Best Pokémon ROM Hacks With Brand-New Regions

While there’s something pretty nostalgic about going back through the old Pokémon games, there comes a time when it doesn’t quite hit like it used to. There’s only so many times I can play through Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, folks.

And while, for newcomers to the scene, it can be a little daunting to throw yourself into a whole new region, once you’ve had a taste of what’s on offer, it’s hard to go back! Some of these new regions are so creative and polished, you’ll wonder what on earth happened to Game Freak.

So let’s take a look at some of these fantastic fan-made creations and the new worlds just waiting for us to explore!

8 Pokémon Dreamstone Mysteries

Cormoria Region

Dreamstone Mysteries exploded onto the scene earlier this year, which certainly was a bit of a surprise for us Rom players. Not only does this game have a whole new region, but it also has a fresh new take on the classic Pokémon route.

These routes act as more of a gauntlet, giving a bit of well-needed challenge to each run, and upping the stakes to each playthrough. As well as this, you have all the quality of life improvements from later Pokémon generations with a more mature, interesting story. While the tilesets might need a little extra love, this is certainly not one to skip!

7 Pokémon Brown

Rijon Region

Now, if you’ve played Pokémon Brown, or even Pokémon Prism for that matter, chances are you’ve probably been on the scene for a while. Pokémon Brown came out in 2004, back when I was a wee runt of a kid, and it revolutionised the rom-hacking space.

Later updates of the game brought fresh new types like Gas, Wood, and Sound, while adding new generational Pokémon and all the impactful updates along with them. With new tilesets, buildings, and stories, even though it came out all those years ago, Pokémon Brown still holds up to this day! So what are you waiting for?

6 Pokémon Glazed

Tunod Region

Pokémon Glazed is another classic that a lot of ROM hackers started off with as their first title. The regions here are pretty stellar and really blew people away. Not only can you explore the new Tunod region, but also the Rankor Archipelago and even Johto! While this kind of exploration has become commonplace over the years, back then, this was a stunning development.

Of course, you have all the classic features, like new Pokémon up to Generation and a bigger selection of starter Pokémon, but you also get a bizarre yet fascinating story linking together the world of Pokémon and the real world!

And even if you thought the original Glazed was a little rough around the edges, a lot of time has gone into making an offshoot, Blazed Glazed, for a smoother and more polished experience! So, whichever you choose, you’re bound to have a good time.

5 Pokémon Gaia

Orbtus Region

Now, where would we be without Pokémon Gaia? If you want a new region, while not straying too far from Pokémon’s roots, then this is truly the game for you. It’s perhaps the closest you’ll get to that classic experience, without simply playing the normal games, honestly!

Gaia features a beautiful new region full to the brim with bizarre and fascinating archaeological mysteries, colourful caves, and cruel characters that’ll make your blood boil! It’s got a rather decent difficulty curve too, not punishingly hard, but enough to keep you on your toes.

Additionally, it features all the important quality of life elements that current-generation players will appreciate, as well as fresh innovations and custom music. What more could you want?

4 Pokémon Lazarus

Ilios Region

If you enjoyed Pokémon Emerald Seaglass and the wonderfully unique visual style it brought to the table, then oh boy, do I have news for you! Pokémon Lazarus recently made its dazzling Rom-hack debut, and it certainly delivers the goods!

Based on the Greek Islands, Lazarus delivers its classic Gen-2 era style graphics, but all custom-built for new areas and landscapes. You’ll have a new evil team to contend with, and even difficulty modes for those looking for some extra challenge.

But if the normal Pokémon formula has you a little tired, you can even partake in new minigames like fishing. And not simply regular Pokémon fishing, where you just stand in front of the water and cast your hook, but more akin to fishing from Stardew Valley, which is certainly more entertaining! Don’t sleep on Lazarus, it’s looking to be a new classic!

3 Pokémon Saiph 2

Regris Region

It’s funny, when I talk to people about Rom hacks, the Sors and Saiph series don’t often come up. Which is certainly bizarre, because these games are truly labours of love, with brilliantly built characters and an intricate, slowly unfolding story that will require you to play the whole series to truly appreciate.

Of course, it’s possible that some players only partake in the gameplay, but for me, a good story is really important to tie a rom hack together. Starting in a plane crash and working through the world to recapture what you lost, this game pulls you into its world pretty swiftly.

And that’s not even talking about all the new features, from the new Hero and Vigilante modes, improved battle AI, Ancient Regression, and of course, my favourite, the Battle Frontier. This game is packed with content for every type of Pokémon trainer. Now we just have to wait for Sors 2! Not long now, folks!

2 Pokémon Unbound

Borrius Region

You knew it was coming. It’s pretty tough to think of a whole new region, built from the ground up, without thinking of Borrius. The number of times I've started in that shivering mountain town, challenging the Shadows, failing Nuzlockes; it’s hard to count honestly.

Of course, there’s one word that springs to mind whenever I talk about Unbound, and that’s polish. Whether it’s the cutscenes, the minigames that you won’t find in any other game, the difficulty levels, or the stunning cities and tilesets, very little actually comes close.

This game will actually make you think, whether it’s the boss battles, puzzles, collectathons, or the quest system. In a lot of ways, this trumps the older Pokémon titles, and it’s all fan-made. Many think Unbound is a bit over-hyped, but honestly, it deserves the praise, because in terms of scope, I reckon it’s unmatched.

1 Pokémon Odyssey

Talrega Region / Yggdrasil Labyrinth

See, I couldn’t simply put one region in the title here, because Pokémon Odyssey is so much more than that. This rom hack does something I’ve never seen before, adding a whole new world totally beneath the ground, deep in the belly of the Earth.

If you’ve never heard of it, Pokémon Odyssey revolves around Nyx entering a labyrinth deep beneath the World Tree to explore and find long-forgotten treasure. Of course, you end up getting wrapped up in this ancient conflict between Aliens and Evil, using your prized Pokémon to fight back the encroaching darkness.

Not only do you get to explore the fantastical layers of the Labyrinth, but also the wealth of islands that surround you in the Talrega Archipelago. This experience strays away from the classic Pokémon formula, building upon it to create something even more profound and compelling.

And hey, if you enjoyed this one, then there’s more coming, with Pokémon Odyssey 2, Heroes of Lemuria, right around the corner! Stay tuned, Rom fans!