Emerald hack: Pokemon Emerald Destiny [Completed]

[Elie1605]

POKEMON EMERALD DESTINY

Update: v3.0 released on November 9th 2025.


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♦ Introduction

Pokemon Emerald Destiny is a remake of Pokemon Emerald with very little changes to the story.
It is heavily inspired by Buffel Saft amazing work on Inclement Emerald.
However, this is NOT a difficulty rom. It has a similar vibe to my FireRed Eternity rom hack. Only important battles such as Gym Leaders are more difficult than the original game. However, it can be made much more challenging with Strict Level Caps and Hard Mode.
This hack features 558 Pokemon from Gen I to VII, giving it a large choice of Pokémon without being too crowded.
Most importantly, it features numerous QoL changes such as a DexNav, Gen VI Exp. Share, and many more!


♦ Features

○ Main Features

Spoiler:

• All Starters from Gen I to VII
• 558 Pokemon from Gen I to VII all obtainable
• Physical/Special split
• Fairy typing
• Two versions: with and without Mega Evolution
• No Dynamax nor Z-moves
• Moves and Abilities up to Gen VII
• Learnset updated to Gen VII
• EV-based grass: In each area, Pokemon will give you the same EV points for easier EV training
• Macho Brace now multiplies EV by 8
• Improved AI
• Fully decapitalized aside from Dolls (including Battle Tent and Battle Frontier)
• 100 TMs all reusable
• Can use HM field move using a Pokemon from a Gym Leader (no need for your Pokemon to know it)
• Fly can be used from the beginning with no Badge requirement
• Deletable HMs
• Gen VI Exp. Share
• Exp is gained when a Pokémon is captured
• Exp does not depend on your Pokemon's level
• A DexNav that allows to search for Pokemon with good IVs and egg moves
• Day and Night system
• Shiny Chance of 1/1024 (becomes 1/170 with Shiny Charm) and further increases through chain battling with the DexNav
• IV and EV values can be read on the Summary screen (toggle by pressing A on the stats screen)
• EV reducing berries grow faster and give much more yield
• Vitamins increase IVs
• EVs and IVs can be changed by NPC in Fallarbor Town
• Colored stats (according to nature)
• Nature Changer in Slateport City (Costs 5 Oran Berries)
• Ability Pill (to switch abilities) and Ability Patch (for hidden ability)
• Old man in every Pokecenter that is a Move Reminder, Move Deleter, Move Tutor, Name Rater and gives Mystery gifts after completing some parts of the game
• Egg moves and other tutor moves are included in the Move Reminder
• Gen 8 breeding mechanics with Destiny Knot and Everstone
• You can choose between No Caps, Default Caps and Strict Caps settings
• You can choose between Normal and Hard difficulty (can't select Shift battle style and bag is not allowed in battle)
• Both bikes are given in Mauville Bike Shop
• Auto-Run using the L button
• Surf faster by pressing B
• Can sort items in the bag (by pressing Start)
• A Shiny Charm is given when you catch 200 Pokemon and talk to Prof Birch
• 1 Premier Ball given for each 10 Pokeballs you buy (applicable to all kinds of Pokeballs bought)
• Rearranged National Pokedex (evolutions are placed after their corresponding Pokemon)
• Enhanced Pokedex showing stats, evolutions, learnsets and egg moves
• Easier fishing mechanism (skipped the "O A bite!" and the need to press A)
• Pokemon other than Magikarp can be caught with an Old Rod
• Old Rod is given at the start of the game
• New areas (from Inclement Emerald): Verdant Glade, Ashen Woods, Sandstrew Ruins, Dewford Meadow, Seaspray Cave, and more
• Battle Frontier now uses Pokemon from the chosen 574 ones
• Power Items now give 16 EV and stop natural EV gain (from battled Pokemon)
• Evolution through friendship requires a value of 160 instead of 220 (and Friend Balls make friendship start at 150)
• All Pokemon can evolve without trading
• Increased Pickup chance to 20%
• Holding Dusk Stone reduces Exp Gain by 50%
• Pokemon do not jump around in Caves and Water when using the DexNav
• A Pokemon Breeder in the daycare will give you an egg every day
• Gym Leaders can be battled everyday after becoming Champion
• All Pokemon start with 2 perfect IVs
• Gym Leaders can be rematched after beating the Elite Four (no need to wait for them to call)
• Increased probability for normal trainers to ask for rematches and no calls before 5th Badge.
• Can use Honey on the grass to encounter some Pokemon (see Pokedex in documentation)

○ New Items

Spoiler:

Two new items from Inclement Emerald:
- Poké Vial: fully restores your Pokémon and is replenished when you heal at the Pokécenter
- Training Band: multiplies Exp by 5 if the level of the Pokemon holding it is lower by 5 or more than the maximum level in your party

○ Battle changes

Spoiler:

Moves changes:
- Drill Peck: now has a higher critical rate
- Gear Grind: accuracy is now 95% (instead of 85%)
- Poison Jab: now has a higher critical rate
- X-Scissor: now has a higher critical rate

Abilities changes:
- Liquid Voice: now also boosts the power of sound moves by 20%
- Sharpness: boosts cutting moves by 30% (instead of 50%)

Items changes:
- Big Root: HP restored is increased by 50% instead of 30%

○ Pokemon changes

Spoiler:

Typing changes:
- Gothorita & Gothitelle: Psychic/Dark (see Biology description: sad and dark, plus it makes it unique)
- Swablu & Altaria: Fairy/Dragon (looks Fairy and makes it unique)
- Shuppet & Banette: Ghost/Normal (what's more normal than a puppet and a doll ? Plus it makes it unique).
- Ninetales: Fire/Fairy (Has supernatural powers, inspired by a Kitsune, makes it unique).

New Mega Evolutions (inspired from Inclement Emerald):
- Flygon-Mega: Ability Levitate + Compound Eyes (HA)
- Kingdra-Mega: Ability Swift Swim
- Machamp-Mega: Ability Iron Fist
- Milotic-Mega: Ability Multiscale

Evolution Changes (inspired from Inclement Emerald):
- Changes have been made so that Pokémon can evolve without trading
- Some adjustments have been made to evolution levels
- For additional information, check the documentation pdf or the Pokedex in-game

Ability changes:
- Ampharos: Electric surge
- Arbok: Merciless
- Banette: Prankster
- Claydol: Psychic surge
- Dodrio: Moxie & Stamina ("It has three sets of hearts and lungs [...] thus giving it increased endurance to run vast distances without rest")
- Electivire: Electric surge
- Florges: Misty surge
- Flygon: Compoundeyes
- Gallade: Sharpness
- Granbull: Strong Jaw
- Kabutops: Sharpness
- Klinklang: Levitate
- Magmortar: Mega Launcher
- Muk: Regenerator
- Sandslash: Bulletproof & Tough Claws
- Scyther: Sharpness
- Swanna: Serene Grace
- Tropius: Ripen
- Walrein: Fur coat
- Zangoose: Tough Claws

Stats changes:
- Absol: Atk 130 → 120, Sp. Atk 75 → 65, Speed 75 → 95
- Arbok: Sp. Atk 65 → 45, Speed 80 → 110
- Banette: Speed 65 → 85
- Cacturne: HP 70 → 80, Atk 115 → 105, Def 60 → 75, Sp. Atk 115 → 95, Sp. Def 60 → 75
- Camerupt: HP 70 → 90
- Claydol: HP 60 → 80, Atk 70 → 60, Sp. Atk 70 → 75, Speed 75 → 70
- Dodrio: HP 60 → 70
- Flygon: Sp. Atk 80 → 90
- Gogoat: Def 62 → 67, Sp. Atk 97 → 92
- Granbull: Sp. Def 60 → 80
- Klinklang: Sp. Atk 70 → 90
- Lumineon: HP 69 → 78, Atk 69 → 40, Sp. Atk 69 → 88, Speed 91 → 105
- Luxray: HP 80 → 75, Def 79 → 74, Sp. Def 79 → 74, Speed 70 → 85
- Magcargo: HP 60 → 70
- Mawile: HP 50 → 70, Sp. Def 55 → 75
- Octillery: Atk 105 → 65, Def 75 → 95, Sp. Def 75 → 95
- Qwilfish: Def 85 → 80, Sp Def 55 → 65
- Sandslash: HP 75 → 80, Sp. Atk 45 → 40, Sp. Def 55 → 65
- Sceptile: Atk 85 → 100, Sp. Def 85 → 75
- Seviper: HP 73 → 87, Atk 100 → 95, Def 60 → 84, Sp. Atk 100 → 83, Sp. Def 60 → 79, Speed 65 → 60
- Swalot: HP 100 → 110
- Togedemaru: Atk 98 → 108
- Tropius: HP 99 → 105, Atk 68 → 90, Sp Atk 72 → 78

Learnsets changes:
- Ampharos: Added Tail Glow and Flash Cannon.
- Claydol: Added Recover and Power Gem.
- Clefairy: Replaced Double Slap with Disarm Voice and removed Body Slam.
- Emboar: Added Morning Sun.
- Escavalier: Added Leech Life (he's a bug and already knows Giga Drain)
- Gogoat: Added Cut.
- Gyarados: Added Liquidation.
- Klinklang: Added Rapid Spin, Body Press, Body Slam, Extreme Speed, Ion Deluge, Metal Burst, Pursuit, Swords Dance, Thrash, U-turn, Wring Out, and Payback.
- Lumineon: Added Hurricane and Flash Cannon.
- Meganium: Added Dazzling Gleam.
- Ninetales: Added Dazzling Gleam, Charm, Heal Bell, Wonder Room, and Moonblast.
- Ralts: Replaced Heal Pulse with Life Dew.
- Seviper: Removed X-Scissor (it doesn't have any scythes or claws) but added Leech Life.
- Togedemaru: Added Play Rough.
- Tropius: Added Weather Ball.

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☼ Screenshots






≡ Changelog

Spoiler:

Changelog v 3.0:

• Fixed a bug related to Shell Bell healing too much.

Changelog v 2.1:

• Fixed the version number that appears when saving.

Changelog v 2.0:

• Fixed a bug in the WithMegas version only when exiting Pokecenter in Rustboro and Lavaridge (appears to exit from somewhere else)
• Updated Pokémon in Battle Frontier and Battle Tent

Changes compared to Inclement Emerald:

• Decreased difficulty: only Gym Leaders and Elite Four have similar levels to you
• Changed the Caps Modes to: No Caps, Default and Strict
• Decreased the number of Pokemon to 558
• Added a version with no Mega Evolutions
• Added a DexNav
• Made the Exp. Share as it is in Gen VI
• Further improved AI
• Fixed some bugs (Bug Bite, Justified, Stamina, etc.)
• Added a Day and Night system
• Undid some changes to Pokemon, weather behavior, and removed added Abilities
• Added Egg moves and Tutor moves in Move Reminder
• A Shiny Charm is given when you catch 200 Pokemon and talk to Prof Birch
• Increased Pickup chance to 20%
• Holding Dusk Stone reduces Exp Gain by 50%
• Added Rydel giving you the two bikes in Mauville
• Made the Battle Frontier accessible and it now uses Pokemon from the chosen 558 ones
• Can sort items in the bag (by pressing Start)
• Added the possibility to obtain more battle items
• Macho Brace now multiplies EV by 8
• No need for bottle caps for IV training, you pay money instead
• Rearranged National Pokedex (evolutions are placed after their corresponding Pokemon)
• Removed the Berry Blender
• Even more decapitalization

≡ Downloads
Click here: NoMegas or WithMegas for the version of the rom you want. It is a ups patch to be applied on a Pokemon Emerald (U) rom.

Click here for the Documentation. It contains the following: Pokédex, Items locations, Notable NPCs, Gym Leaders and Elite Four levels, Battle Changes, Evolution Changes and a list of FAQ.

► Discord Server
Click here to join the discord server for bug reports and discussions.

► Credits

Spoiler:

Buffel Saft: Inclement Emerald (which I used as a base for this rom hack)
PRET: pokeemerald
Dizzy Egg: Battle Engine, Pokémon Expansion, Item Expansion, nature-coloured stats, higher money cap
RHH: Battle Engine, Pokémon Expansion, Item Expansion
Contributors to the Simple Modifications thread: various small changes
Ghoulslash: dexnav, bag sort, fast surf, medicine reuse, expanded OW IDs, plural giveitem, toggleable auto-run
Camthesaxman: expanded OW IDs
AsparagusEduardo: single purchase TMs, more bag pockets, Pokedex+
TheXaman: Pokedex+
lightbox87: whiteout money
NobodySociety: Fire Red style fishing
Zeturic: wrapping summary screen, move items in summary screen
Lunos: OW poison changes, Gracidea form change
Furret: Music Expansion (HGSS and DPPt tracks)
SamuRH/Xhizy: RHH/PRET intro
Chaos Rush, Mr. Dollsteak, contributors to the DS-Style sprite resources: Pokémon sprites
Skeli: Parental Bond code, which was adapted from the CFRU's source code
Crema: Temtem's "Tem Vial", which inspired the Poké Vial item
Devolov: Gen VI style Exp. Share
Xhyzi: Day and Night system

► FAQ

Spoiler:

How to patch the rom
1. Download a Pokemon Emerald (U) rom
2. Download the ups patch in the Dowloads section.
3. Apply the ups patch on the Emerald rom using NUPS (PC) or Rom Patcher JS (PC or Mobile)

Recommended Emulators:
For Windows : mGBA (should also work on VBA)
For Android : MyBoy (should also work on PizzaBoy)
This game hasn't been tested on physical hardware but it should work.

How can I see my Pokémon's learnset?
In the Pokédex, by using the Up&Down arrows on the Stats page, you can check the egg moves, learnset, TMs and tutor moves.

How to know how to evolve my Pokémon?
In the Pokédex, there is a page that is called Evo that explains it.

How to change my Pokémon's Nature?
You can talk to the Nature Changer in Slateport City.

How to change my Pokémon's Ability?
You can use the Ability Pill to change between normal abilities and the Ability Patch to get the hidden ability.

Where can I find the EV and IV changer?
They are both in Fallarbor Town.

How to use the DexNav?
The DexNav is obtained along with the PokeNav at Rustboro City.
To use it, open the DexNav from the Start Menu, press R on the Pokémon you want to search and then in the wild, press R again to search for it.
A patch of grass (or sand or water) will pop up, and you walk to it to encounter the Pokémon.
When you use the DexNav over and over for the same Pokémon, you can get better IVs and egg moves.
Also, if you have already caught a Pokémon, you can their hidden ability using the DexNav.

How to do a chain using the DexNav?
To do a Chain using the DexNav, you first need to use a Repel.
You need to keep on encountering the same Pokémon using the DexNav and always either kill it or catch it.
The chance of encountering a shiny Pokémon greatly increase when you have a Chain higher than 50 and even more when it is higher than 100.
The chance also increases with the Search Level and if you have the Shiny Charm in your bag.

How to change Rotom's form?
By having Rotom in your party and interacting with the boxes next to Prof Birch in his lab.

How to get the Regi-trio and Regigigas?
To get the Regi-trio you need to proceed as the original game: Relicanth first and Wailord last in your party and use Dig in front of the Braille in Sealed Chamber. This will open the chambers and allow you to catch them.
After that, when you have the Regi-trio in your party, you can battle Regigigas in the Sealed Chamber.

What to do after beating the Elite Four for the 1st time?
- Rematch Gym Leaders
- Rematch Elite Four
- Catch Legendaries
- Battle Steven, Cynthia, Green, Rival, and the rom creator (check the documentation for more details).
- Enjoy the Battle Frontier

What are the in-game trades?
- Rustboro City: Give Gothita → Receive Pawniard
- Dewford Town: Give Steenee → Receive Tropius
- Verdanturf Town: Give Aipom → Receive Smeargle
- Fortree City: Give Shelmet → Receive Karrablast

 

[Kingofclouds190]

this seems promising

 

[Inner Rhymes]

Definitely seems interesting, although with a powerful name like "Emerald Destiny" I low-key expected a good amount of added story content. This does seem like the perfect bridge between those who want a QOL version of Emerald that is reminiscent of what difficulty hacks usually offer but not with overwhelming difficulty like the former mentioned. I will add this to my nuzlocke/monotype list! Thank you for sharing your art!

 

[Elie1605]

Definitely seems interesting, although with a powerful name like "Emerald Destiny" I low-key expected good amount od added story content. This does seem like the perfect bridge between those who want a QOL version of Emerald that is reminiscent of what difficulty hacks usually carry, but not with overhwleming difficulty like the former mentioned. I will add this ot my nuzlocke/monotype list! Thank you for sharing your art!

Haha I got to admit I'm not good with names lol. Thanks for the comment, and I hope you enjoy playing it! Let me know when you do!

 

[blim_mon]

any chance this is playable on iOS?

 

[Inner Rhymes]

any chance this is playable on iOS?

It hsould be playable via the delta emualtor if I recall correctly, just make sure you patch it onto a clean ROM dump.

 

[Elie1605]

any chance this is playable on iOS?

It hsould be playable via the delta emualtor if I recall correctly, just make sure you patch it onto a clean ROM dump.

Let me know if it works fine on the Delta Emulator.

 

[SmolJoltik]

I may have found two potential bugs:

The first is that some warps seem to be set incorrectly. When I leave the Rustboro Pokécenter, I exit from the Rustboro gym. And inside the new section of Petalburg Woods, after going through some of the cave holes and attempting to go back, it takes me to a different cave hole.

The second I'm not so sure of, it's the level caps. I'm playing on Default Caps. After reaching level 16, most of my Pokémon were correctly gaining 1 exp per fainted opponent. But my Grovyle, which was in the first party slot, seemed to gain regular exp from fights? The exp share was turned on.

Besides these, I'm enjoying the hack so far! I'm a fan of the qol features and can't wait to try out the Battle Frontier.

 

[Elie1605]

I may have found two potential bugs:

The first is that some warps seem to be set incorrectly. When I leave the Rustboro Pokécenter, I exit from the Rustboro gym. And inside the new section of Petalburg Woods, after going through some of the cave holes and attempting to go back, it takes me to a different cave hole.

The second I'm not so sure of, it's the level caps. I'm playing on Default Caps. After reaching level 16, most of my Pokémon were correctly gaining 1 exp per fainted opponent. But my Grovyle, which was in the first party slot, seemed to gain regular exp from fights? The exp share was turned on.

Besides these, I'm enjoying the hack so far! I'm a fan of the qol features and can't wait to try out the Battle Frontier.

Hi there, thanks for reporting.
The warp bug in Rustboro was fixed. I released an update this morning.
The warps in Petalburg Woods are meant to be a confusing puzzle that lead to the Macho Brace.

Concerning the level caps, that's intriguing. I will have a look at it.

Glad you're enjoying the hack! :)
Let me know if you find anything else.

 

[ndwogo93]

I am loving this rom hack a lot, but I may have found something that is likely something I am doing wrong, but I can't find any threads detailing my issue. I taught a couple pokemon the moves Rising Voltage and Expanding Force. When I use these attacks in battle I get a message saying 'This move effect is not done yet!' Is there something I can do to fix this? I can share my save file if needed.

 

[Elie1605]

I am loving this rom hack a lot, but I may have found something that is likely something I am doing wrong, but I can't find any threads detailing my issue. I taught a couple pokemon the moves Rising Voltage and Expanding Force. When I use these attacks in battle I get a message saying 'This move effect is not done yet!' Is there something I can do to fix this? I can share my save file if needed.

Oh indeed. I thought I removed them from the learnsets. They shouldn't be available as I did not code them yet. Thanks for the report I'll fix it 🙂

 

[Kazuraba07]

Hey, i know i might be an idiot, but i can't seem to find the NPC that gives the False Swipe TM, i know it's in Rustboro city from the document but i think I've talked to everyone there and still can't find it

 

[Elie1605]

Hey, i know i might be an idiot, but i can't seem to find the NPC that gives the False Swipe TM, i know it's in Rustboro city from the document but i think I've talked to everyone there and still can't find it

He is in the Pokémart in Rustboro city 🙂

 

[Kazuraba07]

He is in the Pokémart in Rustboro city 🙂

Oh my god, thank you so much, it turns out i am an idiot 😅

 

[ndwogo93]

Oh indeed. I thought I removed them from the learnsets. They shouldn't be available as I did not code them yet. Thanks for the report I'll fix it 🙂

No worries!

 

[akelt]

Bro do we have cheat codes for rare candy etc

 

[Elie1605]

Bro do we have cheat codes for rare candy etc

No, I don't have any cheat codes.
If you want to level up fast a weak Pokemon you can use a Training Band which boosts Exp. Points (x5) is their level is low (< 5 than highest in party).

 

[SomeNoobe]

Dumb question but is there anything needed for heatran to appear in scorched slab? Can't find it there :( (playing 1.0 WithMega)

Anyways, love the romhack!! Filling Pokedex rn

 

[Elie1605]

Dumb question but is there anything needed for heatran to appear in scorched slab? Can't find it there :( (playing 1.0 WithMega)

Anyways, love the romhack!! Filling Pokedex rn

Hi there, glad you're loving the romhack!
Yes you need the Magma Stone in order for Heatran to appear in Scorched Slab.

 

[Azathoth666]

Hey Man, I'm really enjoying the game. Reaching out from Brazil because I need help. I'm trying to beat the Elite Four and my whole party is level 85+, but I keep getting defeated. My current team is Charizard, Blastoise, Alakazam, Gyarados, Zapdos, and Diancie. Do you think this team is still too weak? Is there anything I can do?