How to Do a Nuzlocke Challenge

In a Nuzlocke Challenge, you can only catch the first Pokemon you encounter in each area and you can't use a Pokemon any more after it faints. Read on for the Nuzlocke Challenge rules, as well as tips on how to do a Nuzlocke Challenge in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (BDSP) for the Nintendo Switch.

How to Do a Nuzlocke Challenge

Retire a Pokemon After It Faints

If a Pokemon faints in battle, you must release it or put that Pokemon in a box immediately. You can't use the fainted Pokemon for the rest of the playthrough.

How to Release Pokemon

Only the First Pokemon Per Area

You can only catch the first Pokemon you encounter in each area (route, cave, body of water, etc.) you enter for the first time. If the wild Pokemon faints or if you do not have any Poke Balls when first encountering a Pokemon in an area, you may not catch any Pokemon in that area.

How to Catch Pokemon

Grand Underground Hideaways

Each hideaway in the Grand Underground could potentially be counted as a separate area in which you can catch Pokemon. However, since this could make the nuzlocke challenge significantly easier, it is up to the player how they would like to count areas in the Grand Underground.

All Grand Underground Pokemon Locations

Challenge Lost if All Pokemon Faint

If all your party Pokemon faint, but you still have usable Pokemon in the PC, you can continue with those. If you run out of usable Pokemon entirely, you must restart the game.

Nicknames Are Required

You must nickname each Pokemon that you catch. (Don't get too attached now.)

Optional Nuzlocke Challenge Rules

Item Restrictions

Hardcore Version

You may not buy or use items in or out of battle. You may only use Poke Balls that you have found.

Forgiving Version

You may not buy items, but you can use any items that you find in or out of battle. Using Revives is a judgement call by the player.

No Shifting in Battle

Your battle change option must be set and not shift. Having the battle change option set as set means that you can't switch Pokemon when your opponent is about to send out their next Pokemon.

No Surpassing Level of Next Gym

Your Pokemon's level cannot be higher than that of the next Gym Leader's highest level Pokemon.

All Gym Leader Types and Pokemon

Nuzlocke Challenge Tips and Strategies

Choose Chimchar

Although the starters have even stats, the fact that few fire-type Pokemon are available in Gen IV makes Chimchar the best candidate to start a Nuzlocke run. Also, having a dual-type fire/fighting Pokemon allows for a moveset with great type coverage.

Best Starter Pokemon

Catch Pokemon on Every Route

Since you're limited to the first Pokemon per route, make sure to catch a Pokemon on every route, even if you don't like the Pokemon or don't think you'll use them. They will come in handy as back-up if your preferred Pokemon faint or as a distraction to switch into battle while you heal your stronger Pokemon.

Pokemon by Route: Best Pokemon to Catch

Be Aware of Dual-Type Pokemon

Gen IV has a lot of dual-type Pokemon that can catch you off-guard with a move type you weren't expecting, and in a Nuzlocke, that could mean losing a Pokemon for good. To avoid this problem, make sure you know which types your Pokemon are weak against, as well as the types of your opponent's Pokemon.

Type Chart

Know Your Team's Stats

Paying attention to stats in a Nuzlocke is far more important than it is in a standard playthrough. Keep in mind that you can only catch the first Pokemon you encounter in an area, which means your team might not have type coverage for every situation.

Knowing your team's stats helps to remedy this as it allows you to know which role each Pokemon on your team will play, even in situations where you might not have a super-effective move up your sleeve.

Pokemon BDSP Related Guides

Beginner's Tips and Tricks

Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Tips and Tricks