Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Nuzlocke runs are just too easy, some fans say, at least if you pick Fuecoco as your Gen 9 starter. Nuzlocke runs involve a set of self-imposed rules to make Pokemon games more challenging. These vary depending on the player, but the main rule usually stipulates that any Pokemon who gets knocked out in battle can’t be used again for the entire game.
The goofy little critter might seem like an unassuming Fire starter, but their dual typing means that, after reaching their final evolved form, they can handle most of Paldea’s Gyms and even the Elite Four – the games’ ultimate challenge – with ease.
Fuecoco is naturally strong against the first two Gym Leaders, who use Bug and Grass types, respectively. They can also learn Ground-type moves to help against the third Gym, make short work of the Ice-type Gym, and after gaining the Ghost dual type, can also hold their own against the Psychic type challenges as well.
Add to this list of strengths the ability to recover their health and boost their attack, and you’ve got one of the strongest starting Pokemon in years. That may be fun for some fans, but most Nuzlocke players want a steeper challenge. Some players recommended the Nuzlocke community ban Fueicoco entirely, though since this is all unofficial – unlike the competitive scene, which has already officially banned Houndstone, the Ghost dog – players are free to fudge the rules and use their lil’ fire croc if they want.
Others pointed out that Nintendo quietly added what many fans have asked for since Black 2 and White 2: the return of difficulty levels. Scarlet and Violet’s challenge level changes significantly if you pick Sprigatito, for example, whose typing pushes you to build a completely different kind of team to overcome the game’s challenges.
Written by Josh Broadwell on behalf of GLHF
