Pokémon FireRed is the most recommended game for a first Nuzlocke. The difficulty is balanced, the encounters are iconic, and Kanto is familiar to most players. If you are new to Nuzlockes, start here.
Blastoise is the safest choice. Great bulk, handles Brock and Blaine easily, and stays useful throughout the game. Water types are always valuable.
Venusaur makes the first two gyms trivial and provides Sleep Powder, one of the best moves in Nuzlockes. Poison/Grass typing gives interesting resistances.
Charizard struggles against Brock and Misty but becomes a powerhouse mid-game. Only pick if you are confident in your early-game encounter pool.
Squirtle or Bulbasaur makes this easy. With Charmander, catch a Mankey on Route 22 — Low Kick destroys Onix.
Her Starmie is dangerous. Bring a Grass or Electric type. Oddish from Route 5 or Pikachu from Viridian Forest work well. Do not underestimate Starmie's Speed and power.
Diglett or Geodude completely walls his entire team. Ground immunity to Electric makes this a free win.
Fire or Flying types handle this gym easily. If you have Charizard or a Pidgeotto, this is straightforward.
One of the hardest gyms. Her Alakazam is incredibly fast and powerful. Snorlax can tank hits, or use a Pokémon with Shadow Ball. Bug types are also effective if you have a Scyther or Pinsir from the Safari Zone.
Lorelei (Ice): Electric and Fighting types shine. Bruno (Fighting): Psychic or Flying. Agatha (Ghost/Poison): Ground and Psychic. Lance (Dragon): Ice Beam on anything fast. Champion (Rival): Have answers for all types — their team is balanced.
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