Faxanadu

FAXANADU
40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

BUG FIXES · QOL IMPROVEMENTS · EXPANDED CONTENT

ABOUT

Faxanadu 40th Anniversary Edition is an update to this classic and unique Action RPG for the NES.

This romhack keeps what makes Faxanadu an amazing game while filling in gaps in the game world, fixing bugs, adding quality-of-life improvements, and just a few touch ups to the story and world of the World Tree. It is based on the western release.

2027 marks the 40th year since the game's creation — we're still in 2026, so there's plenty of time for community feedback and adjustments. Eventually the source files from the tooling will be published so anyone wanting to fork the project into their own version can do so.

I aim to release the final version some time in 2027.

AUTHOR

This romhack was created by Songbirder.

VERSION 0.13 BETA (May 24, 2026) ▼ DOWNLOAD PATCH (.ZIP)
Requires a Faxanadu (USA) ROM · Apply with Flips or Multipatch
Leave a review on romhacking.net

Previous patch versions

HOW TO APPLY

The following patch methods are recommended:

  1. Obtain a western release Faxanadu NES ROM
  2. Open your IPS patcher of choice
  3. Select the original ROM as the source
  4. Extract the ZIP and select the appropriate .ips patch — use the REV-A file if you are patching a REV-A ROM
  5. Load the patched ROM in your emulator of choice

CHANGELOG

CHANGES

Here's a broad overview of what this romhack changes:

Click here to reveal changes  (Warning: mild spoilers — hidden for those who prefer to go in blind)
  • Items can be equipped while inside buildings
  • Weapons can be wielded while inside buildings
  • Martial Artist trainers are present beyond Eolis: each town has one that may either provide weapons, or advice on fighting enemies, and in some cases a chance to practice your skills safely
  • Spells are learned through Magician Trainers, and those beyond Eolis are found deep in towers throughout the World Tree
  • All items can be sold at any shop; if that shop would not normally buy the item, they will buy it for 100 golds
  • Green Potion has replaced poison, acts as a Magic Point replenishment item and is for sale anywhere Red Potions are sold, and can be found on certain screens
  • Weapons, magic, armor, and enemies have been rebalanced a touch to give a better sense of progression through the game
  • Pendant is fixed… or is it? You'll see, if you seek it out. It is optional, still! Be ready for a challenge, and a reward for overcoming it…
  • Black Onyx is now an optional item (and still has a defense boost); there is now a different specific item that is exchanged for an Ace Key
  • Wing Boots now start at 30 seconds of duration and go up 10 seconds every 4 ranks, rather than starting at 40 and going down every 4 ranks; they are also a bit more abundant later in the game
  • Glove's effect is greatly improved
  • Hourglass no longer takes away half the player's health
  • Ointment bugs fixed: no longer can take hits to the shield when ointment is in use; Sugata's flash attack no longer bypasses the ointment (but will knock back still)
  • The player no longer gets knocked down when taking damage while climbing a ladder
  • Every elf town now has a Guru
  • Every stage of the game has new screens (except the Evil One's lair), including expanded towers in Mist, and full new towers in Branch and Dartmoor (80+ new screens!); Eolis and Trunk have just a handful of new screens as they were fairly well fleshed out to begin with
  • Some towns are a bit bigger now
  • Each new screen has been designed specifically to blend in with the existing style and ambience of Faxanadu; all tile art used is present in the original game — no new art was necessary as the tileset was already incredibly versatile
  • Two known (though obscure) softlocks in the original game have been fixed
  • The original game had numerous unused enemies in the game code — most of these are now placed somewhere in the World Tree
  • The original game also had unused items — most have uses now, some were renamed; seek out the Fire Crystal, Moonstone, and Grimoire to find out what they do!
  • Fixed the placement of some enemies that were placed too close to spawn points, or placed in otherwise unfair locations; there's probably still a few around…
  • Minor animation bugs with Studded Armor and Fire spell are fixed

FEATURED STREAMERS' FIRST PLAYTHROUGHS

THANKS

COMMUNITY

Join the Faxanadu Randomizer & Romhacking Discord to share feedback, report bugs, and join a community of Faxanadu fans.