Pokémon Project Nova

Gohan's Tips
Jan 26
3 min read

Author: gilko.

PROGRESS: Project Version: Beta 2.0 - 24/01/2026 - This is a playable beta. The new story in the expanded Kanto region is currently playable up to the 5th Gym. The full game is still a work in progress.

It is a difficulty-focused ROM hack set in a Kanto region ravaged by mysterious earthquakes, ten years after the events of FireRed and LeafGreen. These quakes have not only altered the landscape, revealing new areas like Azure City and the Mystical Forest, but have also caused the emergence of brand new regional forms known as "Nova Species." This game is designed for a true challenge, featuring reworked Gym Leaders, smarter AI, and a ban on using items in battle. With a host of modern quality-of-life features, including a Pocket PC and Rare Candies in every mart, this is a must-play for fans seeking a fresh, difficult, and story-driven Kanto experience.

🛑Features:

➡️A New Story in a Changed Kanto: The game's core feature. Takes place 10 years after FireRed in a Kanto plagued by mysterious earthquakes, featuring a new story, new characters, and additional rival fights.

➡️New "Nova Species": Discover brand new, original regional forms known as Nova Species, which have appeared due to the seismic activity in the region, complete with new sprites.

➡️Expanded Kanto with New Areas: The Kanto region has been significantly expanded with many brand new locations to discover, including Pewter Mines, Celadon Sewers, Emerald City, Azure City, and the Mystical Forest.

➡️Hardcore Difficulty & Rules: The game is designed to be a significant challenge with reworked trainers (who have 31 IVs and custom natures), the highest level of AI, forced Set Mode, and a ban on using bag items during battles.

➡️Modern Battle Mechanics: The game is updated with modern features, including the Physical/Special split and the Fairy type.

➡️Curated Pokédex (Gen 1-3): The game features a roster of Pokémon from the first three generations, all of which will be obtainable in the final version.

➡️No Grinding Required: The game is designed to eliminate grinding by making Rare Candies available for purchase in all PokéMarts.

➡️Pocket PC System: A new key item, the Pocket PC, allows you to manage your Pokémon on the go, though it requires a "Charge Token" for use.

➡️Rebalanced Pokémon & Moves: Many Pokémon and moves have been changed or rebalanced for a fresh gameplay experience. The game also includes 50 brand new moves.

➡️Extensive Quality of life (QoL) Suite: Includes a Move Reminder/Deleter in every Pokémon Center, running shoes from the start, the ability to teach over HM moves, and an increased shiny rate of 1/1024.

➡️No Trade Evolutions: All evolution methods that previously required trading have been replaced with new in-game methods.

➡️Exp. All Included: The modern, party-wide Exp. All system is included in the game.

➡️National Dex Available Early: The National Dex is fixed and available from the start, correctly showing all Pokémon.

➡️New Custom Items: The game includes several new items, such as the Pocket PC, Charge Token, Nova DNA, Choice Specs, and Choice Scarf.

➡️A Demo Up to the 5th Gym: The currently available version (Beta 2.0) is a demo that is playable up until you defeat the fifth Gym Leader.

SCREENSHOTS