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Nuzlocke Challenge (view source)

Revision as of 16:53, 30 November 2023

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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 fans' chronicles was created. Over time, the concept spread to various websites and formats such as written stories, animations and livestreams.
The basic rules were invented by Nick Franco in March of 2010. Franco posted comics detailing his playthrough of [[Pokémon Ruby]] to 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> The following month, Franco launched a website for his comics and a forum for fans' challenge chronicles.<ref>https://nuzlockeforums.com/forum/threads/reflecting-on-12-years-of-the-nuzlocke-challenge-nostalgia-on-how-it-all-started.20929/</ref> 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 his comic is titled "Pokémon: Hard-Mode". However, the word "Nuzlocke" eventually came to be associated with the ruleset itself.
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 no others. If the first wild Pokémon encountered faints or flees, there are no second chances.
**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.
**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.
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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 "game over" even if there are usable Pokémon left in the [[Pokémon Storage System]].
*'''Full Wipe:''' A [[Black out|black out/white out]] is considered to be "game over" even if there are live 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 used, the run is considered a Nuzlocke Challenge so long as the two basic rules are in place.
Though the above rules tend to stay consistent with all players, many optional variations 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====
*'''Set Mode Clause:''' The battle style must be changed to "set" in the options menu, meaning the player does not get the opportunity to switch out their Pokémon after an opponent's Pokémon faints. In [[Pokémon Scarlet and Violet]], where there is no set mode, the player must manually decide not to switch each time instead.
*'''Set Mode Clause:''' The battle style must be changed to "set" in the options menu, meaning the player does not get the opportunity to switch out their Pokémon after an opponent's Pokémon faints. In [[Pokémon Scarlet and Violet]], where there is no set mode, the player must manually decide not to switch each time.
*'''Level Restrictions: '''The player may not use Pokémon above a certain [[level]] limit based on the next [[Gym Leader]]/[[Elite Four]]/{{pkmn|Champion}}'s highest leveled Pokémon (their "ace"). Pokémon that exceed the level limit might be left in storage until they become eligible, or they might have to be released.
*'''Level Restrictions: '''The player may not use Pokémon above a certain [[level]] limit based on the next [[Gym Leader]]/[[Elite Four]]/{{pkmn|Champion}}'s highest-levelled Pokémon (their "ace"). Pokémon that exceed the level limit might be left in storage until they become eligible, or they might have to be released.
*'''Random Starter:''' The player's [[Starter Pokémon]] must be randomly chosen. A common system is if the last digit of the player's [[Trainer ID number]] is 1-3, the player must choose the Grass-type starter; if it is 4-6, the Fire-type starter; if it is 7-9, the Water-type starter; if it is 0, free choice. Alternatively, use the Trainer ID {{wp|Modulo operation|modulo}} 3 for the same purposes.
*'''Random Starter:''' The player's [[Starter Pokémon]] must be randomly chosen. A common system is if the last digit of the player's [[Trainer ID number]] is 1-3, the player must choose the Grass-type starter; if it is 4-6, the Fire-type starter; if it is 7-9, the Water-type starter; if it is 0, free choice. Alternatively, use the Trainer ID {{wp|Modulo operation|modulo}} 3 for the same purposes.
*'''Monotype/Monocolor Challenge:''' Only Pokémon of a certain [[Type]] or [[List of Pokémon by color|color]] may be used. Rather than the first Pokémon encountered in an area, the player may catch the first one which fits the category or will evolve into fitting the category. If a Pokémon would lose the category upon evolution, it may not evolve.
*'''Monotype/Monocolor Challenge:''' Only Pokémon of a certain [[Type]] or [[List of Pokémon by color|color]] may be used. Rather than the first Pokémon encountered in an area, the player may catch the first one which fits the category or will evolve into fitting the category. If a Pokémon would lose the category upon evolution, it may not evolve.
*'''One Per Gym:''' The player may only catch the first Pokémon after each [[Gym]] battle instead of in each area.
*'''One Per Gym:''' The player may only catch the first Pokémon after each Gym Leader instead of in each area.
*'''Equal Parties:''' During Gym Leader or [[rival]] battles, the player must use the same number of Pokémon as their opponent.
*'''Equal Parties:''' During Gym Leader and [[rival]] battles, the player must use the same number of Pokémon as their opponent.
*'''Caught Only:''' The [[Starter Pokémon]] must be released after the first wild Pokémon is caught.
*'''Caught Only:''' The [[Starter Pokémon]] must be released after the first wild Pokémon is caught.
*'''Notepad Clause:''' No Pokémon may be kept in the PSS; in other words, the player may only own six Pokémon at any given time. This was named after its inventor, Notepad on the now-defunct original Nuzlocke Forum.
*'''Notepad Clause:''' No Pokémon may be kept in the PSS; in other words, the player may only own six Pokémon at a time. This was named after its inventor, Notepad on the now-defunct original Nuzlocke Forum.
**'''Notepad Extreme/First 6 Only:''' The player may only own six Pokémon throughout the entire run. If all six die or otherwise become ineligible, then it's an instant "game over".
**'''Notepad Extreme/First 6 Only:''' The player may only own six Pokémon throughout the entire run. If all six die or otherwise become ineligible, then it's an instant "game over".
*'''No Items:''' No items may be used during battles except for [[held items]]. Limitation due to perceived power-level of X-items.
*'''No Items:''' No items may be used during battles except for [[held items]]. Limitation due to perceived power-level of X-items.
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*'''No/Limited Pokémon Centers:''' Pokémon Centers may not be used, or only used a certain number of times per Center, or a certain number of times between each Gym.
*'''No/Limited Pokémon Centers:''' Pokémon Centers may not be used, or only used a certain number of times per Center, or a certain number of times between each Gym.
*'''No Candy:''' Any type of candy that helps level up the player's Pokémon (such as [[Rare Candy]] or Exp. Candy) may not be used.
*'''No Candy:''' Any type of candy that helps level up the player's Pokémon (such as [[Rare Candy]] or Exp. Candy) may not be used.
*'''No Poké Marts: '''Poké Marts may not be used; the only items that may be used are those found in the overworld or given to the player by NPCs.
*'''No Poké Marts: '''[[Poké Mart]]s may not be used; the only items available are those found in the overworld or given to the player by NPCs.
*'''Limited Balls:''' The number of [[Poké Ball]]s able to be purchased per [[Poké Mart]] is limited to a certain number.
*'''Limited Balls:''' The number of [[Poké Ball]]s able to be purchased per Poké Mart is limited to a certain number.
*'''No Masterball: '''[[Master Ball]]s may not be used.
*'''No Masterball: '''[[Master Ball]]s may not be used.
*'''Gift-Locke:''' Poké Balls may not be used. Any Pokémon obtained must be either given to the player by an NPC or hatched from an {{pkmn|Egg}}.
*'''Giftlocke:''' Poké Balls may not be used. Any Pokémon obtained must be either given to the player by an NPC or hatched from an {{pkmn|Egg}}.
*'''No Evolving: '''No Pokémon may evolve while under the player's ownership.
*'''No Evolving: '''The player must use the B-button to cancel any evolutions under their ownership.
*'''Challenge Mode:''' ({{2v2|Black|White|2}} only) The difficulty must be set to [[Key System|Challenge Mode]], which increases the levels of opposing Trainers' Pokémon.
*'''Challenge Mode:''' ({{2v2|Black|White|2}} only) The difficulty must be set to [[Key System|Challenge Mode]], which increases the levels of opposing Trainers' Pokémon.
*'''Ban List:''' Certain Pokémon such as Legendaries, Pseudo-Legendaries, and/or other powerful Pokémon are not allowed as they mitigate the difficulty of the challenge.
*'''Ban List:''' Certain Pokémon such as Legendaries, Pseudo-Legendaries, and/or other powerful Pokémon are not allowed as they mitigate the difficulty of the challenge.
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*'''No Child Support:''' The {{pkmn|Day Care}} may not be used.
*'''No Child Support:''' The {{pkmn|Day Care}} may not be used.
*'''No Exp Share: '''The [[Exp. Share]] may not be used. (This does not apply to games starting from [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]], where the Exp. Share can't be disabled.)
*'''No Exp Share: '''The [[Exp. Share]] may not be used. (This does not apply to games starting from [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]], where the Exp. Share can't be disabled.)
*'''Limited Training: '''Quality-of-life features such as [[Pokémon-Amie]], the [[DexNav]], or [[Super Training]], may not be used.
*'''Limited Training: '''Quality-of-life features such as [[Pokémon-Amie]], the [[DexNav]] or [[Super Training]], may not be used.
*'''Memory Only:''' Online aids (walkthroughs, trainer info, etc.) may not be used.
*'''Memory Only:''' Online aids (walkthroughs, NPC team info, etc.) may not be used.
*'''Progression Sacrifice:''' After each Badge the player randomly selects one party member to sacrifice.
*'''Progression Sacrifice:''' After each Badge the player randomly selects one party member to sacrifice.


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*'''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.
*'''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.
**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 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 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]] can act as a checkpoint. If the player gets a game over, they may restart from when they got their last 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 section of the Zone, rather than the more restrictive interpretation that the entire Zone is one area.
*'''On Safari: '''The "first encounter only" rule is modified for within the [[Safari Zone]]. One catch 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 streamer Pokémon Challenges.
*'''Rare Candy Clause:''' Hack in infinite rare candies to avoid tedious grinding. Popularized by the streamer Pokémon Challenges.
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*'''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 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.
*'''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.
*'''Alphabetlocke:''' The six Pokémon on your team must be the first six species names in alphabetical order (or reverse alphabetical). For example, if you have a Squirtle, Pidgey, Mankey, Beedrill, Pikachu, Geodude, Clefairy, and Abra, then your active team is: Abra, Beedrill, Clefairy, Geodude, Mankey, Pidgey. Then if Mankey evolves into Primeape, its new name is lower in alphabetical order, so Pikachu takes its spot on the team.
*'''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.
*'''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.


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*'''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.
*'''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.
*'''Don't Underlevel:''' There is no reason to have an under-leveled Pokémon for encounters. Even with [[Gym Leader]] level restrictions, make sure to have your team at the level restriction by the time you trigger the battle.
*'''Don't Underlevel:''' There is no reason to have an under-leveled Pokémon for encounters. Even with Gym Leader level restrictions, make sure to have your team at the level restriction by the time you trigger the battle.
*'''Baiting:''' {{pkmn|Trainer}}-owned Pokémon will choose the move that is most effective against the enemy Pokémon. As such, you can bait certain moves in order to get a free switch. A common example is having a Pokémon weak to {{type|Ground}} moves out on the field and then switch to a Pokémon that is immune to Ground moves, such as a {{type|Flying}} Pokémon or a Pokémon with {{a|Levitate}}.
*'''Baiting:''' {{pkmn|Trainer}}-owned Pokémon will choose the move that is most effective against the enemy Pokémon. As such, you can bait certain moves in order to get a free switch. A common example is having a Pokémon weak to {{type|Ground}} moves out on the field and then switch to a Pokémon that is immune to Ground moves, such as a {{type|Flying}} Pokémon or a Pokémon with {{a|Levitate}}.
*'''Generational Awareness:''' Be aware of changes between generations. Example: {{a|Sturdy}}, in Generations {{gen|III}} and {{gen|IV}} only, protects against [[one-hit knockout move]]s, while in Generation V onward, it protects the Pokémon from being knocked out with one hit when at full HP.
*'''Generational Awareness:''' Be aware of changes between generations. Example: {{a|Sturdy}}, in Generations {{gen|III}} and {{gen|IV}} only, protects against [[one-hit knockout move]]s, while in Generation V onward, it protects the Pokémon from being knocked out with one hit when at full HP.
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