Pokémon Crestfall is a free new RPG experience based on an all-time classic
Pokémon Emerald is widely considered the best instalment in the Pokémon franchise, so the prospect of playing a reimagined version of the game is an exciting one.
That’s precisely what Pokémon Crestfall offers. This newly released ROMhack is now available on PC, transforming Pokémon Emerald into a fresh experience that takes players to the new region of Enpale.
Let’s address legalities first, as ROMhacks do exist within somewhat of a grey area.
To enjoy Pokémon Crestfall without attracting the attention of Nintendo, you’re going to need a legitimate copy of Pokémon Emerald; it must be purchased via legal means, so you cannot and must not download files online.
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You can then use an emulator to get Pokémon Emerald running on PC before downloading Pokémon Crestfall’s files. These files should alter your own copy of Emerald rather than provide you with that original game.
The creator of the ROMhack recommends mGBA if you are looking for an emulator.
Once you’ve got Pokémon Crestfall installed, you can enjoy a journey through that aforementioned new region of Enpale with this ROMhack featuring a brand new storyline.
It also features Pokémon from across the franchise’s various generations, rather than limiting itself to one, with Piplup, Mienfoo, Charizard, Starmie, Shaymin, Mew, Jirachi among some of the confirmed ‘mon.
READ MORE: Pokémon Gen 3 remaster footage surfaces, new Nintendo Switch ports could be on the way
In total, the ROMhack includes 300 ‘mon. The region of Enpale promises to feature “varying climates and landmarks”, plus there’s a custom soundtrack of rock and metal songs.
Pokémon Crestfall even incorporates more modern elements into this classic RPG experience, like Mega-Evolutions.
As for quality-of-life considerations, you can look forward to infinite berries and Pokémon-less Hidden Machine usage.
I don’t want to delve into too many details and spoil the experience for you, but if you don’t want to miss out on anything that Pokémon Crestfall has to offer, you can peruse the creator’s full mon’ and location guide.
It’s early days for the ROMhack but Pokémon fans are looking forward to diving in.
“Congrats on release. It’s crazy we’re at a time where full new Pokémon games are getting shadow dropped. The ROMhacking scene is great right now,” said Reddit user TechnicalCat6989.
“Sneak drop?! Never heard of this before. Congrats on release,” added skottay.
Pokopia DLC and Gen 10 are next in line in terms of official releases
It goes without saying that ROMhacks won’t be for everyone. Plenty of us prefer to simply load up the latest official release.
In which case, your next mainline Pokémon fix is coming in 2027 in the form of Gen 10, Pokémon Winds and Waves.
This is the first mainline entry to be launched as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, with the game’s reveal trailer showing a major graphical upgrade over the slated Scarlet and Violet.
If you enjoyed this year’s cozy spin-off Pokémon Pokopia, you can get a new franchise fix before 2027 as wave two of the game’s first paid DLC drops later this year.
It hasn’t set in stone a date beyond “late 2026” but we do know that it’ll introduce a new accessory mechanic, with both Ditto and ‘mon able to wear bows, hats, and more.
It’ll also introduce new decor items and new ‘mon with Doduo, Skitty, and Braixen all confirmed. This will be followed by the third and final wave in 2027, adding yet another new town.
There’s plenty of Pokémon content, whichever flavouring of the franchise it is that you prefer.