Challenges

Explore Nuzlocke, No/Minimal EXP, and Mono-Type Challenges to add difficulty and fun to your Pokemon TCG Live experience.

Nuzlocke Challenge

The Nuzlocke Challenge is a popular challenge in Pokemon games. It has two core rules:

1. You can only catch the first Pokemon encountered in a route. If it faints or you lack Poke Balls, you cannot catch anything from that area.
2. If a Pokemon faints at any point, it must be released or boxed, never to be used again. Running out of Pokemon means losing the challenge and restarting the game.

A common optional rule is nicknaming your Pokemon to enhance the bonding experience.

Players can add further restrictions, such as not using Pokemon Centers or not buying any items. Debates exist on rules like catching Pokemon per floor in a cave versus the whole cave, or if gift Pokemon count for an area.

Warning: Be extremely careful during a Nuzlocke Challenge. Prepare for major threats and stay vigilant, as critical hits are a significant danger.

No/Minimal EXP Challenge

This challenge requires external modifications or specific codes to function. The anti-piracy measure or a specific code can eliminate experience gain or limit it to approximately 5 per battle, making leveling up very rare.

This challenge encourages using a wider variety of wild Pokemon to keep pace with game levels. Strategy is important, and the reusability of TMs is a significant advantage.

The use of Rare Candies is a point of debate, as they do not grant experience but do level up Pokemon. If allowed, strategic use is key, such as using two Rare Candies on a Level 39 Gothorita or Duosion on Route 9 to obtain a Level 41 Gothitelle or Reuniclus. Rare Candies can also be necessary for certain evolutions.

This challenge is generally linear and may only be fully enjoyable once.

Mono-Type Challenge

This classic challenge involves completing the game using only Pokemon of a single chosen type. Once a Pokemon of the chosen type is caught, all non-conforming Pokemon must be deposited in the PC or released. HM slaves are permitted.

A Pokemon is usable if it possesses the chosen type or evolves into it. For example, in a Flying-type run, Pidove is usable, and Surskit is usable because it evolves into the Flying-type Masquerain. Blitzle, which never gains a Flying-type, would not be usable.

Dual-typed Pokemon are allowed as long as one of their types matches the chosen type.