Pokémon Heart & Soul (GBA) – A Modern Johto Remake Built on the Emerald Engine
Game Information
Original Game (ROM Base): Pokémon Emerald (GBA)
Hack Status: v1.2.1, 28.01.2026
Language: English
Content Type: Faithful Johto remake / HGSS demake with modern mechanics and quality-of-life features
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Heart & Soul is a full remake of the classic Johto adventure using the Pokémon Emerald engine and modern decompilation tools. Developed primarily by Lil Dill, the project recreates the story and world of the Johto region while blending elements from Pokémon Gold, Silver, Crystal, and HeartGold & SoulSilver.
Built on the Modern Emerald codebase, the hack introduces many modern features and quality-of-life improvements while maintaining a gameplay style similar to the official Pokémon titles. The goal of the project was to create a faithful Johto experience with updated mechanics rather than a difficulty-focused or experimental ROM hack.
One of the defining aspects of Heart & Soul is that it is fully open source, allowing other developers to expand or modify the project to create their own Johto-based ROM hacks.
Story Overview
Pokémon Heart & Soul retells the classic Johto storyline originally seen in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, while incorporating elements from the later HeartGold and SoulSilver remakes.
After completing the Johto storyline, players can travel to the Kanto region for a full post-game adventure inspired by the HeartGold and SoulSilver endgame content.
Key Features
- Johto Story Remake: Recreates the full Johto storyline with additional elements from the HeartGold and SoulSilver games.
- Kanto Post-Game: Includes a full Kanto region post-game adventure following the Johto League.
- Generation 1–3 Pokémon: Features Pokémon from the first three generations along with their later evolutions (excluding certain legendaries).
- Following Pokémon: Your Pokémon can follow the player in the overworld.
- Visible Overworld Pokémon: Background Pokémon appear in the overworld to hint at encounters available on each route.
- Day and Night System: Dynamic time-based encounters and lighting effects.
- HGSS Soundtrack: Music inspired by the HeartGold and SoulSilver versions of the Johto region.
- Improved Trainer Battles: Trainer teams and encounters are redesigned to provide better balance.
- HM Usage Improvements: HMs do not need to be taught to Pokémon to use them in the overworld.
- Apricorn System Changes: Apricorns are replaced with berries, which Kurt uses to craft special Poké Balls.
- Gym Leader Rematches: Up to 16 Gym Leader rematches are available.
- Two Safari Zones: Expanded Safari Zone content for catching rare Pokémon.
- Customizable Gameplay Options: Players can toggle features such as the physical/special split, Fairy type, AutoRun, FastSurf, and shiny rates.
- Quality-of-Life Improvements: Includes quick battle escape commands, faster movement mechanics, quick catching prompts, and improved UI systems.
Known Bugs & Issues
- The game has been heavily playtested, but minor bugs may still exist.
- Some mechanics and features from the original Johto games were not implemented due to complexity or development limitations.
- Certain battle facilities (such as the Battle Tower) are ports from Emerald and may not have been extensively tested.
- Players are encouraged to report any bugs through the project's Discord community.
Screenshots
Download Links
v1.2.1: Mediafire
Documentation
v1.2.1 Documentation
Developer Information
Developer / Team: Lil Dill
Credits:
- Developers: TixoRebel, InfiniteBacon42, Exclsior, Phantonomy, DaniRainbow
- Heart & Soul incorporates open-source resources from the Pokémon ROM hacking community.
- Engine & Codebase: pret (pokeemerald), Resetes12 (Modern Emerald), pokeemerald-expansion contributors
- Sprite Artists: Cesare_CBass, AveonTrainer, PurpleZaffre, BatimaTheBat
- Tilesets: Kertra (Crystal Advance), Ekat99, TheDeadHeroAlistair, Johto Redrawn Team
- Mapping References: Kertra (Crystal Advance), blackfragrant (Fire Gold), SkidMarc25
- Gameplay Design: TSP (TheSmithPlays) – Crystal Legacy inspiration
- Special Systems: slawter666, wally-217
- Playtesters: MearaTheDigger, Kingofrocks, Ferropexola, Scarred-Healer13, ShigyNinja, Liquid Justice, aktatertot, Faintful, piobrando, Shortino, Chronotakular, NoVa x CerberuS, Czarwardy, TeggyDave, HenryChess, Inner Rhymes, Astralaria, GPie, BillyNaing, Penkachu, Emma M, Casper, Marzi, leob0505, Sayu, RavePossum, Brick, KinoKuma, BlackBelt Jiraiya, and others
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: https://github.com/PokemonHnS-Development/pokemonHnS/releases
Community Link: https://discord.gg/KmuvXJrS9M
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is this hack/game for?
A: Pokémon Heart & Soul is ideal for players who want a faithful Johto experience with modern mechanics and quality-of-life improvements.
Q: Is this a difficulty ROM hack?
A: No. The game is designed to feel similar to an official Pokémon game rather than a challenge-focused ROM hack.
Q: Are modern features included in the game?
A: Yes. Features such as following Pokémon, toggleable mechanics, and improved HM usage are included.
Q: What Pokémon are available in the game?
A: Pokémon from Generations 1–3 appear, along with their later evolutions.
Q: Are there Gym Leader rematches?
A: Yes. Players can challenge Gym Leaders again for tougher battles.