Pokemon Run and Bun
About the Game
Pokémon Run and Bun is a ROM hack of Pokémon Emerald, explicitly designed for players who enjoy high-stakes Pokémon battles and extreme Nuzlocke runs. Created by ROM hacker dekzeh, this version is regarded as one of the toughest Pokémon games available. Trainers don’t just face buffed stats—they go up against full competitive teams, smart move sets, and opponents that know how to punish every mistake.
🧠 Key gameplay elements include:
- Gym Leaders and trainers often use Legendary Pokémon and full 6-Pokémon teams.
- Mechanics from up to Generation 8, including Abilities, items, and moves.
- Strategic design focused on Nuzlocke rule sets: one Pokémon per route, permadeath, and no grinding.
- Heavily rebalanced AI that punishes poor switches and unsafe moves.
Each encounter is carefully planned to push players to think several turns ahead. This isn’t a game where you spam strong moves and win. If your strategy isn’t solid, you will lose your team—fast.
Features That Make Pokémon Run and Bun Unique 🧩🔧
What separates Pokémon Run and Bun from other Emerald ROM hacks is how it removes randomness and grinding, so every decision matters. Players get the tools they need, but it’s up to them to use them wisely.
🛠️ Built-in game systems include:
- NPCs near Pokémon Centers that:
- Maximize IVs
- Modify Natures
- Teach any legal move
- Unlimited Rare Candies to skip grinding
- Toggle wild encounters on or off
- Expanded Pokédex support with over 360+ available Pokémon
The difficulty doesn’t come from cheap tricks. It comes from smart team building, move synergy, and matchup planning. For example, you might enter a double battle where both opponents use Trick Room and hard counters to priority moves. One mistake can wipe your entire run.
Many fans treat Run and Bun as the ultimate test. As of 2023, only a couple of players have fully completed a hardcore Nuzlocke of the game without breaking standard rules.
Game Controls:
Pokémon Run and Bun uses the same controls as Pokémon Emerald since it’s a ROM hack:
- D-Pad / Arrow Keys – Move character
- Z (A button) – Confirm / Select
- X (B button) – Cancel / Back
- Enter – Start Menu
- Backspace (Select button) – Open secondary menu
