Pokémon Unbound Guide
Everything you need to master this Pokémon ROM hack!
Installation
Steps
Obtain a clean Pokémon FireRed (U) ROM (CRC32: 3D3D6D7C)
Version 1.0 required, not the (E) or other regional versions
Download the Unbound v2.1.1.1 IPS patch
Official patch available at the PokeCommunity thread
Apply patch using Lunar IPS patcher
Simple drag-and-drop patching interface recommended
Verify patched ROM is 32MB (33,554,432 bytes)
Larger than standard FireRed due to expanded content
Configure emulator with 128K Flash save type
Required for proper saving functionality
Required Files
- Pokémon FireRed (U) 1.0 ROM: Base ROM for patching
Must source independently
- Unbound v2.1.1.1 IPS Patch: Latest stable version
PokeCommunity thread #643793
- Lunar IPS: Simple IPS patcher
ROMhacking.net utilities
Walkthrough
Begin on the KBT Expressway where you'll choose from revamped starters (Beldom, Golett, or Bagon). After battling your rival, proceed to Dresco Town. Visit the Battle House for your first major battle against the mysterious trainer 'Jax'.
Important Battles
- Jax (First Battle) (Lv10 Pokémon depending on your starter Lv10)
His Pokémon will always counter your starter's type. Catch Route 1 Pokémon to balance your team.
Items
- Running Shoes - Automatically obtained after first battle
- EXP Share - Dresco Town Poké Mart (free)
Vesper's dark-type gym features tricky double battles. The gym puzzle involves light switches that affect enemy Pokémon stats. Recommended to have at least two Fighting or Bug-type Pokémon.
Important Battles
- Gym Leader Vesper (Murkrow L18, Carvanha L18, Sableye L20 Lv18-20)
Use the light switches to lower enemy stats before battling. Fighting moves are 2x effective against all her Pokémon.
Pokémon Locations
Starters
Beldom (Steel)
- HP: 40
- Attack: 55
- Defense: 80
- Sp. Atk: 35
- Sp. Def: 45
- Speed: 30
Golett (Ground, Ghost)
- HP: 59
- Attack: 74
- Defense: 50
- Sp. Atk: 35
- Sp. Def: 50
- Speed: 35
Bagon (Dragon)
- HP: 45
- Attack: 75
- Defense: 60
- Sp. Atk: 40
- Sp. Def: 30
- Speed: 50
Legendaries
- Shadow Ho-Oh (Shadow, Fire) - Shadow Base
Complete Mission 12 of Shadow questline
Level: 70
- Deoxys (Psychic) - Void Gauntlet
All 8 Badges and complete post-game story
Level: 80
Special Encounters
- Larvesta (Bug, Fire) - Route 10 (hidden grotto)
Encounter Rate: 5% (only in morning)
Level Range: Lv25-30
- Jangmo-o (Dragon) - Cragonos Mines (deepest level)
Encounter Rate: 10%
Level Range: Lv32-36
Gym Leaders
Pokémon
- Murkrow (Lv18) - Moves: Wing Attack, Pursuit, Haze, Astonish
Item: Cheri Berry
- Carvanha (Lv18) - Moves: Bite, Focus Energy, Scary Face, Ice Fang
Item: None
- Sableye (Lv20) - Moves: Shadow Claw, Fake Out, Detect, Power Gem
Item: Sitrus Berry
Reward
Badge: Midnight Badge
TM: TM79 (Dark Pulse)
Other: Use of Flash outside battle
Recommended Team
Fighting-type Lv18+, Bug-type Lv18+, Fairy-type Lv16+
Pokémon
- Riolu (Lv24) - Moves: Force Palm, Quick Attack, Feint, Counter
Item: Focus Band
- Machop (Lv25) - Moves: Low Kick, Seismic Toss, Focus Energy, Karate Chop
Item: None
- Hawlucha (Lv27) - Moves: Flying Press, Wing Attack, Encore, Hone Claws
Item: Sitrus Berry
Reward
Badge: Fist Badge
TM: TM60 (Drain Punch)
Other: Use of Rock Smash outside battle
Recommended Team
Flying-type Lv25+, Psychic-type Lv23+, Fairy-type Lv22+
Elite Four
Pokémon
- Swampert (Lv72) - Moves: Earthquake, Waterfall, Ice Punch, Hammer Arm
Item: Swampertite
- Gyarados (Lv73) - Moves: Waterfall, Crunch, Dragon Dance, Ice Fang
Item: Wacan Berry
- Toxapex (Lv73) - Moves: Baneful Bunker, Scald, Recover, Toxic
Item: Black Sludge
- Greninja (Lv75) - Moves: Water Shuriken, Dark Pulse, Extrasensory, Ice Beam
Item: Life Orb
Reward: $20000
Pokémon
- Metagross (Lv74) - Moves: Meteor Mash, Zen Headbutt, Earthquake, Bullet Punch
Item: Metagrossite
- Gallade (Lv74) - Moves: Psycho Cut, Close Combat, Leaf Blade, Night Slash
Item: Galladite
- Alakazam (Lv75) - Moves: Psychic, Shadow Ball, Focus Blast, Recover
Item: Alakazite
- Latias (Lv76) - Moves: Psychic, Draco Meteor, Recover, Calm Mind
Item: Soul Dew
Reward: $20000
Tips
team-building (high)
The game features all Pokémon up to Gen 7 - plan your team with Mega Evolutions and Z-Moves in mind
exploration (medium)
Check every bookshelf - many contain TMs or valuable information about game mechanics
battles (high)
Difficulty can be adjusted in settings - recommended 'Difficult' for experienced players
items (medium)
Save your Gold Bottle Caps for perfect IV training post-game
glitches (high)
Avoid using speed-up during certain cutscenes as it may cause softlocks