Bulbapedia - User contributions [en]

Talk:Nuzlocke Challenge

2026-02-25T20:55:34Z

Effusivefugitive: /* Reset/Reload? */ Reply

==comic==
If there is an article on the challenge, shouldn't there be an article on the comic that inspired the challenge? [[User:Turtwig A|Turtwig's]] [[Turtwig (Pokémon)|A-B-Cs]] ([[User talk:Turtwig A|talk]] | [[Special:Contributions/Turtwig A|contribs]]) 01:28, 27 June 2010 (UTC)

==Optional Rule==
It say for one of the optional rules, "Banning the use of Pokémon Centers, relying only on potions and healing items for healing."
That would be impossible, since there is a limited amount of PP restoration items in the game. [[User:Mastergiygas11|MasterGiygas]] 17:35, 22 December 2011 (UTC)
:Where did you get that idea? You can grow Leppa berries in Gens III/IV, and get one weekly in BW. [[user:Zedadex|Zeda]][[user_talk:Zedadex|dex]] 01:41, 5 January 2012 (UTC)
::They probably got that idea from the fact that Gens I and II still exist, as well as the fact that it is quite some time before you have reliable access to berries of ANY specific type in later Gens. I personally have trouble believing anyone has ever actually used this rule. [[User:Krychek|Krychek]] ([[User talk:Krychek|talk]]) 10:05, 29 May 2013 (UTC)

==Questions==
# What the Nuzlocke challenge says about obtaining Pokémon through:
** Breeding
** Events
** In-game gifts
** Trades
** Migrating?
# I've been reading that Pokémon who "die" must be stored in PC permanently without necessarily being released, and Stored Pokémon who did not "die" can still be used.
# It should be mentioned that in youtube there are some videos of animations of scenes of Pokémon "dying" in the runs.
# Is there a rule that if a Pokémon "dies" another (but only one) of its species can be caught? ---[[User:Igor Castro Chucre|Igor ]] ([[User talk:Igor Castro Chucre|talk]]) 03:01, 3 September 2012 (UTC)

=="Supreme Court of Nuzlocke"==
The link is dead, and leads to an error page on the Nuzlocke Forums. Should it be removed, or should a replacement be made/found?
[[User:Lordgeorge16|Lordgeorge16]] ([[User talk:Lordgeorge16|talk]]) 11:19, 16 October 2012 (UTC)
:Removed, and preserved here for posterity: [http://s7.zetaboards.com/Nuzlocke_Forum/topic/848408/1/ The Supreme Court of Nuzlocke] [[User:Krychek|Krychek]] ([[User talk:Krychek|talk]]) 13:44, 29 May 2013 (UTC)

=='N' run==
A variant of the Nuzlocke known as the 'N' run exists, could this be mentioned on the Nuzlocke article?--[[User:Darknesslover5000|Darknesslover5000]] ([[User talk:Darknesslover5000|talk]]) 21:36, 5 February 2013 (UTC)

==Nuzlocke Comics==
I know it's already been said, but shouldn't there be an article for the comics that gave rose to the Nuzlocke Challenge? {{unsigned|VictiniLopunny7}}

==Reset/Reload?==
Is there no rule against intentionally resetting the game? It seems like having the ability to do so would render most of the other rules ineffective and/or pointless. [[User:Krychek|Krychek]] ([[User talk:Krychek|talk]]) 10:09, 29 May 2013 (UTC)

I went ahead and added it because I can't imagine any other way this could work. [[User:Krychek|Krychek]] ([[User talk:Krychek|talk]]) 13:43, 29 May 2013 (UTC)

:Your inability to imagine resetting while still following the rest of the rules does not make it impossible, nor does it render them "ineffective and/or pointless." Resetting does not allow you to revive fainted Pokemon or to catch additional Pokemon per area. It also does not conflict in any way with most common rules like level caps, no duplicate species, or no items in battle. Unlimited resets would allow re-rolling encounters, but you can just require saving after catching or only allow resets in specific situations like gym battles.
:This attitude also fundamentally misunderstands how resets actually affect the game. Not everyone treats Nuzlockes as a "one shot" where you have to roll with the punches. I, for example, allow resets but save after all my catches and only allow sacrifices as a last resort. This is its own challenge that turns each battle into more of a puzzle. It's way harder than you think - experienced Nuzlockers rely heavily on sacrifices and not having that option is a huge disadvantage, especially because I play on set mode with level caps and no items in battle. Restricted by all these rules, it takes numerous tries with different team combinations to get through most gyms. It is absurd to say that they are "ineffective and/or pointless," especially when the ''point'' of Nuzlocking is to 1) make the game harder and 2) force you to use different Pokemon than you might normally. The core Nuzlocke rules are still entirely effective, and very much still have a point. [[User:Effusivefugitive|Effusivefugitive]] ([[User talk:Effusivefugitive|talk]]) 20:55, 25 February 2026 (UTC)

==Bad example for optional rule "not counting encounters before Poke Balls received"==
Recall that, although the first Pokemon found in the '''wild''' on Route 101 is the Zigzagoon/Poochyena you fight to rescue Prof. Birch, your encounter for that area is actually your '''starter'''. You do not get to catch a Pokemon on Route 101 in Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald. [[User:Pikalax|pikalax]] ([[User talk:Pikalax|talk]]) 05:21, 30 May 2014 (UTC)
:I imagine most players would give an exception for that route since it's the starter, not a wild Pokémon. A more normal scenario would probably be best, though. --—[[User:IWannaBeTheVeryBest|The]]Very[[User talk:IWannaBeTheVeryBest|Best]] 05:32, 30 May 2014 (UTC)
::Kanto, Johto, Unova and Kalos games give you starter in the hometown; only Hoenn and Sinnoh don't. Forcing that would make the game harder for Hoenn, since otherwise, you have no catch whatsoever for Littleroot (as well as in Nuvema and Vaniville, but you receive starter there, so it's not a problem); Pallet, New Bark, Twinleaf and Aspertia have surfable/fishable water (and HGSS New Bark has Headbutt trees; though it only would matter for Twinleaf). [[User:Eridanus|Eridanus]] ([[User talk:Eridanus|talk]]) 09:13, 6 August 2014 (UTC)

== Death isn't required. ==

The death rule, though extremely popular, isn't a requirement. A Nuzlocke is a challenge where you need to use Pokémon you don't usually use. That is the only requirement. I would suggest that this rule shouldn't be thrown into the "other rules" section because of it's immense popularity.--[[User:Gooie Weeggie Time|Gooie Weeggie Time]] ([[User talk:Gooie Weeggie Time|talk]]) 08:02, 11 October 2020 (UTC)
:Read [[a:File:Basic Nuzlocke rules.png|this image]]... This comes from the original "Pokemon Hard Mode" comic, by Nuzlocke Comics. These are the base Nuzlocke rules. The core of the challenge is the death rule. --[[User:Celadonkey|celadonk]] ([[User talk:Celadonkey|talk]]) 13:17, 11 October 2020 (UTC)

== Soul Link Nuzlocke ==

Should the article mention the "Soul Link Nuzlocke" as a variant of the Nuzlocke Challenge like it mentions the "Wonderlocke" Variant of the Nuzlocke Challenge? {{unsigned|Mew07777}}

== Permanently putting Pokémon in the PC is not a basic rule ==

[[File:Basic Nuzlocke rules.png|thumb|250px|The two basic Nuzlocke rules.]]

Permanently putting Pokémon in the PC is not one of the basic rules of a Nuzlocke. The basic rules of a Nuzlocke are the rules mentioned in the original Nuzlocke comic and the comic does not mention anywhere permanently putting Pokémon in the PC permanently if it faints as a rule.

Here is a link to the original Nuzlocke comic: [https://www.nuzlocke.com/comics/pokemon-hard-mode/page/69 Ruby: Hard-Mode #01]

In the comic, it only states:

"Okay, lets make this run of Ruby more interesting...

>release a pokemon if it faints

>have to catch the 1st pokemon in each area and nothing else."

Nowhere does it mention permanently putting Pokémon in the PC, therefore it is not a basic rule. [[User:Mew07777|Mew07777]] ([[User talk:Mew07777|talk]]) 22:54, 15 January 2022 (UTC)
:Yes, I noticed. But most nuzlockers these days have so much of an emotional attachment to their mons that they can't bring themselves to release them (as stated in my edit summary), so it makes more sense in the near universally used rules. - ''unsigned comment from [[User:Kirbychu Showdown|Kirbychu Showdown]] ([[User talk:Kirbychu Showdown|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kirbych_Showdown|contribs]])'' 20:20, 18 January 2022 (UTC)
::It was already in the near-universally used rules section. [[User:Mew07777|Mew07777]] ([[User talk:Mew07777|talk]]) 22:12, 26 January 2022 (UTC)
:::Mew07777, you've edited this conversation a lot recently. If you need to clarify anything, add a new comment at the bottom; don't go back and edit old ones you've left. Thanks. --[[User:Celadonkey|celadonk]] ([[User talk:Celadonkey|talk]]) 15:55, 4 February 2022 (UTC)

== Jaiden Animations ==

Since Jaiden Animations made some good Nuzlocke videos on YouTube, doesn't that belong on this page? This is a notable part of the fandom. [[User:Mario60866|Mario60866]] ([[User talk:Mario60866|talk]]) 06:53, 27 January 2022 (UTC)
:Again, fan content isn't notable, only if their popularity extends beyond just the fandom. Jaiden doing a few Nuzlockes (and people reacting to them) does not make it notable.--[[User:Force Fire|'''F'''orce]][[User talk:Force Fire|'''F'''ire]] 07:57, 27 January 2022 (UTC)

Nuzlocke Challenge

2026-02-25T20:24:57Z

Effusivefugitive: /* Near-universal rules */ Pointless, and incorrect, editorializing.

[[File:Basic Nuzlocke rules.png|thumb|300px|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 called "'''a Nuzlocke'''".

Nuzlockes are a popular way to play the games among {{pkmn|fandom|fans}}. Many feel that the rules encourage greater Pokémon variety, create value for ones the player would not normally choose, and promote closer bonds with the player's team. The rules are not an in-game function, but self-imposed on the player's part, and thus subject to variation.

The challenge originates from the [http://www.nuzlocke.com/ comic series] of the same name, which features a {{p|Nuzleaf}} resembling ''{{wp|Lost (2004 TV series)|Lost}}'' character {{wp|John Locke (Lost)|John Locke}} as a recurring gag character.

==History==
The basic rules were invented by Nick Franco, a Californian screenwriter and then-university-student, in March 2010. Franco posted comics depicting 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.

==Rules==
===Basic rules===


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 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.
*'''Dying''': Any Pokémon that [[Fainting|faints]] is considered dead and must be {{pkmn2|released}}. Revival methods such as [[Revive]], {{m|Revival Blessing}}, etc. are forbidden. If the player runs out of living Pokémon, they've failed the challenge and must restart the game.

===Near-universal rules===
*'''Mandatory Nicknames:''' The player must nickname all of their Pokémon, for the sake of forming stronger emotional bonds.
*'''"Met in" Confirmation:''' If the player is unsure whether a location is a valid new encounter or not, such as multiple levels of a cave, they can look at the Pokémon's [[summary]] page to see where they were "Met" in order to confirm whether it's a new location or not.
**'''Gift Pokémon:''' Some players consider [[Gift Pokémon]] (such as the {{p|Eevee}} found in the [[Celadon Condominiums]]) to be separate encounters from wild Pokémon encountered in the same area.
***As of [http://www.nuzlocke.com/comics/pokemon-hard-mode/page/11/ White: Hard-Mode, Episode 3], it is implied that the player can accept Pokémon that are received freely from NPCs.
*'''No Resets:''' The player may not voluntarily soft-reset to undo progress.
*'''No Cheating:''' Cheating devices (such as [[GameShark]]) may not be used except to make the game harder (such as cheating to disable [[Exp. Share]] in games that don't allow such an option.)
*'''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 obtained through in-game methods, meaning that [[Trade|trading]] with other save files, [[Mystery Gift]]s, etc. are all prohibited.
**'''Trade Evolution Clause:''' There is no firm consensus on trading a [[trade Evolution]] Pokémon away and back to one's file to [[Evolution|evolve]] it.
*'''Boxing:''' Deceased Pokémon may be permanently sent to the [[Pokémon Storage System]] or [[transfer]]red to another game rather than releasing them.

===Optional rules===
Though the above rules tend to stay consistent with all players, many variant rules 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====
===== ''Battle restrictions'' =====
* '''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.
* '''Equal Parties/Fair Fight Clause:''' During Gym Leader and [[rival]] battles, the [[Party|active party]] must not have more Pokémon than the opponent's.
* '''No Items:''' No items may be used during battles except for [[held items]]. Limitation due to perceived power-level of X-items.
* '''No Heal Items:''' [[Potion]]s and [[Status condition healing item|status-healing items]] may not be used.
* '''No Held Items: '''Held items may not be used.

===== ''Leveling restrictions'' =====
* '''Level Cap: '''The player may not use Pokémon above the level of 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.
* '''No Evolving: '''The player must use the B-button to cancel any Evolutions under their ownership.
* '''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 {{LGPE}}, where the Exp. Share can't be disabled without third-party tools.)
*'''No Candy:''' [[Rare Candy]] and [[Exp. Candy]] may not be used.

===== ''Overworld restrictions'' =====
* '''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 Buying: '''No items may be purchased from NPCs; the player must rely on what they find in the overworld or receive for free.
* '''Limited Balls:''' Only a certain number of [[Poké Ball]]s may be purchased per store.
* '''No Escape:''' The player may not [[Escape|flee]] from battle.
**'''No Wild Encounters:''' Alternatively, the player must flee whenever possible, in order to limit the amount of [[experience]] gained.

===== ''Pokémon restrictions'' =====
* '''Random Starter:''' The [[first partner Pokémon]] must be randomly chosen. A common system is: if the last digit of the character's [[Trainer ID number]] is 1-3, the player must choose the Grass-type first partner Pokémon; if it is 4-6, the Fire-type; if it is 7-9, the Water-type; if it is 0, free choice. Alternatively, use the Trainer ID {{wp|Modulo operation|modulo}} 3: remainder 0 = Grass, remainder 1 = Fire, remainder 2 = Water.
* '''Caught Only:''' The first partner Pokémon must be released or boxed after the first wild Pokémon is caught.
* '''One Per Gym:''' The player may only catch the first Pokémon after each Gym Leader instead of in each area.
* '''Ban List:''' Certain Pokémon such as [[Legendary Pokémon|Legendaries]], [[Pseudo-legendary Pokémon|Pseudo-Legendaries]], and/or other powerful Pokémon are banned as they excessively mitigate the difficulty of the challenge.
* '''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.
* '''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, user "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 faint or otherwise become ineligible, then it's an instant 'game over'.
* '''Giftlocke:''' Only [[Gift Pokémon]] may be used. Catching and breeding Pokémon are banned.
* '''No Repels:''' It is forbidden to use [[Repel]]s before the first encounter on a route, as this can guarantee certain appearances. Alternatively, it is forbidden to use Repels whatsoever, in order to expose the team to more danger.

===== ''Miscellaneous'' =====
*'''Limited Training: '''Quality-of-life features such as [[Pokémon-Amie]], the [[DexNav]] and [[Super Training]] may not be used.
*'''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 and gives some notable trainers extra Pokémon, held items, and different movesets. This is not frequently used because, due to [[List of battle glitches in Generation V#Challenge Mode stat glitch|a glitch]], the stats of NPC-owned Pokémon are based on the level in Normal Mode, making them only slightly stronger than their Normal Mode counterparts while still awarding more experience.
*'''Memory Only:''' Online aids (walkthroughs, NPC team info, etc.) may not be used.
*'''Speedrun:''' In addition to the Nuzlocke rules, the player tries to defeat the Champion with as little "time played" on the save file counter as possible.
*'''Progression Sacrifice:''' After each [[Badge]] the player randomly selects one party member to sacrifice.

====Decreased difficulty====
*'''Slow Start:''' The two basic rules are not in effect until the player has gained their first [[Poké Ball]]s 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 can catch Pokémon, are not counted. Likewise, in the games where the first rival battle is immediately after obtaining the first partner 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 Pokémon in an evolutionary 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 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.
**'''Dusty Clause/Token Clause''': During a monotype or monocolor run, for each area the player passes through which has no valid encounters, they might collect one "token" which is "spent" to catch an extra valid Pokémon in the future. Named after its inventor, user "Dustox" on the Nuzlocke Forum.
*'''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 by Gym, such as getting 1 revive per Badge.
*'''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. It's up to the player whether Shinies may be used during the challenge, or merely traded away/transferred to another game for safekeeping.
**'''Shiny Replacement Clause:''' A compromise where Shiny Pokémon may be used in a Nuzlocke, but another Pokémon must be released in exchange.
*'''Checkpoints:''' Each Gym Badge can act as a checkpoint. If the player gets a game over, they may restart from when they won 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 to use the required field move. However, this Pokémon cannot be used in battle 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 the [[Safari Zone]]. One catch may be permitted for each sector of the Zone, rather than the more restrictive interpretation that the entire Zone is one area. This rule is largely used to due to the varied encounter pools of each sector, and the Safari Zones often containing many Pokémon not found elsewhere.
**Similarly, the [[Pokémon Den]]s of Galar's [[Wild Area]] can be interpreted as their own "new area" each, rather than only making one catch from the entire Wild Area or from each named sub-area.
**Areas sharing a name but divided by story progression may be considered two distinct areas, such as [[Unova]]'s [[Pinwheel Forest]], which contains an outer area accessible before beating the [[Nacrene Gym]], and an inner area accessible afterwards, each with their own encounter pools.
*'''A Little Help From My Friends: '''Cheating devices (such as [[GameShark]]) may be used.
**'''Rare Candy Clause:''' Hack in infinite [[Rare Candy|Rare Candies]] to avoid tedious grinding. It was popularized by the streamer Pokémon Challenges.
**'''Master Ball Clause:''' Hack in infinite [[Master Ball]]s to avoid wild Pokémon accidentally being knocked out, [[Escape|running away]], or using escape moves like {{m|Teleport}} and {{m|Roar}}.

==Variant rulesets==
*'''Hardcore Nuzlocke:''' A general name for any Nuzlocke variant which restricts item use and over-leveling, in order to produce a more difficult run and more strategic play.
*'''Wonderlocke''': 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 "soul-linked" based on their origin. So the first partner 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.
*'''Egglocke''': The 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 cheat devices, where the egg Pokémon are chosen by a third party, such as friends or a streaming audience.
*'''Wedlocke''': Each pair of Pokémon is married/bonded based on the order they're caught in. A Pokémon can only switch out for its bondmate. If a Pokémon dies, its bondmate must be the next one sent in. If one "widow" survives a battle, they might either remarry the next catch, or get perma-boxed ("retire out of grief").
*'''Randomizer:''' Randomizer mods can be used to add more variety to Nuzlockes. However, encountering a Legendary or other powerful Pokémon early can greatly reduce difficulty. Additionally, catch rates may have to be adjusted via the Randomizer in order for Legendary Pokémon to be feasibly caught using low-tier Balls.
*'''Alphabetlocke:''' The six Pokémon in the active party must be the first six species names in alphabetical order (or reverse alphabetical). For example, if the player has a Squirtle, Pidgey, Mankey, Beedrill, Pikachu, Geodude, Clefairy, and Abra, then the player's 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.
*'''Lorelocke:''' [https://nuzlockeforums.com/forum/threads/the-lorelocke-celebrating-5-years-ama-of-rubyclaw-and-mewstein-included-and-update-1-60-with-all-gen-7-pokemon.2197/ A large ruleset] with individual rules for each species, inspired by mythological creatures and stories.
*'''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==
*'''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.
*'''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. Also, 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 chance 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.
*'''Don't Underlevel:''' There is no reason to have an under-leveled Pokémon during important battles. Even if adhering to Gym Leader level restrictions, make sure to have your team at the level cap before you challenge the Leader.
*'''Protect the Important Ones:''' Be aware of which Pokémon are best suited to upcoming Gyms, and do not expose them to unnecessary risks such as fighting a strong Route trainer.
*'''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. For 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 while at full HP.
*'''PP Stall:''' Using healing moves or items (if allowed) in order to force a dangerous encounter to waste all their good moves. Typically, this is used for low-PP moves that deal large amounts of damage. If successful, this can lead to the enemy using {{m|Struggle}} to knock itself out.

==Trivia==
*So far in the original Nuzlocke comics, one first partner Pokémon of each type has been used: {{p|Treecko}} in [[Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions|Ruby]], {{p|Charmander}} in [[Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|FireRed]], and {{p|Oshawott}} in the ongoing [[Pokémon Black and White Versions|White]] challenge.
*The original Nuzlocke run through Ruby was a failure, due to the entire active team dying in the Champion battle.
*In the Nuzlocke Forums' [https://nuzlockeforums.com/forum/threads/final-team-frequency-4-0.20759/ log of successful runs], the most victorious Pokémon of all time is {{p|Gyarados}}, which has survived 240 recorded Champion battles at time of writing.

==References==
<references />

==External links==
*[http://www.nuzlocke.com/ The original Nuzlocke Comics]
*[https://nuzlockeforums.com/forum/index.php The Nuzlocke Forums]
*[https://old.reddit.com/r/nuzlocke/ Nuzlocke discussions on Reddit]

==Related articles==
{{Pokémon fandom}}
{{Project Fandom notice}}

[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Fanon terminology]]

[[de:Pokémon-Challenges#Nuzlocke]]
[[fr:Nuzlocke Challenge]]
[[it:Nuzlocke Challenge]]
[[ja:Nuzlocke Challenge]]
[[zh:附录:Nuzlocke挑战]]