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Nuzlocke Challenge: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Basic Nuzlocke rules.png|thumb|250px|The two basic Nuzlocke rules.]] | [[File:Basic Nuzlocke rules.png|thumb|250px|The two basic Nuzlocke rules.]] | ||
The '''Nuzlocke Challenge''' is a set of rules intended to create a higher level of difficulty while playing the [[Pokémon games]]. A playthrough using these rules is often | The '''Nuzlocke Challenge''' is a set of rules intended to create a higher level of difficulty while playing the [[Pokémon games]]. A playthrough using these rules is often called "'''a Nuzlocke'''". Many challengers feel that the rules encourage the use of Pokémon the player would not normally choose and promote closer bonds with the player's team. The rules are not an in-game function, but rather, self-imposed on the player's part, and thus subject to variation. | ||
The challenge originates from the <span class="plainlinks">[http://www.nuzlocke.com/ comic series]</span> of the same name, which features a {{p|Nuzleaf}} resembling ''{{wp|Lost (TV series)|Lost}}'' character {{wp|John Locke (Lost)|John Locke}} as a recurring gag character. | The challenge originates from the <span class="plainlinks">[http://www.nuzlocke.com/ comic series]</span> of the same name, which features a {{p|Nuzleaf}} resembling ''{{wp|Lost (TV series)|Lost}}'' character {{wp|John Locke (Lost)|John Locke}} as a recurring gag character. | ||
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==History== | ==History== | ||
The basic rules were invented by Nick Franco in early 2010. Franco posted comics detailing his playthrough of [[Pokémon Ruby]] on 4chan's /v/ board, where they gained attention and inspired others to try the challenge.<ref>https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/11/22/20976759/pokemon-what-is-nuzlocke-challenge-sword-shield</ref> Later that year, Franco moved his comics to a dedicated website, and a forum for | The basic rules were invented by Nick Franco in early 2010. Franco posted comics detailing his playthrough of [[Pokémon Ruby]] on 4chan's /v/ board, where they gained attention and inspired others to try the challenge.<ref>https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/11/22/20976759/pokemon-what-is-nuzlocke-challenge-sword-shield</ref> Later that year, Franco moved his comics to a dedicated website, and a forum for fans' chronicles was created. Over time, the concept spread to various websites and formats such as written stories, animations and livestreams. | ||
Franco uses "Nuzlocke" as a screen name while | Franco uses "Nuzlocke" as a screen name, while his comic is titled "Pokémon: Hard-Mode". However, the word "Nuzlocke" eventually came to be associated with the ruleset itself. | ||
==Rules== | ==Rules== | ||
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The Nuzlocke Challenge has only two rules that must be followed: | The Nuzlocke Challenge has only two rules that must be followed: | ||
*'''Limited Encounters:''' The {{player}} may only catch the first [[wild Pokémon]] encountered in each area, and none else. If the first wild Pokémon encountered faints or flees, there are no second chances. | *'''Limited Encounters:''' The {{player}} may only catch the first [[wild Pokémon]] encountered in each area, and none else. If the first wild Pokémon encountered faints or flees, there are no second chances. | ||
**If the first encounter in | **If the first encounter in an area is a [[Double Battle]] or [[Horde Encounter]], the player may choose which of the encountered Pokémon to catch, but only one of them. | ||
*'''Dying''': Any Pokémon that [[Fainting|faints]] is considered dead and must be {{pkmn2|released}}. If you run out of living Pokémon, you've failed the challenge and must restart the game. | *'''Dying''': Any Pokémon that [[Fainting|faints]] is considered dead and must be {{pkmn2|released}}. If you run out of living Pokémon, you've failed the challenge and must restart the game. | ||
** The move {{m|Revival Blessing}} cannot be used to bring back a dead Pokémon. | ** The move {{m|Revival Blessing}} cannot be used to bring back a dead Pokémon. | ||
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*'''No Resets:''' The player may not voluntarily reset and reload the game to undo progress. Being able to do so would render all other rules pointless. | *'''No Resets:''' The player may not voluntarily reset and reload the game to undo progress. Being able to do so would render all other rules pointless. | ||
*'''No Cheating:''' Cheating devices (such as [[GameShark]]) may not be used. | *'''No Cheating:''' Cheating devices (such as [[GameShark]]) may not be used. | ||
*'''Full Wipe:''' A [[Black out|black out/white out]] is considered to be | *'''Full Wipe:''' A [[Black out|black out/white out]] is considered to be "game over" even if there are usable Pokémon left in the [[Pokémon Storage System]]. | ||
*'''No Outside Trading:''' The player may only use Pokémon they have captured themselves, meaning Pokémon acquired through [[Trade|trading]], [[Mystery Gift]]s, etc., are prohibited. | *'''No Outside Trading:''' The player may only use Pokémon they have captured themselves, meaning Pokémon acquired through [[Trade|trading]], [[Mystery Gift]]s, etc., are prohibited. | ||
**'''In-Game Trading:''' The player may trade Pokémon with in-game trades, such as Ponyta for Seel on [[Cinnabar Island]] in Pokémon Red/Blue. | **'''In-Game Trading:''' The player may trade Pokémon with in-game trades, such as Ponyta for Seel on [[Cinnabar Island]] in Pokémon Red/Blue. | ||
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===Optional rules=== | ===Optional rules=== | ||
Though the above rules tend to stay consistent with all players, many optional variations and amendments have been created to adjust difficulty based on personal preference. Many other rules exist besides those listed here. Regardless of the optional rules | Though the above rules tend to stay consistent with all players, many optional variations and amendments have been created to adjust difficulty based on personal preference. Many other rules exist besides those listed here. Regardless of the optional rules used, the run is considered a Nuzlocke Challenge so long as the two basic rules are in place. | ||
====Increased difficulty==== | ====Increased difficulty==== | ||
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====Decreased difficulty==== | ====Decreased difficulty==== | ||
*'''Slow Start:''' The two basic rules are not in effect until the player has gained their first [[Poké Balls]] and thus the ability to catch Pokémon. For example, encounters starting from the {{p|Poochyena}}{{sup/3|RS}}{{sup/6|ORAS}}/{{p|Zigzagoon}}{{sup/3|E}} that the player has to save [[Professor Birch]] from, up to when the player has the ability to catch Pokémon, are not counted. Likewise, in the games where the first rival battle is immediately after obtaining the starter Pokémon, the "release or permanently box a Pokémon if it faints" rule is often not enforced at that time. | *'''Slow Start:''' The two basic rules are not in effect until the player has gained their first [[Poké Balls]] and thus the ability to catch Pokémon. For example, encounters starting from the {{p|Poochyena}}{{sup/3|RS}}{{sup/6|ORAS}}/{{p|Zigzagoon}}{{sup/3|E}} that the player has to save [[Professor Birch]] from, up to when the player has the ability to catch Pokémon, are not counted. Likewise, in the games where the first rival battle is immediately after obtaining the starter Pokémon, the "release or permanently box a Pokémon if it faints" rule is often not enforced at that time. | ||
*'''Species/Dupes Clause:''' The "first wild Pokémon in each area" rule does not apply in an area until a species or evolution line is encountered that has not been caught yet. For example, if the player's first encounter in an area is with a {{p|Caterpie}} and they already own a Caterpie, {{p|Metapod}}, or {{p|Butterfree}}, it wouldn't count as their first encounter in that area. This | *'''Species/Dupes Clause:''' The "first wild Pokémon in each area" rule does not apply in an area until a species or evolution line is encountered that has not been caught yet. For example, if the player's first encounter in an area is with a {{p|Caterpie}} and they already own a Caterpie, {{p|Metapod}}, or {{p|Butterfree}}, it wouldn't count as their first encounter in that area. This allows for increased variety in a player's Pokémon collection. | ||
** | **A limit may be set on how many times the player can apply the Species/Dupes Clause in an area. If this many duplicate Pokémon are encountered in an area, the Species/Dupes Clause is no longer applied for that area and the player must settle for the next Pokémon they encounter. | ||
*'''Second Chance:''' The player may have a small number of "second chances" or revives of fallen team members. Typically this type of ruling is done after gym battles such as getting 1 revive per gym. | *'''Second Chance:''' The player may have a small number of "second chances" or revives of fallen team members. Typically this type of ruling is done after gym battles such as getting 1 revive per gym. | ||
*'''Shiny Clause:''' Shiny Pokémon do not need to be released if they faint | *'''Shiny Clause:''' Shiny Pokémon can be caught even if they're not a first encounter, and do not need to be released if they faint. Whether or not the Shiny Pokémon may be used during the challenge is up to the player. | ||
**'''Shiny Replacement Clause:''' If a Shiny Pokémon is a duplicate of a Pokémon already in your party you may replace it with the Shiny. | **'''Shiny Replacement Clause:''' If a Shiny Pokémon is a duplicate of a Pokémon already in your party, you may replace it with the Shiny. | ||
*'''Checkpoints:''' Each Gym [[Badge]] | *'''Checkpoints:''' Each Gym [[Badge]] can act as a checkpoint. If the player gets a game over, they may restart from when they got their last Badge. | ||
*'''HM Helper:''' If the player has no Pokémon that can use a [[field move]] that is required to continue the game, they may catch another Pokémon that can learn the required field move. However, this Pokémon cannot be used in battle for any reason and must be released as soon as it is no longer needed or if the player catches another Pokémon that can use the same field move. | *'''HM Helper:''' If the player has no Pokémon that can use a [[field move]] that is required to continue the game, they may catch another Pokémon that can learn the required field move. However, this Pokémon cannot be used in battle for any reason and must be released as soon as it is no longer needed or if the player catches another Pokémon that can use the same field move. | ||
*'''On Safari: '''The "first encounter only" rule is modified for within the [[Safari Zone]]. One encounter may be had for each | *'''On Safari: '''The "first encounter only" rule is modified for within the [[Safari Zone]]. One encounter may be had for each section of the Zone, rather than the more restrictive interpretation that the entire Zone is one area. | ||
*'''A Little Help From My Friends: '''Cheating devices (such as [[GameShark]]) may be used. | *'''A Little Help From My Friends: '''Cheating devices (such as [[GameShark]]) may be used. | ||
*'''Rare Candy Clause:''' Hack in infinite rare candies to avoid tedious grinding. Popularized by the | *'''Rare Candy Clause:''' Hack in infinite rare candies to avoid tedious grinding. Popularized by the streamer Pokémon Challenges. | ||
*'''Masterball Clause:''' Hack in infinite Master Balls to avoid wild Pokémon fainting, running away, or using escape moves like Teleport and Roar. | *'''Masterball Clause:''' Hack in infinite Master Balls to avoid wild Pokémon fainting, running away, or using escape moves like Teleport and Roar. | ||
==Variants== | ==Variants== | ||
*'''Hardcore Nuzlocke:''' A general name for any Nuzlocke variant which restricts item use and over-levelling, in order to produce a more difficult run and more strategic play. | *'''Hardcore Nuzlocke:''' A general name for any Nuzlocke variant which restricts item use and over-levelling, in order to produce a more difficult run and more strategic play. | ||
*''' | *'''Wonderlocke''': In this variant, any Pokémon caught must immediately be traded using [[Wonder Trade]] and the received Pokémon is used instead. Typically, this comes with a level restriction where if the received Pokémon is more than a certain number of levels higher than the original Pokémon, it must be traded again until an appropriate-level Pokémon is received. | ||
*'''Soul-Link''': Two player variant where both players' Pokémon are linked | *'''Soul-Link''': Two player variant where both players' Pokémon are "soul-linked" based on their origin. So the starter Pokémon are linked, the Pokémon from Route 1 are linked, and so on. If a Pokémon dies, its soulmate does too. Linked Pokémon must be in both players' parties at once, i.e. one cannot leave a Pokémon in the PSS while its soulmate is on the active team. | ||
**Common additional rules include restricting duplicate types between the two players. If either player is using a Pokémon of a certain type, the other player cannot use any Pokémon of that same type. If both players find the same type of Pokémon for one encounter, neither is able to use it. | **Common additional rules include restricting duplicate types between the two players. If either player is using a Pokémon of a certain type, the other player cannot use any Pokémon of that same type. If both players find the same type of Pokémon for one encounter, neither is able to use it. | ||
*'''Egglocke''': Player catches Pokémon 1 per route as normal, but instead of using the Pokémon caught, they hatch a randomly generated egg. Usually this is done via trades or through cheat devices, where the egg Pokémon are chosen by a third party, such as friends or a streaming audience. | *'''Egglocke''': Player catches Pokémon 1 per route as normal, but instead of using the Pokémon caught, they hatch a randomly generated egg. Usually this is done via trades or through cheat devices, where the egg Pokémon are chosen by a third party, such as friends or a streaming audience. | ||
*'''Randomizer:''' | *'''Randomizer:''' Randomizer mods can be used to add more variety to Nuzlockes. However, this often causes unbalance as encountering a Legendary early can reduce difficulty greatly. Additionally, catch rates may have to be adjusted via the Randomizer in order to allow for Legendary Pokémon to be more easily caught early on. | ||
*'''Ballocke:''' Instead of limiting Pokémon by route, this variant limits by type of | *'''Ballocke:''' Instead of limiting Pokémon by route, this variant limits by type of Ball. Only one Pokémon may be caught in a Poké Ball, one may be caught in a Great Ball, one in a Quick Ball, etc. | ||
==Tips== | ==Tips== | ||
*'''Repel Encounter Manipulation:''' Having a [[Repel]] active and a Pokémon in the first position at a specific level can be used to filter out unwanted encounters and in some cases guarantee specific encounters. | *'''Repel Encounter Manipulation:''' Having a [[Repel]] active and a Pokémon in the first position at a specific level can be used to filter out unwanted encounters and in some cases guarantee specific encounters. | ||
*'''Sacking:''' For difficult encounters, it is wise to have at least one Pokémon you are willing to sacrifice in order to switch to a better one. Recommended Pokémon to be sacked are: ones with weak base stats, ones whose type is shared by a more powerful teammate, or ones who could have a replacement caught in an upcoming place. | *'''Sacking:''' For difficult encounters, it is wise to have at least one Pokémon you are willing to sacrifice in order to switch to a better one. Recommended Pokémon to be sacked are: ones with weak base stats, ones whose type is shared by a more powerful teammate, or ones who could have a replacement caught in an upcoming place. | ||
*'''Play | *'''Play Around The Crit:''' Being aware if your Pokémon is in danger of being taken out by a [[critical hit]] is key to avoiding unnecessary deaths. [[Generation I]] has a critical hit damage multiplier between 1.5× and 1.95× depending on the level, with higher levels doing more damage. From Generations {{gen|II}} to {{gen|V}}, the damage dealt by a critical hit is 2× as much as a normal hit. From [[Generation VI]] onward, critical hits deal 1.5× more damage than normal. '''Warning''', critical hits ignore stat changes, such as increased Defense with Defense Curl. | ||
*'''Avoid Unnecessary Encounters:''' Trainers use better decision-making and have higher levels on average than wild Pokémon within the same route. Avoiding non-required trainer battles increases the chances your Pokémon will survive. | *'''Avoid Unnecessary Encounters:''' Trainers use better decision-making and have higher levels on average than wild Pokémon within the same route. Avoiding non-required trainer battles increases the chances your Pokémon will survive. | ||
*'''Be Aware of Mandatory Battles:''' Don't trigger mandatory battles, such as [[rival]] fights, without first making sure your team is fully healed and properly leveled. | *'''Be Aware of Mandatory Battles:''' Don't trigger mandatory battles, such as [[rival]] fights, without first making sure your team is fully healed and properly leveled. | ||
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==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
*So far in the original Nuzlocke | *So far in the original Nuzlocke comics, one starter of each type has been used: {{p|Treecko}} in [[Hoenn]], {{p|Charmander}} in [[Kanto]], and {{p|Oshawott}} in the ongoing [[Unova]] challenge. | ||
*The original Nuzlocke run through Ruby was a failure, due to | *The original Nuzlocke run through Ruby was a failure, due to the entire active team dying in the Champion battle. | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||