Reasons to Nuzlocke Pokémon Gen 1 in 2025

There’s a fascinating trend that’s been growing among Pokemon enthusiasts over the years, and that’s the burgeoning popularity of challenge runs, particularly the Nuzlocke. Essentially, a Pokemon Nuzlocke is an intensified gameplay variant where players voluntarily adhere to strict rules like capturing only one Pokemon per area and releasing any that faint. This mode ups the ante, making playing feel fresh and exciting again, no matter how familiar the game. Although pretty much any mainline Pokemon game can be transformed with this approach, there’s a compelling case to be made for diving into a Generation 1 Nuzlocke in 2025.

For many fans, Generation 1 is steeped in nostalgia, yet let’s not forget, it’s one of the roughest to replay. This is due largely to it being Game Freak’s inaugural attempt at the now-beloved formula, with subsequent generations refining it. That said, trying a Gen 1 Nuzlocke with today’s mindset introduces unique challenges not found in later installments, offering a stiffer test for those who relish proving their Pokemon mastery. With its no-frills features, Gen 1 stands out as a prime choice for a 2025 Nuzlocke run.

When considering which Gen 1 game to tackle, you might think Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow serve up much the same experience. However, there are nuances worth noting that might influence your decision. In Pokemon Blue, for instance, there are 45 encounter locations with 93 possible creatures available, whereas Pokemon Red offers the same locations but one less Pokemon at 92. Meanwhile, Pokemon Yellow edges them out with 94 potential Pokemon, broadening your options.

Yet, keep in mind that Pokemon Yellow imposes its own set of constraints. Players must start with Pikachu, and the game features additional boss fights—including multiple tussles with Team Rocket’s Jessie and James—that Red and Blue lack. For some, this added complexity enhances the Nuzlocke challenge, while others may prefer the comparative simplicity of Red or Blue.

The battle mechanics of Gen 1 further set it apart when undertaking a Nuzlocke run. This era of games handles encounters quite differently, particularly when it comes to critical hits, which are calculated based on the attacker’s level. Higher-level Pokemon deliver more potent crits, and the likelihood of landing one is tied to their speed—faster Pokemon have better odds.

Status conditions, too, offer a different dynamic that can be either an asset or a detriment based on player strategy. Consider sleep: in Gen 1, this could last anywhere from 1 to 7 turns with only a slim 1/8 chance of waking up after the first turn—a far stricter limitation than later generations, where the duration was curtailed. Moreover, the devastating combo of Leech Seed paired with Toxic can wreak havoc, dealing increasing damage each turn thanks to their compounded effects.

Surprisingly, Butterfree emerges as a robust ally in Gen 1 Nuzlockes. Easy to obtain early on, it boasts a skill set including Sleep Powder and Psychic, offering strategic advantages.

Yet perhaps the biggest hurdle in a Gen 1 Nuzlocke is the dominance of Psychic-types. The game contains a glitch where Psychic-types aren’t vulnerable to Ghost moves as intended. Instead, Ghost attacks have no effect. Add to this the feeble power of Bug-type moves like Pin Missile and Twineedle, and Psychic types become daunting opponents—especially when up against Sabrina’s formidable team, posing a serious challenge for even seasoned players.

To illustrate, in Pokemon Yellow, Sabrina’s team stands at Level 50 across the board, featuring Abra, Kadabra, and Alakazam. Compare that to her teams in Red and Blue, which include a wider level range with Kadabra, Mr. Mime, Venomoth, and a formidable Level 43 Alakazam. Such nuances call for careful preparation and strategy, but also deliver the kind of thrilling, high-stakes gameplay that reignites what many fans love about Pokemon.