Best Pokemon to use in Scarlet & Violet Nuzlocke challenge

A Scarlet and Violet Nuzlocke challenge is no easy task, but with the best Pokémon at your disposal, you may just see the challenge through to the end.

If you’ve completed all three of the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet main story questlines, there’s plenty of post-game content to enjoy. Catching all the legendary Pokémon in the game is one way to keep busy. In addition, many players are attempting the Scarlet and Violet Nuzlocke challenges.

If you transferred your Pokémon to Pokémon Home after the service became available, or you don’t mind starting a new game, Pokémon Nuzlocke presents trainers with the toughest challenge available in the Pokémon games.

Here’s how to find Nuzlocke Scarlet and Violet and the best Pokémon to use for your playthrough.

How to Nuzlock Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Due to the open world environment in Scarlet and Violet, taking on the Nuzlocke Challenge will require some additional rules that trainers must follow. Of course, the two main Nuzlocke rules of catching the first Pokémon you encounter in each new area and not being able to use a Pokémon once it faints remain untouched.

Given that Pokémon can be seen in the overworld, you’ll have to close your eyes as you wander around a new area for your next encounter.

In addition to this critical encounter rule, players are free to add their own applicable rules to increase the difficulty of the Nuzlocke. Popular ones include not over-leveling the next Gym Leader and refusing to switch Pokémon after defeating your opponent’s Pokémon.

Best Pokémon for Scarlet and Violet Nuzlocke

We’ve put together a list of five Pokémon we think will help you a lot in your Scarlet and Violet Nuzlocke challenge. Given the nature of random encounters, it is unlikely that you will have all of the following Pokémon at your disposal.

Nonetheless, the following Pokémon are considered to be some of the best encounters for the Scarlet and Violet Nuzlocke challenge.

Fuecoco, Crocalor and Skeledirge Scarlet and Violet Nuzlocke

Fuuko’s evolution line is so dominant in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Nuzlocke that some players have opted to ban it for the increased difficulty. Fuecoco is the optimal starter to start your Nuzlocke.

Once players evolve their Crocalor into Skeledirge, they’ll have an incredibly powerful Pokémon on their hands. Its signature move, Torch Song, is an 80 base power move that increases Scaledrig’s Special Attack after each use.

The best Pokémon for Nuzlocke’s are often judged by their ability against Gym Leaders and the Elite Four. In this regard, there is no better Pokémon than Skeledirge as its Fire and Ghost typings can dominate 90% of Nuzlocke’s toughest battles.

Flamigo Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Nuzlocke

Flamigo is an excellent Pokémon for the Scarlet and Violet Nuzlocke in the early game. While its stability wears off later in your adventure, Flamigo can wreak havoc in Cortondo, Artazone, Cascarfa, and Medley gyms.

It’s widely available, which means you’re more likely to run into a Flemigo encounter. In addition, its Scrapy Ability is great for killing Ghost-type Pokémon with its STAB Fighting-type moves.

Brave Bird and Close Combat can hit opposing Pokémon very hard, just make sure you’re in a spot to take them out as both attacks weaken Flemigo somewhat.

Mimikyu Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Nuzlocke

Thanks to Mimikyu’s The ability to disguise, the Ghost/Fairy dual type is one of the most broken Pokémon you can use in the Scarlet and Violet Nuzlocke.

Success in Nuzlockes often depends on your ability to convert attacks. Mimikyu’s Disguise ability protects it from the first attack it receives. This allows Mimikyu to either go free or switch without taking damage.

Mimikyu is also immune to Normal, Dragon, and Fighting-type attacks, which allows players to overpower their opponents. Mimikyu is also widely available in Paldea, making it one of the best Nuzlocke encounters.

Annihilape Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Nuzlocke

Annihilape is in contention for the title of best new Pokémon introduced in the ninth generation. Manki Scarlet and Violet have a common encounter, which makes Annihilep quite accessible.

Ghost-types are notoriously powerful options in Pokémon Nuzlocke and if you want to cover one of Annihilpe’s weaknesses, its normal Fighting Terra type can negate the other Ghost Pokémon’s weakness.

Rage Fist is completely broken as it gains 50 power each time Anihilpe is attacked. A heavy Annihilape that bulks up its attack and defense with a boost, is a great alternative to the Scarlet and Violet Nuzlocks.

For more info, check out Pokémon Scarlet and Violet mystery gift codes, or Everything you need to know about the next Terra Raid battle event.

Image credit: The Pokémon Company / Game Freak