If you’re a Pokemon fan, you’ve probably heard of Pokemon Insurgence, a fan-made game that takes the beloved franchise to a completely new level. Think of it as a Pokemon game with a twist—darker storylines, unique mechanics, and a whole bunch of surprises that keep you hooked from start to finish. This game is the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation. If you are curious about it and want to try, here are a few things you need to know about Pokemon Insurgence before you get in.
- The Darker Storyline: Forget about the happy-go-lucky world of regular Pokémon games. Insurgence isn’t afraid to explore some pretty dark themes. From cults that worship Legendary Pokemon to actual human sacrifices, the plot isn’t what you’d expect from the series title. You even get to choose between playing in a “Darker” mode, where the more intense themes are kept, or a “Lighter” mode that tones it down.
- Delta Pokemon Steal the Show: Delta Pokemon are unique to Insurgence. They’re essentially variants of classic Pokemon but with completely different typings and appearances. Think of them like the Alolan or Galarian forms in the official games but on steroids. Delta Bulbasaur is a Fairy/Psychic type, Delta Charmander is Ghost/Dragon, and Delta Squirtle is Dark/Fighting. There are almost 200 of these variations scattered throughout the game, and catching them all is a whole adventure in itself.
- Kanto Starters Reimagined: Speaking of Delta Pokemon, if you’re a fan of the original trio from Pokemon Red and Blue, you’re in for a treat. You get to pick from Delta versions of Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle as your starters. But instead of the usual Fire, Water, and Grass types, you’re dealing with Fairy/Psychic, Ghost/Dragon, and Dark/Fighting, respectively. It’s a different way to experience the classic starters.
- Cults Are a Big Deal: The antagonists in Insurgence aren’t your usual Team Rocket or Team Magma types. Instead, you’re dealing with full-on cults that are obsessed with Legendary Pokemon. Each cult has its own set of beliefs and practices, and they’re not afraid to use human sacrifices to get what they want. It’s like Pokemon meets a horror movie, and it adds an unexpected intensity to the story.
- Armored Pokemon: Imagine giving your Pokemon battle armor. That’s exactly what Pokemon Insurgence lets you do. You can equip certain of them like Tyranitar, Flygon, and Mewtwo with special armor that boosts their defense stats heavily. These armored Pokemon get a new look, and they can be incredibly powerful in battle. Further, their armor can’t be knocked off, making them even more formidable.
- Mystery Gifts for Special Pokemon: Remember how in the official games you’d get event Pokemon through Mystery Gifts? Insurgence keeps that tradition alive but with a fan-made twist. You can access special Pokemon and items by using codes from the game’s wiki. These gifts have included everything from shiny creatures to unique items that can help you throughout your journey.
- Mega Evolutions Are Back—and Better: Mega Evolutions return in Pokemon Insurgence, but this time some new faces are joining the roster. In addition to the regular Mega Evolutions, the game introduces new Mega forms for fan favorites like Flygon, the Generation II starters, and even some Delta Pokemon.
- No More HM Slaves: HMs in Pokemon have always been a pain. Who wants to waste a move slot on Cut or Rock Smash? In Pokemon Insurgence, you can use HMs as items instead of teaching them to your companion. This means you can progress through the game without dedicating a Pokemon to be your “HM slave.”
- Online Trading is a Breeze: Trading Pokemon has come a long way since the days of using a link cable. In Insurgence, you can trade online with friends or random players around the world, which makes completing your Pokedex much easier. Plus, with the introduction of Delta and new Mega Evolutions editions, there’s even more incentive to trade.
- The Torren Region is Huge: The Torren Region is your new playground in Insurgence with 15 cities and towns, 13 different routes, and a whole host of places to explore. The region has its own Pokemon League, with Gym Leaders who stick to the classic type-based themes. But when you get to the Elite Four, things get interesting—they base their teams around strategies like Trick Room or Sandstorm bringing an extra challenge.
- Character Customization: Love customizing your character? You’ll be happy to know that this fan-made game lets you pick from three different avatars at the start of the game, with options for many skin tones and hair colors. As you progress, you can even change your clothes and hairstyle at Pokemon Centers to add a nice personal touch to your journey.
- A Rich Endgame Awaits: Even after you beat the main story, Insurgence has plenty of content to keep you busy. The 13 post-game missions challenge you to use high-level teams of Pokemon (level 95-100 recommended). These quests introduce more legendary encounters and tough battles, so don’t think the fun ends when the credits roll.
- Different Challenge Modes for Hardcore Fans: If you want something more difficult than the usual Pokemon gameplay, Insurgence has you covered. You can choose from various challenge modes like Nuzlocke, Randomizer, Egg Challenge, and more.
- Strong Early and Mid-Game Pokémon: Building a balanced team early on is essential, and Insurgence gives you plenty of strong options to do that. Pokemon like Delta Scyther, Delta Gardevoir, and Delta Crustle are powerhouses in the early and mid-game. Delta Scyther, in particular, has fantastic offensive typing and can carry you through many tough battles. Be sure to also pick up a Gastly or Magikarp—they might seem basic, but they’ll pay off in the long run.
- Secret Base Customization: If you miss the Secret Bases from Ruby and Sapphire, they make a return in Pokemon Insurgence, and you can customize them to your heart’s content. Furthermore, you can fill your Secret Base with helpful NPCs, including a Nurse, IV Changer, and even a Move Deleter.
Pokemon Insurgence is a unique experience that offers fresh mechanics, a deep story, and enough content to keep even the most dedicated fans busy. With Delta Pokemon, cults, a darker narrative side, and customizable challenges, the game feels like a Pokemon adventure for those who have grown up with the series and are ready for something different. So, if you haven’t already, give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.
