Do you need a way to turn those unplayable rom hack files you have into a GBA file? If that’s the case, you’ll need to learn how to patch a ROM hack. In this guide, we’ll be using Tsukuyomi, assuming that you are a Windows PC .
Patching isn’t necessarily a complicated process, especially when Tsukuyomi does most of the patching job for you.
Nevertheless, we’re still going to include the basics of how patching works, so you know how important it is, especially when ing hacks that won’t give you a file compatible with your emulator.
We’ll also include other important details that you will need in case you are unsure how to perform the patching method.
Other Topics That Might Interest You
- How To Patch a BPS ROM Hack File
- How To Patch IPS and UPS Files to Play a ROM Hack
- How To Patch .IPS ROM Hacks with Lunar IPS Patcher
- How to Patch GBA ROMs on Mac OS with MultiPatch
Table of Contents
What is a UPS or IPS File in ROM Hacks?
A UPS or IPS file is a patch file used to modify video game ROMs. IPS files are older and commonly used for small patches, while UPS files are newer and can handle larger changes.
These files let you apply updates, translations, or custom modifications to your games, making them more fun and interesting to play.
How Does UPS Patching Work?
Patching, in its simplest definition, is the process of altering a base ROM file using the information from a UPS file.
Think about FireRed, you already know what happens and all the content. Patching it with a UPS file can change FireRed by adding a bunch of new stuff, like items, Pokemon, story, and characters, among others.
Things You Need to Patch the UPS File
The UPS File
Just as we stated, the UPS file will contain all the information regarding the ROM Hack. Getting the UPS file can be easy, and we already have lots of them here at Pokemoncoders.
The Base ROM
These are the original games that will receive the UPS file’s content. These are the games for the GBA like FireRed, LeafGreen, Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald.
Unfortunately, due to legal reasons, we cannot help you find these ROMs. You can find these ROM files somewhere online, but unfortunately not here at Pokemoncoders.
The Tsukuyomi Patcher
This is the program you will use to patch the UPS file to the base ROM. It’s simple, just press some buttons and let Tsukuyomi do all the patching work.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Patch a ROM Hack Using Tsukuyomi
For this guide, we will use Pokemon Odyssey as the UPS file and FireRed as its Base ROM, just so you don’t get confused.
Step 1: Tsukuyomi
You can Tsukuyomi here.
Step 2: Launch Tsukuyomi
After ing, install and launch.
Step 3: Click on Apply Patch to an Existing File
To start the patching process, click on “Apply patch to an existing file”.
Step 4: Click on Browse under the UPS Patch File
Locate the location of your ed patch file. In most cases, you can find the file in your s folder.
Step 5: Choose the UPS File
Select the appropriate file and click “Open”.
Step 6: Click on Browse Under the Target file to Apply Patch
Next, click on Browse to locate your base rom file.
Step 7: Select the Base ROM
Click on the base ROM file. In our case, FireRed.gba. Click on “Open”.
Step 8: Click on Apply Patch
Click on the “Apply patch” button to start the patching process.
Step 9: Wait for the Patch to Apply and Finish
The patching process should now start.
Step 10: Rename the Newly Patched GBA File (Optional)
Finally, If patching has been completed without issues, you may now rename the patched file.
Step 11: Test the Patched File and See If It Works
Finally, open the generated .gba file using your favorite GBA emulator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ROM hack patching legal?
The only questionable aspect when it comes to the legal issues is the Base ROMs. Nintendo is strict with these things, which is why we cannot share these ROMs.
We can share the UPS files but not the GBA files. You’ll have to find these yourself.
Are there any potential problems when patching ROMS?
One answer is the Base ROM’s version. Some ROMs have different versions. For FireRed, there are Versions 1.0 and v1.1.
The UPS file will not patch on the wrong ROM version, even if it is the right base ROM. You may read the rom hack information to determine which appropriate version it requires for patching.
Are UPS files safe to ?
These files are safe to use and . However, you can’t run them on an emulator until you patch them.
These UPS files are safe. Just make sure to from reliable sources. If you them elsewhere, make sure not to pay for them.
Any other tips?
Make sure you keep a copy of the Base ROM. That’s because the UPS file will replace the Base ROM. It will no longer be FireRed but a whole different game.
There’s no way to reverse the process, so just keep a copy of the original Base ROM.
In Closing
That concludes our step-by-step guide on how to patch a ROM hack using Tsukuyomi for PC.
The steps are very easy to follow, and we’ve provided you with all the information you need. Again, you never pay for any of these because they are all free.
When you have everything you need, you can start patching your UPS files through Tsukuyomi and start playing immediately.
