PokeSouls

Download Pre-Patched PokeSouls GBA ROM Hack

• Creator: Skili
• Version: 1.0
• Hack of: Emerald
• Released: August 25, 2025
• Language: English
• Status: Completed

PokeSouls is a GBA ROM Hack by Skili based on Pokemon Emerald in English. And it is now available to download. It was released on August 25, 2025

Description

This experimental ROM hack fuses the worlds of Pokémon and Dark Souls into a true soulslike Pokémon experience. Drawing inspiration from the challenge, risk-reward mechanics, and resource management of the Souls series, this project reimagines Pokémon’s familiar loop with higher stakes and a darker tone. While the original plan was to create a full Dark Souls-inspired region, this release focuses on delivering core mechanics that transform the way Pokémon is played.

Features

• EXP as Currency: Any EXP earned is automatically converted into money.
• Leveling System: Pokémon only level up at Poké Centers by spending money on EXP at a 1:1 rate.
• Trainer Reset: All defeated trainers reset when healing at a Poké Center or after fainting.
• Defeat Penalty – Trainers: Losing to a trainer causes you to lose all your money. You can reclaim it by defeating the same trainer again.
• Defeat Penalty – Wild Pokémon: Losing to a wild Pokémon also costs all your money, but an item will spawn at the encounter site to recover it.
• Potion Flask System: Instead of Running Shoes, you start with a Potion Flask key item. It has three charges that fully restore your entire party and replenishes when you heal at a Poké Center.

Closing Words

The result is a pokeemerald with unique mechanics, though the world itself remains unchanged and not balanced for them. In my experience, it’s quite fun but also fairly easy. To reiterate, this is just a showcase of the implemented mechanics rather than a full game experience. Any feedback is very welcome! (please visit the pokecommunity thread to submit feedback)

Screenshots

Downloads

Credits

Skili (Creator)

• RHH for pokeemerald-expansion
• pret for pokeemerald
• merrp for the key-item-wheel branch