The boundaries between genres just got blurred. A modder has repurposed Red Dead Redemption 2 into a functional Pokémon-style RPG, where Arthur Morgan replaces Ash Ketchum as the trainer, tennis balls double as Pokéballs, and the game’s wild animals become catchable creatures. The project, developed by the creator known as Blurbs, introduces a full battle system, creature nicknaming, and even gym leader-style challenges using Arthur’s gang.
At its core, the mod replaces the game’s existing mechanics with a Pokémon-inspired workflow. Players can now throw a tennis ball—dubbed an ‘Arthurball’—at animals, humans, or even disembodied objects to attempt capture. Successful throws trigger a non-copyrighted animation where the target shrinks into the ball before settling into a Pokémon-like form. Players can then name their new companion, adding a layer of personalization to the experience.
Key Features
- Capture Mechanics: Arthur’s tennis ball replaces Pokéballs, allowing players to catch and name wild animals from the game’s ecosystem.
- Battle System: Aiming at NPCs or other trainers initiates turn-based duels, complete with type-based moves and Arthur’s signature gunplay as the primary attack.
- Gym Leader Replacement: Arthur’s gang acts as gym leaders, with each member offering unique challenges tied to their in-game roles.
- Visual Polish: Capture animations and battle transitions are designed to mimic Pokémon’s aesthetic while staying within modding constraints.
The battle system is particularly ambitious. Players can challenge other trainers or even Arthur himself to duels, where gunfire replaces traditional attacks and failures result in Arthur collapsing—mirroring Ash’s fate in critical battles. The mod’s creator has emphasized that this project, unlike some of their previous works, will be shared with the community for others to explore and expand upon.
While the mod is still in development, early footage suggests a surprising level of cohesion. The blend of Red Dead Redemption 2’s immersive world and Pokémon’s turn-based gameplay creates an unexpected but engaging hybrid. The project’s rapid development—completed in under two weeks—highlights the creativity of modders in repurposing existing games into entirely new experiences.
No release date has been confirmed, but the modder has indicated plans to make it accessible to the public. For now, fans of both franchises can look forward to a unique twist on two beloved series.
