Why Nuzlocke Pokémon Gen 1 in 2025?

Over the years, a thrilling aspect of the Pokémon community that has gained massive traction is the concept of challenge runs, with the Nuzlocke at the forefront. Nuzlockes elevate the standard playthrough by introducing a series of self-imposed rules that heighten the difficulty. These rules typically limit players to catching only one Pokémon per area and require them to release any creature that faints. While this format is adaptable to nearly every mainline Pokémon game, a compelling case exists for embarking on a Generation 1 Nuzlocke as we move into 2025.

Contemplating Gen 1 evokes nostalgia for countless Pokémon enthusiasts, yet it’s known as one of the tougher series to revisit. Given that it was Game Freak’s debut attempt at this formula, Gen 1 lacks the refinements that subsequent generations enjoy. Thus, a Gen 1 Nuzlocke in 2025 presents challengers with a distinctive array of hurdles that aren’t found in later versions, promising an even more intense experience for those daring enough to take it on. The simplicity of the original games makes them standout candidates for a Nuzlocke run today.

Now, when selecting which Gen 1 game to apply the Nuzlocke rules to, one might assume Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow offer the same experience. However, some notable differences can steer your choice. Pokémon Blue presents 45 unique locations with 93 potential Pokémon encounters, while Red offers the same number of locations, but one less Pokémon to catch, totaling 92. Pokémon Yellow surpasses both with 94 Pokémon, thus providing players with the broadest range of options.

That said, Pokémon Yellow has its quirks. It forces players to start their journey with Pikachu, and it’s loaded with additional boss battles, including frequent encounters with Jessie and James, absent in Red and Blue. For some, this might enhance the challenge of their Nuzlocke journey, while others might prefer the familiarity of Red or Blue.

The battle mechanics in Gen 1 distinguish these games within the franchise, altering the Nuzlocke experience significantly. Critical hits, for example, operate on a unique system tied to the attacker’s level, potentially flipping the script in any encounter. The critical hit probability rests on the attacking Pokémon’s speed stat, giving quicker creatures a higher chance to deliver one.

Status effects in Gen 1 also deviate from those in later entries. Take, for instance, the Sleep condition—it can last from 1 to 7 turns, with only a slim chance of early recovery, making it more punishing than its successors. Additionally, Leech Seed combined with Toxic creates a potent combo, ramping up damage incrementally each turn.

In your Nuzlocke endeavors, consider using Butterfree. Its Sleep Powder and Psychic capabilities make it surprisingly powerful early in the game.

Despite these strategies, any venture into a Gen 1 Nuzlocke confronts the dominance of Psychic types. Due to a glitch, Psychic types aren’t weak to Ghost moves, and the two viable Bug-type moves, Pin Missile and Twineedle, have trivial power. This makes battling Sabrina’s Psychic-powered team a formidable task that could spell doom for your run but equally offers a tempting challenge for dedicated Nuzlocke players.

In Pokémon Yellow specifically, Sabrina’s lineup is formidable, sporting a Level 50 Abra, Kadabra, and Alakazam, contrasting with her Red and Blue teams, which include varied levels and additional opponents like Mr. Mime and Venomoth. Whether you’re seeking a touch of nostalgia or the thrill of a formidable challenge, diving back into Gen 1’s quirks and strategies provides a rich experience for any dedicated Pokémon Nuzlocke enthusiast.