Summary
ThePokemonfranchise has a rich history of games tackling various genres, leaving Trainers with something to tickle their fancy should the classic adventure RPG not cut it for them. However, hardcore Pokemon enthusiasts who want a new challenge should consider doing a Nuzlocke speedrun of their favorite Pokemon entry.
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In essence, to Nuzlocke is to introduce higher-level play on anyPokemongame using special rules. While Nuzlocking rules change from player to player, they do follow two universal rules: only the first Wild Pokemon in each area is usable, and a fainted Pokemon is automatically let go. With these rules and potential add-ons in mind, certainPokemontitles pose varying degrees of Nuzlocke difficulties. However, just whichPokemonentries pose the most challenges in a Nuzlocke run?
10Gen 8: Sword, Shield
Set in the more modern Galar Region,Pokemon Sword and Shieldprovides a simpler take onPokemongameplay while amping up its adventure RPG appeal on the Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, certain mechanics at the onset do ruin the chances of a challenging Nuzlocke, such as more powerful Dynamax and Gigantamax forms as well as Raids that can overlevel players easily.
However,tweaking certain mechanics does makeSword and Shielda worthwhile Nuzlocke candidate. Routes, Zones, and named Wild Areas count as a standard catch zone. On top of not using Dynamax and Gigantamax, players can impose a strict level cap and party size that matches those of the Gym Leaders they’re facing. They may even want to let go of their Starter Pokemon for an added challenge.
9Gen 1: Red, Blue, Yellow, Green
It’s no surprise that thefirst set ofPokemongameswould give players a relatively decent Nuzlocke experience, notablyPokemon Red and Blue, Pokemon Yellow,as well asPokemon Green. Compared to theFireRed/LeafGreenpair having more combat options andX/Ys’ EXP Share, the natural breakability of Gen 1 alongside its slate of challenging moments make for an oddly “balanced” Nuzlocke that offers the bare minimum experience for beginners.
At its core, players can level-grind much faster when they go to Koga (Fuchsia City, Gym 5) as soon as they defeat Misty (Cerulean City, Gym 2), making other fights more manageable. Although Gen 1 does have its share of a tough Team Rocket boss fight (versus Giovanni), a challenging Elite Four slate, and difficult rival fights (Blue, who is also Pokemon Champion), the games offer enough repetitive and predictable battles to ease players into these encounters.
8Gen 3: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire
The slate ofPokemongames for the Gameboy Advancewere no slouches in Nuzlocke plays, especially with the difficulty spike in after Brawly (Dewford Town, Gym 2). WhilePokemon Emeraldoffers a more manageable Elite Four slate courtesy of Champion Wallace compared to Champion Steven ofPokemon Ruby and Sapphire, the Tate and Liza duo (Mossdeep City, Gym 7) across all games offers a more significant challenge.
Other than the twins, Generation 3 is a decent place to start Nuzlocking, especially due to the level curve not spiking until the Elite Four. InEmerald, the existence of rematches and rising level caps make for more dynamic grinding alongside the added threat of more Double Battles. Cutting off EXP Share inPokemonOmega Ruby and Alpha Sapphirecan make encounters with Primal Legendaries as well as Mega Metagross (Steven’s) much more dangerous.
7Gen 4: Diamond, Pearl
The originalPokemon Diamond and Pearlslate for Generation 4 offers one of the most iconic Champion battles in the franchise, courtesy of Champion Cynthia’s infamy as perhaps the toughest final battle in the series. However, the lack of extra Pokemon present inPlatinumoffers players leeway to grind more efficiently in the mid-game, courtesy of the gap between Gym Leaders and overall story encounters.
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As with the previous generation,Diamond and Pearloffers a more fluid level curvethat doesn’t rise until the Elite Four, giving players ample time to train. However, players should maximize the gap between Gym Leaders as they’re exceptionally harder, courtesy of more powerful ace Pokemon.
6Gen 7: Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon
Despite the mixed reception towardsPokemon Sun and Moonand its gameplay in the more tropical region of Alola, its difficulty spikes and gimmicks that are otherwise adaptable in the base game become run-enders in Nuzlocke. This is especially the case in the much tougherPokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, although both sets of games share a similar difficulty curve. Points of interest here are the immediate challenge posed by Teacher Emily (Trainers’ School) and eventually Trial Captain Ilima (Verdant Cavern).
Quitting EXP Share makes these games much harder, and perhaps more rewarding, to finish considering how each island spikes in overall Pokemon level. Moreover, the multi-type specialization of Final Boss Professor Kukui makes him much more complicated to defeat compared to standard Champions.
5Gen 6: X, Y (No EXP Share)
The EXP Share mechanic inPokemon X and Ymade it a more welcoming experience for newcomers to thePokemonfranchise, although it did make Nuzlocke runs much easier to finish. Turning this feature off, however, changes the game for Nuzlocke enjoyers with the way this increases difficulty. Without EXP Share, players may find themselves having to grind for twice as much EXP as soon as they defeat Korrina (Shalour City, Gym 3) and start facing the obligatory Double Battle trainers throughout the region.
Players who don’t use the EXP Share won’t experience a lot of changes with the level curve, as their Pokemon can easily adapt to the overall levels of many of the opponents. What makes anX and YgameplayNuzlocke tough would be random Trainers who can catch players off-guard as well as challenging areas such as Frost Cavern and Reflection Cave.
4Gen 5: Black, White
The original iteration ofPokemon Black and Whiteoffers an Unova-centric take on a player’s experience. However, players can experience tough battles against most of the Gym Leaders and especially Drayden/Iris (Opelucid City, Gym 8) with the lack of Pokemon diversity. The relative difficulty of the game’s encounters makes a player’s Twist Mountain catch extremely valuable, with the likes of Joltik, Litwick, Larvesta, and Tirtouga potentially endgame-viable should players catch them beforehand.
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The level curve adjustmentmakesBlack and Whitea much easier platformto help under-leveled Pokemon catch up with the pack faster, at the cost of appropriately leveled Pokemon being tougher to raise. This challenge in the latter half becomes tougher considering the existence of randomized difficult opponents throughout the map, including early-game fights with the likes of Clay, Cheren, Elesa, and Lenora.
3Gen 2: Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, SoulSilver
Despite the differences in gameplay offerings between the originalPokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystaland thePokemon HeartGold and SoulSilverremakes, the roster of Generation 2Pokemongamesmake for some of the longest Nuzlocke runs due to their scope.
With enough preparation, players can easily tear through the Johto Indigo League before jumping into a somewhat level curve in the endgame as they face yet another set of Gym Leaders in the form of Kanto’s roster. However, players should prepare for the final battle against Red, especially since this fight is touted as one of the franchise’s toughest.
2Gen 5: Black, White 2 (Normal)
Often considered as one of the tougher sets ofPokemongamesto Nuzlocke,Pokemon Black and White 2(Normal)offers a more flexible take on the challenge experience. WithB/W2’s new features, players should anticipate a tougher Team Plasma in their Nuzlocke, particularly with more challenging Plasma Frigate encounters as well as Corless being a more difficult sub-boss to defeat.
Similar to its original counterpart, the level curve isn’t as punishing inBlack and White 2, with the arrival of late evolvers from other Generations adding towards endgame viability. Much of the challenge in this game set is from various Trainers, particularly those that prefer Rotation Battles and Triple Battles that can often devastate players if they’re caught off-guard.
1Gen 4: Platinum
Thanks toPokemon Platinumbeing anenhanced version of thePokemon Diamond and Pearlexperience, its Nuzlocke counterpart equally increases in overall difficulty. The improved story battles, the final rival fights with Barry (Rival), and the Championship Battle against Cynthia become more challenging. Not to mention, Gyms have better Pokemon compositions that encouraged party-building in the base game, further adding difficulty to already-limited Nuzlocke mechanics.
What makesPlatinumsuch a favorable Nuzlocke game is the prevalence of multiple encounters that give a fresh challenge to players. However, its tougher boss battles can easily ruin a Nuzlocke for players who don’t properly prepare for their encounters.
