Pokémon Scorched Silver Is A Johto Sequel Set 20 Years After Gold & Silver

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Published May 17, 2026, 6:00 AM EDT

Known as 'Cyberpunk 2077's' biggest fan, Angharad is a Welsh games writer who thrives in anything related to digital storytelling. If a video game explores the intricacies and horrors of womanhood, she is there.

Thanks to previous work at GAMINGbible, GameByte, The Loadout, Game Luster, Angharad has built a strong understanding of both the digital world and what fans want from it and is eager to share her thoughts and expertise with readers.

Released back in 1999 and introducing both 100 brand-new Pokémon and the exploration of the Johto region, Pokémon Gold Version and Pokémon Silver marked the first titles in Gen 2 of the beloved Nintendo franchise. Meeting critical acclaim and commercial success, Pokémon Gold Version and Pokémon Silver became the best-selling games for the Game Boy Color and are often regarded as some of the best games of all time, so it is perhaps no surprise that one fan has found a way to improve them even further.

A Direct Sequel To Pokémon Gold & Silver

Arceus, A white and gold pokemon flies on its four legs as a light glows around it.

Acting as a direct sequel to Pokémon Gold Version and Pokémon Silver, as opposed to an outright remake, Pokémon Scorched Silver offers players the chance to earn eight badges, whilst also introducing heaps of post-game content to enjoy. Not only that, but with this ROM hack offering a brand-new story to embark on, it is perfect for fans of Gold and Silver, but also those who are new to the Pokémon franchise as a whole.

Travel back to the majestic lands of Johto through the perspective of a young boy or girl from Cherrygrove City on their way to becoming a great Pokémon Master!

Set 20 years after the events of Gold and Silver, you will meet many old and new characters along your journey, as well as unravel more secrets of the region. Discover a wide variety of pokémon and a brand new storyline, as your path becomes intertwined with a mysterious group calling themselves Team Phoenix, who seem hell-bent on capturing Celebi for some nefarious scheme.

However, with the creator warning potential users that Scorched Silver is more on the difficult side as "the gym leaders use items and some setup moves" that are quite different from what fans may expect, it seems as though this ROM hack will offer the perfect challenge to those who are used to the formula of classic Pokémon titles. Not only that, but Scorched Silver will include the following features: the Black/White repel system, 750+ Pokémon, Mega Evolution, a new, original story, poison survival, and much more. Additionally, the ROM hack is also "built from the Pokémon Emerald Expansion (which includes PSS, fairy type, Gen 8 Pokémon, Gen 7 movepools)."

Pokémon ROM Hacks Are Built Different

Misty as she appears in Gold and Silver, older than her age in the anime.

Scorched Silver is just one of many examples of the incredible ROM hacks available for Pokémon, and with the Nintendo franchise celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, it is all the more reason to get stuck into fan-made projects that expand the beloved universe even more. If you enjoy Scorched Silver and want even more examples of some incredible ROM hacks, you can check out Pokémon Sacred Gold, Pokémon Fire Ash, and Pokémon Monomyth to name but a few.