Aside from completing the Pokedex, Pokemon games offer little to no challenge, especially since players can over-level their Pokemon before battling any Trainer or Gym Leader. And while catching Pokemon and completing the Pokedex may be fun for some players, others want to experience a real challenge.
That's why Pokemon fans created the infamous Nuzlocke Challenge, a hardcore version of a traditional Pokemon game. But Pokemon Scarlet & Violet has introduced so many new features into the franchise, making it difficult for players to create the Nuzlocke Challenge without the proper guidance.
Traditional Nuzlocke Challenge Explained
The main idea of the Nuzlocke Challenge is to encourage players to think outside the box and carefully evaluate every action they take while playing Pokemon. Since this is an unofficial challenge, players will have to impose the rules themselves, meaning there can be some variations throughout the playthrough. But, there are two Basic Rules players must follow:
- A player is limited to catching the 1st Wild Pokemon they encounter in each area. If the wild Pokemon faints or runs away, players can't try again and must wait until they reach a new area.
- Any caught Pokemon that faints cannot be revived and must be released (or placed in Pokemon Storage). Also, players aren't allowed to use Battle Items or Pokemon Moves that revive a Pokemon during a Battle.
These two Basic Rules should be followed if a player truly wants to do the Nuzlocke Challenge. Aside from the Basic Rules, there are some additional Rules widely accepted (but not enforced) by the Pokemon community:
- Players cannot Reset or Reload a save file whenever something goes wrong.
- A Black/White Out Screen (whenever a player loses all their Pokemon during a Battle) is considered "Game Over."
- Players should Nickname all their Pokemon.
- Players can only use caught Pokemon, not ones obtained via Mystery Gifts or Trades. Gamers can use Pokemon given to them by NPCs (like Starter Pokemon).
How To Adapt The Nuzlocke Challenge To Scarlet And Violet
In many ways, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet is a step in the right direction for the Pokemon franchise, but in other ways, it makes the games a lot easier for casual players. For example, players can now pick which Wild Pokemon to battle since they are out in the open world, unlike previous games where they were hidden in tall grass. Likewise, there are no longer traditional "areas," but instead several zones that overlap with each other. So, here's how players can adapt the Nuzlocke Challenge within Pokemon Scarlet or Violet.
Wild Pokemon
Since players can see Wild Pokemon while exploring and even see some of them on the mini-map (like Gothita, Gothorita, or Gothitelle), players must think outside the box. Gamers can overcome this obstacle by closing their eyes for 30 seconds and wandering blindly, hopefully encountering a Wild Pokemon. Some gamers have also set a five-minute timer; once the timer ended, they would catch the nearest Pokemon within that area.
Raids
One aspect of Pokemon GO, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet copied was the Raid System. These Raids feature powerful Pokemon, like Salamance or Tyranitar, so Nuzlocke players must set some boundaries. For example, some players suggest only catching one Raid Pokemon in the entire playthrough. But, since the Nuzlocke Challenge is self-imposed, players are free to decide the best course of action.
Additional Rules To Increase Nuzlocke Challenge
Hardcore players that feel the Basic Rules are far too forgiving will be joyous to know there are several ways to increase the Nuzlocke Challenge. Players are free to use all of them (not recommended) or pick a few that seem reasonable to the player.
- Players can only catch a Pokemon after beating a Gym (limited to that area).
- Only use the same number of Pokemon as the opponent.
- The game must be changed to "Set" (no opportunity to switch Pokemon after the opponent's Pokemon faints).
- Cannot use Starter Pokemon.
- Cannot use Potions or status removing Items during or after a battle (no Pokecenters).
- Can only use Pokeballs (no Great, Ultra, or Master balls).
- Players cannot Evolve their Pokemon.
- Players cannot replace fainted Pokemon.
As players can notice, these rules are reserved for those players that want the ultimate Souls-like experience in their Pokemon playthrough.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are currently available on Nintendo Switch.