Why this matters:
Do not attempt to play the base game without installing the update, as your save file may become corrupt later. In Citra, click in the top-left menu bar. Select Install CIA... from the dropdown menu.
One of the more noticeable content changes came to the Trick House, a series of puzzle-filled challenges near Mauville City. Update 1.4 reduced the number of available puzzles from eight to six and removed badge requirements for starting each puzzle—though certain HM abilities tied to specific badges are still needed to navigate individual rooms. Pokemon Omega Ruby 1.4 Citra
For anyone emulating Pokémon Omega Ruby on Citra, Version 1.4 is not optional—it's essential. The update brings critical stability improvements, enables online features, ensures compatibility with modern texture packs and cheat codes, and provides a smoother overall experience. Whether you're playing the game for the first time, revisiting Hoenn for nostalgia, or diving into the world of ROM hacking, starting with Version 1.4 on Citra is the foundation of a great experience.
Running v1.4 on Citra completely transforms the aesthetic: Why this matters: Do not attempt to play
This article is for educational purposes. Emulation exists to preserve video game history. Always support the official release of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire by purchasing legitimate copies. The 1.4 update is a copyright-protected patch that should only be used with a legally owned copy of the game.
The next component is the base game file. For Citra to read the game, you typically need a decrypted ROM in .3ds or .cia format. This guide does not promote piracy, and it is assumed you own a legitimate copy of the game. Many users dump their own game cartridges using homebrew tools on a 3DS. If you have a decrypted ROM of version 1.0 (the launch version), that will serve as your foundation for applying the update. from the dropdown menu
Use Accurate Multiplication to fix any flickering shadows or weird lighting artifacts common in ORAS. Performance Tweaks
If you're interested in creating or playing ROM hacks of Omega Ruby, the vast majority of modern modding tools—including Pk3ds (a ROM editor) and Universal Pokémon Randomizer ZX—expect Version 1.4 as their baseline. Some modding workflows specifically require users to "Load Game Update using the 1.4 game update cia" to ensure proper randomization and custom features.