Pokémon FireRed CPU AI Challenge (GBA) – Competitive AI Pokémon Challenge ROM Hack
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon FireRed CPU AI Challenge is a decompilation-based challenge hack built with the explicit goal of dramatically improving CPU battle behavior. Instead of traditional FireRed AI, opponents generally choose the most optimal move and switch-in available—though not perfectly, to avoid predictability and preserve fairness.
The hack is designed around competitive-style Pokémon battles from the very start of the game, giving every Pokémon access to viable moves, balanced stats, defensive tools, and modernized mechanics. Rather than focusing on story changes, this project emphasizes battle depth, decision-making, and strategic play against a smarter CPU.
Pokémon begin the game with access to their best competitive moves, eliminating early-game filler moves and focusing entirely on meaningful decision-making. To further balance this power, all Pokémon always operate using their level 100 stat calculations, and weaker Pokémon receive stat buffs along a scaling curve to keep them viable.
Wild Pokémon availability is expanded heavily, with nearly all species catchable and most appearing in at least two locations, many early in the game.
Key Features
Improved CPU AI Logic: Opponents usually choose optimal moves and switch-ins, simulating intelligent, human-like play without being perfectly omniscient.
Competitive Movesets from the Start: Pokémon only have legal, competitively viable attacking and status moves, with top-tier options available immediately.
Hidden Power Replacement System: Hidden Power is replaced by unique coverage moves for each type. Any Pokémon may learn these moves if:
- They are not weak to the type
- The move is not a STAB option
Free Universal Move Tutors: Located in Viridian City, Cerulean City, and Lavender Town, allowing access to:
- Level-up moves
- Egg moves
- Hidden Power replacement moves
Universal Defensive Options: Every Pokémon has access to a Recover-like healing move with 2–3 PP that cannot be increased, ensuring defensive play is viable.
Level 100 Stat Scaling: All Pokémon use level 100 stat formulas at all times to balance high-power moves.
Base Stat Rebalancing: Weaker Pokémon have received stat increases along a curve to keep them competitively relevant.
Type Corrections & Fixes:
- Steel and Dark typing added to Gen 1 Pokémon where appropriate
- Ditto fixed
- Hitmonchan fixed
Expanded Trainer Parties: Trainer teams are significantly larger and more threatening than in vanilla FireRed.
Massively Expanded Wild Encounters: All Pokémon are obtainable, most early-game, with at least two encounter locations.
Quality of Life Improvements:
- Running Shoes available from the start
- Weak HM moves made more viable
- Unlimited Max Potions, Full Heals, and Max Elixirs in the PC
- Unlimited TMs and Move Tutor uses
Known Bugs & Issues
- Minor bug fixed on 02/07/2026: Level-up move limit increased from 20 to 35 to prevent missing relearner moves
- AI is not yet fully competitive in terms of advanced mechanics
- No non-Kanto Pokémon implemented at this time
Screenshots
Download Links
Developer Information
Developer / Team: astonishedby
Credits:
- pokefirered decompilation by pret
- Xcode
- macOS Terminal
- MultiPatch 2
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: Pokecommunity
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is this hack for?
A: Players who want a serious challenge and enjoy competitive-style Pokémon battles.
Q: Is this hack story-focused?
A: No. The focus is entirely on battle mechanics and AI behavior.
Q: Does the AI always play perfectly?
A: No. It usually chooses optimal actions, but occasional suboptimal decisions are intentional.
Q: Are all Pokémon viable?
A: Yes. Weak Pokémon have been buffed, and all Pokémon receive strong moves and defensive tools.
Q: Is this hack complete?
A: It is playable, but the AI system is still considered experimental.