Patching Guide¶
This guide will walk you through patching a clean Pokémon Black 2 or White 2 ROM to create Redux.
Prerequisites¶
Important File Requirements
- You need a clean Black 2 or White 2 ROM (American/European version)
- ROM must be in
.ndsformat (may be in.zipor.7zarchive) - ROM should be 524,288 KB in size when extracted
- Never use
.exefiles - these are not legitimate ROM files
Obtaining the Patch
Download the Redux patch from Drayano's Twitter, which links to his Google Drive.
Step 1: Obtain the Base ROM¶
- Obtain a clean Pokémon Black 2 or White 2 ROM
- Ideally from a dump of your personal cartridge
- Ensure the file is
.ndsformat or contained in a.zip/.7zarchive - Extract the ROM if it's in an archive
Step 2: Choose a Patching Tool¶
Select the appropriate patching tool for your platform:
xdeltaUI (Recommended)
- Included in the Redux download ZIP file
- Simple graphical interface
- Continue to Step 3 below
MultiPatch
- Search online for MultiPatch tool
- Similar functionality to xdeltaUI
- Follow similar steps to Windows instructions
UniPatcher
- Available on Google Play Store
- Free and easy to use
ROM Patcher JS
- Visit https://www.marcrobledo.com/RomPatcher.js/
- Works on any device with a web browser
- No installation required
Step 3: Apply the Patch (Windows - xdeltaUI)¶
Step-by-Step Instructions
3.1 - Select the Patch File
- Open
xdeltaUI.exe - Go to the Apply Patch tab
- Click Open next to the Patch: field
- Select your Redux
.xdeltapatch file- Should be
.xdeltaformat (not.zip,.7z, or.exe)
- Should be
3.2 - Select the Source ROM
- Click Open next to the Source File: field
- Select your clean
.ndsBlack 2 or White 2 ROM- Must be extracted
.ndsfile (524,288 KB)
- Must be extracted
3.3 - Choose Output Location
- Click ... next to the Output File: field
- Choose where to save the patched ROM
- Name it appropriately:
Pokémon Blaze Black 2 Redux.ndsPokémon Volt White 2 Redux.nds
- Important: Include
.ndsextension in the filename - Click Save
3.4 - Patch the ROM
- Click Patch to begin the process
- Wait for completion
- You now have a playable Redux ROM!
Step 4: Apply Optional Patches (Classic/EV-Less)¶
Optional Patch Types
- Classic Version - Omits custom type combinations, abilities, and stat boosts
- EV-Less Version - Modified difficulty scaling
To apply optional patches:
- Repeat Steps 3.1-3.4 with the following changes:
- Patch: Select the optional patch (Classic or EV-Less
.xdelta) - Source File: Select your already-patched Redux ROM from Step 3
- Use
Pokémon Blaze Black 2 Redux.ndsorPokémon Volt White 2 Redux.nds -
Output File: Give it a new name (e.g.,
BB2 Redux Classic.nds) -
These optional patches are included in the download from Drayano's Google Drive
Step 5: Play the Game¶
Now you can play Redux using a DS emulator!
Recommended Emulators¶
DeSmuME
- Popular and stable
- Performance Tips:
- Turn OFF: Advanced Bus-Level Timing
- Turn ON: Use Dynamic Recompiler
- Found in: Emulation Settings → Emulator Options
MelonDS
- Modern alternative
- Generally faster than DeSmuME
DraStic (Paid)
- Best performance and compatibility
- Small one-time fee
Free Alternatives:
- MelonDS for Android
- Free DS emulator
iNDS
- Free DS emulator for iOS devices
Hardware Options:
- Flashcards
- 3DS with custom firmware
- See the Hardware Information guide for compatibility details
Troubleshooting¶
Common Issues
Patch fails to apply
- Ensure ROM is exactly 524,288 KB
- Verify ROM is clean (not pre-patched)
- Check that you're not using the original BB2/VW2 ROM
Game won't load
- Verify the output file has
.ndsextension - Check Hardware Information for compatibility
- Some flashcards/hardware may not support Fairy Type implementation
White screen on launch
- If using TWiLight Menu++, ensure you launch in DS mode
Ready to Play!
Once patching is complete, you're ready to start your Redux adventure! Check out the FAQ if you have any questions.