Catching ‘em all has always been the dream. But with over 1000 Pokémon across 9 generations, official games still haven’t managed to include every single species in one place—let alone in a GBA-style adventure. That’s where the ROM hacking community steps in.
If you’re looking for Pokémon ROM hacks that feature all 1025 Pokémon from Gen 1 to Gen 9, here are the most complete and polished options available in 2025. These hacks not only include every species, but also bring in modern features like Mega Evolutions, updated battle engines, custom AI, and quality-of-life upgrades while staying faithful to the spirit of classic games.
1. Pokémon Black Pearl Emerald
- Base Game: Pokémon Emerald
- Created by: CD0
- Pokémon Availability: All 1025 from Gen 1–9
Black Pearl Emerald modernizes the Emerald experience by bringing in the full National Dex, advanced battle AI, and support for Mega Evolutions. All Pokémon from every generation are available via wild encounters, and increased Shiny odds make hunting more rewarding.
The ROM includes built-in Nuzlocke support, multiple difficulty levels, reusable TMs, and an enhanced battle interface. A detailed encounter list is provided to help with route planning. The AI performs like a competitive player, reacting to weak coverage or predictable strategies with punishing counters.
2. Pokémon R.O.W.E. 2.0
- Base Game: Pokémon Emerald
- Created by: Rioluwott
- Pokémon Availability: All 1025 from Gen 1–9
R.O.W.E. transforms Hoenn and the Sevii Islands into an open-world sandbox. Players can challenge 16 Gyms in any order with full freedom. The game dynamically scales trainer teams and wild encounters based on the strength of your own Pokémon.
Featuring Wonder Trades, randomizers, reusable TMs, auto-run, and multiple game modes, R.O.W.E. allows for completely customizable playthroughs. This hack is ideal for players who want to skip the story and focus on building their perfect team at their own pace.
3. Pokémon Emerald Crest
- Base Game: Pokémon Emerald
- Created by: Aaghat
- Pokémon Availability: All 1025 from Gen 1–9, including regional and DLC species
Emerald Crest enhances the original Emerald storyline with features from the latest generations. It includes regional forms from Hisui, Alola, and Galar, as well as Pokémon from The Teal Mask DLC.
The game incorporates difficulty scaling, upgraded trainer AI, and extensive quality-of-life improvements. Players can enjoy a smoother leveling curve, less grinding, and the option to take on tougher battles with smarter enemy teams. It’s a polished blend of classic storytelling and modern gameplay mechanics.
4. Pokémon Emerald Rogue
- Base Game: Pokémon Emerald
- Created by: Pokabbie
- Pokémon Availability: All 1025 from Gen 1–9 (via Modern Mode)
Emerald Rogue turns Pokémon into a roguelike. Each playthrough consists of procedurally generated routes, randomized wild encounters, and dynamically scaling trainers. Gyms and events change with every run, giving you a fresh challenge each time.
A run ends when you defeat the Champion or your entire team faints. The Modern Encounters mode gives access to all Pokémon across every generation, although not every species can be found in a single run. Rogue is perfect for players who enjoy unpredictability and tactical team-building on the fly.
5. Pokémon Radical Red
- Base Game: Pokémon FireRed
- Created by: soupercell
- Pokémon Availability: All 1025 from Gen 1–9
Radical Red raises the difficulty ceiling significantly. With advanced trainer AI, optimized enemy teams, and built-in challenge modes, even seasoned players will struggle to win without tight strategy.
The hack supports Mega Evolutions, full stat and move updates, smart EV/IV tools, and custom encounter zones. Even the lowest difficulty setting requires careful planning. It also features a robust randomizer and built-in support for hardcore Nuzlockes.
6. Pokémon Elite Redux
- Base Game: Pokémon Emerald
- Created by: darkyy92
- Pokémon Availability: All 1025 from Gen 1–9 + custom ability system
Elite Redux is designed for competitive-minded players. Every Pokémon has four abilities—three fixed, one customizable—offering deeper team strategy than traditional hacks. Over 200 custom abilities expand what’s possible in battle.
Grinding is removed entirely. Players have access to infinite rare candies, auto-perfect IVs, EV setters, and max friendship. AI opponents use complex move sets and synergy, requiring thought-out counters. Elite Redux puts the full focus on battling and advanced team optimization.
How These ROM Hacks Support All Pokémon
These hacks are built using decompilation frameworks like Pokeemerald Expansion, allowing developers to include:
- All Pokémon from Gen 1 through Gen 9
- Regional forms (Alolan, Galarian, Hisuian, Paldean)
- Fairy typing and new move pools
- Mega Evolutions, Z-Moves, and modern mechanics
- Advanced trainer AI and auto-scaling battles
- Reusable TMs and other QoL upgrades
The result is a modern Pokémon experience wrapped in classic GBA aesthetics.
Quick Comparison
| ROM Hack | Full Pokédex | Gameplay Type | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Pearl Emerald | Yes | Classic/Enhanced | Smart AI, Nuzlocke mode, Gen 9 Pokémon |
| Pokémon R.O.W.E. 2.0 | Yes | Open-World Sandbox | Non-linear routes, 16 Gyms, Wonder Trade |
| Emerald Crest | Yes | Vanilla Plus | DLC Pokémon, regional forms, less grinding |
| Emerald Rogue | Yes* | Roguelike | Procedural runs, dynamic scaling |
| Radical Red | Yes | Challenge Mode | Advanced AI, Gen 9 support, Hardcore Nuzlockes |
| Elite Redux | Yes | Competitive-Focused | Multi-abilities, no grinding, custom strategies |
* Emerald Rogue includes all Pokémon in the code, but not all are obtainable in a single run.
Emulator Compatibility Tip
To avoid performance issues, always use updated emulators like mGBA or VisualBoyAdvance-M. These ROMs rely on expanded engines and advanced scripting that may not work correctly on older or mobile emulators.
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If you’ve ever dreamed of a complete Pokémon experience where you can catch, train, and battle every species from Kanto to Paldea, these ROM hacks make it possible.
Each game caters to a different style—whether you’re into casual story runs, randomized roguelikes, or hardcore PvE challenges, there’s something here for every trainer. All that’s left is to pick your game, patch it up, and start your next adventure.
