Aside from completing the Pokedex,Pokemongames offer little to no challenge, especially since players can over-level their Pokemon before battling any Trainer or Gym Leader. And whilecatching Pokemon and completing the Pokedexmay be fun for some players, others want to experience a real challenge.
Related:The Wildest Pokedex Entries In Pokemon Scarlet And Violet
That’s whyPokemonfans created the infamousNuzlocke Challenge, a hardcore version of a traditionalPokemongame. ButPokemon Scarlet & Violethas introduced somany 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 playingPokemon. 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:
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 thePokemoncommunity:
How To Adapt The Nuzlocke Challenge To Scarlet And Violet
In many ways,Pokemon Scarlet & Violetis a step in the right direction for thePokemonfranchise, 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 withinPokemon ScarletorViolet.
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 ofPokemon GO,Pokemon Scarlet & Violetcopied 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.
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 Violetare currently available on Nintendo Switch.
More:Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: Academy Guide (Classes, Exams, and More)
