By [ad_1]
For those who want to take their Pokémon journeys to the next level, the Nuzlocke challenge is a permadeath playthrough wherein a Pokémon that faints is considered “dead” and must be released. This can make the series’ challenges even more harder, though not every Pokémon game is equally difficult to complete.
Those looking to try a Nuzlocke challenge for the first time may not know where to start. While some may want to start with an easier game, others may want to jump right into the hardest Pokémon game. Here’s how all of the mainline games rank in terms of Nuzlocke difficulty, from easiest to hardest.
12. Pokémon X/Y and Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire
Nuzlockers tend to be split when it comes to the later entries on this list, though most agree Pokémon X and Y and Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are among the easiest Pokémon games to beat. The easier difficulty of Generation VI is less about the actual trainer fights and that a Nuzlocke playstyle makes these games incredibly simple, even if the EXP Share is turned off. This is because the level curve of the wild Pokémon and trainer battles assume the player will use the EXP Share rather than grind levels.
11. Pokémon Red/Blue/Green/Yellow
The original three Pokémon games have simple mechanics that can easily be exploited by an experienced player. Plus, the trainer AI and the non-linear story make them fairly easy to Nuzlocke. That said, they still have difficult trainer battles, including the final Giovani battle and the champion fight against the player’s rival.
10. Pokémon Gold/Silver/Crystal
Gold and Silver stand above the originals, with fewer exploits and double the number of Pokémon in the Pokédex, which opens up a whole new level of strategy to Nuzlockes. However, wild and trainer Pokémon remain at a shockingly low level throughout most of the game. This makes grinding more difficult, but it also means players won’t face as many tough challenges in encounters.
9. Pokémon LeafGreen/FireRed
The Generation III remakes of Red and Blue crank up the difficulty due to improved trainer AI and new mechanics that increase the complexity of battles. However, the inclusion of the VS Seeker, which lets the player re-battle trainers, makes grinding pretty easy. More experienced Nuzlockers have also pointed out that LeafGreen and FireRed aren’t as linear as other Pokémon games, providing more options when it comes to catching and leveling Pokémon.
8. Pokémon Sword/Shield
The biggest challenge with Sword and Shield comes from a few select gym leaders, as well as changes to the Nuzlocke rules. The introduction of the Wild Area meant players had to rework the “one catch per area” rule at the core of a Nuzlocke. The Wild Area and Max Raids can also result in players running into higher-level Pokémon than theirs can fight.
7. Pokémon Sapphire/Ruby
Ruby and Sapphire make great entry-level Nuzlocke games for long-time Pokémon fans. In fact, Ruby was the first game to be Nucklocked. These titles aren’t too difficult, but they still feature a lot of the core gameplay challenges that make Nuzlocks hard but fun. Knowing what Pokémon trainers have and planning around them is fairly important. For first-time Nuzlockers coming into the game with a decent understanding of Pokémon’s mechanics, these Generation III offer a low-stress experience.
6. Pokémon Diamond/Pearl
Generation IV’s base games are more difficult due to a hard champion fight against Cynthia, as well as a limited Pokémon pool for team-building. Team Galactic is also important to mention here, as some of its admins are known for being run-killers. Diamond and Pearl‘s Nuzlocke is slightly more difficult than Ruby and Sapphire‘s because players have fewer team options.
5. Pokémon Emerald
Emerald is more difficult than Ruby and Sapphire mainly due to some rebalanced teams. Gym Leader team Tate and Liza are notorious for being one of the most difficult gym battles in the Pokémon series, and even early gyms like Brawly’s can give players a hard time. Emerald‘s level-curve is also noted as being steeper, further cementing the need to grind levels in Nuzlockes.
4. Pokémon Platinum
Platinum is miles above the difficulty of Diamond and Pearl when it comes to Nuzlockes. Even though there are more Pokémon for players to utilize on their teams, this same fact makes trainer fights more difficult. Cynthia remains challenging, and Cyrus’ Distortion World fight is infamous for its difficulty. Overall, Pokémon Platinum really showcases how difficult a Nuzlocke can be.
3. Pokémon Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon and Sun/Moon
Without a doubt, Generation VII’s games, particularly Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, are the hardest modern Pokémon games. The Island Challenges can easily end runs, and the change to the gym battle formula throws a lot of classic Nuzlocke strategies out the window. Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon offer unique, refreshing experiences overall, and those translate into their Nuzlocke difficulty.
2. Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver
Everything that makes Gold and Silver difficult applies to their Generation IV remakes. However, a much harder post-game Kanto region and Red battle catapult these games ahead in terms of difficulty. There’s very little opportunity to grind without risking a Pokémon fainting, and grinding is almost necessary for the high-level Kanto fights. Even experienced Nuzlockers have trouble with post-game Kanto.
1. Pokémon Black/White and Black 2/White 2
Pokémon‘s Generation V games are the hardest of them all to Nuzlocke. From grueling rival battles, Gym Leaders and the introduction of Challenge Mode in Black 2 and White 2, these are some of the hardest games in the entire Pokémon series. Those fans who dare to take on these games with Nuzlocke rules — and win — will have truly proven themselves to be Pokémon Masters.
About The Author
[ad_2]
