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Download Universal Pokémon Randomizer

Rediscover the Pokémon universe with a twist. The Universal Pokémon Randomizer allows you to personalize your ROMs for an unpredictable, enjoyable gameplay experience. Choose the version that best meets your needs, whether you are a classic fan, a modern trainer, or a speedrunner.

Universal Pokémon Randomizer (Original Version)

This is the original Universal Pokémon Randomizer, which is well-known for its ease of use and reliability. While development stopped in 2016, it remains fully functional for classic games.

Universal Pokémon Randomizer ZX (Latest Version)

The ZX fork is the most recent and feature-rich version of the Universal Pokémon Randomizer. It supports newer games (up to Gen 7) and includes numerous improvements over the original tool.

Installation Instructions:

After downloading and extracting the ZIP file, execute the following script:

Windows: launcher_WINDOWS.bat
Mac: launcher_MAC.command
Linux/Unix: launcher_UNIX.sh

UPR for Speedchoice ROMs

Designed for speedrunners, this version of the Universal Pokémon Randomizer focuses on Speedchoice-compatible ROMs and includes specialized options for racing and competitive settings.

How to Randomize a Pokémon Game With the Universal Pokémon Randomizer?

The Universal Pokémon Randomizer provides a refreshing twist for any Pokémon fan, transforming familiar adventures into unpredictable journeys. Here’s your comprehensive guide to getting started.

What You’ll Need

Before you start creating your custom Pokémon game, make sure you have everything ready:

A Legal Pokémon ROM
You must have a legal copy of the game you wish to randomize. This tool does not contain or distribute ROMs.
Universal Randomizer for Pokémon
Download the tool (either the classic or ZX version) from the official GitHub repository.
Java Runtime Environment
The application is built in Java. Download it from java.com if it’s not already installed.
An Emulator
You will need an emulator to play your randomized ROM. Depending on the game, choose VisualBoyAdvance (GBA), DeSmuME (DS), or Citra (3DS).
File Extraction Tool
WinRAR and 7-Zip are useful tools for unzipping downloaded randomizer files.

Step-by-Step Guide for Customizing Your Pokémon Game

1. Launch the Application

Go to the folder where you extracted the randomizer. Double-click the launcher that corresponds with your OS.

launcher_WINDOWS.bat for Windows
launcher_MAC.command for macOS
launcher_UNIX.sh for Linux/Unix

Make sure Java is installed correctly, or the application will not start.

2. Load ROM

Click the program’s “Open ROM” button. Browse your computer and choose the Pokémon ROM that you legally obtained. In ZX, games are supported from Generation I (Red/Blue) to Generation V (Black 2/White 2) and beyond.

3. Discover and Set Customization Options

The randomizer provides robust customization options across multiple categories:

Starter Pokémon: Select whether to completely randomize, choose from specific generations, or stick to balanced options.
Wild Pokémon: Change the location, evolution stage, or type to achieve consistent or chaotic gameplay.
Trainer Battles: Change the trainer classes, names, and Pokémon party compositions.
Movesets and Abilities: To add excitement to battles, randomize or shuffle learnable moves and Pokémon abilities.
Base Stats: For more familiar play, fully shuffle, slightly tweak, or leave stats unchanged.
Evolution Logic: Simplify by removing trade evolutions or create unique evolution paths.
Static and Legendary Pokémon: Randomize in-world encounters with legendaries and gift Pokémon.
TMs, HMs, and Tutors: Adjust the compatibility and content of teachable moves.
Held Items and Item Locations: Make each item discovery unexpected.
Sprites and Visual Tweaks: Optional randomization of Pokémon sprites and shininess.
Miscellaneous Tweaks: Allow faster leveling, earlier access to running shoes, or force National Dex from the start.

4. Advanced Settings (Optional)

Seed Generation: Use a specific seed to generate a repeatable randomization that you can share with friends.
Log Files: Create a full log file that includes every randomized change—useful for Nuzlockes or challenges.
Compatibility Settings: Enable or disable mechanics to ensure that game completion is possible.

5. Generate Your Randomized ROM

When you are ready, click “Randomize (Save)”. Select your output format and folder destination. UPR will create a new ROM with all of your custom settings applied.

6. Test and Play

Use your emulator to open your new ROM. Check early-game encounters or trainers to ensure that randomization is applied correctly.

7. Backup Your Settings

Save your configuration and log files for future use, tweaking, or sharing. This is useful for competitions and revisiting your favorite setups.

Additional Tips for a Great Experience

If you are a beginner, start with small changes, such as randomly selecting only wild Pokémon or starters.
Use the same seed as your friends to race or co-op through the same randomly generated world.
Experiment with different generations to find a variety of playstyles and difficulty levels.
Save multiple configurations for different types of playthroughs, such as challenge runs, relaxed games, and novelty builds.
Stay legal and ethical by never distributing ROMs or modified game files.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even powerful tools, such as the Universal Pokémon Randomizer, can occasionally encounter minor issues. Here are some common issues and quick fixes:

UPR Not Opening: Check that Java is properly installed on your device. If it is out of date or missing, download the most recent version from the official website.
ROM File Not Detected: Make sure your ROM is legally obtained, compatible with the tool, and not compressed in a zip or rar archive.
App Crashes or Freezes: Check that your system allows scripts to run, and temporarily disable any antivirus software that may be blocking the tool.
Emulator Doesn’t Load ROM: Make sure you’re using a supported emulator compatible with the randomized ROM file.

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