Over the years, one aspect of the Pokémon community that’s seen tremendous growth in popularity is the challenge run, with the Nuzlocke challenge leading the pack. A Nuzlocke run is essentially a more intense version of a Pokémon playthrough, where players voluntarily adopt a series of self-imposed rules to significantly ramp up the difficulty. These rules often include capturing just one Pokémon per route and releasing any that faint during the game. Although the Nuzlocke can be tackled in nearly every mainline Pokémon installment, many players are considering a Gen 1 Nuzlocke particularly compelling in 2025.
For many fans, Generation 1 evokes a sense of nostalgia, yet it remains one of the more challenging generations to revisit. This is mainly due to it being Game Freak’s inaugural attempt at the then-nascent Pokémon formula, which has since been fine-tuned in subsequent generations. A Gen 1 Nuzlocke in 2025 promises a unique array of obstacles not found in other generations, making it an intriguing test of skill for those eager to push their limits. The simplicity of Gen 1’s features makes it a unique and appealing choice for a Nuzlocke run today.
Now, if you’re contemplating which Gen 1 game to Nuzlocke, Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow might initially seem quite similar, but there are differences that you should consider. For example, Pokémon Blue features a total of 45 distinct encounter locations, with 93 potential Pokémon to capture. Pokémon Red has the same number of locations but one less Pokémon to catch. Meanwhile, Pokémon Yellow provides 94 potential captures, giving players the most variety. However, Yellow also comes with its nuances, like starting with Pikachu and extra boss battles against characters like Jessie and James. Some players might crave these added challenges, while others might stick to the simplicity of Red or Blue.
Something to note about Gen 1’s battle dynamics is how they can significantly alter the experience compared to later games. Critical hits, for instance, operate differently—they depend on the attacker’s level and speed, potentially turning battles into make-or-break scenarios. Status moves in Gen 1 can be a double-edged sword too. Sleep, for example, can knock out a Pokémon for one to seven turns, making it a crucial condition to control. On the flip side, combinations like Leech Seed and Toxic can become devastating due to their combined damage effects, adding layers to your strategic planning.
If you’re planning a Gen 1 Nuzlocke, don’t underestimate the challenge posed by Psychic types, which are notoriously overpowered. A glitch renders Ghost-type attacks ineffective against them, and with the limited strength of Bug-type moves like Pin Missile and Twineedle, battling Sabrina’s Psychic-heavy team turns into a formidable task. Yet, this challenge is precisely what draws many to a Gen 1 Nuzlocke—testing strategies against such difficult odds is part of the allure.
In poking around the potential Pokémon you could use, Butterfree stands out as a surprisingly powerful ally during a Gen 1 Nuzlocke. Easily obtained early on, it offers the potential to deploy Sleep Powder and Psychic, capitalizing on game mechanics to deliver substantial benefits to savvy trainers ready to take on the Gen 1 gauntlet.
