A Hardcore Nuzlocke is a variant of the Nuzlocke that adds additional restrictions that make the game more challenging. Traditional nuzlocke rules allow a myriad of strategies that make the game increasingly easier, and this ruleset removes those strategies as an option.
The general Nuzlocke rules
A nuzlocke is categorized by two main rules. The first rule is that you can only catch the first pokemon you encounter on each route. The second rule is that if a pokemon faints you can no longer use it. However, additional rules exist such as all pokemon need to be nicknamed. This doesn’t affect the gameplay and is more of a for-fun rule.
The problem with this is that a knowledgeable player can cheese the rules in order to make the challenge non-existent. However, this is why so many nuzlocke variants have been created.
The Hardcore Nuzlocke rules
The assumed rules
Hardcore nuzlockes are generally played on set mode. This means that you can not change the pokemon when your opponent brings out a new pokemon after a knockout. Set mode is more difficult, as you lose a turn of tempo from switching out. Set mode makes the player think more about changing pokemon, as with every switch the opponent will be able to make an attack. However, this is not a mandatory rule, and if you want to play on switch mode that is on you.
The duplicate clause is generally preferred for hardcore nuzlocke as it makes the game harder. This creates a better diversity of pokemon you can choose from. However, this means you can not replace a pokemon on your team. Gyrados is a fantastic pokemon and can be caught on any route with water. Without the duplicate clause, you could have a whole team of Gyrados which wouldn’t be horrible.
No items in battle
Using items in battle gives you plenty of options in terms of ways to make most fights a joke. The obvious advantage is being able to heal all of your pokemon which can make poor strategy irrelevant. Switching into a tanky pokemon such as Blissey, and healing your whole team becomes an easily abusable tactic.
However, the more broken strategy is using the X items that increase your pokemon’s stats. This makes sweeping challenging fights such as champions and hard bosses a joke. Applying these items, and healing can make any fight easy.
Despite this, hardcore nuzlocke rules allow held items. I believe held items create more strategy, and with the increased difficulty is a fair trade-off. Most held items are not broken, so you should not be that advantaged by using them.
No overleveling
Overleveling is when the level of your pokemon exceeds the level of the current box. This strategy is typical of beginner nuzlockers, as it is an obvious way to gain an advantage. A hardcore nuzlocke removes this option making each boss battle more difficult, as you are both on the same level.
If a pokemon exceeds the power level you can not use it. However, you will be able to use it after that boss is defeated. This can be a hard rule to keep track of, but my suggestion is to write down all of the bosses and levels.
Final thoughts
A hardcore nuzlocke is a good option for fans of pokemon who desire a more difficult experience. However, if you don’t want that kind of experience that is fine. Playing harder games doesn’t make you a better person.
Hardcore nuzlockes make every decision more impactful, as you are given less of an out to prevent those mistakes from coming back to hurt you. This also requires you to think outside of the box, and use pokemon you have never considered. In most cases, pokemon will fight, and your graveyard will grow as you go through the game.