet on the other hand, the game itself was just so much fun. So much so that, after a while. I found myself totally ignoring my previous point. In fact, this hack adds so many new interesting things, like the new challenging route designs that really spice up the gameplay formula, and make you prepare for what’s to come, instead of steamrolling through everything.
Really, Dreamstone Mysteries doesn’t excel in any one area; it just does a lot of things very well. Story, Pokémon variety, region design, and so much more. It really has a lot going for it.
4
Pokemon Heart and Soul
Creating a New Classic
Recently, I got the craving to go through Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver again. But it struck me that I’d completed those titles so many times that I wouldn’t really be getting anything new out of the experience.
It was then that I chanced upon Heart and Soul. And what did I see? Pokémon roaming around the overworld, massively increased variety, improved level curve and Gym leader difficulty and a customization menu that will leave you speechless. Honestly, this hack does so much more than simple enhancement hacks.
Once I saw that there were unique sprites for surfing, well, I was sold. It’s funny that sometimes it’s the little things that really bring a world together, but this hack just nails it. In fact, it does the Johto experience so well that I actually might find it difficult to go back to classic Gen 2 now.
3
Super Mariomon
Stomping Koopas was Super Effective!
I couldn’t really write up a list for 2025 without mentioning Super Mariomon, could I? On paper, it sounds weird, I have to admit. Mario monsters, in the world of Pokémon? I mean, they’re just such different games.
And yet when I saw the brilliant sprites facing off against each other, complete with moves and types, I understood, and everything clicked into place. If you’ve played any of the Mario RPG games, then this might feel almost nostalgic.
It’s your job to collect the 8 Power Stars scattered across the Kingdom before Bowser does. Each map is styled like the Tier Worlds of classic Mario games, bringing the world to life with vibrant designs and bursting colors. It’s another title that doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not, and that whimsical fun just never gets old.
2
Pokemon Lazarus
2nd Generation Sunsets
The first time I played Pokémon Emerald Seaglass, I was blown away by the amazing art style that it brought to the table. It’s reminiscent of the Classic GBC style of old, but improved and brought into the modern age. Of course, it was just classic Hoenn again, so not to most interesting thing in the world
However, the creator obviously had a grander plan in mind and delivered this absolute gem of a game. Pokémon Lazarus takes everything brilliant about that art style and layers it over a brand-new world based on the Grecian Archipelago.
Here, you get a whole original adventure, featuring rebalanced Pokémon from every generation, character customization, base-building, original minigames with a fishing system like the one from Stardew Valley, and so much more.
And for those who love a bit of a challenge, me included, you’ll even get fresh new puzzles and a hard mode that’ll really give you a run for your money. Honesty, Ilios is just a gorgeous place that I’d love to get lost in, so if you haven’t already given it a try, what are you waiting for?
1
Pokemon Odyssey
When you Stare into the Abyss…
Anyone familiar with the hacking scene probably saw this one coming. And honestly, it couldn’t really go to anything else. Pokémon Odyssey is not just a rom hack. It’s a titan, a juggernaut of a title that transforms Pokémon into a whole different beast.
If you’ve been living under a rock, let me show you the light. Pokémon Odyssey is set in the Talrega Region, which, honestly, only really covers half of the available area. In actuality, inside this region lies Yggdrasil, the World Tree, where the majority of your adventure will take place.
Odyssey sees Nyx and her companions delving deep into the Labyrinth in search of the treasures and mysteries that lie within. Of course, what they find is darker and more threatening than any of them could have ever imagined.
Each layer of the Labyrinth acts as its own self-contained zone, with unique scenery, Pokémon, and challenges within. Seeing each scenario unfold as you play is truly a joy and shows just how much time and effort have gone into making this game as good as it can be.
The team here smashed it out of the park, and luckily for us, there’s a sequel in the works! I, for one, will be first in line to see this next masterpiece unveiled.
