Pokemon Ancient Ruby & Sapphire GBC ROM – Detailed Hack Overview
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Ancient Ruby & Sapphire is a Game Boy Color–style reimagining of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, developed as a spiritual continuation of Melash’s Ancient Emerald project and its later fan-game iteration by Pia Carrot.
Built on the Pokémon Crystal engine, this hack aims to faithfully recreate Hoenn using advanced Gen II hacking techniques, modern optimizations, and extensive original sprite work. The developer is well-known in the Gen I/II hacking scene for contributions to projects such as Pokémon Polished Crystal, and this release represents years of incremental sprite, engine, and system development.
This is an early alpha release, currently playable only up to Petalburg Woods.
Story Overview
(Faithful to the original Ruby & Sapphire premise)
Immerse yourself in the Hoenn region, a land of heroic Trainers, mysterious organizations, enduring friendships, and intense Pokémon battles.
As the new kid in town, you begin your journey as a Pokémon Trainer, setting out to explore Hoenn’s cities, routes, and secrets. Along the way, you will encounter powerful Pokémon, uncover hidden lore, and face the challenges that define a true Trainer’s path.
To complete the Pokédex, you’ll need to link and trade with players using the opposite version—Ancient Ruby or Ancient Sapphire—just like the classic Generation III experience.
Key Features
- 253 Pokémon available, including:
- Hoenn Pokédex
- Additional species from Emerald and ORAS content
- Over 100 newly discovered Pokémon species
- Faithful Hoenn recreation in Game Boy Color style
- Running Shoes
Priority tiles, allowing:
- Walking under bridges
- Proper depth layering for buildings and structures
- 60 FPS engine, ported from Pokémon Orange (originally from Pokémon Prism)
- Stats balanced according to Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald
- Dive and Rock Climb implemented
- Revamped Ruby & Sapphire soundtrack, adapted for GBC hardware
Bonus content inspired by:
- e-Reader cards
- Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire
- Numerous Gen II engine bugfixes and improvements
- Built directly on pokecrystal
- Extensive ASM and engine-level modifications
- Modernized Gen II systems while preserving original mechanics
- Custom mapping, scripting, and sprite work throughout
Screenshots
Download Links
Developer Information
Developer / Team: Bloodless
Credits:
- pokecrystal & tutorials: pret
- Developer
- BlueEmerald
- BronzeSwagger
- EeveeEe1999
- JaceDeane
- RainbowDevs
- Helix
- Mmmmmmmm
- Monstarules
- RainbowDevs
- Developer
- Developer
- Mmmmmmmm
- Developer
- LuckyTyphlosion (60 FPS port from Pokémon Orange)
- Pia Carrot
- Luna (Mateo)
- Rangi
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: https://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=417890
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game finished?No. This is an early alpha and currently ends at Petalburg Woods.
Is this related to Ancient Emerald?
Yes. This project is a direct continuation of the Ancient Emerald concept, passed down through multiple developers.
Will Ruby & Sapphire differences exist?
Yes. Version-exclusive Pokémon and content are planned, requiring link trading.
How to Play
Requirements
- Pokémon Crystal Version 1.0 ROM
- IPS patch file
- IPS patching tool (e.g., Lunar IPS)
- Game Boy Color emulator (BGB, SameBoy, mGBA)
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