Crystal Challenge Patch

16-Bit Challenge Run Patch

Latest update: 8th July 2026 (v0.3)

This patch combines all the pre-existing Pokémon Crystal Patches for Challenge Run and Nuzlocke playthroughs, adding a wide range of quality-of-life options. It is regularly updated based on community feedback.

This patch is a 16-bit conversion of Pokémon Crystal and is in early development, there will be bugs. I do not know what the bugs will be yet!

Download

Click here to download version 0.3

If you are using this patch to create content, please give credit.

Features by Version

v0.3

• Replace direct item ID comparisons with GetItemIndexFromID/GetItemIDFromHL helper functions in battle, item effects, and move_mon code
• Update StatExpItemPointerOffsets to use dwb (double word byte) format for 16-bit item indices
• Add ItemSwitch_AdvanceToQuantity helper for proper quantity field access with 16-bit item support
• Extend wSwitchItemBuffer from 2 to 3 bytes to accommodate larger item IDs
• Update garbage collection to check additional item-related WRAM variables
• Reorganize ROM bank layout ($75/$76) for new 16-bit ID data structures
• Fix item search logic in debug room to handle high/low bytes of 16-bit IDs

v0.2

• All Generation 3 Pokémon backported.
• Change in item handling - now running on the 16-bit base for item handling to allow more backports.
• Could potentially be unstable.

v0.1

• Options menu located in Elm's Lab, accessed via the top of the far-left bookshelf.
• Challenge Run Mode, 4 Moves Mode, SuperMON Mode, Nuzlocke Mode, Giftlocke Mode, and Extra Modes are available via the options.

Accessing the Options Menu

• 
  Talk to this bookshelf before getting your Pokémon
• 
  Set your options in the menu!

Full Options List

• Quick Game Mode Options
• HM Items
• Helpful NPCs
• Wild Encounters: On/Off/B to Repel
• Rare Candies: On/10 Immediately/Candy Jar
• Spinners: On/Off/Avoid
• Force Starter DVs: On/Off
• HP Types: All Hidden Power Types
• DV Range: Tweak DV Range Values
• Elm's Lab Poké Ball Pic Preview: On/Off
• Catching: On/Off
• Gym Gifts: On/Off
• Forced HM Encounters: On/Off
• Forced Catching Types: On/Off
• Randomize Wild Pokémon: On/Off (Work in Progress)
• Randomize Trainer Pokémon: On/Off (Work in Progress)
• Randomize Moves (Coming Soon)
• Metronome Only
• Forced Reset Upon Blackout (Work in Progress)
• Abilities (Coming Soon)
• Megas (Coming Soon)
• Evolutions: On/Off
• Trainer Vision: Sight / Talk

Backported Pokémon List

• All Generation 3 Pokémon - Treecko -> Deoxys, along with level-up and TM moves; slowly introducing compatibility for Egg Moves and Gen 1 TM moves for the 4 Moves Challenge.