How to Download and Install Pokémon Clover Safely

Pokémon Clover is a large-scale Pokémon FireRed ROM hack featuring two custom regions, Fochun and the Ebin Isles, along with 386 original Fakemon, an entirely custom soundtrack, modernized battle mechanics, difficult trainer AI, extensive side content, and more than 100 hours of estimated gameplay.

The project began as a parody rooted heavily in 4chan culture and deliberately contains crude, offensive, and provocative humor. The developers themselves warn that Clover includes themes and language that will not appeal to everyone. citeturn859443search3

As of September 2026, the current public release remains:

Pokémon Clover v1.3.3

The official Clover website still identifies v1.3.3 as the current version. Version 1.3.3 was released as a hotfix on October 4, 2023, following the larger v1.3.2 update. citeturn859443view0turn859443view2

Installing Pokémon Clover is especially straightforward because the official website includes its own browser-based patcher. You provide your own legally obtained clean Pokémon FireRed v1.0 ROM, and the site applies Clover to it.

Rom Professor does not host, provide, or link to copyrighted Pokémon FireRed ROM files or unofficial pre-patched Pokémon Clover ROMs.

What You Need Before Installing Pokémon Clover

You need:

• A legally obtained clean Pokémon FireRed v1.0 ROM
• Specifically the FireRed version commonly identified as “Squirrels”
• The official Pokémon Clover v1.3.3 patch or official browser patcher
• A compatible Game Boy Advance emulator
• A backup of any existing Clover save if you are updating

The finished Pokémon Clover game is a Game Boy Advance ROM and normally uses:

.gba

The official Clover website provides a built-in Rom Patcher JS interface, meaning most players do not even need to separately install a desktop patching program. citeturn859443view0

What Base ROM Does Pokémon Clover Use?

Pokémon Clover requires:

Pokémon FireRed 1.0 “Squirrels”

The official Clover download page is unusually explicit about this requirement. It says players need a:

clean, unedited Pokémon FireRed 1.0 “Squirrels” GBA file. citeturn859443view0

Requirement	Pokémon Clover
Base game	Pokémon FireRed
Platform	Game Boy Advance
Region	USA
Revision	FireRed v1.0 / Rev 0
Common identifier	FireRed (U)(Squirrels)
ROM condition	Clean and unmodified
Finished extension	.gba
Current Clover version	v1.3.3
Recommended emulator	mGBA
RTC required	No

The standard English FireRed v1.0 ROM is commonly identified by SHA-1:

41cb23d8dccc8ebd7c649cd8fbb58eeace6e2fdc

Do not confuse it with FireRed v1.1.

The official Clover patcher performs its own source-ROM checks. If the site gives you a checksum error, the Clover developers say that your ROM is not the correct clean source ROM. citeturn859443view0

Do not patch:

• FireRed v1.1
• LeafGreen
• Pokémon Emerald
• Another FireRed hack
• An old Clover ROM
• A randomized FireRed ROM
• A modified FireRed ROM

Renaming the wrong ROM to something such as:

Pokemon FireRed Squirrels.gba

does not make it compatible.

The internal data must actually match FireRed v1.0.

Where to Get the Official Pokémon Clover Patch

Use the official Pokémon Clover website.

The Clover download page currently lists:

Current version: v1.3.3

and includes an integrated browser patcher. citeturn859443view0

This is preferable to searching random ROM-hack download sites because the official site:

• Verifies the FireRed source ROM
• Supplies the current Clover patch
• Applies the patch in your browser
• Clearly identifies the current version
• Recommends the supported emulator

The site also offers the patch separately for people who prefer manual patching. citeturn859443view0

You do not want an unofficial download labeled:

Pokemon Clover v1.3.3.gba

or:

Pokemon Clover Pre-Patched ROM

The correct workflow is:

Clean FireRed v1.0 + official Clover patch = Pokémon Clover v1.3.3

How to Patch Pokémon Clover

The easiest method is the patcher already built into the official Clover website.

Step 1: Prepare Pokémon FireRed 1.0

Locate your legally obtained clean FireRed ROM.

It should normally end in:

.gba

For example:

Pokemon FireRed.gba

If it is inside a:

.zip

.rar

or:

.7z

archive, extract the .gba file first.

Do not upload a compressed archive to the patcher.

Step 2: Make Sure It Is FireRed “Squirrels”

The official site expects:

Pokémon FireRed 1.0 “Squirrels.” citeturn859443view0

If you have FireRed v1.1 or a modified FireRed ROM, Clover will not patch correctly.

Keep an untouched copy of the clean ROM somewhere safe.

Step 3: Open the Official Clover Download Page

Go to the official Pokémon Clover website and choose its download section.

You should see:

Current version: v1.3.3

along with the built-in Rom Patcher JS interface. citeturn859443view0

Step 4: Select Your FireRed ROM

Under:

ROM file

choose your clean FireRed 1.0 .gba.

The patcher will analyze the ROM and calculate checksum information.

Step 5: Check for a Checksum Error

If the site rejects your ROM, stop.

Do not try to force an incompatible source ROM.

The Clover developers specifically say a checksum error indicates that the source is not the expected clean ROM. citeturn859443view0

Step 6: Apply the Clover Patch

The official website supplies the current Clover patch to its browser patcher.

Choose:

Apply Patch

Rom Patcher JS will generate the patched game.

Step 7: Save the Patched ROM

Save the resulting file somewhere convenient.

A useful filename is:

Pokemon Clover v1.3.3.gba

Keep the original FireRed ROM separately.

Step 8: Open Clover in mGBA

The official Clover website specifically recommends:

mGBA. citeturn859443view0

Launch mGBA and open your newly patched .gba.

You should now be playing Pokémon Clover.

How to Patch Pokémon Clover Manually

If the browser patcher does not work for your device, the official download page also offers the Clover patch as a separate download. citeturn859443view0

The safest process is:

1. Download the current official v1.3.3 patch package.
2. Extract the package if necessary.
3. Open Rom Patcher JS or another patcher supporting the supplied format.
4. Select your clean FireRed v1.0 ROM.
5. Select the official Clover patch file.
6. Apply the patch.
7. Save the resulting .gba.
8. Load it in mGBA.

Use the patch format actually included with the official v1.3.3 package rather than downloading a converted patch from an unrelated third-party site.

How to Play Pokémon Clover on Windows

The best choice is:

mGBA

This recommendation comes directly from Pokémon Clover’s developers. citeturn859443view0

To play:

1. Install mGBA.
2. Open it.
3. Select File.
4. Choose Open ROM.
5. Select your Clover .gba.
6. Configure keyboard or controller inputs.
7. Start the game.

You generally do not need to manually configure unusual save settings.

How to Play Pokémon Clover on Mac

Use:

mGBA

mGBA supports macOS as well as Windows.

To play:

1. Install mGBA.
2. Open your Clover .gba.
3. Configure your controls.
4. Start playing.

Because mGBA is the emulator explicitly recommended by the Clover project itself, it should also be your first troubleshooting choice if another emulator behaves incorrectly. citeturn859443view0

How to Play Pokémon Clover on Android

There is no official standalone Android version of mGBA.

The mGBA developers specifically note that no official Android or iOS standalone mGBA port currently exists, but mGBA can be used on those platforms through its libretro core. citeturn410034search1turn410034search3

For Android, I recommend:

RetroArch + mGBA core

To play:

1. Patch Clover using the official site.
2. Save the finished .gba on your phone.
3. Install RetroArch.
4. Install/select the mGBA core.
5. Load your Clover ROM.
6. Start playing.

The mGBA core supports normal GBA ROM files, saves, save states, fast-forward, and other expected emulator functionality. citeturn410034search3

How to Play Pokémon Clover on iPhone or iPad

There are two easy current options:

• RetroArch
• Delta

Both are currently available for iPhone and iPad and support Game Boy Advance games. citeturn410034search0turn410034search2

For maximum consistency with the Clover developer’s mGBA recommendation, I would use:

RetroArch with the mGBA core

To play:

1. Patch Clover.
2. Save the finished .gba in the Files app.
3. Install RetroArch.
4. Select the mGBA core.
5. Import Clover.
6. Launch the game.

Delta also supports GBA games, normal saves, save states, and other emulator features. citeturn410034search0

If Clover behaves strangely in Delta, test the same ROM in RetroArch/mGBA before repatching.

Best Emulator Settings for Pokémon Clover

Pokémon Clover does not require many unusual emulator settings.

Setting	Recommendation
Windows	mGBA
macOS	mGBA
Android	RetroArch + mGBA
iPhone/iPad	RetroArch + mGBA or Delta
RTC	Not required
Frameskip	Off
Save type	Automatic/default
Fast-forward	Optional
Normal in-game saves	Recommended
Save states	Safe as supplemental saves

Does Pokémon Clover Need RTC?

No.

This is one area where Clover is simpler than many Pokémon hacks.

The official FAQ explicitly says:

Clover has no features that rely on a Real-Time Clock. citeturn859443view1

You therefore do not need to troubleshoot:

• Dead RTC batteries
• Frozen berries
• Incorrect day/night cycles
• Emulator clock synchronization

for Clover.

Are Save States Safe in Pokémon Clover?

Yes.

Clover contains anti-cheat systems, which sometimes causes players to worry that save states will trigger them.

The developers explicitly say save states are not considered cheating because they are an emulator-level feature that Clover cannot detect. citeturn859443view1

You can use save states.

However, I still recommend using normal in-game saves too.

A standard .sav file is usually much easier to move between:

• Clover versions
• Computers
• Phones
• Different emulators

Do Not Randomize Pokémon Clover

Do not run Clover through a generic Pokémon randomizer.

The official FAQ is extremely clear:

Trying to randomize Clover will break the game. citeturn859443view1

Clover changes far too much of FireRed’s underlying data for normal FireRed randomizer tools to understand it safely.

If your game starts crashing after using a randomizer:

1. Delete that modified Clover ROM.
2. Return to your clean FireRed v1.0 backup.
3. Patch Clover again through the official website.
4. Restore a clean backup of your save if necessary.

Be Careful With Cheats

Pokémon Clover includes anti-cheat systems.

The official FAQ confirms the game contains anti-cheat functionality, although it specifically reassures players that save states do not trigger it. citeturn859443view1

The changelog also contains fixes involving situations where anti-cheat could activate incorrectly, demonstrating that the system is part of Clover’s actual game logic. citeturn859443view2

For that reason, avoid blindly entering ordinary FireRed:

• GameShark codes
• CodeBreaker codes
• Item cheats
• Pokémon encounter cheats
• Money cheats

Clover is not vanilla FireRed internally.

A FireRed cheat code may modify the wrong memory or save-data location.

Back up your save before experimenting with any external cheat system.

How to Update Pokémon Clover Without Losing Your Save

Clover’s save compatibility depends heavily on which version you are coming from.

Updating From the 2017 Version

You must start over.

The official Clover FAQ explicitly says saves from the 2017 version are not compatible with the modern game because Clover was fundamentally changed. citeturn859443view1

There is no normal filename trick that fixes this.

If you have a 2017 save, keep the old ROM and save together if you want to preserve that playthrough.

Start a new v1.3.3 game separately.

Updating From a Modern v1.x Release

Later modern releases have generally been much smaller transitions than the jump from 2017 Clover.

For example:

• v1.3.1 was primarily a bug-fix release.
• v1.3.2 added tweaks, balancing, sprites, and fixes.
• v1.3.3 was specifically released as a hotfix patch. citeturn859443view2

Community players have successfully moved modern 1.x saves forward by patching a fresh FireRed ROM and matching the old save filename to the new ROM. citeturn342979reddit16turn342979reddit25

Still, make a backup before doing so.

Step 1: Save Normally

Open your current Clover game.

Use the normal in-game save function.

Then close your emulator.

Step 2: Back Up the Old Files

Copy:

• Your existing Clover .gba
• Your existing .sav

Keep both untouched.

Step 3: Patch a Fresh FireRed ROM

Return to your clean FireRed v1.0 ROM.

Use the official Clover site to generate a new v1.3.3 ROM.

Do not patch v1.3.3 over an older Clover ROM.

Step 4: Match the Filenames

If your new ROM is:

Pokemon Clover v1.3.3.gba

your save should normally be:

Pokemon Clover v1.3.3.sav

Make a copy of your old .sav and rename that copy.

Do not change the .sav extension.

Step 5: Launch Clover

Open the new v1.3.3 ROM.

Check:

• Party
• PC boxes
• Items
• Badges
• Pokédex
• Fochun progress
• Ebin Isles progress
• NewGame+ data if applicable

If something is wrong, exit without saving and restore your backups.

Pokémon Clover v1.3.3 Saves Will Not Work With v2.0

This is already officially confirmed.

The Clover developers state that:

v1.3.3 saves will NOT be compatible with the upcoming v2.0 release. citeturn859443view1

When Clover 2.0 eventually releases, expect to start over.

Do not plan a v1.3.3 playthrough around transferring the save to 2.0 later.

Common Pokémon Clover Installation Problems

The Official Clover Site Says Checksum Error

You have the wrong FireRed ROM or a modified source ROM.

The official page specifically requires:

clean FireRed 1.0 “Squirrels.” citeturn859443view0

Do not force the patch.

Check your FireRed revision.

I Have FireRed v1.1

Use FireRed v1.0 instead.

The two versions are internally different, even though they look almost identical during normal gameplay.

The Patched ROM Opens as Regular FireRed

You probably opened the clean source ROM instead.

For example:

Pokemon FireRed.gba

and:

Pokemon Clover v1.3.3.gba

are separate files.

Open Clover.

Clover Will Not Open in My Emulator

First test it in:

mGBA

That is the emulator officially recommended by the Clover project. citeturn859443view0

If the ROM works in mGBA but not another emulator, your patch is probably fine.

Clover Crashes on a Retro Handheld

Some retro handhelds use older or unusual emulator cores.

A 2026 community troubleshooting report involving an Anbernic device showed Clover producing crashes and other strange behavior even though the ROM itself could be checked separately. citeturn677749reddit29

If your handheld Clover installation is unstable:

1. Back up your .sav.
2. Test the same ROM in desktop mGBA.
3. If it works there, change the handheld’s emulator/core.
4. Prefer an mGBA-based core when available.

My Download Came Out as a .txt File

This has been reported on some mobile/browser combinations when using online patching.

If you know the patcher successfully generated the GBA ROM but your browser incorrectly appended .txt, check the actual file type and filename.

A community report resolved this by correcting the output extension to .gba. citeturn677749reddit35

Do not blindly rename arbitrary text files, though.

First make sure it was actually the patched binary generated by the official patcher.

My Save File Isn’t Showing Up

Check your filenames.

Good:

Pokemon Clover.gba

Pokemon Clover.sav

Potential problem:

Pokemon Clover v1.3.3.gba

Pokemon Clover v1.3.2.sav

Rename a copy of the compatible save so the filenames match.

My Save State Isn’t Loading After Updating

Use the normal in-game .sav.

Save states capture the exact memory state of a particular ROM build.

Although Clover does not consider states cheating, they are still less reliable than normal saves for changing ROM versions.

My 2017 Clover Save Doesn’t Work

That is expected.

The developers explicitly say 2017 saves are incompatible with modern Clover. citeturn859443view1

Start over.

I Randomized Clover and Now It Crashes

Repatch the game from scratch.

The official FAQ specifically warns that generic randomization will break Clover. citeturn859443view1

I’m Getting Almost No Experience

Your installation is probably fine.

Clover has soft level caps.

The official FAQ explains that EXP gain is reduced around certain boss-level thresholds to discourage simply overleveling the next major opponent. Defeat the relevant boss and EXP gain improves again. citeturn859443view1

The Ebin Isles Trainers Suddenly Scale to My Level

That is intentional.

The official Clover FAQ says Ebin Isles trainers scale based on the highest-level Pokémon in your party, beginning at level 40. citeturn859443view1

This is gameplay behavior, not corrupted save data.

Link Battles Are Broken

That is a known project limitation.

The Clover developers say multiplayer link battles remain extremely buggy and recommend the Clover Showdown server instead of relying on GBA link battles. citeturn859443view1

How to Verify Pokémon Clover Installed Correctly

Clover should be almost impossible to confuse with ordinary FireRed after the opening.

The official project describes the game as containing:

• Fochun region
• Ebin Isles
• 386 original Fakemon
• Entirely custom soundtrack
• Generation 7/8-style battle engine
• Competitive-grade switching AI
• High difficulty
• Custom battle backgrounds
• Custom EXP mechanics
• GSC-style berry trees
• Wonder Trade
• Character portrait sprites
• Custom Poké Balls
• Black/White 2-style Repel behavior
• Hidden Grottos
• Phenomena
• Reusable TMs
• Deletable HMs
• Extensive side quests and secrets citeturn859443search3

The full modern game allows all 386 Clovermon to be obtained normally between Fochun and the Ebin Isles without requiring Wonder Trade. citeturn859443view1

If you are playing ordinary Kanto with the normal FireRed starters and Pokédex, you opened the wrong ROM.

Pokémon Clover Installation FAQ

What is the latest version of Pokémon Clover?

As of September 2026:

Pokémon Clover v1.3.3

The official website still lists v1.3.3 as the current release. citeturn859443view0

When was Pokémon Clover v1.3.3 released?

Version 1.3.3 was released on:

October 4, 2023

as a hotfix following v1.3.2. citeturn859443view2

Is Pokémon Clover complete?

The main v1.x adventure is essentially complete.

The developers describe the current version as the final major update, while leaving open the possibility of additional bug fixes and completion of the Battle Channel. citeturn859443view1

Is Pokémon Clover 2.0 coming?

The developers explicitly refer to an upcoming v2.0 release in the current FAQ.

However, the official website still lists v1.3.3 as the playable current version. citeturn859443view0turn859443view1

Install v1.3.3 unless and until the official Clover site actually replaces it with a newer public build.

Can I transfer my v1.3.3 save into Clover v2.0?

No.

The developers explicitly say v1.3.3 saves will not be compatible with v2.0. citeturn859443view1

What game is Pokémon Clover based on?

Pokémon Clover is a ROM hack of:

Pokémon FireRed for Game Boy Advance. citeturn859443search3

Which FireRed version does Clover require?

The official website requires:

Pokémon FireRed 1.0 “Squirrels.” citeturn859443view0

Does Clover work with FireRed v1.1?

Use FireRed v1.0 instead.

The official patcher expects the specific clean v1.0 Squirrels base and rejects incompatible source ROMs. citeturn859443view0

What is the best emulator for Pokémon Clover?

mGBA

This is not merely a community recommendation—the official Clover download page specifically recommends it. citeturn859443view0

Can I play Pokémon Clover on Android?

Yes.

RetroArch with the mGBA core is an excellent option.

The official standalone mGBA project does not currently provide an Android app, but mGBA is available as a libretro core. citeturn410034search1turn410034search3

Can I play Pokémon Clover on iPhone?

Yes.

RetroArch and Delta both currently support Game Boy Advance games on iPhone and iPad. citeturn410034search0turn410034search2

For Clover, RetroArch with mGBA provides the closest match to the developer’s recommended emulator.

Does Pokémon Clover need RTC?

No.

The developers explicitly say no Clover features require a real-time clock. citeturn859443view1

Can I use save states?

Yes.

The developers specifically say save states are not detected as cheating. citeturn859443view1

Still use normal in-game saves too.

Does Pokémon Clover have anti-cheat?

Yes.

The official FAQ acknowledges the game’s anti-cheat systems, and the project’s changelog contains fixes involving anti-cheat behavior. citeturn859443view1turn859443view2

Can I randomize Pokémon Clover?

No.

The official FAQ warns that randomizing Clover will break the game. citeturn859443view1

Can I catch every Clover Pokémon?

Yes.

All 386 Clovermon can be obtained normally between Fochun and the Ebin Isles in the current game. citeturn859443view1

Does Pokémon Clover have two regions?

Yes.

The two major playable regions are:

• Fochun
• Ebin Isles

The official site describes both as fully featured regions. citeturn859443search3

Why is Pokémon Clover so difficult?

Clover is deliberately balanced around experienced Pokémon players.

The official project advertises:

• Competitive-grade AI
• Switching AI
• Boss-based soft level caps
• Modern battle mechanics
• Difficult trainer battles citeturn859443search3turn859443view1

Is Pokémon Clover appropriate for children?

That depends heavily on the player.

Clover is intentionally a parody of 4chan culture and Pokémon, and its own developers warn that it contains language and themes that may offend some players. citeturn859443search3

It should not be treated as having the same family-friendly tone as an official Pokémon game.

Where can I download Pokémon Clover?

Use the official Pokémon Clover website’s download page.

It provides the current v1.3.3 patch, checks your FireRed ROM, includes an integrated Rom Patcher JS patcher, and recommends mGBA for playing the resulting game. citeturn859443view0

Provide your own legally obtained clean Pokémon FireRed v1.0 “Squirrels” ROM and let the site apply the Clover patch.

Rom Professor does not host, distribute, or link to copyrighted Pokémon FireRed ROM files or unofficial pre-patched Pokémon Clover ROMs.