Pokemonis a nostalgic series for many people and every time a new game in the series is released, new fans are created. Despite the fairly recent release ofPokemon Sword & Shieldmany fans have 100 percent completed the game and are looking for something else to sink their teeth into.
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While you may be out of officialPokemongames to play, there are a ton of really well-made fan games that deserve some love and attention. So we’ve compiled a list of 10 that you should maybe try out.
Updated by Adriano Valente on April 11th, 2021:The announcement of theDiamond & Pearlremakes alongside the newLegends Arceustitle have fans ready to jump back into the world ofPokemon. Game Freak has done an amazing job with creating unique regions and adventures over the years. So much so that fans have taken it upon themselves to create their own spin on thePokemonuniverse. Fan games usually add a unique twist to the standardPokemonformula that though tried and true, can be somewhat stale at times. These fan made titles let you experiencePokemonin a way that you’d never dreamed you could.
15Pokemon Showdown
Pokemon Showdown is probably one of the oldest fan games on this list, and certainly has its place as one of the most well known within the community. Unlike other fan projects,Showdowndoesn’t bother with the adventure and exploration elements of your typicalPokemongame. Instead, the focus is set on battles.
Players face off against each other online, utilizingShowdown’smany features to customize and build their ideal party. Meticulous fans can make use of the damage calculator to strategically plan for certain scenarios, but even if you’re going into it with a more laidback attitude,Showdownhas plenty to offer. Players can choose between various formats and make use of the teambuilder feature to craft the perfect group of Pokemon. Everything from a Pokemon’s ability, held item, moves and stats can be customized.
14Pokemon Adventures Red Chapter
Not many fan games make use of the Pokemon manga as inspiration when crafting their world, but Pokemon Adventures Red Chapter does just that. The game follows the events of the manga, but makes various narrative additions which add a level of severity typically unseen in official titles.
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The game features various Pokemon from the first seven generations, as well as Shadow Pokemon , fusions and beta designs. Characters from the anime can be found as well, with Ash, Jessie, James, Meowth and others making appearances throughout the narrative. One feature that really stands out is the increased level cap, going from the traditional 100 all the way to 255.
13Pokemon Uranium
Developed with the help of Pokemon Essentials,Pokemon Uraniumgained quite a bit of interest throughout its development and release. It even gained enough attention that the original team behind the game had to abandon itdue to multiple DMCA takedowns.Uraniumtakes place in the Tandor region and is home to more than 150 new Pokemon.
The player assumes the role of a young Pokemon trainer who ventures out into the world ten years following a nuclear catastrophe that claimed the life of their mother. The most notable feature in the game is the addition of the Nuclear-type, which is both super effective and weak against all other types. Other interesting features include a trainer test which determines the player’s compatibility with one of the three starters, various sidequests and a speech translator that allows players to understand Pokemon.
12Pokemon Phoenix Rising
Though currently still in development,Pokemon Phoenix Risingseems like an interesting reimagining of the standardPokemonformula. The project is being spearheaded by Gav, and also makes use of Pokemon Essentials.
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Phoenix Risingtakes place in the Hawthorne Region and promises new Mega Evolutions and a multi-choice storyline. The game also introduces Relic Pokemon, and the player gets one of Relic Koffing, Tentacool or Skiddo depending on their choice of starter. Relic Pokemon seem to be one of the most intriguing aspects of this fan project, and much like regional variants in the official games, add some sort of new spin on old favorites.
11Pokemon Clockwork
Another game still in development,Pokemon Clockworkmakes use of some interesting concepts and features. The game takes place in the Rosari Region, where players can explore various areas and take part in a number of quests. Players will have to try and save the region while going up against the mysterious Team Epsilon.
Clockworkmakes use of a day/night cycle and also includes timed encounters. Players will be able to travel between the past and present in a game that offers up to 40 hours off gameplay so far in its unfinished state.
10Pokemon Creepy Black
Pokemon Creepy Blackis the first entry on our list because it is definitely the most unremarkable title on the list but it is unique in its own way and deserves mention.Pokemon Creepy Blackis a fan game based on a fairly famousPokemoncreepypastathat was circulating online about a cursed copy of Pokemon Red.
The game depicts the events that supposedly happened in real life as told by the story and the game does a good job of creating a creepy atmosphere out of the usually cheeryPokemonworld and assets.
9Pokemon Ash Gray
Pokemon Ash Grey is a version of Pokemon: Firered that follows the tales of Ash, instead of Red, as he journeys through the Kanto region and its various gyms. The game pretty much follows the Kanto era of the TV show, with Ash starting off with Pikachu and meeting up with old friends that we all know like Misty and Brock.
Ash Grey makes the original Firered game harder to provide additional challenges, especially with the gym leaders, and even has a redrawn map.
8Pokemon Light Platinum
Pokemon Light Platinumis one of the most complete ROM based fan games to date, at least that’s what the fanbase says. The game is based onPokemon Rubyand pits new Pokemon generations against older ones with updated graphics, a large variety of Pokemon, different regions, and gyms.
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The game has 16 badges and trainers are able to compete in two Pokemon leagues and a World Championship, so this game will last for a long time.
7Pokemon Godra
Pokemon Godrais a fairly unique take on the world of Pokemon,as the fan game places a lot more focus on the trainer, rather than the Pokemon themselves. In this ROM, the player can choose to become any number of professions in the Pokemon world, including a Military General, a Safari Zone Warden, and much more.
Godra also includes a wide area of Pokemon from different regions. The game’s map is split between the east and west regions, each with their own unique storylines and missions.
6Pokemon 3D
As you may tell from the title, a big part of this game is that it is aPokemongame, in 3D! The game was made using the Unreal engine and it looks amazing for just a simple fangame made by a small group of developers.
In this game, the player directly controls their Pokemons movement and attacks, you may even choose to retreat whenever you want in case you feel like the fight isn’t going your way. The original website for the game may be down but this game can still be found with a simple google search.
