Pokémon Emerald Friend Battle (GBA) – A Two-Player Pass-and-Play Pokémon Experience with No AI and Competitive Options
Game Information
Original Game (ROM Base): Pokémon Emerald
Hack Status: Mar 28, 2026
Language: English
Content Type: Multiplayer-Focused, Experimental Gameplay Hack
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
This hack takes a very different approach compared to standard Pokémon ROM hacks. The AI has been completely removed, meaning every opposing trainer must be controlled manually by another player.
The result is a shared gameplay experience where two players take turns controlling battles, effectively turning Pokémon Emerald into a local multiplayer game without requiring multiple systems.
To support this concept, the hack includes competitive tools, randomizer options, and quality-of-life features that allow players to customize teams, experiment with builds, and keep gameplay fast and flexible.
Key Features
- Two-Player Pass-and-Play System: No AI is present—another player controls the opponent, creating a fully manual battle system.
- AI Removal: Traditional trainer AI has been completely removed, fundamentally changing how battles work.
- Full Hoenn Adventure: You can still progress through the Emerald storyline, but with a multiplayer twist.
- Randomizer Options: Pokémon, abilities, and overworld items can be randomized for varied playthroughs (recommended “aware” mode).
- Level Scaling Modes: Choose between Easy or Normal difficulty scaling to adjust progression balance.
- Competitive Set Option: Option to automatically give opponent Pokémon competitive movesets for more strategic battles.
- Starter Resources: Players receive useful items early, including Rare Candies, Ability Changers, and Master Balls.
- Move Relearner Expansion: Access to Egg moves, Tutor moves, and TM moves through the Move Relearner.
- EV Stat Editor: Customize effort values directly, allowing for competitive team building.
- Infinite Repel: Removes the need to constantly reapply Repels, improving exploration flow.
- QoL Improvements: Various enhancements to streamline gameplay and reduce grinding.
Known Bugs & Issues
- Due to the experimental nature (AI removal), unintended issues may occur
- Information about stability and edge-case bugs is limited
Screenshots
Download Links
Developer Information
Developer / Team: lykae
Credits:
- pokeemerald-expansion
- Team Aqua’s Hideout (GitHub wiki resources)
- Pokémon ROWE (seasonal sprites)
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: Pokecommunity
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is this hack/game for?
A: This hack is ideal for players who want a local multiplayer Pokémon experience and enjoy competitive battles with a friend on the same device.
Q: How does the two-player system work?
A: Players take turns controlling each side of battles using a pass-and-play system on a single device.
Q: Is there any AI in the game?
A: No, all AI has been removed. Every battle opponent must be controlled by another player.
Q: Can I play this solo?
A: Technically yes, but it defeats the purpose since you would need to control both sides manually.