I have played Pokémon since the beginning. I chose Blue version and a 20+ year journey of picking color, gemstones, letters, and more began. I have completed every generation (except Black & White), finished numerous poke dexs, and caught many shinies. However, in all that time I have never attempted a Nuzlocke run.

Also, checkout my two other posts on Pokémon: Battling Basics and Nuzlocke Tips and Tricks.

Early Game

Let’s start right off the bat with what you are already asking “what starter did she pick??” \

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Prey is exactly the kind of game I hate. It’s a game with too many systems and too little guidance. It is too easy to feel stupid or lost in a game meant to “fit any play-style.” Prey is also difficult. Especially in the early game. You are meant to feel powerless and carefully plan your enemy engagements – which usually amounts to finding any way to not engage. However, you aren’t told this. Instead you will be stonewalled by a Voltaic Phantom or die one too many times to a household object. In either case, it can feel unforgiving, unfair, and directionless. If you end up finishing, you may feel that you didn’t play “correctly” and still don’t understand why people love this game so much.

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Everything you need to know… to know your Pokémon!

If you, like me, have spent the majority of your Pokémon game time playing as intended, then once you reached adolescence, the games became pretty easy (not necessarily less fun!). So, you probably didn’t learn how the game mechanics for battling actually work. And, let me tell you, when you impose these hard mode rules, all of these mechanics become so clear! It’s such a fantastic moment and makes me appreciate the game designers so much more. So, let’s go over the basics of how to assess your Pokémon and get better at battling.

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Now that my first Pokémon Nuzlocke is completed (Shining Pearl, the generation IV remake), I thought it would be helpful to make a document outlining everything I found helpful in completing my run. Also checkout my post on Pokémon Battling Basics!

If you already know the basics of a Nuzlocke, feel free to skip below.

What is a Nuzlocke?

The term Nuzlocke is a portmanteau Nuzleaf (the evolution of Seedot) and the Lost T.V. show character John Locke. Apparently, a 4Chan user by the name of Nuzlocke created an online comic series titled Ruby: Hard Mode where a Nuzleaf is caught with a likeness to John Locke. And there the name was born.

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After nearly a hundred hours, I have finally rolled credits on Mass Effect 3. A series that was created in 2007. 17 years ago. A series I grew up around, albeit on the periphery (in my ME1 review here). A series that felt so mature and was endless in scope. A true space opera. A series whose first two games I scored a 9/10 and 10/10, respectively.

A series so strong, I wrote a love letter to it.

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