Pokémon Normal Version (GBA) – Monotype Normal ROM Hack
Game Information
Original Game (ROM Base): Pokémon FireRed (U) (Squirrels)
Hack Status: Feb 9, 2026 Release
Language: English
Content Type: Monotype challenge ROM hack with quality-of-life improvements
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
As the developer's first-ever ROM hack project, Pokémon Normal Version is a straightforward but targeted monotype ROM hack based on Pokémon FireRed. The basic idea is simple: Kanto and the Sevii Islands are now fully playable Normal-only ecosystems, with nearly all wild Pokémon encounters in the game being replaced with Normal-type Pokémon from Generations I–III.By combining the monotype concept with generous quality-of-life upgrades that eliminate grinding and expedite progression, the hack prioritizes playability, convenience, and enjoyable experimentation over extreme difficulty or extensive story rewriting. The project was completed in less than a week, but it had a clear design objective: to demonstrate that normal types are neither weak nor uninteresting.
Story Overview
Your trip through Kanto follows the familiar structure of FireRed, but every major battle, encounter, and legendary was reframed around this monotype philosophy. The challenge is not about type advantages, but about making smart move choices, maintaining team balance, and creatively utilizing Normal-type tools.
Key Features
- Normal-Type Only Encounters: Nearly all wild Pokémon encounters are Normal-type Pokémon from Generations I–III, including the Sevii Islands. Surfing and fishing encounters are excluded from this rule.
- Custom Starters: The three starters are Whismur, Porygon, and Teddiursa, all of which can also be found later in the wild.
- Adjusted Trainer Difficulty: Gym Leaders, Elite Four members, and your rival have been reworked to be slightly more challenging, featuring improved team sizes, better movesets, and held items without becoming unfair.
- Heavy Quality-of-Life Improvements: The Bicycle, Exp. Share and Amulet Coin are all obtainable directly from your bedroom at the start of the game. Rare Candies can be purchased at every Poké Mart, eliminating the need for grinding.
- Expanded Shop Options: The Celadon Department Store sells many strong TMs, berries, and type-boosting held items such as Silk Scarf and Mystic Water.
- Legendary Replacements: Legendary Pokémon encounters have been replaced with Normal-type Pokémon to preserve the monotype theme.
- Event Item Availability: The Aurora Ticket and Mystic Ticket can be purchased directly at the Pokémon League, allowing access to normally event-locked areas.
- Visual Theme Overhaul: Pokémon sprites have been recolored in white and grey tones to reinforce the Normal-type aesthetic. Sprite quality may vary, as the creator notes limited experience with sprite editing.
Known Bugs & Issues
Currently, there are no known bugs or issues that have been officially documented. Since it’s the developer’s first ROM hack, some issues may likely be present; however, they have not been reported to date. Players can help by reporting any bugs that they may encounter to enhance the game even further.
Screenshots
Download Links
Developer Information
Developer / Team: Pax Omen
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: Pokecommunity
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is this hack/game for?
A: Pokémon Normal Version is perfect for players who enjoy monotype challenges, casual difficulty enhancements, and quality-of-life–focused ROM hacks without extreme difficulty spikes.
Q: Is this a hard ROM hack?
A: No. The difficulty is slightly higher than vanilla FireRed, but it is designed to remain fair and accessible.
Q: Are all Pokémon Normal-type?
A: Almost all wild encounters are Normal-type Pokémon, excluding Surfing and fishing encounters.
Q: Are there Fakemon in this hack?
A: No. All Pokémon are existing species, though some legendary encounters are replaced with Normal-type Pokémon.
Q: Does this hack remove grinding?
A: Largely, yes. Rare Candies are purchasable, and several convenience items are available early.