Pokémon Obsidian Emerald – VGC-Style Doubles Challenge with Competitive PvE Design

Pokemon Obsidian Emerald Cover

Game Information

Hack Name: Pokemon Obsidian Emerald
Original Game (ROM Base): Pokémon Emerald Version (GBA)
Hack Status: v1.4
Language: English
Content Type: Difficulty Hack, Doubles/VGC Focus, Competitive PvE, QoL Enhancements, Modern Mechanics

Table Of Contents


About This ROM Hack

Pokémon Obsidian Emerald is a highly specialized, competitive-focused ROM hack built specifically for fans of VGC-style Double Battles. Created by Skolgrahd and co-designer Speaker, the project was born from the idea that 2v2 battles offer deeper strategy, richer gameplay, and more meaningful team synergy compared to traditional single battles.

Unlike most enhancement hacks, this game is designed as a true PvE competitive simulator, forcing players to build well-optimized teams, understand synergy, and adapt to high-level AI opponents. Every battle is crafted to feel like a VGC match, turning the entire journey into a strategic challenge rather than a casual playthrough.

The game is currently at version 1.4, with the main story fully playable through the Champion, while future updates (notably v2.0) aim to expand the post-game and Battle Frontier experience. The hack also integrates community feedback heavily, making it a constantly evolving competitive environment.

Key Features

  • Full Double Battle Campaign: Every trainer battle is designed around 2v2 combat, inspired by competitive VGC play.
  • Expanded Pokémon Roster: All non-legendary, non-mythical Pokémon up to Gen 8 are obtainable, including Gen 9 evolutions of earlier Pokémon.
  • Modern Battle Engine: Updated Gen 9 mechanics, including modern abilities, moves, typings, and interactions.
  • DexNav System: Fully implemented DexNav for efficient Pokémon searching and team building.
  • Mega Evolution: Mega Evolution returns, including custom Mega forms for select Pokémon.
  • Minimal Grinding Mode: All Pokémon have 31 IVs and 0 EVs, removing breeding and EV grinding.
  • Candy Mode: Infinite Candy item instantly raises Pokémon to the current level cap.
  • Nuzlocke Mode: Hardcore Nuzlocke rules enforced by the game, with Hall of Fame recognition upon completion.
  • Pokédex+: In-depth Pokédex showing base stats, abilities, learnsets, evolution methods, and more.
  • Advanced AI: Doubles-focused AI with improved decision-making and synergy awareness.
  • Gym Leader Field Effects: Each Gym Leader has a unique battlefield effect that enhances difficulty and theme.
  • Party Size Restrictions: Gym challenges enforce Pokémon League rules, limiting party size to match the Gym Leader.
  • Gauntlet Routes: Long trainer gauntlets replace traditional routes, resetting if you leave mid-challenge.
  • Hard Level Cap: Prevents overleveling and enforces fair, competitive battles.
  • Streamlined Team Customization: Early access to Exp. Candies, Vitamins, Nature Mints, Ability Capsules, Ability Patches, and Feathers.
  • Move Relearning Anywhere: Moves can be relearned directly from the party menu.
  • Field Move Freedom: HMs and field moves can be used by any Pokémon capable of learning them, even if they don’t currently know the move.

Known Bugs & Issues

  • Not compatible with MyBoy! emulator
  • Save states may break between patches
  • Minor balance tweaks ongoing based on community feedback

Screenshots

Pokemon Obsidian Emerald ss 00Pokemon Obsidian Emerald ss 01Pokemon Obsidian Emerald ss 02Pokemon Obsidian Emerald ss 03

Download Links

Download: Mediafire

Developer Information

Developer / Team: Skolgrahd
Credits: 

  • Skolgrahd and Speaker: Main creators, devs and designers for Obsidian Emerald
  • pret: This project, and many others like it, would be impossible without the Pokémon Emerald Decomp/Disassembly project, pokeemerald. Thank you for your work!
  • RHH: Likewise, the modernization of pokeemerald is due to the hard work of the team at the Rom Hacking Hideout. Thank you!
  • IridescentMirage: Custom sprites
  • Archie: Gen 5 Party Screen
  • TheXaman: Pokédex+ (main dev), TM Case (main dev)
  • RavePossum: Gen 5 Summary Screen (main dev), Pokédex+ (dark theme)
  • Againsts: Gen 5 Summary Screen (tiles)
  • Sphericalice: Gen 5 Summary Screen (grade sprites)
  • Vexx: Gen 5 Summary Screen (move description formatting)
  • Buffelsaft: Gen 5 Summary Screen (IV/EV viewing code)
  • Dizzyegg: Gen 5 Summary Screen (nature color code)
  • Zeturic: Gen 5 Summary Screen (wrapping)
  • Greenphx9: Gen 5 Summary Screen (provided reference code)
  • Ghoulslash: DexNav (base code)
  • Pokabbie: Reference code for additional menus in party screen and overworld
  • Winter, JustMonikaThings, Dathobbitfrodo, Rosalynn, CluelessLemon, Thunder, James Blackthorn, Rentoid: Playtesting
  • Alex, Lunos, Griffin, RavePossum, Archie, and AsparagusEduardo: Truly, thank you for answering the many questions I had over the course of the past year, no matter how silly. Engaging with a new ROM Hacker and sharing your love for this community has really allowed this project to become a reality for me. I really appreciate it.

Source & References

Official Thread / Website: pokecommunity

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the entire game Double Battles only?
 Yes. Obsidian Emerald is designed entirely around 2v2 battles.

Is post-game content available?
 Only limited secret fights currently. A full post-game overhaul is planned for v2.0.

Which emulator should I use?
 mGBA is strongly recommended. The game is not compatible with MyBoy!.

Are legendaries available?
 No. Legendary and mythical Pokémon are excluded.

Can I update without losing my save?
 Yes, as long as you patch a clean Emerald ROM and keep the same filename.

Does Nuzlocke Mode disable healing and encounters?
 Yes. The game enforces Hardcore Nuzlocke rules automatically.