Pokemon Core Crystal

“Pokemon Core Crystal” is a Completed GBA Rom Hack made by Sakaysen. Play Classic Pokemon Crystal upgraded with faster gameplay, modern QoL tweaks, improved sprites, and fan-favorite enhancements.

Pokemon Core Crystal Completed GBA Rom Hack

• Creator: Sakaysen
• Base ROM: Crystal
• Language: English
• Latest Version: v1.0.3
• Released on: September 10, 2025
• Last Updated: September 19, 2025
• Status: Completed

Also Check Out: Pokemon Red & Blue Deluxe

Description

Hack of: Pokemon Crystal (using the pokecrystal disassembly)

This ROM hack is a modified version of Pokemon Crystal, developed using the pokecrystal disassembly. While inspired by various Gen 2 improvement projects—most notably Crystal Legacy by TheSmithPlays—this version reflects a personalized take on the original Crystal experience, featuring numerous quality-of-life (QoL) improvements and mechanical adjustments. The goal is to preserve the core of the vanilla Crystal gameplay while enhancing playability and streamlining mechanics.

Originally intended as a personal project, the hack has evolved into a more complete experience that may appeal to other Pokemon fans, particularly those who appreciate the design simplicity of Generation 2.

Notable Changes

• Multiple QoL features implemented for improved gameplay
• Select Pokemon removed to allow for additions and balance adjustments:
  • Lickitung
  • Shuckle
  • Aipom

These changes were made with care, but players should note the absence of these Pokemon when considering the overall experience.

Full Features & Changes

General

• Suicune’s base stats are slightly improved as a nod to the games namesake.
• Blue color palette priority to match the game theme (Male sprite is now also blue).
• Lugia and Ho-oh can be caught before fighting the Elite-4.
• Celebi Encounter is restored
• Ruins of Alph Fossil Pokemon added
• Legendary Birds have been added back
• Mewtwo and Mew encounters
• Pick your starting pokemon options by region (Johto or Kanto)
• View Shiny pokemon in the Pokedex
• TM Names now visible
• Gen 6 Exp. Share (Toggleable Key Item)
• Shiny Pokemon calculation updated after encounter with Suicune. From: 1/8192 -> To: 1/1024

Pokemon Changes

• GHOST type is now SPECIAL
• DARK type is now PHYSICAL
• FAIRY type added to the game as SPECIAL.
• Trading is no longer required for evolution, new ways to evolve have been added.
• Evolution moves have been added
• Move menu for the party menu shows more information
• Stat Screen page for DV’s
• Happiness increases quicker and is displayed on the pokemon stat page
• Base Stats reworked for certain pokemon
• Certain Pokemon Moves have had some rebalancing.
• Pokemon Route Encounters have been changed.
• Shiny ditto has been added as an option for the Odd Egg (1%).
• New Pokemon Additions
  • Togekiss
  • Honchkrow
  • Sylveon
  • Mismagius
  • Weavile
• Pokemon Type Changes:
  • Typhlosion is now Fire/Ground
  • Meganium is now Grass/Fairy
  • Feraligatr is now Water/Dark
  • More type changes listed in the guide

Changes to Gym Leader, Rival, E4

• Gym Leader Parties reworked. Feature more Johto mons.
• Gym Leader Rematches added
• Rival Party has been improved
• Elite 4 Rematch Teams

Pokemon Battle Changes

• Gym Badge Stat Boosts removed
• Gym Badge Type boosts only apply to STAB attacks
• Removed the -30% chance for enemy pokemon to land status moves
• Weather Icons in battle
• Time of Day Icons in battle
• Only Berry items can be stolen from the Players pokemon via the move thief
• Kurts pokeballs actually work as intended (Bugs fixed)
• HM Moves can be forgotten
• When a pokemon levels up, its stat increases are displayed
• The move menu in battle shows additional information about the move.

Overworld Changes

• Viridian Forest has been added back
• HM moves no longer need to be taught to be used in the Overworld
• Evening has been added as a time of day
• Faster Nurse Joy Healing
• Item bag can hold more items (50)
• Berry bag addition
• Blackthorn Move Deleter also has a Move Relearner
• Berry bushes provide 1-3 berries
• Berry Bushes have berry sprites to show when they can be picked.
• You can fish while surfing
• Items in the overworld have updated sprites
• Pokemon in the overworld look correct rather than generic sprites
• Berry shop in Goldenrod
• Auto reuse repel prompt.
• I did not add running shoes since the only option I could easily find moves the player at the same speed as the bike.

Game Related Stuff

Download Pokemon Core Crystal

Screenshots

Credits

Sakaysen (Creator)

This project incorporates contributions, tools, and assets from various members of the ROM hacking community, including but not limited to:

• yenatch, kanzure, Pikalax, iimarckus, and all contributors to the pokecrystal project
• TheSmithPlays and the Crystal Legacy team
• Rangi and contributors to Polished Crystal
• Blue Emerald, Chamber, solo993, Lake, Neslug, and Pikachu25 for Pokemon sprites and icons
• Credit also goes to Satoshi Tajiri, Game Freak, and Nintendo for the original Pokemon Crystal game

While efforts were made to credit all sources appropriately, there may be instances where attributions are incomplete.