Pokemon Rainbow Gold is a fan-made upgrade of Pokemon HeartGold. It brings a fresh and exciting twist to the classic Johto and Kanto adventure, with every single Pokemon from Generations 1 to 4 catchable in-game—no trading needed! The game includes better wild encounters, tougher trainer battles, restored legendary events, and cool new evolutions. Quality-of-life features like reusable TMs, forgettable HMs, and higher shiny rates make the journey way smoother. There are also new locations, an improved Safari Zone, and surprises from other regions. It’s like the ultimate version of the original games, packed with awesome new stuff to discover!
Pokemon Rainbow Gold NDS Rom
- Creator: DARTHBR
- Base Rom: Pokemon HeartGold
- Available Language: English
- Latest Version: v1
- Released: August 28, 2025
- Status: Completed
Pokemon Rainbow Gold is an NDS ROM hack based on Pokemon HeartGold, created by DARTHBR. It was released on August 28, 2025 as a completed NDS Game.
Description & Creator Words
Prepare to rediscover the magic of Johto and Kanto with Pokemon Rainbow Gold, my personal ROM hack of Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver!
This passion-driven project elevates these incredible games into what I envision as my perfect Pokemon adventure. This isn’t about simply adding every new quality-of-life feature from later games, or making all 493 Pokemon available. Rainbow Gold focuses on a curated blend of edits, ranging from subtle refinements to substantial new additions, all designed to embody my “dream Pokemon game” and my ultimate vision for these Johto remakes.
I’ve come to realize that many Trainers share my deep affection for HeartGold and SoulSilver, and might truly appreciate the unique vision I’ve brought to these games. While Pokémon Rainbow Gold was crafted primarily for my own enjoyment, by choosing to release it publicly, I’m genuinely excited to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas.
I hope you enjoy exploring the changes I’ve poured into HeartGold and SoulSilver, and perhaps even embarking on your own adventure through Pokémon Rainbow Gold!
Full Features 7 Key Changes
Pokemon & Roster
- 493 Catchable Pokemon: All Pokemon obtainable without trading, with in-game evolutions.
- Updated Wild Encounters: Early access to a wider variety of Pokemon previously limited to the post-game or later stages. Examples include:
- Johto: Pichu, Houndour, Phanpy, Larvitar, Misdreavus, Murkrow, Slugma, Teddiursa, Skarmory, Elekid, Smoochum, Sneasel, and Gligar.
- Kanto: Pinsir, Scyther, Rhyhorn, Ponyta, Doduo, Cubone, and Exeggcute.
- Restored Legendary & Mythical Events: All legendary and mythical Pokemon events from various generations are restored, including Arceus, Celebi (with GS Ball), Latios & Latias, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, the Lake Trio, Manaphy, Heatran, the Legendary Birds, Groudon, Kyogre, Rayquaza, Shaymin, Rotom, Spiky-eared Pichu, Darkrai, Cresselia, Jirachi, the Regi Trio (plus Regigigas), and Mew.
- Regional Gift Pokemon: Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh starters are spread across the map as gift Pokemon.
Gameplay & Mechanics
- Brand New Revamped Safari Zone: Complete Baoba’s two challenges for full access; no more 90-day waits to catch Pokemon. The Safari Zone is restored to its classic design, without “objects”—simply enter your desired zone and catch Pokemon.
- Hoenn & Sinnoh Sounds: Access to Hoenn and Sinnoh radio channels from the start (Wednesdays for Hoenn, Thursdays for Sinnoh).
- GB Sounds: Classic Game Boy sounds available from the start of the game.
- Eevee Evolutions:
- Espeon & Umbreon: Evolve via Sun Stone and Moon Stone, respectively.
- Leafeon & Glaceon: Evolve by leveling up near Moss Rock (Viridian Forest) and Ice Rock (Seafoam Islands).
- Magnetic Field Evolution: Magneton evolves into Magnezone and Nosepass into Probopass by leveling up in a magnetic field zone (Outside Kanto Power Plant).
- Feebas Evolution: Feebas now evolves based on friendship.
- Shiny Rate: Increased to 1/256 (Shiny Charm equivalent).
- HMs Can Be Forgotten: Delete HMs freely.
- TMs Are Infinite: Use as many times as you like—no more one-time use restrictions!
- IV/EV Check: Hold L for EV and R for IV before opening the Pokemon summary screen.
- Early Fossil Reviver: Available in Goldenrod City (requires 6th badge).
- All Fossils Obtainable.
- New Evolution Stones: Including Link Cord.
- Exp Share: Available from the start of the game.
- Wonder Trade: Available at the GTS station, allowing access to Hoenn and Sinnoh Pokemon on days the radio channels are inactive.
- Revamped In-Game Trades: In-game Pokemon trades have been rebalanced, offering new opportunities to obtain rare Pokemon, such as Feebas in Olivine City.
Trainers & Challenges
- Giovanni Battle: Giovanni can now be battled via time travel.
- Team Rocket Revamp: Uses Pokemon based on TCG cards.
- Improved Trainer Teams: All major battles (Gym Leaders, Elite Four, Rocket Bosses) have enhanced teams (e.g., Bugsy is a true Gym Leader).
- New Trainers & Rematches: Including Cynthia, Steven, Dawn, Lucas, and Riley.
- Expanded Eusine Storyline: Better fills the Suicune event.
- Custom Battle Music: Three new custom tracks for specific battles (Eusine, Cynthia, Steven).
Locations & Quality of Life
- Goldenrod Casino Restored: Based on its Japanese version.
- Casino Shop Revamp: Exchange coins for TMs, Evolution Stones, and even new Pokemon.
- Fixed Level Curve: For both Johto and Kanto regions.
- Sinnoh Stone Vendor: Appears in the Goldenrod Casino after defeating Team Rocket at the Radio Tower.
- Crystal Version Elements Restored: Includes specific trainers on routes and Crystal-exclusive wild Pokemon spawns, such as early morning Phanpy and Teddiursa, Sneasel in Ice Path, and Growlithe/Vulpix on Route 36 (now with the Crystal grass patch, allowing capture before Falkner).
Usefull Resources
Download
Gameplay Images
