Pokémon has become an incredibly popular and beloved franchise in the gaming world, with a dedicated fanbase that can’t get enough of it. I’m such a big fan that the official releases from Game Freak just don’t satisfy my craving.
Many fans of the series have taken it upon themselves to create their own Pokémon stories, filling the void they perceive in the mainline games. And there are so many of them.
Let’s explore some of the top fan-made Pokemon games of the year!
Please note that these fan games are original creations and are not ROM hacks.
Here Are Some Of The Best Fan-Made Pokemon Games
16. Pokémon Karma
Vendily, the creator of Pokémon Karma, mentioned that the game was developed with the intention of coding something impressive.
This brief yet delightful experience may not have an abundance of features, but it more than compensates with its imaginative and enjoyable elements.
I really enjoy the puzzle elements in this game, it reminds me a lot of Zelda which is perfect for me.
15. Pokémon Fairies
Do you have a fondness for the color pink? Do you ever long for a Pokémon experience that is adorable and charming, even more so than the original games? If you’re a fan of Pokemon Fairies, this fan game is perfect for you!
This one hour story-focused experience is filled with all the sweetness and joy one can imagine.
A heartwarming tale filled with adorable characters and engaging brain teasers. This game is perfect for players who prefer a more laid-back approach and are seeking a unique adventure in a different Pokémon world.
14. Pokémon Sage
Pokémon Sage has secured a well-deserved place as the 14th entry on our esteemed list of the finest fan-made Pokemon game ever created!
This fan-made Pokemon game is quite remarkable because it features completely unique and brand new Pokemon that are not found in the official franchise.
Indeed, we’re discussing artists collaborating to create fresh Pokemon and subsequently transforming them into a game. That’s pretty awesome!
The fan-made Pokemon game has a familiar feel of a portable Pokémon adventure, but it brings a fresh and exciting vibe to its design concept and towns.
The game is currently in development and the Pokémon fan community plays a crucial role in shaping its direction, while the developers work their magic. With 200 new Pokemon to catch, it’s bound to be a hit!
13. Pokémon Psyduck Version
An incredibly one-of-a-kind Pokémon experience created by a member of the Game Boy community.
Picture yourself beginning a gen 1 Pokémon game, and finding that there’s no one around… except for Psyduck. Just picture the sheer chaos of that situation. Well… this fan game is just that.
What kind of havoc can a single duck wreak in just 10-20 minutes? It appears that there is quite a bit to consider.
To enjoy this Pokémon fan game, you’ll need to get your hands on an authentic Game Boy cartridge directly from the creator. Discover the excitement of unwrapping a fresh Game Boy game today. In a lovely package, crafted by Conditionok.
This collectors item is perfect for fans of the Pokémon series. Unlike anything else on this list, and definitely worth your attention.
12. Pokemon Clockwork
Pokémon Clockwork claims the 11th position on our list of top fan-made Pokemon game, offering a range of impressive new features that are unique to this game and not found in the official series.
We have a day and night cycle, which has been included in some other Pokemon games. It’s a delightful feature and showcases the fan-made game’s attention to detail.
What are your thoughts on time travel? Oh, that’s definitely something I haven’t heard before!
In addition, it features a captivating plot as well. I understand that some may argue that I am criticizing the previous games, but this storyline truly captivates you right from the beginning.
It offers a refreshing departure from the linear story structure typically found in the main series.
In summary, Clockwork is a delightful experience that offers new skills to learn and intriguing secrets to discover. It is a title that refreshingly breaks away from the traditional formula.
If you’re in search of unique features that set Pokémon Clockwork apart from other Pokémon games, look no further! The game offers a day/night cycle and quests to enhance your Pokémon’s level, along with new skills to improve your experience.
This fan-made Pokemon game is truly refreshing, with its time-travel mechanics, dynamic Pokémon evolutions, and captivating storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
You’ll encounter a generous amount of it as you travel to the next city. Make sure to give this one a look if you’re interested in experiencing one of the most captivating storylines in the world of fan-made Pokémon games.
11. Pokémon Bushido
Created by a team of four using RPG Maker, this game provides a well-polished experience that will keep you entertained for 10-15 hours!
This fan-made Pokemon game features Gen 4-styled graphics and includes Pokémon from up to Gen 8! The creators have put a lot of effort into making it visually appealing and including a wide range of Pokémon for players to enjoy.
“Bushido” takes us back to a classic Pokémon adventure, filled with rich lore, exciting monster battles, and delightful characters. This fan game is crafted with exceptional attention to detail and provides players with a wide range of captivating experiences.
Embracing a warm and inviting traditional Japanese theme that resonates deeply within me. Definitely a top pick on our list of 10 best Pokémon fan games.
10. Pokémon Wilds
Have you ever thought about combining the worlds of Pokémon and Minecraft?
Pokémon Wilds offers a delightfully diverse and ever-changing open world, ensuring that every player enjoys a truly one-of-a-kind adventure.
This fan-made Pokemon game offers a delightful blend of monster collecting, crafting, and open world exploration. It incorporates familiar elements while also presenting a unique experience that sets it apart from any other Pokémon game.
9. Pokémon Phoenix Rising
Discover the uncharted territory of Hawthorne in our latest and greatest fan-made Pokemon game!
Once again, the Pokémon essentials engine has delivered an impressive title that captures the essence of a true RPG game. It goes above and beyond the traditional Pokémon formula, enhancing it with numerous exciting extras that take it to the next level!
The level of intelligence and expertise that the developers have put into creating this game is truly remarkable.
This fan-made Pokemon game on the DS is truly a masterpiece and has the potential to become a flagship Pokémon title in the series.
I could definitely say that about all of these games in this list!
The adventure is filled with exciting Relic Forms and Mega Evolutions, making it a storyline that you definitely don’t want to miss out on! Nintendo should definitely consider recruiting the talented team behind Phoenix Rising as soon as possible!
8. Pokémon Opalo
Speak to any Pokémon Fan game enthusiast, and they will rave about Opalo being a must-have addition to your collection.
Until recently, this fan game was only available in Spanish, limiting its accessibility to non-Spanish speakers.
Now, though, there is an English language translation available for those who prefer not to learn Spanish, making it accessible to a wider audience.
From the picture above, you can see the adorable Ponytas peacefully grazing alongside characters donning cowboy hats, giving this game a delightful cowboy theme.
Featuring new Pokémon, additional levels, and an engaging storyline, this game offers a remarkable depth and substance that rivals that of the mainline Pokémon games.
Players have the opportunity to collect a staggering 928 Pokémon, both existing and new monsters, as they explore the game. Additionally, there are 16 gyms where trainers can put their skills to the test.
7. Pokémon Reborn
This fan-made Pokemon game is often described as being more mature than your typical Pokémon game.
Pokémon Reborn is filled to the brim with content, boasting a staggering collection of over 800 Pokémon. The developers proudly state that it encompasses all the content from Generation 7 and beyond.
Prepare to immerse yourself in this captivating world for more than 60 hours!
This fan-made Pokemon game is known for its intense gameplay, so if you’re looking for a greater challenge, this Pokémon fan game might be right up your alley.
6. Pokémon Uranium
Pokémon Uranium ranks as the 6th best Pokémon game of all time on this list of fan-made Pokemon game.
And you can tell it’s a great one because the team behind it even received a cease and desist letter from Ninty themselves!
Regrettably for Nintendo, the retro gaming community is swift in their ability to download impressive games. By the time the letter arrived at the developer’s doorstep, Pokemon Uranium had already been downloaded over 1.5 million times.
This overwhelming popularity ensures that the game continues to exist, defying any possibility of its disappearance.
It bears a striking resemblance to a typical Pokémon game in many aspects. This title is perfect for those who prefer a more traditional Pokémon experience rather than the newer Pokémon Scarlet/Violet vibes on the Switch.
However, it is disappointing that the developers were unable to deliver all of the promised features.
It would have been absolutely incredible to have the ability to communicate with Pokémon!
5. Pokémon Infinity
Infinity, developed by the creators of Pokémon Obsidian (another highly acclaimed fan game), provides players with a meticulously crafted adventure that spans over twenty hours of gameplay.
This fan-made Pokemon game offers a visually stunning experience with breathtaking design, captivating weather effects, a seamless day and night cycle that adds depth to the world, and an abundance of unique art and animations.
This release is gaining popularity rapidly, becoming a beloved Pokémon fan game among many players. Including it on our list of best fan-made Pokemon game was a no-brainer.
4. Poke MMO
An exciting online multiplayer Pokémon experience that began development in 2012!
Their tagline promotes a sense of inclusivity and encourages social interaction. No kidding… Walking around this vibrant world and seeing usernames above the heads of other characters is truly exhilarating, knowing that there are countless players participating online.
Fan-made Pokemon game, Poke MMO boasts a thriving community that breathes life into its vast world. Feel free to chat, trade, battle, or simply spectate.
With a vast world waiting to be explored, a multitude of Pokémon to capture, and a vibrant community of players to engage with… Poke MMO fulfills the long-standing desires of fans who have been eagerly awaiting this opportunity. Playing Pokémon online with your buddies is a blast!
3. Pokemon Insurgence
Pokémon Insurgence earns a well-deserved spot on our list of top fan-made Pokemon game, and what sets it apart is that it doesn’t require an emulator to play! Simply install the .exe file on your PC and you’re good to go!
I absolutely love Insurgence for the more mature feel to the storyline. I’m referring to a Vice City version that involves cults and devoted followers of Pokemon.
Kind of eerie, isn’t it?
In addition to the theme, this fan-made Pokemon game offers multiple difficulty levels to provide an extra challenge once you’ve completed the main story.
It has always been a bit frustrating with the original games – there was a lack of post-completion content.
Explore, combine, and immerse yourself in all the captivating elements of this thrilling, mysterious narrative.
2. Pokémon Rejuvenation
Yet another fan-made Pokemon game created by the talented team behind Pokémon Reborn.
This fan-made Pokemon game embraces a more lighthearted and animated style, departing from the seriousness of “Reborn”.
Yet another release that is polished and filled with valuable content… “Rejuvenation” provides an extensive gameplay experience with over 100 hours of content, featuring a vast collection of 800+ Pokémon.
Additionally, it is widely praised for its exceptional writing, making it one of the standout fan games in the Pokémon community.
It’s not surprising that this game has earned a top spot on our list of the best Pokémon fan games of the year.
1. Pokémon Xenoverse
Created by a diverse and collaborative group of fifteen individuals from Italy. The original fan-made Pokemon game is in Italian, but it has been translated into English as of 2021.
Xenoverse is a game that has captured the hearts of many with its stunning visuals and immersive gameplay, providing countless hours of entertainment.
“Xenoverse” offers a truly one-of-a-kind Pokémon experience, featuring exceptional story writing and a diverse range of content.
The WEEDle Team has released a total of three DLC packs so far, including the most recent one in December 2021. They have exciting plans for even more DLC packs in the future. In addition, they have plans to implement online play in the near future.
Now is the perfect moment to dive into the adventure and discover the excitement that awaits in Pokémon Xenoverse.
