How To Patch A ROM Hack Using NUPS For PC

Patching UPS files is a common skill among many experienced ROM hack players. However, for those who never tried patching UPS before, you’re in luck because we just made a definitive guide for you.

Things Needed to Patch UPS Files

1. UPS File

If you can’t a hack directly as the GBA file, then there are other files for it. ROM hacks have a base file format such as .IPS and .BPS.

In this case, we’ll use the UPS file format as our guide’s basis. This is important because these ROM hack file formats are different.

You can a ROM hack with the UPS file anywhere online, but not all hacks use it. We actually have some of those hacks here in the UPS format.

2. Base ROM File

The base ROM contains a Pokemon game’s vanilla version. The UPS file will be patched or added to the base ROM so you can play the ROM hack in a file that is compatible with your emulator.

The base ROMs are always in GBA file formats; these are the games like FireRed, Ruby, Emerald, and others.

It is also important to find out what version of the ROM is needed to patch the UPS. That’s because numerous ROMs could have different versions.

For example, you have Emerald with versions like V1 or the Trashman version. There are also cases where any version works, but if the hacker specifies an exact one, ensure that you will have the right version.

Unfortunately, we cannot tell you where to these ROMs. You’ll just have to find them yourself.

3. NUPS Patcher

The NUPS patcher is the program you will need to patch the Base ROM with the UPS file.

We’re not gonna delve deeper into the details of how the files are patched as these might cover a separate and broad topic. Just think of it as a converter that will give you the file you need right away.

If you want to the NUPS patcher, feel free to get it from here, which is safe to use:

NUPS Patcher

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Patch a ROM Hack Using NUPS

For this guide, we’ll be using Pokemon Dreams (a ROM hack) as the UPS file and FireRed as the base ROM. That way, you won’t be confused with the instructions.

Step 1: the NUPS

This step is easy as we already gave you a link (see above) for the NUPS patcher .

Step 2: Launch the NUPS

Launch the NUPS. You may need to unzip the file first.

Step 3: Click on “APPLY AN UPS PATCH TO FILE”

Step 4: Click on Browse

Step 5: Choose the Base ROM

Step 6: Click on Browse on UPS PATCH

Step 7: Pick the UPS File This Time

Step 8: Click on Patch

Step 9: The Patching Will Be Completed Momentarily

Step 10: Rename the ROM (Optional)

The patched file will replace the Base ROM. You can optionally change the name to the hack or whatever name you want the newly patched file to have.

Step 11: Launch the Rom and See if It Worked

Reasons Why the Patch May Fail

The UPS file may be corrupt or bad from the start.
The Base ROM is a different version. Just try other versions to patch.
The patcher is faulty, so use NUPS for guaranteed programs for patching.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when the file fails to patch?

Given the answers above, the failed patch file will be what it is. That would be a file that cannot be played on a GBA emulator.

As long as you still have the UPS file, you can find another base ROM file and try patching it again.

Is it safe to patch these .UPS files?

It is safe as long as you get your UPS and ROM files from secured locations. The NUPS patcher is very safe and easy to use.

You don’t need to worry about any problems on your PC when you do this.

In Closing

That concludes our guide on how to patch a ROM hack using NUPS for PC. The steps are very easy to execute.

Finding the Base ROM can be the trickiest part since these ROMs can be very hard to obtain and are subject to legality.

There are other methods and programs used for patching UPS files. We’ve just tackled one of them which is using the NPC patcher which we have to specify again that this is free.

How to Patch a ROM Hack using NUPS for PC