Pokémon Crystal is a beloved Pokemon recreation 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 recreation was so well-liked; it launched some very distinctive mechanics when it debuted. The sport’s inner clock, Pokegear, and Pokemon breeding are simply two value mentioning.
Whereas it might be a considerably uncommon entry to the sequence, its recognition paved the best way for some unimaginable ROM hacks that we now get to get pleasure from and play via all these years later.
On this article, we’ll be breaking down the best possible Crystal ROM hacks and which it is advisable to play right now! With out additional ado, let’s bounce into the video games.
1. Pokemon Polished Crystal

Pokemon Polished Crystal is without doubt one of the finest Pokemon ROM hacks on this checklist. This hack was initially crafted by the proficient Rangi who’s an Italian ROM hacker. They used the English model of the unique recreation and this hack can truly be performed throughout a number of gadgets 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 recreation with out altering any of the sport’s Pokemon kind, base stats, or strikes.
You may have the flexibility to catch all 253 Pokemon on this recreation 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 places from Coronary heart Gold and Soul Silver have been added as properly. You may as well totally equip the trainers and use them constantly, rushing up among the extra tedious and grind targeted areas of the sport
You additionally get to journey round and discover each the Orange Islands and Naljo areas on this recreation. 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 recreation and provides it some further ending touches that take it to the subsequent degree that we by no means knew have been doable. 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 exhausting work to make this what it’s. It’s undoubtedly value a stable playthrough.
2. Pokemon Prism

It’s no shock that quantity two on our checklist is Pokemon Prism, one other well-liked ROM hack of Pokemon Crystal. This hack enables you to go off on a model new journey within the Naljo area that you just’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 recognition through the years. Pokemon Prism has a model new checklist 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 typically 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 via the sport, you’ll work to gather all the 8 new badges. This ROM hack actually does really feel like a reimagining of the unique recreation constructed from the bottom up. It’s a really distinctive expertise that at occasions will go away you questioning if this can be a real sequel.
Alone with the brand new sorts and the area that you just get to play via, there are additionally 5 new Legendary Pokemon that make an look as properly. Should you’re in search of a recent tackle the unique recreation loaded with new experiences, you undoubtedly want to offer Prism a shot.
Some further adjustments have been additionally added just like the adjustments made to Pokemon base stats, the varied totally 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 via 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 just completely should play via in case you are a fan of Crystal.
3. Pokemon Crystal Clear

Pokemon Crystal Clear is an open-world model ROM hack set within the Onwa Area. This area is considerably much like each the Johto and Kanto areas from the unique recreation with some modifications. The sport offers gamers a variety of 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 recreation replaces the HM system with a model new system that offers 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 obtainable right here. When selecting your character, you may select all types of issues like gender, pores and skin colour, outfit, and the category that you just start with.
Retaining with the open-world model of gameplay, you get to sort out 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 without doubt one of the extra open and free ROM hacks on this checklist and is a variety of enjoyable to play and discover in. It’s undoubtedly value a play-through.
4. Pokemon Crystal Kaizo

This ROM hack is a sequel to the primary technology Pokemon hack, Pokemon Blue Kaizo. There’s a mysterious Pokemon on this recreation that you’ll want to play via to determine and there’s additionally a novel Odd Egg merchandise and Evolution Stones make an look right here as properly. Which means that you might have entry to all the totally different types of Eeveelutions.
Identical to with Polished Crystal, you don’t have to commerce with buddies with the intention to full your Pokedex. You’ll be able to catch all of the totally different Pokemon just by enjoying via 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 not obtainable for use in battles, so you may count on some rage-filled moments. That being stated, even with the added problem spike, the sport has grow to be fairly well-liked amongst Pokefans who love a very good 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 via this one as despite the fact that it’s on the tougher facet, it feels truthful and is value it to beat. You’ll be able to actually inform that the developer behind this hack had fun making Pokemon Crystal Kaizo and put a variety of work into the completed recreation.
5. Pokemon Orange

Pokemon Orange is the final ROM hack on our checklist and was created by Pia Carrot. On this hack, you play via the Orange Archipelago space. Followers of the anime will instantly discover that this recreation focuses on the sequence, however did you additionally know that this recreation 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 largely like a completely new recreation.
Pokemon Orange enables you to journey via and discover the Orange Islands and go on a model new journey that you just’ve by no means skilled earlier than. With the realm snatched proper from the anime sequence, you may additionally not be stunned to listen to that the sport’s story and setting are based mostly on the present as properly. Pokemon Orange is one other must-playthrough and was a no brainer to hitch the ranks of each different Pokemon Crystal ROM hack on this checklist.
Abstract
Should you’re a Pokémon ROM hack fanatic, it is advisable to try all the video games on the checklist above. Every of them is exclusive in its personal manner and completely brings one thing recent and new to the desk. A few of them are tougher, whereas others concentrate on bringing a unique expertise than the unique Crystal recreation. It’s fairly wonderful how a few of these Pokemon video games really feel like solely new video games and nearly like sequels that have been launched by the official builders.
Additionally remember to try our checklist of one of the best Pokemon fan video games.
Continuously Requested Questions
What are some well-liked 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 a whole overhaul of the sport with new areas, occasions, and Pokemon. Crystal Clear feels extra like a brand new recreation and expertise than Liquid Crystal.
Are there any problem hacks obtainable for Pokemon Crystal?
Sure, there are a number of problem hacks obtainable for Pokemon Crystal. Some well-liked problem hacks embrace Pokemon Crystal Kaizo, Pokemon Crystal Clear Exhausting, and Pokemon Crystal 251+.
What’s the finest emulator to make use of for enjoying Pokemon Crystal ROM hacks?
There are a number of emulators obtainable for enjoying Pokemon Crystal ROM hacks, however the preferred alternative that gamers often use is the mGBA emulator.