Pokemon Rainbow Gold

Download Pre-Patched Pokemon Rainbow Gold NDS ROM Hack

• Creator: DARTHBR
• Version: 1.1
• Hack of: HGSS
• Updated: September 4, 2025
• Language: English
• Status: Completed

Pokemon Rainbow Gold is an NDS ROM Hack by DARTHBR based on Pokemon Heart Gold & Soul Silver  in English. And it is now available to download. It was last updated on September 4, 2025.

Prepare to rediscover the magic of Johto and Kanto with Pokémon Rainbow Gold, a ROM hack of Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver!

Description

This passion-driven project elevates these incredible games into what I envision as my perfect Pokémon adventure. This isn’t about simply adding every new quality-of-life feature from later games, or making all 493 Pokémon available. Rainbow Gold focuses on a curated blend of edits, ranging from subtle refinements to substantial new additions, all designed to embody my “dream Pokémon game” and my ultimate vision for these Johto remakes.

I’ve come to realize that many Trainers share my deep affection for HeartGold and SoulSilver, and might truly appreciate the unique vision I’ve brought to these games. While Pokémon Rainbow Gold was crafted primarily for my own enjoyment, by choosing to release it publicly, I’m genuinely excited to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas.

I hope you enjoy exploring the changes I’ve poured into HeartGold and SoulSilver, and perhaps even embarking on your own adventure through Pokémon Rainbow Gold!

Features

Pokemon & Roster

• 493 Catchable Pokémon: All Pokémon obtainable without trading, with in-game evolutions.
• Updated Wild Encounters: Early access to a wider variety of Pokémon previously limited to the post-game or later stages. Examples include:
  • Johto: Pichu, Houndour, Phanpy, Larvitar, Misdreavus, Murkrow, Slugma, Teddiursa, Skarmory, Elekid, Smoochum, Sneasel, and Gligar.
  • Kanto: Pinsir, Scyther, Rhyhorn, Ponyta, Doduo, Cubone, and Exeggcute.
• Restored Legendary & Mythical Events: All legendary and mythical Pokémon events from various generations are restored, including Arceus, Celebi (with GS Ball), Latios & Latias, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, the Lake Trio, Manaphy, Heatran, the Legendary Birds, Groudon, Kyogre, Rayquaza, Shaymin, Rotom, Spiky-eared Pichu, Darkrai, Cresselia, Jirachi, the Regi Trio (plus Regigigas), and Mew.
• Regional Gift Pokémon: Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh starters are spread across the map as gift Pokémon.

Gameplay & Mechanics

• Brand New Revamped Safari Zone: Complete Baoba’s two challenges for full access; no more 90-day waits to catch Pokémon. The Safari Zone is restored to its classic design, without “objects”—simply enter your desired zone and catch Pokémon.
• Hoenn & Sinnoh Sounds: Access to Hoenn and Sinnoh radio channels from the start (Wednesdays for Hoenn, Thursdays for Sinnoh).
• GB Sounds: Classic Game Boy sounds available from the start of the game.
• Evolutions:
  • Espeon & Umbreon: Evolve via Sun Stone and Moon Stone, respectively.
  • Leafeon & Glaceon: Evolve by leveling up near Moss Rock (Viridian Forest) and Ice Rock (Seafoam Islands).
  • Magnetic Field Evolution: Magneton evolves into Magnezone and Nosepass into Probopass by leveling up in a magnetic field zone (Outside Kanto Power Plant).
  • Feebas Evolution: Feebas now evolves based on friendship.
• Shiny Rate: Increased to 1/256 (Shiny Charm equivalent).
• HMs Can Be Forgotten: Delete HMs freely.
• TMs Are Infinite: Use as many times as you like—no more one-time use restrictions!
• IV/EV Check: Hold L for EV and R for IV before opening the Pokémon summary screen.
• Early Fossil Reviver: Available in Goldenrod City (requires 6th badge).
• All Fossils Obtainable.
• New Evolution Stones: Including Link Cord.
• Exp Share: Available from the start of the game.
• Wonder Trade: Available at the GTS station, allowing access to Hoenn and Sinnoh Pokémon on days the radio channels are inactive.
• Revamped In-Game Trades: In-game Pokémon trades have been rebalanced, offering new opportunities to obtain rare Pokémon, such as Feebas in Olivine City.

Trainers & Challenges

• Giovanni Battle: Giovanni can now be battled via time travel.
• Team Rocket Revamp: Uses Pokémon based on TCG cards.
• Improved Trainer Teams: All major battles (Gym Leaders, Elite Four, Rocket Bosses) have enhanced teams (e.g., Bugsy is a true Gym Leader).
• New Trainers & Rematches: Including Cynthia, Steven, Dawn, Lucas, and Riley.
• Expanded Eusine Storyline: Better fills the Suicune event.
• Custom Battle Music: Three new custom tracks for specific battles (Eusine, Cynthia, Steven)

Locations & Quality of Life

• Goldenrod Casino Restored: Based on its Japanese version.
• Casino Shop Revamp: Exchange coins for TMs, Evolution Stones, and even new Pokémon.
• Fixed Level Curve: For both Johto and Kanto regions.
• Sinnoh Stone Vendor: Appears in the Goldenrod Casino after defeating Team Rocket at the Radio Tower.
• Crystal Version Elements Restored: Includes specific trainers on routes and Crystal-exclusive wild Pokémon spawns, such as early morning Phanpy and Teddiursa, Sneasel in Ice Path, and Growlithe/Vulpix on Route 36 (now with the Crystal grass patch, allowing capture before Falkner)

Version Differences

In the Kris version, Lyra (girl) has been replaced by Kris from Pokémon Crystal and the menu palette color.

Changelog

v1.1 – CRITICAL UPDATE!!

Without this update:

Players won’t be able to get the Draco Plate and complete the Arceus event, which prevents them from completing the Pokédex.

Additionally, other dialogues have been fixed, the infinite Insect Plate spawning bug in Viridian Forest has been resolved, and other minor details have been adjusted.

Screenshots

Useful Stuff

Downloads

Mirrors

Credits

DARTHBR