Solo Runs: ideas to make it harder

[Rick]

So, I decided to give it a try and make a Solo run with a Rapidash to see how it goes. Personally, I always thought it would be close to impossible, since you'll eventually run into a trainer in type disadvantage and won't have a second pokemon for coverage. I also thought Nuzlocke's "Faint = Game Over" rule also applyed to Solo runs (which it doesn't), which probably contributed to my scepticism.:-/
But now what I'm seeing is that it's too easy. With 3 badges, I'm totaly over-leveled already, even skipping trainers and wilds. Yes, I'll probably die if I don't one-shot and get a hit, but with, like... 15 lvls above the Gym Leader's ace, it won't happen. Oh, and must I say that it's still a Ponyta? Fortunately, I didn't want to start with the evolved form right from the beginning.:sweat:

I've already put myself a limit to only use the Pokecenter when running low on PP, but it's still barelly affecting the dificulty, maybe because I'm doing it too late. I also tried to get an AR for halving the EXP gained, but I didn't find one. Anyone has suggestions about how making Solo runs more challenging? Or should I just keep going, waiting it to become harder the more I progress? (there will still be the League, and since it's SoulSilver there will also be Red)

 

[Jammy2A]

how about limiting your battles a bit:
- Never use 2 damage dealing moves in a row (so if you used, say Flamethrower, then you have to use a status/ move next).
- Obviously no items in or out of battles. You say you rely on Pokémon centres for low PPs, but you didnt say anything for HPs. No item of any kind (held, potions, candy or otherwise) could make it tougher. So that the only item you can legally use are pokéballs (which in your case does not apply ).
- Capping your level when battling Gym Leaders/E4/Champion/Red. Say never more than 15 lvl higher, which is high enough as it is, but considering you re just using one pokémon, with the added disadvantage that you might battle a bulky water-type, 15 should allow you enough margin to do damage, but still provide enough of a challenge.

What about just not evolving your pokémon? Sticking with Ponyta all the way through, in which case the level limit shouldnt apply, cause a lvl 70 ponyta wont even dent a lvl 55 Blastoise (as an example).

 

[Morningstar]

To add to this I'd also say do not let Ponyta learn any moves beyond the initial 4, no TMs, No HMs unless necessary and no Level up moves

 

[Haillys]

You can limit the number of visits to the center to 2 per city (usually 1 when you arrive and 1 after the gym), and limit the amount of healing items you can buy (also limiting the visits to the malls to 1 per city). Since it's a Ponyta, you'll end up killing yourself a lot with Flare Blitz, so...

Also, giving your HM slave an Exp Share to hold (since you won't use it) kind of solves the problem with overleveling, but you'll still have to skip trainers if you want to stay equal with the Gym's last pokemon. That's if you evolve into Rapidash, because Ponyta probably needs to be overleveled.

 

[Jammy2A]

To be fair, even nuzlockes can be a chore, I'm struggling with mine right now :/

But the closest Ive come to a solo run was on Gold when I did the game with Meganium, Quagsire and Noctowl. But 3 pokémon has got to be easier than just 1, how are you not struggling with only Ponyta ???

also, what game are you solo running? Im curious ô_O

 

[Haillys]

But 3 pokémon has got to be easier than just 1, how are you not struggling with only Ponyta ???

15 lvls above and he's still in the 3rd badge, you 1HKO everything that is slower and doesn't resist.

 

[Rick]

I'll remove healing items for now and see how it goes. Maybe it will get harder when I skip some more trainers to be on par with the levels.

also, what game are you solo running? Im curious ô_O

SoulSilver