Gen1Recomp Guide

Independent Community Guide

How to Play Gen1Recomp in 3D

Download Gen1Recomp, import your compatible Pokemon Red, Blue or Yellow ROM, install the Dramatic Shape Voxel Mod, and turn the original Gen 1 world into a playable 3D diorama.

Start the Setup GuideDownload from Official GitHubCheck Your ROM
1

Gen1Recomp

The modern engine that runs the game.

2

A Compatible ROM

A supported US Pokemon Red, Blue or Yellow game file.

3

Voxel Mod

The optional mod that creates the viral 3D presentation.

Complete setup path

Install, verify, import, and turn on the 3D view.

This Gen1Recomp setup guide focuses on Windows and Android first, with conservative notes for macOS, Linux, iPhone / iPad, and handheld devices where Gen1Recomp release support can vary.

Gen1Recomp setup checkpoints

  • Use the latest Gen1Recomp release from the official GitHub page.
  • Keep the extracted folder outside the ZIP archive before launching.
  • Match the game tab to the ROM version you imported.
  • Run the ROM check before troubleshooting import errors.
  • Install the Gen1Recomp Voxel Mod as an untouched release ZIP.
  • Restart the app after enabling or disabling the Voxel Mod.
  • Start Gen1Recomp with Balanced 3D settings before raising visual quality.
  • Keep save and cache folders in place when moving the app.

Step 1: Download Gen1Recomp

Download the latest Gen1Recomp version from the project's official GitHub Releases page. Avoid unofficial Gen1Recomp mirrors, modified installers and repackaged bundles.

  1. Open the official GitHub Releases page.
  2. Find the current Windows release.
  3. Download the Windows archive.
  4. Extract it to a normal folder such as C:\Games\Gen1Recomp.
  5. Do not run the program directly from inside the ZIP archive.
Download from Official GitHub

What you should see

A GitHub Releases page with Gen1Recomp downloadable assets created by the project maintainers.

Common mistake

Running a Gen1Recomp Windows build directly from inside a ZIP archive can prevent files and settings from being created normally.

If Windows Defender shows a warning, first confirm that the file came from the official GitHub release and compare it with the published SHA-256 checksum.

Step 2: Prepare a Compatible ROM

A ROM is a digital backup of the data stored on an original Game Boy cartridge. Gen1Recomp does not include Pokemon game content, so the player must provide a compatible game file. Gen1Recomp ROM compatibility is strict because the import process expects exact game data.

  • This site does not provide ROM downloads.
  • Use a game backup you legally obtained yourself.
  • Gen1Recomp usually rejects Japanese, European, translated, ROM hack, and modified versions.
  • The current Gen1Recomp compatible files are specific 1 MiB US ROMs.
GameSHA-1
Pokemon Red USea9bcae617fdf159b045185467ae58b2e4a48b9a
Pokemon Blue USd7037c83e1ae5b39bde3c30787637ba1d4c48ce2
Pokemon Yellow UScc7d03262ebfaf2f06772c1a480c7d9d5f4a38e1

Step 3: Check Your ROM Locally

Use this Gen1Recomp ROM Checker before import. It helps confirm whether the file should work with Gen1Recomp without uploading your ROM anywhere.

Your ROM stays on your device. Nothing is uploaded.The checker reads the file locally and uses Web Crypto to calculate SHA-1.

Choose or drop a ROM backup

Accepted file types: .gb and .gbc. The file is never logged, saved, or sent to a server.

Step 4: Import the ROM

  1. Open Gen1Recomp.
  2. Select the Red, Blue or Yellow tab.
  3. Click Choose ROM.
  4. Select the .gb or .gbc file.
  5. Wait for verification and extraction.
  6. Select or create a save slot.
  7. Press Play.

The ROM is used during the initial Gen1Recomp import. Gen1Recomp then creates a private local cache, so later Gen1Recomp launches normally do not require the ROM again.

ROM rejectedNothing happens after selecting the fileWrong game regionModified or translated ROMImported Red but trying to launch Yellow

Step 5: Download the 3D Voxel Mod

The viral 3D presentation is not included in the standard Gen1Recomp installation. The Gen1Recomp 3D look comes from the separate Dramatic Shape Voxel Mod.

Gen1Recomp

Gen1Recomp runs the game.

ROM

Provides original game data.

Voxel Mod

Creates the optional 3D diorama presentation.

Download Voxel Mod from Author's GitHub

Keep the downloaded Gen1Recomp Voxel Mod release ZIP intact. Do not manually reorganize its folders before importing it.

Step 6: Install the Voxel Mod

  1. Open the Gen1Recomp launcher.
  2. Select the MODS tab.
  3. Click Import mod .zip.
  4. Choose the downloaded Voxel Mod ZIP.
  5. Wait for the mod to appear in the list.
  6. Confirm that it is enabled.
  7. Restart or relaunch the game.

In Gen1Recomp, the MODS tab manages imported ZIP files. F10 can open or close the Gen1Recomp mod manager while playing on desktop.

Mod does not appearInvalid ZIP structureDuplicate mod IDMod is disabledGame still looks 2DGame crashes after enabling the mod

Step 7: Enable Recommended 3D Settings

These Gen1Recomp 3D settings are a starting point. If Gen1Recomp slows down, reduce AA and WATER first before changing the ROM or reinstalling the mod.

Balanced

Start here on most desktops, phones, and handhelds.

VOXEL
35 or 50
3D-BTL
ON
T-SHIFT
1
V-CURVE
1
WATER
SKY
AA
OFF
DAYTIME
SYNC or DAY

High Quality

Use this after the game is already running smoothly.

VOXEL
50 or 75
3D-BTL
ON
T-SHIFT
2
V-CURVE
1 or 2
WATER
FULL
AA
2X
DAYTIME
DUSK or NIGHT
  • VOXEL controls the 3D viewing angle.
  • 3D-BTL places battles in the world.
  • T-SHIFT adds miniature-style depth of field.
  • V-CURVE bends the distant terrain.
  • WATER controls waves and reflections.
  • AA smooths edges but can significantly reduce performance.

Start with AA turned off. FULL Water and higher AA settings may cause low frame rates on phones, handhelds and weaker computers.

Step 8: Controls

These Gen1Recomp controls cover the default keyboard flow for setup, saves, loading, the Gen1Recomp mod manager, and camera zoom.

MoveArrow keys / WASD
A / ConfirmZ / Enter / Space
B / CancelX / Backspace
StartEscape
SelectTab / Shift
SaveF1
LoadF2
Mod ManagerF10
Zoom- / = / mouse wheel

Use original author pages for downloads. This guide avoids mirrors, repackaged installers, ROM links, and modified archives.

Fast fixes

Troubleshooting shortcuts

These are the issues most players hit first when setting up Gen1Recomp, a compatible ROM, and the Gen1Recomp Voxel Mod.

ROM Not Recognized

Symptom: Gen1Recomp rejects the file or refuses to import it.

Most likely cause: Wrong region, modified data, translated ROM, ROM hack, or incorrect file size.

Quick fix: Use the ROM Checker and confirm the SHA-1 matches a supported US Red, Blue, or Yellow file.

Open fix

Voxel Mod Not Showing

Symptom: The mod is missing from the MODS tab after import.

Most likely cause: The ZIP was extracted, reorganized, or is not the release archive expected by the launcher.

Quick fix: Download the release ZIP from the author's GitHub page and import the ZIP intact.

Open fix

Game Still Looks 2D

Symptom: The game launches but the world still uses the normal flat presentation.

Most likely cause: The mod is disabled, not loaded, or the 3D settings are not active.

Quick fix: Enable the mod, restart the game, then start with VOXEL 35 or 50 and 3D-BTL ON.

Open fix

Low FPS or Phone Overheating

Symptom: The game stutters, the device gets hot, or battery drains quickly.

Most likely cause: AA, FULL Water, high VOXEL values, or depth effects are too expensive for the device.

Quick fix: Turn AA OFF, set WATER to SKY, use VOXEL 35, and close background apps.

Open fix

Windows Defender Warning

Symptom: Windows warns before opening or extracting the downloaded file.

Most likely cause: New or uncommon open-source builds can trigger reputation warnings.

Quick fix: Confirm the file came from the official GitHub release and compare the published SHA-256 checksum.

Open fix

Controller Not Working

Symptom: The game launches, but your controller does not move or confirm.

Most likely cause: The controller is not detected by the OS, Steam Input is intercepting it, or mappings differ.

Quick fix: Reconnect the controller before launch, check OS input settings, and test keyboard controls first.

Open fix

Save File Missing

Symptom: A previous save slot or save state is gone.

Most likely cause: The app folder moved, the local cache changed, or the wrong game tab is selected.

Quick fix: Return the app to its original folder, pick the correct Red/Blue/Yellow tab, and avoid clearing app data.

Open fix

Before you download

FAQ

Is this the official Gen1Recomp website?

No. Gen1Recomp Guide is an independent community guide. Downloads should come from the original GitHub release pages.

Can I download Pokemon ROMs here?

No. This site does not host or link to ROM files. Use a game backup you legally obtained yourself.

Does the ROM Checker upload my file?

No. The checker runs in your browser, calculates SHA-1 locally, and does not call a server API.

Why does the game still look 2D?

The Voxel Mod may not be imported, enabled, or configured. Check the MODS tab and start with the balanced 3D settings.