Pokémon Crystal is a beloved Pokemon sport by followers of the sequence. There’s no denying that there are some actually stable Pokemon Crystal ROM hacks that followers have put tons of effort into perfecting. It’s no shock that the unique sport was so standard; it launched some very distinctive mechanics when it debuted. The sport’s inner clock, Pokegear, and Pokemon breeding are simply two price mentioning.
Whereas it could be a considerably uncommon entry to the sequence, its reputation paved the way in which for some unbelievable ROM hacks that we now get to get pleasure from and play by all these years later.
On this article, we’ll be breaking down the best possible Crystal ROM hacks and which you might want to play at present! With out additional ado, let’s soar into the video games.
1. Pokemon Polished Crystal

Pokemon Polished Crystal is likely one of the finest Pokemon ROM hacks on this listing. This hack was initially crafted by the gifted Rangi who’s an Italian ROM hacker. They used the English model of the unique sport and this hack can truly be performed throughout a number of units like the unique Gameboy handheld, the GBC, and even on a GBA emulator.
The primary goal of this hack is to enhance on the unique sport with out altering any of the sport’s Pokemon sort, base stats, or strikes.
You’ve gotten the power to catch all 253 Pokemon on this sport and there’s no requirement to commerce with different gamers to finish your Pokedex.
The sport’s battle system has additionally been improved. The city maps have been revamped and areas from Coronary heart Gold and Soul Silver have been added as properly. You can too absolutely equip the trainers and use them constantly, dashing up a number of the extra tedious and grind centered areas of the sport
You additionally get to journey round and discover each the Orange Islands and Naljo areas on this sport. There’s additionally a further Elite 4 problem the place you may battle towards the sport’s strongest groups.
Polished Crystal takes an already nice sport and provides it some further ending touches that take it to the subsequent degree that we by no means knew have been attainable. It does so whereas maintaining the preliminary core gameplay of the sport intact with out altering an excessive amount of that gamers know and love about it. You’ll be able to inform that the developer put in a ton of time and laborious work to make this what it’s. It’s positively price a stable playthrough.
2. Pokemon Prism

It’s no shock that quantity two on our listing is Pokemon Prism, one other standard ROM hack of Pokemon Crystal. This hack helps you to go off on a model new journey within the Naljo area that you simply’ve by no means skilled earlier than.
Prism was created by the well-known ROM hacker Coolboyman, well-known for his numerous ROM hacks which have grown massively in reputation over time. Pokemon Prism has a model new listing of Pokemon sorts like Wooden Pokemon, Gasoline, Wind, Irregular, and even Sound sorts. The developer actually flexed their creativity right here and went above and past what you usually see with many ROM hacks.
There are additionally some new mini-games that make an look right here together with some model new side-scrolling areas and a brand new clock system that was applied. As you play by the sport, you’ll work to gather the entire 8 new badges. This ROM hack actually does really feel like a reimagining of the unique sport constructed from the bottom up. It’s a really distinctive expertise that at instances will go away you questioning if it is a real sequel.
Alone with the brand new sorts and the area that you simply get to play by, there are additionally 5 new Legendary Pokemon that make an look as properly. In case you’re on the lookout for a contemporary tackle the unique sport loaded with new experiences, you positively want to present Prism a shot.
Some further modifications have been additionally added just like the modifications made to Pokemon base stats, the varied completely different Alolan variants, and a few notable problem changes, amongst different modifications as properly. There’s loads of new dialogue added and quests to go on. You’ll be able to select to both play by the unique hack that was first launched, or a model that removes the intro and allows you to get proper into the motion.
Pokemon Prism is a implausible ROM hack that you simply completely should play by in case you are a fan of Crystal.
3. Pokemon Crystal Clear

Pokemon Crystal Clear is an open-world fashion ROM hack set within the Onwa Area. This area is considerably much like each the Johto and Kanto areas from the unique sport with some modifications. The sport offers gamers numerous freedom to discover the world and it appears like an open world Pokemon journey which is fairly wild contemplating that is constructed off of Crystal.
This sport replaces the HM system with a model new system that provides Pokemon particular talents like Surf and Fly with out having to take up one of many Pokemon’s strikes to take action. It’s a welcome change certainly and removes the necessity for maintaining that one particular Pokemon round who solely is aware of a selected transfer.
There’s additionally a good quantity of customizing out there right here. When selecting your character, you may select all kinds of issues like gender, pores and skin shade, outfit, and the category that you simply start with.
Holding with the open-world fashion of gameplay, you get to deal with the gyms in whichever order you select. The gymnasium leaders’ problem ranges scale as you progress all through the sport so no matter which gymnasium you select first, it actually received’t matter within the grand scheme of issues level-wise.
Pokemon Crystal Clear is likely one of the extra open and free ROM hacks on this listing and is numerous enjoyable to play and discover in. It’s positively price a play-through.
4. Pokemon Crystal Kaizo

This ROM hack is a sequel to the primary era Pokemon hack, Pokemon Blue Kaizo. There’s a mysterious Pokemon on this sport that you’ll want to play by to determine and there’s additionally a novel Odd Egg merchandise and Evolution Stones make an look right here as properly. Because of this you may have entry to the entire completely different types of Eeveelutions.
Similar to with Polished Crystal, you don’t must commerce with associates with a view to full your Pokedex. You’ll be able to catch all of the completely different Pokemon just by enjoying by usually.
Because the identify of Pokemon Crystal Kaizo insinuates, the sport’s problem degree has been ramped up considerably from the unique Crystal model. Revives are now not out there for use in battles, so you may anticipate some rage-filled moments. That being mentioned, even with the added problem spike, the sport has turn into fairly standard amongst Pokefans who love problem.
There’s a complete of 252 Pokemon right here. The graphics and soundtrack have a form of Gen III vibe to them which provides a really good contact. You’ll have a good time enjoying by this one as although it’s on the more difficult aspect, it feels truthful and is price it to beat. You’ll be able to actually inform that the developer behind this hack had fun making Pokemon Crystal Kaizo and put numerous work into the completed sport.
5. Pokemon Orange

Pokemon Orange is the final ROM hack on our listing and was created by Pia Carrot. On this hack, you play by the Orange Archipelago space. Followers of the anime will instantly discover that this sport focuses on the sequence, however did you additionally know that this sport has Pokemon base stats from Gen 7 and OI in addition to Alolan variants of Pokemon?
Aesthetically, the tropical backdrop makes this hack really feel principally like a wholly new sport.
Pokemon Orange helps you to journey by and discover the Orange Islands and go on a model new journey that you simply’ve by no means skilled earlier than. With the world snatched proper from the anime sequence, you may also not be stunned to listen to that the sport’s story and setting are primarily based on the present as properly. Pokemon Orange is one other must-playthrough and was a no brainer to affix the ranks of each different Pokemon Crystal ROM hack on this listing.
Abstract
In case you’re a Pokémon ROM hack fanatic, you might want to try the entire video games on the listing above. Every of them is exclusive in its personal method and completely brings one thing contemporary and new to the desk. A few of them are more difficult, whereas others deal with bringing a special expertise than the unique Crystal sport. It’s fairly superb how a few of these Pokemon video games really feel like solely new video games and virtually like sequels that have been launched by the official builders.
Additionally remember to try our listing of the perfect Pokemon fan video games.
Often Requested Questions
What are some standard ROM hacks for Pokemon Crystal?
Among the hottest ROM hacks for Pokemon Crystal embrace Pokemon Polished Crystal, Pokemon Prism, and Crystal Clear.
What’s the distinction between Pokemon Liquid Crystal and Pokemon Crystal Clear?
The primary distinction between the 2 hacks is that Pokemon Liquid Crystal is a remake of Pokemon Crystal with added options, whereas Pokemon Crystal Clear is an entire overhaul of the sport with new areas, occasions, and Pokemon. Crystal Clear feels extra like a brand new sport and expertise than Liquid Crystal.
Are there any problem hacks out there for Pokemon Crystal?
Sure, there are a number of problem hacks out there for Pokemon Crystal. Some standard problem hacks embrace Pokemon Crystal Kaizo, Pokemon Crystal Clear Arduous, and Pokemon Crystal 251+.
What’s the finest emulator to make use of for taking part in Pokemon Crystal ROM hacks?
There are a number of emulators out there for taking part in Pokemon Crystal ROM hacks, however the most well-liked alternative that gamers normally use is the mGBA emulator.