Emerald hack: Pokémon Emerald Horizons - Emerald Difficulty Hack [Complete, v1.16 ft. New Rocket Storyline, Boss Gauntlet, Gen 1-8, Side Quests, and QoL features]

[BrandonXL]

Hello! just downloaded the game and I currently at 3 badges! I'm enjoying the game so far and I would like to thank you for making this game!

After reading more about the game, I saw that there are some pokemons that are not obtainable and one of them is my favorite mythical. So, I'd like to ask if these pokemons will soon be added or will have a special way to obtain or are there no plans to add them in whatsoever?

I'm working on what I'm hoping is the last major update, which should incorporate the remaining bunch in some way. At the very least, a handful will definitely be present in the next update!

 

[AllFiery]

I'm working on what I'm hoping is the last major update, which should incorporate the remaining bunch in some way. At the very least, a handful will definitely be present in the next update!

Oooh! that's wonderful! Please don't rush it and take all the time you need for it.
Though, may I ask if there's gonna be a next project after the update?

 

[BrandonXL]

Hi, everyone; just sharing that update v1.12 is out now. Actually, v1.12 was supposed to be the last update, but since I'm getting my Achilles repaired, I probably won't be able to sit by my computer for a bit. In other words, this version is not final, but should be compatible with a future update. Quests 48-50 are included in the quest log and will be active in the future. This update adds some bugfixing and a new batch of legendaries for players who complete some new questlines. Here are some photos from the new content which is now available.

As always, looking forward to sharing good news in the (hopefully near) future regarding a final update, which should be inclusive of the Battle Frontier and all the remaining mons I had left out originally. Thanks! :)

Oooh! that's wonderful! Please don't rush it and take all the time you need for it.
Though, may I ask if there's gonna be a next project after the update?

Definitely! But it'll be like 2-3 years down the line since I'm hoping to do an original region, which would take an extraordinary amount of time.

 

[lxh111230]

Absolutely horrible edition of pokemon. The guy curbed the difficulty with Archen in the 1st gym in 2024, with pokemon armed to the teeth. This makes the game really unenjoyable for me. Hope most players would see how ridiculous this is and just stop.

 

[JamesNorritom]

BrandonXL my man ur hack is so damn amazing!! Thanks for the hard work bro!

 

[hoopyfreud]

Hi, everyone; just sharing that update v1.12 is out now. Actually, v1.12 was supposed to be the last update, but since I'm getting my Achilles repaired, I probably won't be able to sit by my computer for a bit. In other words, this version is not final, but should be compatible with a future update. Quests 48-50 are included in the quest log and will be active in the future. This update adds some bugfixing and a new batch of legendaries for players who complete some new questlines. Here are some photos from the new content which is now available.

As always, looking forward to sharing good news in the (hopefully near) future regarding a final update, which should be inclusive of the Battle Frontier and all the remaining mons I had left out originally. Thanks! :)


Definitely! But it'll be like 2-3 years down the line since I'm hoping to do an original region, which would take an extraordinary amount of time.

Thank you so much!!!

Any chance you could update my save again?

 

[loj]

I'm hoping to do an original region

I'm looking forward to it. I've always wanted more difficulty hacks set in new regions, particularly with modern anti-grind.

 

[Feef2332]

Hi, everyone; just sharing that update v1.12 is out now. Actually, v1.12 was supposed to be the last update, but since I'm getting my Achilles repaired, I probably won't be able to sit by my computer for a bit. In other words, this version is not final, but should be compatible with a future update. Quests 48-50 are included in the quest log and will be active in the future. This update adds some bugfixing and a new batch of legendaries for players who complete some new questlines. Here are some photos from the new content which is now available.

As always, looking forward to sharing good news in the (hopefully near) future regarding a final update, which should be inclusive of the Battle Frontier and all the remaining mons I had left out originally. Thanks! :)


Definitely! But it'll be like 2-3 years down the line since I'm hoping to do an original region, which would take an extraordinary amount of time.

Hi where can i download it

 

[Sergio900]

What are the odds shiny hunting with the dexnav? I just started playing and still in route 102 for 3 hours trying to shiny hunt 😵‍💫 @BrandonXL

 

[chrispy97]

Is their a link to this game? Didn't see one

 

[soya_lexxd]

Pokémon Emerald Horizons v1.12​

Introduction
If you want to skip me pouring my heart out, you can go to the Features section followed by the Documentation and Patch section.
Pokémon has always been at the forefront of my hobbies. When I was younger, I loved crafting teams for different Gym Leaders, Elite Four members, and really any Trainer that could be designated as a "boss battle." The idea of creating a game of my own was never really a thing until I played games like Pokémon Unbound (skeli, ghoul), Radical Red (soupercell), and Inclement Emerald (Buffel Saft). These hacks are among what I consider the best Pokémon experiences. My love for these games centers around a few commonalities: these games all feature a diversity in Pokémon you can obtain, these games are all on a sophisticated, modern battle engine, and - most importantly - they all offer a considerable degree of challenge, further showcased in their brilliant boss battles. The concept of "boss battles" never really stopped appealing to me, and I knew that after playing these games that I wanted to create my own game as well. Given the vast amount of resources selflessly created by this community (in particular, RHH, DizzyEgg, and PRET), I set out to create a game with a few key principles in mind:

• Difficult, but fair. On a scale of 1-10, with vanilla being a 1 and Radical Red being a 10, I would say this game sits at a 6.
• Feature alignment with modern entries in the series
• Streamlining the player experience

Specifically related to point three, while I do find enjoyment in competitive battling, I could never really find enjoyment in worrying about EV training, maxing out IVs, or catching a Pokémon with the optimal nature. Similarly, the need to grind tirelessly for experience is something I doubt the average player would enjoy.
The project was designed so that the player can quickly achieve what they want to do from a teambuilding perspective while still holding them accountable with an enhanced difficulty.
While the game adds a considerable amount of new features, the game's primary identity is a difficulty hack.
To be frank, I wanted to make the type of Hoenn experience that I would be satisfied playing. While the game mostly follows the vanilla Emerald storyline, you'll find new Trainers to battle and new things to do!
In consideration of the above, I am proud to share with the community Emerald Horizons, my Emerald difficulty hack.

Features
Many of the features below are either inherent in the RHH's pokeemerald-expansion branch or possible due to the tireless work of the contributors in the Simple Modifications Directory (credited at the bottom of the post)!
The key features of this game include:

• Difficulty Related: Set Mode, Level Caps, and Disabled Battle Bag
• Most Gen 1-8 Pokémon are obtainable, including Hisuian forms
• Modern Battle Engine, with Fairy-Type, Mega Evolution, Updated Moves, and Physical/Special Split
• Loads of optional boss battles, with 8 Kanto Gym Leaders, 8 Johto Gym Leaders, and a few miscellaneous bosses who reward valuable items
• Exp. All
• Bosses and mid/late game Trainers scale to or relative to your strength, so grinding/overleveling isn't a factor
• Updated move animations, courtesy of Skeli and ghoulslash
• No EVs/IVs/Natures factored into stats
• 80 TMs, with about 50% vanilla TMs and 50% custom TMs
• Ghoulslash's DexNav (12 unique land/5 unique surf/5 unique fishing encounters); hold A to creep!
• PSF's Quest Menu UI, with 45 Side Quests to Complete
• Buffel's Poké Vial implementation
• Ghoul's Item Description Headers
• Badge-Based Poké Marts
• HMs don't need to be taught
• Original Team Rocket storyline!
• Level Cap Window updates as you progress
• No more annoying fishing minigame
• BW Repel System
• Unlimited use TMs/Forgettable HMs
• Nicknaming and Move Relearning in Party Screen
• Decapitalization
• Slateport City Level Grinder to quickly hit Level Cap
• Linking Cord for most trade related evolutions
• Post-Game Boss Rush Mode
• 2.5x Lucky Egg
• Premier Ball Bonuses
• No poison damage in the overworld

Level Caps, as with most games, are tied to badges. You can see the Level Cap in game by pressing Start, but they're below for reference:

Spoiler:

• 0 Badges - 15
• 1 Badge - 25
• 2 Badges - 36
• 3 Badges - 48
• 4 Badges - 54
• 5 Badges - 68
• 6 Badges - 80
• 7 Badges - 90
• 8 Badges - No Cap

As noted above, while most Gen 1-8 Pokémon are obtainable, certain species can not be caught in the game. This primarily pertains to Legendary/Mythical Pokémon. The list of currently unobtainable Pokémon is below.

Spoiler:

Mew, Celebi, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Phione, Manaphy, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Hoopa, Volcanion, Magearna, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Type: Null, Silvally, Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, Tapu Fini, Nihilego, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, Xurkitree, Celesteela, Kartana, Guzzlord, Stakataka, Blacephalon, Marshadow, Zeraora, Meltan, Melmetal, Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, Regieleki, Regidrago, Zarude, Glastrier, Spectrier, Calyrex, and Enamorus

Screenshots

Documentation and Patch
I've created a repository to access both documentation related to the game and the patch itself.
Documentation consists of an encounter sheet for all locations, the evolution.h file, and an item guide.
I am a strong advocate for playing the game blind, but they are available for those who are searching for a particular thing.
As for trainer documentation, I do not currently have any intention to create anything of that nature. I think part of the challenge is not knowing what to expect.
However, if upon feedback there is a desire for such a thing, it may happen in the future.
You can access the folder and download the patch HERE.
I use Floating IPS to patch, but any patcher should do the trick just fine. You'll also need to have an 1986 - Pokémon Emerald (Trashman) ROM.

Hall of Fame
Below are the final teams that cleared the Elite Four from the community!
I hope to continue populate this more with runs completed by community members (seriously, send your teams)!

Runs:

Additional Hall of Fame Entries
Since there is a limit to the amount of images I can have on a single post, as well as a need to not clutter the main post, I've consolidated entries into a singular image and put them in spoilers. However, this is the best way to still have everyone's teams! Teams are arranged in order of receipt, with the pictures above being reflective of the most recent clears.

Spoiler:

Entries No. 1-30

Spoiler:

Entries No. 31-Ongoing

Spoiler:

Run statistics can be found here.

FAQs

• Hidden Abilities are obtained either via DexNav or using an Ability Patch, which comes after a certain amount of badges
• While you'll see a Nature in the Summary Screen, I promise you it is not calculated into your overall stats!
• Some movesets have been adjusted accordingly. For example, Tyranitar can relearn Dragon Dance. This is to avoid the need to grind out egg moves.
• As a caveat to the above, it is important to note that not all egg moves were added to learnsets.
• Certain Pokémon received "buffs" or "nerfs" in their movesets/learnsets, but nothing major has been changed.
• If you don't know how to evolve it, chances are you just need a Linking Cord.
• To Mega Evolve, hit the Start button before selecting a move.
• There is no way to turn off Exp. All, as this ensures your team scales in accordance with the game's difficulty.
• The Isle of Armor is north of Pacifidlog.

Credits
(If I missed anyone, please let me know immediately)!
PRET - pokeemerald
DizzyEgg - Battle Engine, Pokémon Expansion
RHH - pokeemerald-expansion
galaxeeh - Cyrus Trainer Sprite
ghoulslash - DexNav, Item Description Headers, Move Animations, contributing to original Quest Menu
StargazaART - Title Screen and Diantha Trainer! Seriously, check their Twitter! Fantastic work and person to work with.
skeli - Move Animations, contributing to original Quest Menu
PSF - Quest Menu
RavePossum - Port of BSBob's Map Popups; Battle BGs
BSBob - Map Popups
Spherical Ice - Ruins of Alph Puzzles
TheXaman - Debug menu for incredibly fast testing
Lunos - Exp. All
PokemonCrazy - Type Effectiveness in Battle
Buffel Saft - Poké Vial
Black User - Poké Pager banner implementation
Clara-Dragon - Original Ultra Wormhole Sprite
Poffin Case and Kyle Dove - Leon Trainer Sprite
kumquat - Alder RSE composition
Wobb and Aveontrainer - Cynthia Overworld
TravisComm - Maxie Back Sprite, Archie Back Sprite
Kaneblaise - Cynthia Trainer Sprite
Christopher "Nova" Foss - Miror B. Midi Arrangement
Aveontrainer - Gen 2 Gym Leaders and HGSS Team Rocket sprites, and NUMEROUS OWs.
Contributors of Simple Modifications Directory/pokeemerald Tutorials, including AsparagusEduardo, HunarPG, Lunos, Tyler Scarff, and more - Numerous QOL features
The kind RHH community - AsparagusEduardo, PCG06, Salem, Lunos, DizzyEgg, SBird, Archie, MGriffin, shinydragonhunter, Grunt Lucas, and anyone else I've had to bother for help

Where would the Rom hack download link be? I can't seem to find it and I would love to try this.

 

[Soraftw23]

Thank you so much for all your hard work, I had a blast =]

 

[soya_lexxd]

Thank you so much for all your hard work, I had a blast =]

How did you played the rom hack? I can't find the download link

 

[Soraftw23]

How did you played the rom hack? I can't find the download link

In the original post go to the documentation and patch section, click on the link he has provided where he says "HERE".
This will take you to a google drive page and you want to download the .bps file
Patch that to a clean emerald rom (it will say "trashman" in parentheses) using https://www.marcrobledo.com/RomPatcher.js/

 

[clecavs2]

Is there a way I can edit the game to add back in EVs and IVs factoring into stat changes?

 

[JohnnyWalker]

Firstly I wanted to say thank you so much for this! I played many rom hacks over the years and this was by far my favorite! Not having nature/ev/ivs made things so much nicer. Just catch a mon, and no need to worry about all the bs! I loved the variety of pokemon, so many cool ones available! I loved the quests, especially the other region gym leaders for items and megastones. I could go on and on and on, it was simply awesome! I had a world of fun, thank you so much!
I attached my e4 team, was pretty OP :P
I don't know if you're thinking about making a new game, or new version of this but I'll follow your new releases! I convinced two of my friends to play it. Again, thank you so much was really a pleasure to play!

 

[BrandonXL]

Hi everyone!
It's been a little over a year since I released the first iteration of Emerald Horizons; the game has changed significantly since then with a whole swath of new features and storylines.
Today, I am releasing my final planned major update for this project, v1.13. This adds the Battle Tower, Factory, and Palace (all in the now accessible Battle Frontier) as well as the ability to spend hard-earned Battle Points on the remaining Legendaries and Mythicals. It also has a good amount of bug improvement and cleanup here and there. I will still answer questions as needed, update the HoF, and update the game to address bugs/discrepancies if/as needed, but I am really hoping this is my last update (in a good way)!

Honestly, it's been such a joy to share this project with everyone in the community. Whether you hated or loved it, I'm grateful to everyone who gave this a try. Thank you from the bottom of my heart :)
As for next plans, I think I'm going to wait until 2025 to begin the next project; that'll take quite a long time, but I'm hoping I can share it with you all when the time comes. <3

 

[hoopyfreud]

Hi everyone!
It's been a little over a year since I released the first iteration of Emerald Horizons; the game has changed significantly since then with a whole swath of new features and storylines.
Today, I am releasing my final planned major update for this project, v1.13. This adds the Battle Tower, Factory, and Palace (all in the now accessible Battle Frontier) as well as the ability to spend hard-earned Battle Points on the remaining Legendaries and Mythicals. It also has a good amount of bug improvement and cleanup here and there. I will still answer questions as needed, update the HoF, and update the game to address bugs/discrepancies if/as needed, but I am really hoping this is my last update (in a good way)!

Honestly, it's been such a joy to share this project with everyone in the community. Whether you hated or loved it, I'm grateful to everyone who gave this a try. Thank you from the bottom of my heart :)
As for next plans, I think I'm going to wait until 2025 to begin the next project; that'll take quite a long time, but I'm hoping I can share it with you all when the time comes. <3

Thank you so much!!! This is the best pokemon game I have ever played. And I hope you're feeling better soon, if you aren't already.

Sorry to bug you about this again, but is there a chance you could update my save from 1.11b?

 

[clecavs2]

Hi everyone!
It's been a little over a year since I released the first iteration of Emerald Horizons; the game has changed significantly since then with a whole swath of new features and storylines.
Today, I am releasing my final planned major update for this project, v1.13. This adds the Battle Tower, Factory, and Palace (all in the now accessible Battle Frontier) as well as the ability to spend hard-earned Battle Points on the remaining Legendaries and Mythicals. It also has a good amount of bug improvement and cleanup here and there. I will still answer questions as needed, update the HoF, and update the game to address bugs/discrepancies if/as needed, but I am really hoping this is my last update (in a good way)!

Honestly, it's been such a joy to share this project with everyone in the community. Whether you hated or loved it, I'm grateful to everyone who gave this a try. Thank you from the bottom of my heart :)
As for next plans, I think I'm going to wait until 2025 to begin the next project; that'll take quite a long time, but I'm hoping I can share it with you all when the time comes. <3

Can you put in an option for the last update that has natures, IVs and EVs with factoring into stats for those that want it?

 

[BrandonXL]

Thank you so much!!! This is the best pokemon game I have ever played. And I hope you're feeling better soon, if you aren't already.

Sorry to bug you about this again, but is there a chance you could update my save from 1.11b?

Hoopy, first off, thank you so much for the constant support and kind words. I hope you understand how far those go and they really mean a lot.
Now, the bad news: basically, by adding in a bunch of new key items pockets, the saveblock got modified, meaning it is no longer compatible with older versions. In prior iterations, the versions were "compatible," but you might've missed some triggers/events/etc. This update actually breaks older saves; if you created a copy of your save and tried to load into 1.13, the game wouldn't even function properly. I sincerely apologize for this :/

Can you put in an option for the last update that has natures, IVs and EVs with factoring into stats for those that want it?

I could create a separate patch for you if that's what you wish; the only thing is that the enemy teams haven't been updated to have EVs/perfect IVs, nor are there mechanisms to change natures or expedite EV training. But again, I don't mind creating a patch just for your playthrough.