PKHex
PKHeX provides precise and dependable save file editing for Pokémon Legends ZA and other mainline Pokémon games. It lets you directly edit your party, inventory, and trainer data with granular control over every parameter.
Custom Sensitivity
GFX Tool
Anti-Lag Mode
Introduction
PKHex is a popular save file editor for Pokémon games, giving players the ability to modify their save files with ease. One of its most powerful features is the Save Finder, a tool that helps players locate specific saved files or Pokémon data within their system. Whether you’re managing multiple save files or looking for a particular Pokémon, Save Finder makes it simple to navigate and organize your data. In this article, we’ll explore how to use the PKHex Save Finder to enhance your Pokémon gameplay, providing step-by-step instructions, tips, and additional resources. If you’ve been wondering how to streamline your Pokémon save files or track down a specific Pokémon, this guide has you covered.
What is PKHex?
PKHex is a comprehensive save file editor that allows Pokémon players to modify and manage their game saves. It’s used for a variety of purposes, including editing Pokémon stats, IVs, and more. The program works with save files from various Pokémon games, including the main series and spin-offs. The Save Finder tool within PKHex is a key feature that helps players locate specific save files, making it easier to manage their data across multiple devices.
Main Features of PKHex
Pokémon Editing
Edit Pokémon species, level, nature, abilities, moves, forms, and shiny status with real-time updates.
IV & EV Optimization
Adjust IVs and EVs within legal limits while instantly recalculating stats for competitive testing.
Legality Checker
Verifies Pokémon legality by checking moves, abilities, encounters, and level restrictions.
Save File Management
Automatically detects and loads supported save files, making multi-save handling simple.
Trainer Editor
Edit trainer name, IDs, money, playtime, language, and game progress safely.
Box Organizer
Drag and drop Pokémon, clone entries, mass-edit boxes, and organize collections efficiently.
Mystery Gift Support
Import official event Pokémon and items directly into your save file.
Multi-Generation Support
Works across Pokémon generations with accurate mechanics and legality rules.
Downlaod PKHeX Editor
Why Use PKHeX
PKHeX gives players full control over their game:
Edit Pokémon easily: Change level, moves, ability, nature, shiny status, and stats.
Adjust Trainer info: Edit name, playtime, money, and badges.
Manage items: Add, remove, or change items in your inventory.
Check legality: Make sure your edits follow the game rules.
Work on many games: Supports GBA, DS, 3DS, and Switch Pokémon games.
Import event Pokémon: Use mystery gifts or special Pokémon safely.
PKHeX is useful for trainers who want perfect teams, experiment with game mechanics, or fix save files safely.
Supported Games & Files
PKHeX works with:
GBA games: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen
DS games: Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black, White
3DS games: X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon
Switch games: Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus (only decrypted save files)
File types include .sav, .pk*, .wc, .pgf, and .mysterygift.
How to Download and Install PKHex
PKHeX is a portable application, meaning it does not require traditional installation. You simply download it, extract the files, and run the program. Follow the steps below carefully to get started.
System Requirements
Before installing PKHeX, make sure your system meets these basic requirements:
Operating System: Windows 10 or newer
Framework: .NET Desktop Runtime (required to run PKHeX)
File Access: Decrypted Pokémon save files
Storage: Minimal (under 50 MB)
Step 1: Download PKHeX
Visit the official PKHeX GitHub repository
Go to the Releases section
Download the latest version as a ZIP file
Save it to a trusted location on your computer (e.g., Desktop or Documents)
Step 2: Extract the Files
Right-click the downloaded ZIP file
Select Extract All
Choose a folder where you want PKHeX to stay permanently
Click Extract
After extraction, you will see files including PKHeX.exe.
Step 3: Install .NET Desktop Runtime (If Needed)
If PKHeX does not open:
Download the .NET Desktop Runtime from Microsoft
Install it using default settings
Restart your computer if prompted
Once installed, PKHeX should launch normally.
Step 4: Launch PKHeX
Open the extracted folder
Double-click PKHeX.exe
If Windows shows a security warning, click More Info → Run Anyway
PKHeX will open with a blank interface, ready to load a save file.
Step 5: Load a Pokémon Save File
Click File → Open
Select your decrypted Pokémon save file
PKHeX will automatically detect the game version
Your Pokémon boxes and trainer data will appear
You can now begin editing Pokémon, items, or trainer details.
Optional: Create Backups (Highly Recommended)
Before editing anything:
Copy your original save file
Store it in a separate backup folder
Never overwrite your only save file
This ensures you can restore your progress if something goes wrong.
Common Installation Issues & Fixes
PKHeX won’t open
Install or update .NET Desktop Runtime
Save file not detected
Make sure the save file is decrypted and supported
Error on startup
Re-download PKHeX and extract again
PKHeX vs Other Editors
| Feature | PKHeX | Pokémon Save Editor X | Other Editors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supported Games | GBA, DS, 3DS, Switch | DS, 3DS | Limited / Older Games |
| Edit Pokémon | Yes | Partial | Limited |
| Edit Items | Yes | Yes | No |
| Legality Checker | Yes | No | No |
| Mystery Gift Support | Yes | No | Limited |
| Multi-Generation Support | Yes | DS/3DS Only | Partial |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes | No | Partial |
Frequently Asked Questions
PKHeX is a Pokémon save file editor that lets you modify Pokémon, items, trainer info, and game progress across many Pokémon games.
PKHeX is safe when used on your own backup save files. Avoid using illegal Pokémon in online play to prevent penalties.
Supports GBA, DS, 3DS, and Switch Pokémon games. Switch saves must be decrypted first.
No installation is required. PKHeX is portable; just download and open your save file.
Always backup your save file. Use the legality checker in PKHeX to make sure edits follow official rules and avoid illegal stats or moves.
Edited Pokémon can carry risks in official online play. Only use edited Pokémon in private or offline modes to stay safe.
PKHeX supports .sav, .pk*, .wc, .pgf, and .mysterygift files, covering many generations of Pokémon games.
PKHeX is designed for Windows. Mac or Linux users can run it via emulators or Wine, but official support is for Windows only.
Yes. PKHeX allows importing official mystery gifts or event Pokémon into your save files safely.
Copy your original save file to a different folder or device before editing. This ensures you can restore your game if something goes wrong.
Yes. You can edit IVs, EVs, moves, and abilities for competitive teams. Always use the legality checker to stay within game rules.
Using PKHeX on your own save files for offline play is generally considered safe. Using edited Pokémon online may violate game rules.