FireRed hack: Pokémon Radical Red (VERSION 4.1 RELEASED! Gen 9 DLC Pokemon, Character Customization now available!)

[soupercell]

Join the Discord server for updates, bug reports, discussion, and more!

Intro
I've been playing Pokémon ROM hacks since I was a kid, starting with Quartz, Ruby Destiny Reign of Legends, and Shiny Gold, all of which helped spiral my obsession, making me a long-time lurker in the community. Although I have made attempts to make one myself, I simply lacked the knowledge or dedication to make anything happen. Now, around 10-12 years later, seeing how far ROM hacking has advanced and with more confidence in my skills, I've decided to revisit developing my own ROM hack.

Fire Red enhancement hacks are definitely a dime a dozen these days, so you're probably wondering what this hack has to offer. I personally enjoy difficulty hacks the most, which is why I consider ROM hacks like Clover and Vega to be the two best ones out there.

This hack is at its core a difficulty hack, but with massive additional features added to help you navigate through this game's difficulty.
If I had to draw a comparison it'd be quite similar to Drayano60's enhancement hacks, which provide access to nearly all the Pokemon while also adding relevant buffs to make all sorts of different Pokémon and playstyles viable, but with an insane amount of quality of life features added that also make many gruesome tasks far less tedious.

This is a joint project with me and a friend koala4; although I've handled pretty much everything on the technical side he's assisted me immensely in balancing, giving suggestions, doing the wild Pokemon locations for the most part, testing, and more.

Features
This hack utilizes the Complete FireRed Upgrade engine (!!!!) and Dynamic Pokemon Expansion built by Skeli789, Ghoulslash, and others. It's responsible for most of the significant features in the hack; I'll list the important ones below.

Provided by CFRU and DPE

Spoiler:

• Physical/Special split + Fairy Typing
• All Pokémon up to Gen 8 obtainable (with some exceptions, see further down)
• Moves up to Gen 8, including some of the Isle of Armor DLC moves!
• Updated Pokémon sprites
• Mega Evolution
• Abilities up to Gen 8
• All important battle items (with some exceptions)
• Raid Battles
• Reusable TMs
• Expanded TM list
• Additional move tutors
• EV Training Gear
• Ability popups during battle
• Gen 8 Exp Share
• Hidden Abilities
• Day and Night
• DexNav, which allows you to search for Pokemon with hidden abilities and other neat things!
• Even faster turbo speed (!!!)
• Abilities like Magma Armor have field effects like recent Gens
• Destiny Knot, Everstone have updated breeding mechanics
• ... and more!

Additional Features
Do keep in mind many of these are also provided by CFRU.

Spoiler:

• Much higher difficulty
  
  • Bosses have max IVs with proper EV spreads (barring the early bosses), along with optimized movesets/hold items
    
  • Improved AI
    
  • Battle style forced to Set
    
  • Can't access bag against Gym Leaders and other select bosses
    
  • Similar to Pokemon Clover, there is a soft level cap based on the next boss battle. Many "challenge" hacks can easily be beaten by simply spamming turbo boost and overlevelling. This prevents you from doing so, instead allowing you to reevaluate your team and strategy to defeat bosses.
    
  • Bosses near the end will randomly choose between 1 of 3 teams
    
  • Elite Four Members each have a Legendary
    
  • Gym Leaders have access to Mega Evolution before you do
    
  • Some optional side bosses will have their levels scale according to your team
    
  • Johto Gym Leaders as additional side bosses(Some mandatory, but mostly optional)
    
  • Brendan as an additional Rival
    
  • Archer and Ariana present as Admins
    
  • Thief/Magician won't steal from trainers
    
  • An additional Team Rocket event right before the 8th gym
    
• My own curated buffs to a lot of deserving Pokémon, including Megas!
  
  • May include type changes, stat changes, ability changes, an additional learnsets
• Brand new abilities (Some taken from Clover, others exclusive to this game)
• A revamped Game Corner
  
  • No more coins/Coin Case, just exchange with regular Pokecoins
    
  • Sells pseudo legends for a steep price, with options to upgrade to Shiny
    
  • Sells even more TMs
    
• IV grade and colored natures on Summary Screen
• An IV perfecter in Celadon for a very steep price
• EV checker/reducer in Saffron
• An ability swapper also in Saffron, along with an option to swap to Hidden Ability in exchange for an item
• EV training areas with its corresponding EV training gear
• Move relearner moved to Cerulean
• Move tutor that teaches Egg moves
• Additional Legendaries obtainable before the Elite Four:
  
  Spoiler:

  Virizion, Cobalion, Terrakion, Keldeo.
  Roamers: Raikou, Suicune, Entei, Landorus, Thundurus, Tornadus, Latios, Latias, Victini, Meloetta
• Unobtainable Pokemon as of Version 3.0:
  Spoiler:

  Regigigas
  Lugia Ho-Oh Groudon
  Rayquaza Dialga Palkia Giratina
  Reshiram Zekrom Kyurem-Black Kyurem-White
  Xernas Yveltal
  Zacian Zamazenta Eternatus Calyrex forms
  Deoxys Darkrai
  Arceus Marshadow
• Gym leaders may ask for rematches or side quests for their Mega Stones and other rewards
• Day care south of Cerulean now can hold two Pokemon allowing for earlier breeding
• ... and more!

Quality of Life changes

Spoiler:

Thanks to CFRU:

• No need to teach HMs (Even Dig and Teleport show up as Field Moves if you have the TM and a Pokemon that is capable of learning it - does not need to be taught!)
• Use DexNav to easily get a specific encounter you want, in addition to a chance of getting Egg Moves, better IVs, Hidden Abilities, and higher Shiny odds!
• Press Start in the bag to sort items
• Use L to pull up the skills menu, where you can use Auto Run, Time Changer (in game time changer so you can get both day and night encounters/evolutions with ease), Infinite Repel, and PokeVial (From Inclement Emerald, a portable Pokemon Center!)
• Can select multiple key items
• Press L on a move you're using in battle to check its info
• Toggleable Gen 6 Exp Share
• Pokemon receive boosted EXP when above 220 points of affection
• Item Image on obtain
• Base stats on Pokedex summary screen
• Press B on the Bike gives a boost
• Removed Poison damage in OW

Other significant QOL improvements:

• Lucky Egg boost increased from 1.5x to 2.5x
• A Nature Changer in every Pokemon Center!
• Frisk now boosts chance of Wild Pokemon holding items(along with Super Luck and CompoundEyes) for maximum item farming efficiency
• Macho Brace EV multiplier boosted from 2x to 4x (16x after becoming Champion)
• Power Item EV Yield boosted from 8 to 24 (They give 252 EVs after becoming Champion)
• Consumable held items come back after trainer battles (but not wild or raid battles)
• Pokemon holding Amulet Coin do not need to participate in battle in order to receive the prize money boost
• Thiefed items go straight to the bag
• Shadow Tag/Arena Trap on Wild Pokemon no longer prevents the player fleeing from battle
• Magma Armor/Steam Engine/Flame Body now reduce egg steps by 4x instead of 2x
• Macho Brace/EV training items reduce speed by slightly less
• Catch rate universally increased after becoming Champion
• Significantly reduced the price of Potions (Potion->Full Restore, Revives, Paralyz Heal, etc) as they have much less use in this game. Price of Repels have also been reduced.
• Eviolite prevents your Pokemon from evolving (like Everstone)

Screenshots (some screenshots may be outdated...)

GIFs:

Download Release Version 4.0
DOWNLOAD/PATCH INSTRUCTIONS:
You can easily patch Radical Red using our online patcher which Karthik has provided (original patcher from here) . Simply supply a 1636 Pokemon Fire Red Squirrels ROM and choose a version to receive a patched Radical Red ROM. If you don't see 4.1 on the Radical Red patcher you probably need to clear your browser cache.

Other patching resources if the above option does not work:

Spoiler:

Tutorial
Video Tutorial:

Another alternative patcher you can use for mobile or Mac users can be found here.

After patching, you should have a .gba file that you can open with an emulator to play. You can play on mGBA or VBA if you are on Windows, openEmu if you are on Mac, myBoy if you're on Android, and gba4IOS if you are on iOS. I'm not too familiar with getting this to work on real hardware (although it IS compatible with real hardware) so you'd have to look at other resources to get that set up.

This is playable up until the first E4 challenge, along with some post-game events. Please do look at the known bugs before playing! Anything from 2.0 forward is compatible with any foreseeable future releases
Please keep in mind this game is still in Beta, post-game, more content and bug fixes are planned in the future

A little guide on the difficulty options..

Spoiler:

Hardest to Easiest

• Hardcore Mode goes without saying this is the hardest mode; there is some consideration made for the player (hence the presence of Min Grinding Mode) but it's filled with a lot of unfair obstacles and silly team compositions.
• Restrict Mode prevents you from using a lot of the broken team compositions/set-up cheese, so it's a bit harder than normal RR without the Hardcore ridiculousness
• Restrict Mode + Min Grinding much less grindy than the above option while also making the early game-mid game much easier. Probably the preferable option if you're streaming a nuzlocke.
• Normal RR a little grindy but it's what I originally envisioned :) and you can use a lot of the broken Pokemon to its full potential, so that's always fun
• Min Grinding ModeIf you just want to play RR without the grind but still keep a bit of the challenge, then this is it. Another option if you're streaming a nuzlocke but don't like the restrictions of Restricted Mode. Game is overall slightly easier than normal RR since you're on a much more even playing field.
• Easy Mode This is actually potentially easier than Easy Mode + Min Grinding Mode since you can use EVs to your advantage (as Boss pokemon won't have them), although the early game is slightly more difficult & most people playing this game mode won't bother with optimizing EVs. I will stress Easy Mode is still more difficult than vanilla games and your traditional ROM hack.
• Easy Mode + Min Grinding Mode Pretty much allows you to play Min Grinding Mode while also being able to use items and Switch Mode. The early game is also a lot easier here as opposed to normal Easy Mode

Changelogs
Changelog up to 3.1
Known Bugs
THIS GAME DOES NOT WORK WITH ECLIPSE.
Incompatible with PizzaBoy, Eclipse, Twilight Menu. Tested to perform fine on: mGBA, VBA, OpenEmu, myBoy, JohnGBA
PLEASE DO NOT REPORT BUGS IF YOU USED CHEATS. This should be self explanatory, but... using cheats will impact your games in many ways and will lead to bugs that would not have happened otherwise.

Radical Red Showdown Server
Want to fight against others in a Radical Red environment? Now you can with the RR Showdown Server!

Spoiler:

Developed by Pacmanboss256 (RRSH head dev), Karthik, Budget Cyro and Aegide!

Karthik's Custom Calc
This is a showdown calculator developed by karthik with the updated stats and abilities of all the Radical Red Pokémon

RR Showdown Discord Server Link
This server will serve the purpose of keeping you up to the date with the current tier changes and any updates related to the showdown server. But you will not be able to talk in here, make sure to use #showdown in the RR server for all showdown related talk

Hall of Fame
Version 2

Spoiler:

Version 1

Spoiler:

Koala4 (cocreator)

Xan (Tester)

kururu

Ghabra (Tester)

Datudou x3

To you, 2000 years later x2

Erik Thorn

ablahblah987 x2

Etsen x2

Burger-Meister

WyrmCzar

Goomyboi

SevenChurches

shinysamuraisamurott

alarm153 x2

Trains

Darkar

matty boi

Officer12

Setsuna

nkfishere

Lowkey7ft4

ShadowKirbae

Hail

Darth Scrub

alvarosrodrigues

KledOnMushroomJuice

dad

Credits

Spoiler:

Complete Fire Red Upgrade: Skeli789, ghoulslash and team - For this powerful, super accessible resource and their extremely useful documentation; this hack would be completely irrelevant without it.
koala4: Co-creator. Testing, wild Pokemon locations, balancing, suggestions, and for being a good friend throughout the process.
Drayano60: Game draws a lot of inspiration from his enhancement hacks.
Pokemon Clover: Game draws some inspiration from this hack (Level cap, Dream Ball, Abilities Striker and Blademaster more specifically)
Smogon CAP: Inspiration for Mega Coloassal's ability Mountaineer
InnerMobius: For the backsprites used for Red and Green
Noodlewhiz on Discord: Helping me implement the Hidden Ability swapper
Kalerie: For these overworld sprites used in Leon's base
SageDeoxysOverworld sprites for G-Zapdos, G-Moltres, G-Articuno, and many Gen 8 Pokemon OWs
Leparagon, and everyone that contributed to DS-style Gen VII and Beyond Pokémon Sprite Repository in 64x64
kingofthe-x-roadsFor the Galarian Slowbro, Inteleon, and couple other Gen 8 battle sprites
Everyone that contributed to theGen 8 Sprite Project
LarryTurbo for Gen 8 Icons
Professor Leon for the DPE/CFRU ROM Base
hyo oppa for the Brendan trainer front sprite
NateRiver, Omega/WesleyFG Custom Battle Backgrounds
Nisarg, JK For updated bag graphics
! hackito Updated Textbox
YoY-XPlatinum HP Bar
Delta231FRLG HGSS Style Sprites
Pokemonrater Silver OW Sprite
thebrawlunit archer/ariana/giovanni sprites,
Jo7A Johto Gym Leader Sprites
VentZX, DrSeuss Sword Shield style Type Icons
Varrio: The header picture with the Mega Houndoom :D
Ghabra, Khaospire, Daina, mossedUp, Sergio, Gress, moods, Xan, Cubism, ExpoSeed, Datudou, Kled, Nikki, Manny, Hail, Maliboo, matty boy : For testing, and being great pals.
Pacmanboss256 (RRSH head dev), Karthik, Budget Cyro and Aegide For developing the RR Showdown Server. Karthik is also responsible for the Dex and RR patching website
Azimuth on WAH for the sleek Stat Scanner graphical screen

Tools used:
Advanced Map 1.9.2/1.9.5
HxD
G3T
NSE
XSE
Overworld Manager

Other Resources Used:
Summary Screen Patch
Party Screen Patch
Colored Natures
IV Rankings
Pokemon Sprites

FAQ

Spoiler:

How do I play the game? I can't open it!
Download the .ups file provided in #updates .
Find original Fire Red 1.0 rom ( 1636 Fire Red Squirrels.gba).
Use a patching tool to apply the .ups patch file onto the Fire Red rom (Tsukuyomi/NUPS for Windows, Unipatcher for Android. Alternatively, there is a rom patcher website marcrobledo.com/RomPatcher.js/ that you can use as well.)
Follow simple interface in these tools to apply the patch. Also, check the next question before you start playing.

I get a warning about real time clock not being enabled. I can't save in-game. Day/night cycle isn't working. What to do?
Make sure your emulator has Real Time Clock (RTC) enabled. Also, save type HAS to be set to flash 128K. If you started playing without this, you will have to start over. Delete your save file, make sure your emulator is set up correctly and ONLY THEN open the rom. If you did everything correctly, there shouldn't be a warning about RTC not being enabled anymore.

What about HM moves? Do I need HM slave(s)?
No, HM moves have been reworked, you no longer need to teach it to your Pokémon to progress the game. All you need is the corresponding badge and the HM in your bag.

Where is the move relearner?
The move relearner is in Cerulean City, he wants shrooms in return.

Is there an EV checker/EV subtracter? Is there a way to change Pokémon's ability?
Yes, there are nerds in Saffron City's fan club house.

Where is the name rater?
The name rater is in Lavender Town, same as in vanilla FR/LG.

Where is the happiness checker guy?
Happiness checker guy is in Cerulean City, replacing the Barry Master guy from vanilla FR/LG. In the house next to him is also a guy that can groom your Pokemon to increase their happiness.

Are Sevii Islands available?
As of now, the game ends after becoming the Champion. Sevii Islands are currently not part of the game.

How does the EXP. Share work?
It's gen 8 EXP. Share. The EXP from battles is distributed amongst ALL of your party Pokemon even if some of them did not participate in the battle. You receive it early on, before the 1st gym battle. It can be toggled.

My Pokemon get almost no experience from battles? Is my game broken???
If your Pokemon gets reduced amount of experience, it means it hit a level cap before the next important battle (gym leaders, Team Rocket boss, E4 etc.). When you beat the next important battle, the level cap will increase again.

The game is too hard! Make it easier!
The point of this hack was to make it hard and challenging in a reasonable way, not just increasing level curve like crazy. If it's too hard for you, then this hack is probably not for you.

I found a bug, what to do?
First, check the Known Bugs document in the Google Drive to see if that bug isn't already known. If it isn't there, report the bug in #bugreports , if possible, provide screenshots and videos and be as detailed as possible.

Where can I restore fossil Pokémon?
Same as in vanilla FRLG, Cinnabar Island's Pokémon Lab.

How do I transform the three forces of nature Pokémon to their alternate forms?
Talk to a scientist in Cinnabar Island's Pokémon Lab.

Is there an egg tutor?
Yes, he is located in Fuchsia City. He wants Heart Scales in return.

Are there any other move tutors?
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1n4ixvYwvZQmK02oA5vJg5dO-z50UAeTlpBoSd59dbU0/edit?usp=sharing

What are the chances of finding a Pokemon with hidden ability using Dex Nav?
the odds of finding hidden ability is 5% at search level 10, 15% at search level 25, 20% at search level 50, 23% at search level 100

How do I mega evolve?
You get Mega Ring after finishing the Silph Co. event, right before Sabrina. If you have the proper mega stone equipped, you can mega evolve your Pokémon during battle by pressing the select button before selecting a move.

How do I update the game to a newer version without having to start over?
Save your current progress using the in-game save (not save state!) in a safe place. (a Pokémon Center for example)
Close the game and delete the patched .gba file. (or better, move it to a different folder in case you mess this up)
Patch the new version .ups onto a CLEAN fire red rom again (1636 squirrels).
Place the newly patched .gba game into the same folder where your previous version was. Make sure the name of your game and save file is the same.
Open the newly patched .gba and load your save.

Where do I find Mega Stones for my starter Pokémon?
Go to the building that connects Cycling Road and Celadon City, and talk to the aid upstairs.

What are the level caps for each boss?

Spoiler:

15, //Before Brock
27, //Before Misty
34, //Before Surge
44, //Before Erika
47, //Before Celadon Giovanni
56, //Before Archer/Ariana Tag battle
57, //Before Giovanni Saffron
59, //Before Sabrina
68, //Before Koga
73, //Before May
76, //Before Blaine
79, //Before Archer/Ariana B2b
80, //Before Giovanni Cerulean Boss
81, //Before Claire
82, //Before Brendan
85, //Before E4

Features I'd Like to Add in the Future:

Spoiler:

Spoiler:

Spoiler:

• • More varied trainer classes throughout, Vanilla FR doesn't use that many
  • Graphical updates (Tiles, Title Screen update)
  • Additional optional areas so the game feels less squished
  • Custom music

Join the Discord server for updates, bug reports, discussion, and more!
Subreddit
Docs to view Evolutionary Changes, Buffs/Nerfs, Pokemon locations, and more!
Radical Red Pokedex, includes stats, learnsets, evolution method, held items, and more!

 

[SevenChurches]

Oh man, this is sweet. I don't think I've played a hack that uses CFRU, so I'm interested how it plays out. Congrats on the hack.

 

[Burningocean2012]

This looks pretty cool!Another good one to add to my list.

 

[soupercell]

Oh man, this is sweet. I don't think I've played a hack that uses CFRU, so I'm interested how it plays out. Congrats on the hack.

Thanks a lot for the kind words and your interest :) Some features I've added in the past 2 days while the thread was getting approved:
- Soft level cap based on the next boss battle, similar to Pokemon Clover
- An ability swapper along with an option to swap to a Pokemon's Hidden Ability for a specific item in Saffron.

 

[Lord Comquat]

Reminds me quite a bit of Nameless FireRed which is one of my favorite hacks in general. I look forward to seeing what's in store here once it's released.

 

[Inner Rhymes]

I absolutely love what you've done, I've been meaning to revisit Fire Red again, and your hack seems like a perfect reason to wait a bit. I do have a small suggestion though, i think it would be dope if you could change the players in battle back sprite because it sort of clashes next to the ORAS Sprite if Brendan and the Team Rocket admins. Even a change to the main player's Overworld sprite would be dope. Regardless, eagerly waiting on a release!

 

[soupercell]

Reminds me quite a bit of Nameless FireRed which is one of my favorite hacks in general. I look forward to seeing what's in store here once it's released.

I'm humbled by your comparison, although I don't think my hack has nearly the same amount of polish. But, I do think it has lots to offer in its own right :)

I absolutely love what you've done, I've been meaning to revisit Fire Red again, and your hack seems like a perfect reason to wait a bit. I do have a small suggestion though, i think it would be dope if you could change the players in battle back sprite because it sort of clashes next to the ORAS Sprite if Brendan and the Team Rocket admins. Even a change to the main player's Overworld sprite would be dope. Regardless, eagerly waiting on a release!

I absolutely agree with your suggestion but to be frank anything related to graphical insertion is not my forte(hence why new item images are something I've put off til the end)... to elaborate on that I'm a bit of a novice hacker(learning things within the past two months in quarantine) although I do have a CS background. The Brendan backsprite isn't even inserted by me, it's another neat option provided by the almighty CFRU. It's definitely something I'll keep in mind for future releases, but it won't be present for the first release. And I guess if that bothers you, I'll regretfully note that the Johto Gym leaders won't have their OW sprites in the first release.

 

[ShinyVolcanion_]

This looks really good
Better than a lot of ROM hacks ive seen
Cant wait for release

 

[ablahblah987]

There are a million of these type of hacks but this one looks very impressive. I can't wait to play this one.

 

[FeraligatrMaster]

Since you've made Joltik evolve earlier, why not do the same for the likes of Deino, Larvesta, Rufflet, Vullaby, and Mienfoo?

 

[soupercell]

Since you've made Joltik evolve earlier, why not do the same for the likes of Deino, Larvesta, Rufflet, Vullaby, and Mienfoo?

i specifically did joltik since it's complete poop and you get it early on in viridian forest, I considered doing the rest of the Gen 5 cast that evolve really late for whatever silly reason but haven't chosen to do so yet since you obtain most of them later on in the game anyway. I'll reconsider this request, though, so thank you for the suggestion

This looks really good
Better than a lot of ROM hacks ive seen
Cant wait for release

There are a million of these type of hacks but this one looks very impressive. I can't wait to play this one.

Thanks y'all!

 

[FeraligatrMaster]

Regarding Dewpider going from level 22 to level 23 upon evolution, you've probably given Araquanid a lower experience growth rate. All Pokemon in the same evolutionary line need to have the same experience growth rate (1,000,000 points for Dewpider and Araquanid), otherwise you get level jumping issues on evolution.

 

[Burningocean2012]

Will this on real hardware so it can be played on a DS/3DS?

 

[soupercell]

Regarding Dewpider going from level 22 to level 23 upon evolution, you've probably given Araquanid a lower experience growth rate. All Pokemon in the same evolutionary line need to have the same experience growth rate (1,000,000 points for Dewpider and Araquanid), otherwise you get level jumping issues on evolution.

we went back and realized the evolution was working fine haha, thank you for your input though!

Will this on real hardware so it can be played on a DS/3DS?

I don't think the CFRU upgrade is keen on being played on a DS/3DS. Furthermore, this has only been tested on VisualboyAdvance-M, so I'm going to say probably not. Sorry about that!

EDIT: The game has since been revamped so that it is compatible with any emulator so please disregard this answer

 

[scorshua3]

Can't wait to play

 

[Inner Rhymes]

Been checking this very frequently. Honestly so hyped to give this an actual spin!

 

[icanonlyhasgbagames]

Lurking :)

 

[soupercell]

Been checking this very frequently. Honestly so hyped to give this an actual spin!

Hey, I appreciate your excitement! I originally wanted to release it this week, but I've realized there are a lot more loose ends than I originally realized(along with new things I wanted to add). I also want this to be tested thoroughly before a release; first impressions obviously make a big impact. It's close, but it'll be a little while longer.

 

[Sparhawk55]

Hmmm~ I'm intruiged. Awaiting the drop eagerly! Hope it goes well.

 

[Wayne18]

Looking good cant wait till the first release