Pokemon Pathways is an RPGXP Fan-game by Gray Hatred & Born — one of the most unique and actively developed Pokemon fan games available today. Unlike traditional Pokemon games, almost every outcome here depends on your choices. It’s now available for free download on PC, with Android support via JoiPlay. Last updated September 9, 2025.
Download Pokemon Pathways RPGXP Fan-Game
Creator: Gray Hatred & Born
Engine: RPG Maker XP
Version: Pokemon Pathways Alpha v9.6.1
Updated: September 9, 2025
Platform: PC (Windows) — Android via JoiPlay
Status: Active Development
Overview
Pokemon Pathways isn’t your typical Pokemon game. There’s no professor handing you a starter, no eight gym badges to chase, no Elite Four at the end of the road. Instead, you enroll in a Pokemon Academy where every decision you make — what you say to classmates, whether you finish your homework, who you battle — determines who you become as a trainer.
The game was originally created by two people led by Gray Hatred, and has since grown into a full community project. As of 2025, it’s one of the most actively developed RPGXP fan games in the Pokemon community, with regular major updates and a dedicated Discord server of thousands of players.
The attribute system tracks your Intelligence, Strength, Charm, and Skill based on in-game choices — these stats unlock different dialogue options, quests, and entire story routes. Two players can experience completely different playthroughs. If you enjoy games with real consequences, check out Pokemon Soulstones and Pokemon Grueling Gold for a similar level of depth.
What’s New in Alpha v9.6.1 (September 2025)
The September 2025 update is one of the biggest content drops in the game’s history:
- 14 new Mega-Evolutions: Goodra, Kommo-o, Baxcalibur, Glimmora, Hisuian Typhlosion, Hisuian Decidueye, Shedinja, Froslass, Swanna, Tropius, Vikavolt, Electrode, Mismagius, Krookodile
- Full Affinity system — all NPC affinity characters are now completable
- Adoption system added as an alternative to the Black Market
- Type matchup quiz added to class
- Battle, bag, and Pokemon interfaces completely revamped
- Gen 9 move sanity — if a Pokemon could learn a move in past gens, it can learn it now
- New original soundtracks and remixes composed specifically for Pathways
- Berries now grow faster
- Furfrou trimming now available in the Girls’ Dorms
- Alcremie decorations available at all times in the Class Cafeteria
- Appropriate scaling of fistfights throughout the game
Features
Choice-Driven Story
Almost every outcome depends on what you decide. Picking a perk, choosing a conversation option, or skipping class — all of it has lasting consequences. Pokemon Pathways gives you agency that most Pokemon fan games simply don’t offer. For more games that reward your decisions, see our best Pokemon RPG fan games list.
Attribute System
Your character builds four core stats through gameplay: Intelligence, Strength, Charm, and Skill. These aren’t just numbers — they unlock unique interactions, special quests, and different story outcomes. You can hold two perks at once, so choose wisely.
Schooling System
You live on campus at a Pokemon Academy with a real schedule. Classes run Monday through Friday, homework has actual deadlines, and skipping too many detentions leads to expulsion. It creates a rhythm unlike any other Pokemon game.
NPC Affinity
Certain classmates can become close bonds over time. Talk to them daily, battle them, and gradually unlock deeper interactions and rewards. As of v9.6.1, all affinity characters are fully completable.
Multiple Save Files
Up to 8 separate save files, so you can explore every route and choice without losing your main run’s progress.
Save Points
You can only save by sleeping to start a new day or visiting a Pokemon Center. This forces you to commit to your decisions — there’s no save-scumming your way out of a bad choice.
Mega Evolution & Dynamax
Both systems are available, with new Mega Stones added each major update. As of v9.6.1, the list includes 14 new Megas added in this update alone. If you’re a fan of Mega Evolution, you’ll also enjoy Pokemon Anil and Pokemon Infinite Fusion.
Custom Roles & Classes
Choose your role (Mage, Ranger, Necromancer, Beast Tamer, Master Necromancer, and more) and move up through the academy ranks from D-Class to higher tiers. Each class tier unlocks new quests, areas, and storylines.
How to Download & Install Pokemon Pathways on PC
- Go to the official PokéCommunity thread or the game’s Discord server for the current Google Drive download link
- Download the .zip file (approximately 1GB+)
- Extract the zip using WinRAR or 7-Zip
- Open the extracted folder and run Game.exe
- If you see a .dll error, download and install the free RPG Maker XP RTP (Runtime Package) from the official RPG Maker website
- The game runs natively on Windows — no emulator needed
Note: If the Google Drive link says “quota exceeded”, too many people are downloading at once. Wait a few hours and try again, or check the Discord server for a Mediafire mirror link.
How to Play Pokemon Pathways on Android (JoiPlay)
Pokemon Pathways doesn’t have an official Android version, but you can play it using JoiPlay:
- Download JoiPlay from the Google Play Store
- Download the RPG Maker XP plugin for JoiPlay (separate download, also on Play Store)
- Download the Pokemon Pathways PC files on your Android device
- Extract the zip file
- Open JoiPlay → tap the + button → name the game → point it to the Game.exe file → tap Play
Performance on Android depends on your device. Mid-range phones from 2022 onward generally run it smoothly. If you’re looking for fan games with native Android support, check out Pokemon Anil which runs directly on Android without JoiPlay.
Changelog
9/3/2025 | Alpha 9.5.3
- Adoption system added (alternative to Black Market)
- Type matchup quiz added to class
- All affinity characters fully completed
- Battle/bag/Pokemon UI completely revamped
- 14 new Mega-Evolutions added
- Gen 9 move sanity applied across all Pokemon
- New original soundtracks composed for Pathways
8/27/2024 | Alpha 9.0 — Back to School Update
- Wishing Piece exchange system added
- Dark Aura now gained in Black Market
- New Eeveelutions: Spectreon (Dusk Stone) and Drakeon (Dawn Stone)
- New Outfits: Mage and Academy Monarch
- Max Overworld Spawns adjusted
11/2/2023 | Alpha 8.1
- Halloween event at Pokemon Center
- Fixed all softlocking events (Akiza and Esrever in dorms)
- Removed Ruination Pokemon from Dynamax Adventures
- Fixed Intelligence stat not displaying properly in pause menu
- Adjusted Max Overworld Spawns from 10 to 15
10/31/2023 | Alpha 8.0
- New Halloween event
- Mage Outfit and Academy Monarch outfits added
- New Pokemon: Spectreon and Drakeon (new Eeveelutions)
- Beast Tamer role added
- Mega Stones for Mightyena, Flygon, Volcarona, Mimikyu, and Dragapult
Screenshots
See Pokemon Pathways in action — from the academy campus to Pokemon battles and the choice-driven story system.
Useful Stuff
Looking for more fan games to play alongside Pokemon Pathways? Here are our top picks:
- Pokemon Soulstones — Deep story-driven RPGXP fan game
- Pokemon Grueling Gold — Challenging fan game with unique mechanics
- Pokemon Anil — Popular RPGXP fan game with Android support
- Pokemon Blooming Beast — Another standout RPGXP fan game
- Pokemon RBGenesis — Completed fan game worth your time
Download
FAQs
Is Pokemon Pathways free to download?
Yes, completely free. The developers ask nothing in return — just that you enjoy the game and report bugs if you find any.
What is the latest version of Pokemon Pathways?
The latest version is Alpha v9.6.1, released on September 9, 2025. The game is still in active development with regular updates.
Does Pokemon Pathways work on Mac?
Not natively — RPG Maker XP games are Windows-only. You can try running it through Wine or Crossover on Mac, but this isn’t officially supported and results vary by device.
Can I transfer my save file between versions?
Yes, but always save at a Pokemon Center before updating. Save files are stored in %AppData%Pokemon Pathways on Windows. Copy your save folder before replacing game files to avoid any data loss.
The download says “quota exceeded” — what do I do?
This is a Google Drive issue caused by too many simultaneous downloads. Wait a few hours and try again, or join the official Discord server to find an alternative Mediafire mirror link.
How do I evolve Meltan in Pokemon Pathways?
Meet Professor Sycamore on a Friday with at least 50 Charisma or the Manipulator skill active (25+ Charisma required). Check the official Discord for the most current conditions as these may be updated.
Is there an official walkthrough or guide?
Yes. A community master guide was written by Shinu_Guardian, Yukine13, Arcturus, and the wider Pathways community. Find the pinned link in the game’s Discord server. The developers recommend playing blind first if you can.
How many save files can I have?
Up to 8 different save files, so you can explore different story routes and choice outcomes without losing your main run’s progress.
What roles are available in the game?
As of v9.6.1: Mage, Ranger, Necromancer, Beast Tamer, Master Necromancer, and more. Each role has unique abilities and unlock conditions tied to your class rank in the Academy.
Why does my game crash with certain starters?
Older versions had a crash bug with Rowlet as a starter. This was patched in Alpha 7.3. If you’re experiencing crashes, make sure you’re running the latest version (Alpha v9.6.1).
Pokemon pathways debug mode
To activate debug mode on Windows: right-click Game.exe → Create Shortcut → right-click the new shortcut → Properties → in the Target field, add debug after the closing quotation mark.
Example: "C:\Path\To\Game.exe" debug
Credits
Gray Hatred — Original Creator
Born — Co-developer (current active development)
LYGN — Co-developer
Shinu_Guardian, Yukine13, Arcturus — Master Guide authors
Community contributors, testers, and playtesters worldwide
