A normal Gen2Recomp save will not open
Return to the previous working version, keep the newer files separate, and test a copied save. Do not overwrite the only backup.
Common problems and fixes
Gen2Recomp Troubleshooting
Protect your progress first, find the symptom that matches your problem, and try the safest fix before reinstalling Gen2Recomp or deleting anything.
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Before changing anything
- Close Gen2Recomp normally.
- Copy important progress to a separate folder or safe location.
- Write down the version, device, game and enabled mods.
- Change only one thing, then test the same action again.
Quick fixes for common Gen2Recomp problems
| Problem | Possible reason | Try this first |
|---|---|---|
| Pokemon game is rejected | Wrong region, unsupported revision, modified game or ROM hack. | Use your own supported US Gold, Silver, Crystal, Red, Blue or Yellow copy. |
| A Gen2 game seems stuck on first setup | Generation 2 takes longer to prepare. | Keep Gen2Recomp open for a couple of minutes without restarting it. |
| The downloaded package will not open | The package may be for a different platform or processor. | Return to the Download page and match the exact package to your device. |
| Windows shows a warning | The downloaded app is not from the Microsoft Store. | Confirm the full 0.7.18 filename on the Download page and scan the file normally. Do not disable protection. |
| macOS blocks the app | The app was downloaded outside the Mac App Store. | Confirm the current macOS ZIP, then use the normal Privacy & Security approval for this app. |
| Linux AppImage will not open | The wrong architecture may have been downloaded. | Use the x86-64 package for normal computers and Steam Deck, or the ARM64 package for a compatible ARM64 device. |
| Android says the app cannot be installed | A pre-v0.7.10 Gen2Recomp build is still installed. | Export saves, confirm the copies, uninstall the old app, then install v0.7.18. |
| Switch, Xbox or RG34XXSP setup fails | The required platform setup may be missing. | Check the homebrew, Developer Mode or PortMaster requirement on the Download page. |
| Imported save lost story progress | Imported saves remain experimental. | Return to the untouched original save and test only a copied version. |
| Dramatic Shapes does not appear | The wrong file was selected or the download was extracted. | Use the 0.7.18 ZIP shown on the Download page and import it while it is still compressed. |
| No automatic update prompt appears | v0.7.10 paused the update check while it was being corrected. | Check the website's Download page for the current version. |
| Game is slow | High visual settings or an enabled mod are too demanding for the device. | Try Auto, Balanced or Low and test with mods disabled. |
If Pokemon Gold, Silver or Crystal will not open
- Confirm the game is Pokemon Gold, Silver or Crystal.
- Use the standard US release rather than another region or a modified copy.
- Make sure the game is available as its own file and not inside another download.
- Move it to an easy-to-reach folder and choose it again.
- Allow a couple of minutes for the first setup to finish.
Changing the filename does not change the game version. If the same copy is repeatedly rejected, stop retrying and confirm that it matches the supported-games list.
Check supported Pokemon gamesIf saves or updates cause problems
An imported save changed story events
Treat the import as a test. Continue from the original cartridge or emulator save until the importer limitation is clearly resolved.
A new version works without mods
Enable mods one at a time. The first mod that brings the problem back is the best place to start.
A package for another platform will not open
Return to the Download page and match the exact package to your operating system, processor and platform requirements.
If controls do not respond
- Open Options → Controls and check the current button choices.
- Reconnect a controller before reopening Gen2Recomp.
- Test movement, A, B, Start and Select inside the Controls menu.
- Close other programs that may be using the controller.
- Use on-screen controls when your current platform provides them.
Information to collect when a problem remains
Record the Gen2Recomp version, platform, Pokemon game, enabled mods, the exact steps that repeat the problem, what you expected, what happened, and a screenshot when possible. Never share a Pokemon game file or private save publicly.