Pokemon Emerald is arguably the best of all the Gen 3 games because Emerald includes the two exclusive Legendaries from Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire.
Regardless, there are a ton of Pokemon Emerald based ROM hacks for players to code and play along with.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best Pokemon Emerald ROM hacks.
These are just 10 of the best we suggest. There are still many Emerald based ROM hacks out there that you can try.
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These Emerald hacks offer a lot of content, balance and maybe even a challenge. We have also provided links to their sources and cheats if available.
If you want to check out a list of some Emerald based ROM hacks, click here.
Editor’s Note (May 19, 2024): Tons of content, a surprisingly long list of available Legendary Pokemon, the Battlefront – you name it. Pokemon Emerald is one of the best GBA Pokemon games of all time, and that’s probably the same when it comes to ROM hacks that use Emerald as a base.
10 Best Pokemon Emerald ROM Hacks
Here are the top 10 best ROM hacks for Pokemon Emerald this year:
10. Pokemon Emerald Kaizo
Let’s start our list of the 10 best Pokemon Emerald ROM hacks with a hack that literally has Emerald on the title. Emerald Kaizo is an infamous hack because of its difficulty.
Although it is difficult and sometimes unfair, many players love it.
Players can get all Pokemon from Gen 1 to 3 without having to trade them, and that’s a gift if you can stomach the punishing nature of the game.
Notable features:
- Gym leaders have 6 Pokemon from the start
- Items cannot be used during battle
- Challenging Pokemon battles
9. Pokemon Blazing Emerald
Our next game also has an easy difficulty level, but not on the same level as Pokemon Emerald Kaizo.
It’s Pokemon Blazing Emerald, which is still emerald but has some features added to it.
The difficulty level is high and there are three different starter Pokemon, namely Clefairy, Eevee and Pikachu. That alone is a challenge and the mechanics have been adapted to later generations.
The Fairy type is available as well as additional moves and abilities. The story is still the same, and much of the challenge comes from the combat.
Notable features:
- Pokemon trainers and leaders have changed their Pokemon
- Day and night cycle
- Physical and special division
8. Pokemon Theta Emerald EX
Number 8 is Pokemon Theta Emerald EX. Before we continue, there are other versions of this hack with Pokemon Theta Emerald being the original game or hack.
There is another version of Pokemon Theta Emerald Renev, but we will put EX over all of them. It is the best version from the others and they are pretty much the same hacks with some slight differences.
This hack prides itself on having over 700 Pokemon from different generations, 600 moves, 100 abilities and even Mega Evolution. The Primal Reversion and Fairy types are also included.
Notable features:
- Level cap is 250
- TMs are reusable
- Physical and special division
7. Pokemon Ephemerald
Pokemon Ephemerald is still pretty similar to Pokemon Emerald. It has the same story and some of the basic features.
The main gimmick or catch to this ROM hack is that there are Pokemon that look different. They’re called Sapphorosian Forms, which combine two Pokemon to make them look a little different.
This is a trend these days with some hacks and fan-made games that fuse Pokemon together. This is an interesting feature as it shakes up the standard Emerald experience a bit.
You will have a lot of fun fighting and playing with the new Pokemon.
Notable features:
- Around 300+ Pokemon up to Gen 3 (Fused)
- Pokemon with changed stats, types and more
- Optional boss fights
6. Pokemon Mega Emerald X and Y Edition
Pokemon Mega Emerald X and Y Edition is Pokemon Emerald but with a Gen 6 coat of paint. The story is still the same but the main allure here is that you start off with Gen 6 Pokemon.
That’s why it’s called the X and Y Edition, because these games were released for the Nintendo 3DS, which introduced Gen 6.
Another innovation is that you can explore 2 additional regions, Kanto and Kalos. Mega Evolutions and Primordial Pokemon have also been added.
The roster goes up to Gen 6 with new moves and more.
Notable features:
- Pokemon go up to Gen 6
- Pokemon no longer need to be traded to evolve
- Dual battles
5. Pokemon Resolute
We are halfway through our list of the 10 best Pokemon Emerald ROM hacks. Pokemon Resolute is the first hack on this list that doesn’t use the Emerald storyline.
It has its own story, but it still has the usual Pokemon flavor.
You set out to be a trainer and become the best, but secrets and the occasional appearance of the villainous Team Mirage hinder your path.
The hack features a roster that goes up to Gen 7, but not all Pokemon are available. Alolan forms and mega evolution are also included.
Notable features:
- 3 regions to explore (Tyron, Sylon and Johto)
- 16 gyms
- Mega development
4. Pokemon Mega Power
Pokemon Mega Power brings a nice little twist to the story. This time you are a Pokemon professor who wants to put his scientific theories into action.
The villains are exploiting you and funding your experiments, but not for good. You recognize this and now you have to make amends for your mistakes. Collect your Pokemon and take down this villainous organization.
Fairy type and updated stats are also included in this hack. Mega Power also has some nice sprites and graphics going for it.
Notable features:
- Mega development
- Added fairy type
- Three regions
3. Pokemon Emerald Crest
There are two big catches to this hack, number one is that the Pokemon roster goes up to Gen 8, although not all are available.
The second catch is that there are a lot of forms like Alolan, Galarian, and even Hisuian that only appeared in the Legends Areceus game.
It has the same story as Pokemon Emerald with a ton of features to boot. You get things like a teleport system, mega evolution, auto-run and more.
Notable features:
- Roster goes up to Gen 8
- Questing system
- Physical and special split
2. Pokemon Emerald Rogue
Emerald Rogue uses many of the features of Emerald, but the gameplay is different in this game. This is a ROGUE-like game that incorporates strategy but still uses turn-based combat from the Pokemon series.
You start at a junction and choose the path you want to take. This continues until you have all the badges and progress in the game.
The story doesn’t have much weight, and everything is characterized by random elements, e.g. B. which trainers you meet. Even if you fail, all Pokemon and items you get will remain.
Get stronger and conquer the game to complete it.
Notable features:
Character customization
Mega development
Adjust game settings at any time
1. Pokemon Glazed
Number one on our list of 10 best Pokemon Emerald ROM hacks is Pokemon Glazed. This hack has been around for years and has numerous versions.
They have Pokemon Blazed Glazed and Pokemon Glazed Rebirth. Always choose this version because it is the first, the original and the complete one.
Pokemon Glazed has original content like a unique story and 5 starter Pokemon to choose from. It has a lot of features like Mega Evolution, multiple regions to explore, and even a Pikachu stalking you.
A great game that offers everything you would want from an official Pokemon game.
Notable features:
- Physical and special split
- Rematch with trainers
- Dreamworld Pokemon
Finally
This concludes our list of 10 best Pokemon Emerald ROM hacks.
There are a lot of hacks for Emerald and Pokemon FireRed, just to name a few.
When it comes to Emerald, there are a lot of good hacks out there and we’ve featured only the best ones here.
Pokemon hacks like CAWPS and others are worth a look, but if you’re looking for top-notch hacks with features, content and maybe a challenge, this list is good for you.