Gen2RecompDownloads, setup and play guides

Beginner setup

How to Play Pokemon Gold, Silver and Crystal with Gen2Recomp

Start with the correct Gen2Recomp download, prepare your own Pokemon Gold, Silver or Crystal game, complete the first launch, and protect your progress.

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What you need before starting

A supported device

Use Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, Steam Deck, Switch, Xbox or RG34XXSP. If you are unsure, compare the platform page before downloading.

The correct Gen2Recomp download

Windows, Mac and Linux have separate packages. Steam Deck uses the Linux package, while Switch, Xbox and RG34XXSP have their own files and requirements.

Your own Pokemon game

Prepare a legally obtained, compatible US copy of Pokemon Gold, Silver or Crystal. Gen2Recomp does not include the game.

A few uninterrupted minutes

The first Gold, Silver or Crystal setup takes longer than later launches. Keep the app open until the game begins.

Set up Gen2Recomp and start playing

  1. Choose the download for your deviceOpen the Download page and select the package made for your device. Android has a current v0.7.18 package; iOS does not.
  2. Prepare Pokemon Gold, Silver or CrystalKeep your own compatible game somewhere easy to find, such as a Games folder on a computer or another folder your current package can access.
  3. Open Gen2RecompComputer users should extract the full download before opening it. Follow the additional requirement shown for Switch, Xbox or RG34XXSP before trying those packages.
  4. Choose the gameOn the first launch, select Pokemon Gold, Silver or Crystal when asked. On a computer, you can also drop the game onto the Gen2Recomp window.
  5. Wait for the first setupGold, Silver and Crystal can take a couple of minutes to prepare. Do not repeatedly close and reopen the app while this is happening.
  6. Start playing and make a saveWhen the title screen appears, check movement and buttons, begin the game, and create a new Gen2Recomp save before adding any optional extras.
Open downloadsComputer setupAndroid setup

What happens after the first setup?

Later launches normally open the prepared game without asking you to choose it again. Gold, Silver and Crystal are kept separately, so you can set up each game and continue different saves.

Change the controls

Keyboard and controller buttons can be changed fromOptions → Controls. The controls page lists every default button and shortcut.

Adjust performance

If movement looks slow, choose Auto, Balanced or Low from the performance option. This reduces visual extras, not game progress.

See controls and hotkeys

Check the 3D-style world package after the game works

Gen2 Dramatic Shapes is a separate extra that changes the appearance of towns, routes and indoor areas. The v0.7.18 release page includes the current 0.7.18 package; install it only after normal gameplay works.

Open the Dramatic Shapes guide

Avoid these common first-time mistakes

  • Do not open individual computer files before extracting the download.
  • Do not choose a modified game or ROM hack.
  • Do not close Gen2Recomp while Gold, Silver or Crystal is being prepared.
  • Use the current Dramatic Shapes package shown on the Download page.
  • Do not replace or remove an older version before backing up progress.