Welcome to Pokémon: Righteous Red, an enhanced version of the classic Pokémon Red. This ROM hack brings new challenges and exciting features, blending the nostalgia of Generation 1 with fresh twists, new mechanics, and improved gameplay. Whether you are a seasoned player or new to ROM hacks, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started.
Pokémon: Righteous Red
Feature
Details
Game Version
1.3.1 (September 2024)
Base ROM
Pokémon Red
New Mechanics
New moves, typings (Fairy, Steel, Dark), level caps, new Pokémon, item space expansion, improved AI, and more.
Enhanced Difficulty
Trainers, Gym Leaders, and wild Pokémon have been rebalanced for a greater challenge. Expect tougher battles and new twists on familiar paths.
It’s a large-scale ROM hack of Pokémon Red designed to improve everything from Pokémon stats and moves to overall gameplay and difficulty.
What are the main differences?
The game features rebalanced Pokémon stats, new moves, and typings (including Dark, Steel, and Fairy types), expanded item management, new areas, and a built-in level cap that maintains difficulty throughout your journey.
Can I catch all 151 Pokémon?
Yes, every Pokémon from Generation 1 is available, along with new additions and alternate evolutions for some species.
Pokémon: Righteous Red Gens
Although based on Pokémon Red, Righteous Red integrates features and Pokémon from multiple generations. Dark, Steel, and Fairy types have been introduced, alongside new moves from later games, providing a modernized experience while preserving the nostalgic feel.
Pokémon: Righteous Red Wiki
Feature
Details
Game Version
1.3.1 (September 2024)
Base ROM
Pokémon Red
New Mechanics
New moves, typings (Fairy, Steel, Dark), level caps, new Pokémon, item space expansion, improved AI, and more.
Enhanced Difficulty
Trainers, Gym Leaders, and wild Pokémon have been rebalanced for a greater challenge. Expect tougher battles and new twists on familiar paths.
Catchable Pokémon
All 151 original Pokémon, plus additional species and forms not seen in Generation 1. Trade evolutions now occur through level-up.
Built-in Level Cap
Aligns with the highest-level Gym Leader’s Pokémon to maintain difficulty balance.
Item Improvements
New key items, expanded item capacity, and reusable TMs and HMs.
Graphical Enhancements
Updated sprites and colors for many Pokémon, including iconic changes like Voltorb and Electrode now appearing red.
Bug Fixes
Issues from earlier releases have been resolved, including TM distributions, missing attacks for certain Pokémon, and item compatibility.
Pokémon: Righteous Red HMs
Pokémon: Righteous Red streamlines Hidden Machines (HMs) by making them accessible directly from the overworld. Once obtained, HMs like Cut, Fly, and Surf don’t need to be taught to a Pokémon, allowing for greater team flexibility.
Pokémon: Righteous Red TMs
The Technical Machines (TMs) in Righteous Red have been reworked for balance and versatility. Many TMs now contain new moves, including some from later generations. TMs are reusable, giving players the freedom to experiment with different strategies.
Pokémon: Righteous Red Cheats
For players looking to customize their experience or speed through the game, Pokémon: Righteous Red offers various cheat options:
Unlimited Rare Candies – Easily raise your team’s level.
Infinite Master Balls – Catch any Pokémon without fail.
Walk Through Walls – Explore hidden areas and bypass barriers.
These cheats can be activated using GameShark codes or in-built tools if you’re playing on an emulator.
Pokémon: Righteous Red Walktrough
The journey begins in Pallet Town and follows a familiar path, but with several new routes and twists. Here’s a quick overview of key locations:
Route 21 – Early Encounter Tips
Head south across the new route to Cinnabar Island for your first badge. Keep an eye out for strong encounters along the way.
Cinnabar Island – First Gym Battle
Your first Gym Leader is Blaine, the Fire-type master. Explore the Pokémon Mansion to find the key needed to challenge him.
Celadon City – Hub of Kanto
Celadon City remains a central hub, offering valuable upgrades at the department store, new encounters, and the infamous Rocket Hideout.
Saffron City – Rocket Showdown
Clear out Team Rocket from Silph Co., defeat Giovanni, and earn the Master Ball. Then, face the formidable Psychic-type Gym Leader, Sabrina.
Pokémon: Righteous Red Map
The layout of Kanto has been slightly altered to introduce new paths and areas. Key locations such as Pallet Town, Celadon City, and Cinnabar Island remain, but expect new routes and hidden regions that add to the exploration aspect of the game.
Pokémon: Righteous Red Gyms & Gym Leaders
Each Gym Leader in Righteous Red has received a strategic overhaul. Expect tougher battles and new move sets for their Pokémon. Here’s a quick guide to the Gym Leader roster:
Blaine – Fire-type, located in Cinnabar Island.
Lt. Surge – Electric-type, located in Vermillion City.
Giovanni – The final Gym Leader, and leader of Team Rocket, located in Viridian City.
Pokémon: Righteous Red Pokedex
In Pokémon: Righteous Red, all original 151 Pokémon are catchable, and some now evolve differently, removing the need for trades. Some Pokémon also feature updated moves and abilities, making them more viable in battle. The inclusion of modern typings like Fairy and Steel has added new strategies and synergies.
Notable Changes:
Gengar can now learn Thunderbolt via level-up.
Jynx has Lovely Kiss and Night Shade upon capture.
