---
title: Pokémon Rainbow Gold
platform: nds
kind: console
tags: [pokemon-romhack]
---

# Pokémon Rainbow Gold

![[Pokemon-Rainbow-Gold_1-f34da801fe61bb68.png]]

## Description

**Pokémon Rainbow Gold** is an NDS ROM Hack by DARTHBR based on Pokemon Heart Gold & Soul Silver. It was last updated on September 10, 2025.

**Description:**
This passion-driven project elevates these incredible games into what I envision as my perfect Pokémon adventure. This isn’t about simply adding every new quality-of-life feature from later games, or making all 493 Pokémon available. Rainbow Gold focuses on a curated blend of edits, ranging from subtle refinements to substantial new additions, all designed to embody my “dream Pokémon game” and my ultimate vision for these Johto remakes.

I’ve come to realize that many Trainers share my deep affection for HeartGold and SoulSilver, and might truly appreciate the unique vision I’ve brought to these games. While Pokémon Rainbow Gold was crafted primarily for my own enjoyment, by choosing to release it publicly, I’m genuinely excited to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas.

**Features:**
- All Pokémon obtainable without trading, with in-game evolutions.
- Updated Wild Encounters 
Examples include:
**Johto:** Pichu, Houndour, Phanpy, Larvitar, Misdreavus, Murkrow, Slugma, Teddiursa, Skarmory, Elekid, Smoochum, Sneasel, and Gligar.
**Kanto:** Pinsir, Scyther, Rhyhorn, Ponyta, Doduo, Cubone, and Exeggcute.
- Restored Legendary & Mythical Events: All legendary and mythical Pokémon events from various generations are restored, including Arceus, Celebi (with GS Ball), Latios & Latias, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, the Lake Trio, Manaphy, Heatran, the Legendary Birds, Groudon, Kyogre, Rayquaza, Shaymin, Rotom, Spiky-eared Pichu, Darkrai, Cresselia, Jirachi, the Regi Trio (plus Regigigas), and Mew.
- Regional Gift Pokémon: Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh starters are spread across the map as gift Pokémon.
- Brand New Revamped Safari Zone: Complete Baoba’s two challenges for full access; no more 90-day waits to catch Pokémon. The Safari Zone is restored to its classic design, without “objects”—simply enter your desired zone and catch Pokémon.
- Hoenn & Sinnoh Sounds: Access to Hoenn and Sinnoh radio channels from the start (Wednesdays for Hoenn, Thursdays for Sinnoh).
- Evolutions:
Espeon & Umbreon: Evolve via Sun Stone and Moon Stone, respectively.
Leafeon & Glaceon: Evolve by leveling up near Moss Rock (Viridian Forest) and Ice Rock (Seafoam Islands).
- Magnetic Field Evolution: Magneton evolves into Magnezone and Nosepass into Probopass by leveling up in a magnetic field zone (Outside Kanto Power Plant).
- Feebas now evolves based on friendship.
- Shiny Rate: Increased to 1/256 (Shiny Charm equivalent).
- HMs Can Be Forgotten
- TMs Are Infinite
- IV/EV Check: Hold L for EV and R for IV before opening the Pokémon summary screen.
- Early Fossil Reviver: Available in Goldenrod City (requires 6th badge).
- All Fossils Obtainable.
- New Evolution Stones: Including Link Cord.
- Exp Share: Available from the start of the game.
- Wonder Trade: Available at the GTS station, allowing access to Hoenn and Sinnoh Pokémon on days the radio channels are inactive.
- Revamped In-Game Trades: In-game Pokémon trades have been rebalanced, offering new opportunities to obtain rare Pokémon, such as Feebas in Olivine City

**More informations**
[Documentation](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vc42vc6gUwPnjOMikAF-TnZAQqu3kPHe/view?usp=drivesdk)

**Download:**
**Version Differences**
In the Kris version, Lyra (girl) has been replaced by Kris from Pokémon Crystal and the menu palette color.

**Mediafire**
[Original](https://www.mediafire.com/file/bsoouugg1m7sl1l/Rainbow-Gold-v1.5.zip/file)
[Kris](https://www.mediafire.com/file/meft3lgcouckk87/Kris-Rainbow-Gold-v1.5b.zip/file)

**Mega**
[Original](https://mega.nz/file/XcFgSCwS#ASe0pbmbiPtAfqPZiDYEMZiT2bHKuO5MOuXR8WqJuUg)
[Kris](https://mega.nz/file/jIEkACKa#kji-rsfgA-f7n2jZJNGse2eVkAKd_QnfE0SlyT8qErY)

**Discord**
[Discord link](https://discord.com/invite/BtVgmfvBbE)

## Download links

- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vc42vc6gUwPnjOMikAF-TnZAQqu3kPHe/view?usp=drivesdk
- https://www.mediafire.com/file/bsoouugg1m7sl1l/Rainbow-Gold-v1.5.zip/file
- https://www.mediafire.com/file/meft3lgcouckk87/Kris-Rainbow-Gold-v1.5b.zip/file
- https://mega.nz/file/XcFgSCwS#ASe0pbmbiPtAfqPZiDYEMZiT2bHKuO5MOuXR8WqJuUg
- https://mega.nz/file/jIEkACKa#kji-rsfgA-f7n2jZJNGse2eVkAKd_QnfE0SlyT8qErY

## Files

- **Artifact:** `Rainbow-Gold-v1.5.nds` (console/nds)
- **Guides / extras (3):**
    - `Kris-Rainbow-Gold-v1.5b.zip`
    - `RAINBOW-GOLD-DOCUMENTATION-1_copy.pdf`
    - `Rainbow-Gold-v1.5.zip`