Pokémon Quetzal is not your typical Pokémon game — it is a fan-made ROM hack built upon Pokémon Emerald with ambitious features, modern mechanics, and full multiplayer support. Though unofficial, it has quickly gained attention in the community for how far it strives to reinvent the classic experience.

You can trade, battle, and co-op with others online or locally.

The ability to have your Pokémon follow you around in the overworld.

ncludes Mega Evolution, Dynamax, Tera / “teralized” mechanics, and updates to battle systems to align with newer gens.

Quetzal supports built-in Nuzlocke mode and randomizer features.

All Pokémon from Generations 1 through 9 are included (plus regional variants, forms)

Radiant forms, DexNav, wild Pokémon appearing in overworld (not only via tall grass), options to turn features on/off.
Quetzal uses the Hoenn region as its foundation (like Emerald), but with fresh tweaks, expansions, side quests, and areas to explore.
Wild encounters, level curves, and Gym battles tend to present a more challenging experience compared to vanilla Emerald. Many players describe it as a “very hard” or demanding hack.
Because of its complexity, some features may feel overwhelming to casual players. Documentation (wiki, guides, translation) is community-maintained and sometimes fragmented.
Pokémon Quetzal is an impressive fan-driven reimagining of Emerald, combining nostalgia with modern mechanics and features. Its core strengths lie in its ambition: full multiplayer, updated battle systems, inclusion of all Pokémon ringtones up to Gen 9, and extensive customization. While it’s not without its challenges (balance, documentation, steep learning curve), its community support and evolving updates keep players engaged.
If you’re ready for a “pokémon experience with edge,” Quetzal might just be the adventure you’re looking for. As the project evolves, expect even more polish, features, and community-driven improvements.