Pokémon Dark Rising is one of the most infamous Pokémon ROM hacks ever created. It is known for its dark, dramatic story, massive scope, and extreme difficulty designed for veteran players.
Pokémon Dark Rising is a FireRed-based ROM hack developed by DarkRisingGirl and contributors. It is the first entry in the Dark Rising saga, a series famous for its ambitious story, custom regions, and brutal difficulty.
The story follows a world threatened by ancient demons, corrupted legendary Pokémon, and powerful factions seeking to reshape reality. Unlike traditional Pokémon games, Dark Rising leans heavily into dark fantasy themes, dramatic character arcs, and high-stakes conflict.
Gameplay is where Dark Rising earned its reputation. Trainers frequently use competitive teams, boss fights are designed to overwhelm unprepared players, and progression demands constant team optimisation, grinding, and strategic planning.
The campaign spans a long multi-chapter adventure with large regions, custom dungeons, legendary story arcs, and major battles that continue well beyond a standard Elite Four ending.