8 Best Pokemon ROM Hacks with No Gyms

8 Gyms and an Elite Four, time and time again. It’s safe to say Pokemon has a pretty well-defined formula, and to be quite honest, it works very well. I mean, I’m still enjoying it, and I’ve probably gone through that very same system hundreds of times by now.

But just because something works, that doesn’t mean you should stick with it forever. It’s important to branch out and try something that takes people by surprise. You don’t have to throw the whole recipe out, just spice up the formula a bit. Add a unique element that makes it stand out from the rest.

Yes, I know I’m talking about Pokémon games. So, if you’re tired of the old system, try out these ROM hacks that veer away from the traditional gym structure.

8

Pokemon Island

Enjoy Some Time In The Sun

Pokémon Island is a game that’s been around for a pretty long time! And thus, this game has some serious content!

Taking place on an island that was previously only filled with Pokémon, this game takes a whole new direction compared to other games in the community, giving the player a lot more freedom compared to the usual “Handholdy” attitude the mainline games have.

While there are no gyms in this experience, you can instead head over to the colosseum to try out some battles and improve your ranking. This isn’t exactly the same, but it may fill that same void that people are looking for. However, for those looking for innovation, try out the new quest system, brand-new minigames, or even try building your very own city!

7

Pokemon Odyssey

The Labyrinth Awaits

Now, how could Pokémon: Odyssey be so low on the list? This game is honestly a bit of a masterclass in terms of ROM hacking and, indeed, one of my favourites. Brilliant story, amazing selection of Pokémon, new forms, great dungeons, a sense of exploration, and a tough set of trainers.

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However, while this title might not exactly include gyms per se, there are eight stratum captains whom you must defeat before entering the next stratum, so let’s be honest, they’re pretty much gym leaders. That’s not to say they’re not interesting, of course. These fights are brilliant, and the areas they’re located in are absolutely stunning, but yes, they share a lot of qualities with gym leaders.

What’s nice, though, is that these characters play a far more involved role in the story, unlike normal gym leaders, and all of them will accompany you on your descent through the levels of the Labyrinth. So, despite that little nitpick, this game is about as different as you can get! Don’t sleep on this one!

6

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of the Spirit

A Trainer No Longer

What? A non-mainline game? I know Earth-shattering, right? But other Pokémon games do exist! And some of them are pretty fantastic, despite having rather small communities. The Mystery Dungeon games, in particular, are incredible.

This rom hack in particular is based on Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky, one of the best in the series, and for those looking for a good story, this adventure has a massive twist. One that I won’t spoil, of course. But safe to say, if the original hit you hard, then this one might just leave you stunned.

In addition, there are new dungeons with layouts you’ve never seen before and an increased difficulty, for all of you who love a good challenge. Rom hacks based on spin-off titles don’t get enough love, so give this one a try if you’re looking for a fresh take.

5

Pokémon FireRed Rocket Edition

A Taste Of The Dark Side

Before you say it: Yes, I know this is based in Kanto, and yes, it does have gyms. However, the gyms don’t really play a part in the actual telling of the game. You go see Lt Surge, yes, to give him… something, but in the general scheme of things, the story plays out very differently from your regular Pokémon game.

And yet, that’s one of the best things about this hack. It takes place at the same time as Pokemon FireRed, but from a different perspective. The story takes a far darker and more sinister tone, which may seem a little ridiculous at times, but it incorporates fan theories and secret battles and explanations for things never explained.

The story is the highlight here, and the comedy, of course. Your character has a real reason for existing, and seeing what the world looks like from the other side of the glass is a rare treat.

4

Pokémon XG: Next Gen

Unleash The Shadows

Another spin-off title? Well, I would argue that Pokemon Colosseum and Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness aren’t actually spin-offs, considering they use the proper battle mechanics and can connect to the mainline games, but I won’t argue that one.

Now this isn’t as easy to get running as your usual rom hacks, seeing as though you’ll have to get your hands on the Dolphin emulator and patch a ROM of XD, but trust me, it’s worth it.

If you’ve played the Orre games before, you’ll know there are no proper gyms (no, Phenac City doesn’t count). The story is far more focused on taking down the evil team and rescuing all of the shadow Pokémon.

This game builds upon that formula by adding new shadow Pokémon, including the fairy type, having new moves and even abilities from later generations, as well as drastically increasing the difficulty. When you add this on top of an already great game, you’ve got a serious treat here, folks.

3

Pokemon DarkFire

Unveil The Conspiracy

You only need to take a quick look at Pokémon DarkFire to see why it deserves a firm place on this list. The art of this game is drop-dead gorgeous. In a world of rom-hacks with reused Gen 3 assets, this really stands out.

This hack has all the modern conveniences you can imagine included in the experience, as well as a whole new region and even music to go with it! Plus, the routes are so well-designed that you’ll end up spending half your time exploring every nook and cranny they have to offer.

While the fights might not challenge you too much, you have access to a brand-new kind of enemy. You can either fight in tournaments held around the region or even find the Champion trainers scattered around, who will only fight you with a special term or gimmick in place, which makes for some crazy battles.

While I tend to avoid hacks that aren’t yet complete, this one made me wish that the devs could just deliver it straight to my doorstep.

2

Pokemon The Pit (v2)

100 Floors Of Pain

Ever played Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door? Me neither, but apparently I’ve been missing out. This hack is based on the pit of 100 trials, but of course, now featuring Pokémon!

This is actually a roguelike game rather than your normal adventure-style Pokémon romp, and if you’ve ever played a roguelike before, you’ll know how utterly addictive they are. You don’t play this game for the story, that’s for sure.

Instead, you start with a selection of random Pokémon, and you have to progress through a series of randomly generated dungeons with Pokémon levels coordinating with the floor level. Upon battling the trainer and completing floors, you’ll be rewarded with items to use for future battles. There are special event floors and even boss battles to keep you on your toes.

However, one of the best features of this hack is the sheer amount of customisability on offer. Want Megas? Sure. Only want certain Gens? Check! Various randomisers, more difficulty and mixed battle modes? Yes, yes, and yes! Play how you want to play. And after you beat floor 100… play some more… because you can!

1

Pokémon Saiph 2

The Start Of A Grand Adventure

I didn’t know much about the VytroVerse before I took a look at Pokémon Saiph 2, but boy, have I been missing out. In fact, Pokémon Saiph 2 is part 3 in a series of games, following Pokémon Saiph and Pokémon Sors, which are both quality hacks in their own right.

But this game is honestly criminally underrated. You begin the story in an aeroplane crash, where you wake up stranded in a new region. As the previous champion of another region, you must recover your memories (and your Pokémon) and put a stop to a new evil team.

Instead of defeating gyms, the story naturally flows from city to city, building on new plot points, and developing its own brilliant cast of characters. And yet, it doesn’t feel rushed or lacking in challenge either. In fact, if you really want a challenge, then you only have to look for the new Hero and Vigilante modes, which will surely test that competitive player mentality.

Soar through the skies, dive into the deepest depths of the ocean, and even compete in the battle frontier, a feature that has been completely killed off by GameFreak (for some reason). And what’s more, if you end up enjoying this one, then just look out for Sors 2. This developer is cooking, my friends.

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Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen

Systems

Released

September 7, 2004

ESRB

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