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, different revision, modified game or unsupported Crystal version. | Use your own standard US Gold, Silver, Red, Blue or Yellow copy. |
| Gold or Silver seems stuck on first setup | Generation 2 takes longer to prepare. | Keep Gen2Recomp open for a couple of minutes without restarting it. |
| Windows shows a warning | The downloaded app is not from the Microsoft Store. | Confirm you used this site’s Download page and scan the file normally. Do not disable protection. |
| Mac starter says Pokemon Red | The current Mac starter still has older label text. | Continue only if you downloaded the current computer ZIP, then choose your own Gold or Silver game when asked. |
| Linux starter will not open | Python 3 or LÖVE 11 may be missing. | Install both from your Linux software manager, then runscripts/play.sh from the extracted folder. |
| Android will not install | The browser or file manager is not allowed to install the downloaded app. | Allow installation only for the app you used to download Gen2Recomp. |
| Android update fails | The current app is development-signed, or the new download may use a different signature. | Back up progress and keep the old app until a safe update path is confirmed. |
| 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 extra is disabled, was extracted, is from Gen1, or conflicts with another mod. | Disable other mods and import the original Gen2 Dramatic Shapes download again. |
| Game is slow | High visual settings or Dramatic Shapes are too demanding for the device. | Try Auto, Balanced or Low and test with Dramatic Shapes disabled. |
If Pokemon Gold or Silver will not open
- Confirm the game is Pokemon Gold or Silver, not 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.
An Android update will not install
Do not immediately uninstall the old app. First confirm that your save has been copied somewhere outside the app.
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.
- On Android, use the on-screen buttons rather than desktop function keys.
Information to collect when a problem remains
Record the Gen2Recomp version, Windows/Mac/Linux version or Android device, 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.