Fan-made Pokemon MMO finally gets the series' second region, 11 years after launch

A Typhlosion gives their Pokemon trainer a high-five — (Image credit: The Pokemon Company)

11 years after it first launched, a fan-made Pokemon MMO has finally received the second region from the mainline games.

Yes, there is actually a fan-made Pokemon MMO out there, and it's still going strong over a decade after release. This game is PokeMMO, and it just received the second region from the mainline Pokemon games, the Johto region, 11 years after it first debuted for PC players.

Today the sun rises on the sacred land of Johto, one of the most anticipated additions of all time. As you step into this exciting journey, may your path be blessed and your encounters shine.✨✨The Johto region is now available on PokeMMO. pic.twitter.com/RVn5KqAu1eAugust 12, 2023

The Johto region brings with it a brand new storyline for PokeMMO players to get stuck into, complete with new boss battles and creatures to catch. However, you will need to make sure you've downloaded either the HeartGold or SoulSilver ROM to access the new region in PokeMMO.

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Understandably, the PokeMMO's PokeDex has been updated and expanded with the Johto region. You'll need to complete this updated 'Dex, as well as defeat the Elite Four in every region, if you want to make it to Mt. Silver, which is an optional endgame area in the new region.

Apricorns can finally be scavenged in the Johto region, which can be used in PokeMMO's crafting systems to create Moon Balls, Fast Balls, and Heavy Balls. You can also fashion Love Balls using Pink Apricorns, Friend Balls with Green Apricorns, Lure Balls with Blue Apricorns, and Level Balls with Red Apricorns.

The Johto region might've taken a while getting here, but considering everything on offer with the new area, it's one substantial update for the Pokemon MMO. Elsewhere in PokeMMO, you can delve into the Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova regions, so there are now five regions in total to explore.

Check out our best MMORPG rankings for a list of where else you should be investing dozens of hours.

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.