Pokémon Is Finally Returning To Johto For New Open-World Game

Published Oct 4, 2026, 11:30 PM EDT Known as 'Cyberpunk 2077's' biggest fan, Angharad is a Welsh games writer who thrives in anything related to digital storytelling. If a video game explores the intricacies and horrors of womanhood, she is there. Thanks to previous work at GAMINGbible, GameByte, The Loadout, Game Luster, Angharad has built a strong understanding of both the digital world and what fans want from it and is eager to share her thoughts and expertise with readers. Although classic Pokémon entries are remembered fondly, with Gen 1 and Gen 2 being the staple of many of our childhoods, it is easy to forget how limited they were by late 90s/early 00s technology. It was during these generations that regions such as Johto were first introduced, but with games being pretty linear back in the day, it made exploring new locations a lot harder. In recent years, Game Freak has experimented a lot more with open-world Pokémon titles, with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet being the one true example of this. However, with Johto and similar regions being left in the past, fans have been calling out for an open-world Pokémon game which will take us back to these familiar locales. Whilst Game Freak may be working on its most ambitious entry yet, with the launch of Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, which is set to launch some time in 2027 and kickstart Gen 10, it seems as though an unofficial open-world title set in Johto has been worked on in the background. Allowing players to explore Johto without being locked to a set path, Pokémon GS Vitro from developer Clara_Dragon is an upcoming ROM hack, serving as a remake of Pokémon Crystal. However, unlike Pokémon Crystal, this brand-new release will take players back to Johto, but with an open-world map to explore. This means that you will be able to explore the world in whichever order you choose, and better yet, you will also be able to take on the Gym Leaders when the mood takes you too, even battling them out of the game's original order. To achieve this, the creator has opposing Pokémon levels to scale based on the player's team, and Gym Leaders themselves will have multiple teams they will use depending on when the player chooses to battle them. Starting in Ecruteak City, the region's entire map will be available from the start, allowing you to pick which direction you would like to head in first. Additionally, players will also gain access to Field Moves, allowing them to bypass any obstacles along the way. Whilst Pokémon GS Vitro may be a remake of Pokémon Crystal, Clara_Dragon has also worked hard to add features from later generations. As such, the Podédex features some later additions and Mega Evolutions will also be available. However, here is the full list of features you can expect in Pokémon GS Vitro: Field Moves replace HMs, and some have unique functions. For example, some Pokemon can use Rain Dance outside of battle, etc. Selector at the start of the game for Permadeath Mode (Nuzlocke) and Random Mode Pokemon may have slight variations in their colors, similar to Pokemon Stadium 2 Share experience from 8th gen+, where PC Pokemon also gain experience New features in the Pokegear, such as the Encounter List and PC Access Turbo mode only in battles Quick healing option for the Pokemon on your team Pokémon GS Vitro is set to launch on 30 October, and so if you want to return to Johto but without any of the restrictions from the original Pokémon titles, look no further than this stunning and ambitious release. Released December 14, 2000 ESRB e Developer(s) Game Freak Publisher(s) Nintendo Multiplayer Local Multiplayer Franchise Pokemon