Pokémon The Pokémon Challenge Thread

[Giddy]

Heyo~ I'm back! Not to update on the black 2 nuzlock, no that one still needs me to train before I attempt the dragon gym...

I was recently looking at some older pokemon games I have, reset some. And Trying to do a nuzlock on pokemon Diamond and on Emerald. Haven't fought the gym in diamond yet, so just gonna update on my emerald.

I defeated the first gym~! So far no deaths~! Though missed on some routes by accidentally killing the random encounter :/
But here's my team!

Name: Hunter
Mudkip (LV14) Marmoris
Poochyena (LV9) Irono - met route 101
ZigZagoon (LV9) Hunch - met route 102
Wingull (LV13) Peeko Jr. - met route 103
Whismur (LV9) Welma - met at sadly route 116, but has been quite the boss

I didn't realise Roxanne had three pokemon, I thought it was just one Geodude, but it's fine. Used wingull to one shot kill one Geodude and Mudkip killed the other. I kept Mudkip in for Nosepass; as I was sure Nosspass had some rock tomb or something that could cause problems. Definitely now since I learnt he can block you from switching out!
When he blocked Mudkip, I was feeling a lil' dread. But I kept blasting him with water while Roxanne continued to use her potions, I was nearly in the red once I finally got him to faint.

One thing that happened on route 116 nearly scarred me for life. I was going to battle that climber trainer, there's that camper above him and I had somehow by mistake got both of them to lookat me, for a double battle.
Which stressed me out as the camper had grass pokemon where my water pokemon were both in the first party spots; and while supersonicing the grass types, I made sure to change my pokemon once I knew it was safe to do so, after taking out the rock pokemon.

 

[Midoriya]

Started yet ANOTHER Pokemon Ultra Sun Wonderlocke challenge, and wow, it’s going a lot better this time!

I’ll skip most of the details because it would take too long to recount everything that happened (and I don’t remember a lot of it to be honest), but it’s safe to say that this challenge started off rocky, but is going really well now. I just beat the water trial and am on route six.

Trainer name: Riley

Pokemon:

Metang (Genderless), Lv. 27
Lucario (M), Lv. 26
Gyarados (F), Lv. 22
Kirlia (F), Lv. 20
Alolan Raticate (F), Lv. 20
Flareon (F), Lv. 1

Boxes:

M. Mime the Mr. Mime (F), Lv. 17

Deaths:

Scatterbug (F), Lv. 1
Flabebe (F), Lv. 9
Rockruff (F), Lv. 17
Butterfree (F), Lv. 21

Trials: 2/8

Grand trials: 1/4

 

[Midoriya]

Update on my Pokemon Ultra Sun Wonderlocke challenge!

I spent a TON of time playing. Made it to Wela Volcano and took on Kiawe’s trial. I managed to make it out with only Alolan Raticate dying, thanks to smart switching and priority moves. I then went to route eight and caught a first encounter Yungoos, which I wonder traded for a level one Croagunk. I decided it could be useful later on, so I trained it. From there I made it to Lush Jungle and took on Mallow’s trial. My planning was perfect. I lead with Gyarados against Totem Lurantis, and because of Gyarados’s Intimidate ability, all of Totem Lurantis’s attacks were reduced in power (since they’re physical attacks). I got in an Ice Fang or two, and then switched to Flareon. Even with Totem Lurantis and Comfey working together, they couldn’t bring down Flareon. I used an Inferno Overdrive which did a good amount of damage, but didn’t faint the Totem Lurantis (since I haven’t banned Z-moves for this challenge). I then proceeded to spam Flame Charge on Totem Lurantis. Comfey kept raising Totem Lurantis’s defense with Flower Shield, but that was fine with me. I was waiting for my opportunity, and finally got it around 10-20 moves later. Flareon got a critical hit, and because of that ignored all of the stat changes and dealt enough damage to take out Totem Lurantis. I then took out the Comfey as well with Flareon, which was unable to do anything else. Earned the Grass type Z-crystal. Next I’ll be heading to Konikoni City to battle Olivia, the second Island Kahuna. Because I already have Steel types on my team, I don’t expect it to be that difficult.

Trainer name: Riley

Pokemon:

Metang (Genderless), Lv. 29
Gyarados (F), Lv. 28
Lucario (M), Lv. 27
Flareon (F), Lv. 26
Croagunk (M), Lv. 22
Kirlia (F), Lv. 21

Boxes:

M. Mime the Mr. Mime (F), Lv. 17

Deaths:

Scatterbug (F), Lv. 1
Flabebe (F), Lv. 9
Rockruff (F), Lv. 17
Butterfree (F), Lv. 21
Alolan Raticate (F), Lv. 22

Trials: 4/8

Grand trials: 1/4

 

[NovariusHaze]

I was doing a Pokémon Diamond Nuzlocke before BDSP comes out but then I got distracted by other stuff so haven’t made much progress recently.
I’ve beaten the second gym so far.

Current Team
1. PoisonIvey (Budew) F Lv.21
2. Gunterain (Prinplup) F Lv.21
3. Electrize (Luxio) M Lv.25
4. Deathclaw (Staravia) F Lv.22
5. Boogaloo (Geodude) M Lv.20
6. Mizulga (Bibarel) M Lv.20

If anyone wants to suggest random nicknames for future Pokémon, Lemino.

 

[Midoriya]

Update on my Pokemon Ultra Sun Wonderlocke challenge!

A lot happened since last time, so I’ll just focus on the highlights. I beat Kahuna Olivia quite easily thanks to Lucario. I then made it to Ula’ula Island and took on the Electric trial, managing to win without anyone dying. I also beat Guzma without anyone dying thanks to Gyarados. This is when things went south though. Lucario died to a Pinsir’s Swords Dance + Brick Break. Next to the Ghost trial site, both Greninja, Gardevoir, and Flareon were taken out by a Veteran Trainer’s Honchkrow. I took on the Ghost trial and managed to win, but Toxicroak died during the battle. On the plus side, I have some new Pokemon I’ve acquired since my last update. I won’t be giving up, but yeah… safe to say I’ll be doing some extra grinding soon.

Trainer name: Riley

Pokemon:

Metang (Genderless), Lv. 41
Gyarados (F), Lv. 38
Lileep (M), Lv. 17
Larvesta (M), Lv. 14

Boxes:

M. Mime the Mr. Mime (F), Lv. 17
Feebas (M), Lv. 1
Pikipek (M), Lv. 2
Carbink (Genderless), Lv. 12
Machollo the Machop (M), Lv. 13

Deaths:

Scatterbug (F), Lv. 1
Flabebe (F), Lv. 9
Rockruff (F), Lv. 17
Butterfree (F), Lv. 21
Alolan Raticate (F), Lv. 22
Gardevoir (F), Lv. 32
Lucario (M), Lv. 36
Flareon (F), Lv. 36
Greninja (M), Lv. 37
Toxicroak (M), Lv. 38

Trials: 6/8

Grand trials: 2/4

 

[Midoriya]

Update on my Pokemon Ultra Sun Wonderlocke challenge!

A lot happened since last time, so once again I’ll focus on only the highlights. I decided to add Machollo the Machop to my team. I then went through the rest of Ula’ula Island, battling trainers and getting stronger. Machollo evolved into a Machoke, and then with the help of a friend, Machamp. During this time Metang also evolved into a Metagross. I made it to Po Town and invaded the place, taking out every last Team Skull Grunt. I then faced Guzma in battle again, leading with Gyarados. His Pinsir was a bit difficult to deal with, but I was able to take care of it, and thanks to Gyarados learning Dragon Dance mid-battle, I was able to sweep the rest of his team with Gyarados. I then went back to the Aether House and beat Gladion as well. Finally, I went to the docks in Malie City and took on Kahuna Nanu for my third grand trial. Machamp was key here, as his Alolan Persian had no way of defeating it, even though his Alolan Persion was around eight to ten levels higher than my Machamp. Took out his Alolan Persian after having dealt with his Sableye, and then switched to Gyarados and took out his Krokorok as well. It’s kind of impressive that I managed to make it through all of this with no casualties, especially when you consider that Metagross and Gyarados were my only appropriately leveled Pokemon. Up next I’ll be storming my way through Aether Paradise. Things are going to get a bit rocky here, but I believe my team can handle it.

Trainer name: Riley

Pokemon:

Metagross (Genderless), Lv. 46
Gyarados (F), Lv. 46
Machamp (M), Lv. 36
Lileep (M), Lv. 31
Larvesta (M), Lv. 31

Boxes:

M. Mime the Mr. Mime (F), Lv. 17
Feebas (M), Lv. 1
Pikipek (M), Lv. 2
Carbink (Genderless), Lv. 12

Deaths:

Scatterbug (F), Lv. 1
Flabebe (F), Lv. 9
Rockruff (F), Lv. 17
Butterfree (F), Lv. 21
Alolan Raticate (F), Lv. 22
Gardevoir (F), Lv. 32
Lucario (M), Lv. 36
Flareon (F), Lv. 36
Greninja (M), Lv. 37
Toxicroak (M), Lv. 38

Trials: 6/8

Grand trials: 3/4

 

[Midoriya]

Update on my Pokemon Ultra Sun Wonderlocke challenge!

A lot happened since last time, so once again I will focus on only the highlights. I made it through Aether Paradise, beat Guzma, beat the Ultra Recon Squad, and defeated Lusamine in battle. I then made it through Poni Island, continuing to get stronger. Was able to defeat Ultra Necrozma in battle thanks to Metagross, who resists both Psychic and Dragon type moves. I then finished up Mina’s trial and Kahuna Hapu’s grand trial. During this time I had a Chesnaught, but it died during Mina’s trial. However, other than that, no one else on my team has died through all of those tough battles. I have to figure that my strategy, super effective moves, and a bit of chance helped me to avoid pretty much all the pitfalls. Now I’m sitting pretty before Mount Lanakila and the Pokemon League. I’m going to be doing some grinding for levels, however, before and during the trek up the mountain. Going to need my team to be as strong as possible before facing the Elite Four and Hau. If I manage to beat Hau one final time, however, it will be my first time winning a Pokemon Ultra Sun Wonderlocke challenge! Never giving up and getting the right team together was key for this long playthrough.

Trainer name: Riley

Pokemon:

Metagross (Genderless), Lv. 62
Gyarados (F), Lv. 62
Machamp (M), Lv. 46
Larvesta (M), Lv. 46
Cradily (M), Lv. 45
Cloyster (M), Lv. 1

Boxes:

M. Mime the Mr. Mime (F), Lv. 17
Feebas (M), Lv. 1
Pikipek (M), Lv. 2
Carbink (Genderless), Lv. 12
Oricorio (M), Lv. 15
Numel (M), Lv. 1
Corsola (F), Lv. 21

Deaths:

Scatterbug (F), Lv. 1
Flabebe (F), Lv. 9
Rockruff (F), Lv. 17
Butterfree (F), Lv. 21
Alolan Raticate (F), Lv. 22
Gardevoir (F), Lv. 32
Lucario (M), Lv. 36
Flareon (F), Lv. 36
Greninja (M), Lv. 37
Toxicroak (M), Lv. 38
Chesnaught (M), Lv. 45

Trials: 8/8

Grand trials: 4/4

 

[Midoriya]

Final update on my Pokemon Ultra Sun Wonderlocke challenge!

A lot happened once again, so I’ll focus on only the highlights. I battled trainers on my way up Mount Lanakila. Unfortunately, just near the top Gyarados died in battle… it’s always the darkness before the dawn though! During this time I acquired enough Rare Candies to finally evolve Larvesta into a Volcarona, which would be key to me winning the challenge. I decided to go ahead and take on the Elite Four. Volcarona was able to set up and made quick work of Molayne. Metagross took care of Olivia. Then Volcarona swept Acerola. I used a mixture of Metagross, Cradily, and Cloyster to defeat Kahili, but Cradily died during this time. Still not giving up, I faced Hau in battle for the title of champion and my challenge resting on the line. And I won! I was able to sweep with Volcarona, managing to take out his every Pokemon with it, even Noivern who I made sure to use an Inferno Overdrive on. I beat my first ever Pokemon Ultra Sun Wonderlocke challenge!!! I knew this team was something special, and looks like I wasn’t wrong. I’ll be carrying this momentum going forward and be doing a Nuzlocke challenge of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond when it releases.

Trainer name: Alola Champion Riley

Pokemon:

Metagross (Genderless), Lv. 69
Volcarona (M), Lv. 63
Machamp (M), Lv. 53
Cloyster (M), Lv. 52

Boxes:

M. Mime the Mr. Mime (F), Lv. 17
Feebas (M), Lv. 1
Pikipek (M), Lv. 2
Carbink (Genderless), Lv. 12
Oricorio (M), Lv. 15
Numel (M), Lv. 1
Corsola (F), Lv. 21

Deaths:

Scatterbug (F), Lv. 1
Flabebe (F), Lv. 9
Rockruff (F), Lv. 17
Butterfree (F), Lv. 21
Alolan Raticate (F), Lv. 22
Gardevoir (F), Lv. 32
Lucario (M), Lv. 36
Flareon (F), Lv. 36
Greninja (M), Lv. 37
Toxicroak (M), Lv. 38
Cradily (M), Lv. 52
Chesnaught (M), Lv. 45
Gyarados (F), Lv. 65

Trials: 8/8

Grand trials: 4/4

Challenge complete and entered the Hall of Fame.

Spoiler: proof

 

[Midoriya]

Well I said I would do a Nuzlocke challenge of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond once it releases, and I’m doing just that. I’ve managed to obtain three Pokemon and defeat Roark so far. Up next I’ll be heading to Eterna City, site of the second Sinnoh gym badge.

Trainer: Riley

Pokemon:

Bakugou the Monferno (M), Lv. 15
Tokoyami the Starly (M), Lv. 13
Jirou the Zubat (F), Lv. 10

Boxes: n/a

Deaths: n/a

Gym badges: 1

Here’s some images from my playthrough so far:

 

[Bui]

It's been forever since I last posted, but my Fire Red Nuzlocke run is not dead! Yet...

With the Cerulean Gym out of the way, I had a bit more room to work with on the Route 25 trainers. They posed little threat and I was able to reach Bill's house without issue. Upon collecting the SS ticket the path out of Cerulean City through the robbed house opened up, and along with that came several new potential encounters! I moved onto Route 5 and immediately jumped into the tall grass hoping for that Oddish, as Dupes Clause eliminated all but Oddish (25% rate) and Meowth (35%) for potential catches. And what should appear to me here, but... Meowth. Of course. Naturally, I'm not going to pass up a catch, as anything can happen in a Nuzlocke, but I can't say I was happy with that one. Thankfully, the underground pass toward Vermillion immediately gave me access to Route 6 and another new encounter. Luckily for me, this route has the exact same Pokemon available as the last, meaning that the only possible option here with Dupes is Oddish! The game made me work for that one though, as I had to go through a ton of encounters to find it. Glad to finally have it though! After finally catching him I decided to take on a few of the trainers on the route to bring him up to speed with the rest of my team. I only now realized that LT Surge's highest level is only 24, which will only raises my max allowed level by 3. As Spearow doesn't get aerial ace until 25, I'll have to wait until after the gym to evolve it. On the other hand, it does save me a bit of grinding time I guess, since I don't have to grind more than a couple levels each.

After making it to Vermillion, I got the bike voucher and headed back to Cerulean to get the bike. I then headed to Route 11 for an encounter there. I was hoping for Drowzee since I missed out on Abra, but ended up getting Ekans (Level 12) instead. My next stop was Diglett's Cave. My encounter here was, predictably, a Diglett (level 22), which will be incredibly useful for the Vermillion Gym. At the moment I've decided to replace Raticate with Diglett, though I might change that later. Next stop is Flash, before heading to the S.S. Anne and then the Vermillion Gym!

Current Team
Charmeleon (Lv 22)
Spearow (Lv 21)
Gyarados (Lv 21)
Zubat (Lv 20)
Oddish (Lv 18)
Diglett (Lv 22)

Deaths
Butterfree (Lv 14)
Beedrill (Lv 14)

Other New Catches
Meowth (Lv 16)
Ekans (Lv 12)

 

[Midoriya]

Update on my Pokemon Brilliant Diamond Nuzlocke challenge!

A lot happened since my last update. I beat Commander Mars in battle and made it through Eterna Forest to reach Eterna City. Along the way I encountered and caught lots of new Pokemon, filling out my team. I also received Jirachi and Mew from the two people in Floaroma Town, though understandably they have to be boxed because they’re unusable in this challenge. I then took on the Eterna City gym and basically swept with Bakugou and Tokoyami. Tokoyami had evolved into a Staravia by this time, and I had a Shinx named Kaminari that had evolved into a Luxio. I also have several weaker Pokemon I’ve acquired that I’m training. Ashido the Shellos and Shiozaki the Budew are welcome additions to the team, and give me the Fire/Grass/Water core that is so fundamental to a good team. Up next I’ll be taking on Team Galactic in my efforts to drive them out of Eterna City. Then I’ll be heading to Veilstone City, site of the third Sinnoh gym badge.

Trainer: Riley

Pokemon:

Bakugou the Monferno (M), Lv. 22
Tokoyami the Staravia (M), Lv. 22
Kaminari the Luxio (M), Lv. 22
Jirou the Zubat (F), Lv. 19
Ashido the Shellos (F), Lv. 18
Shiozaki the Budew (F), Lv. 18

Boxes:

Aoyama the Pachirisu (M), Lv. 12

Deaths: n/a

Gym badges: 2

 

[Midoriya]

Update on my Pokemon Brilliant Diamond Nuzlocke challenge!

A lot happened since last time. Kicked some butt, took some names, and evolved my Pokemon team members. I think what I’m most excited about from it is that I got a first encounter Kadabra on route 215, which I promptly caught and traded with a friend so I could have an Alakazam. I now have five gym badges and my team shows no signs of slowing down. Up next I’ll be heading to Canalave City, site of the sixth Sinnoh gym badge.

Trainer: Riley

Pokemon:

Bakugou the Infernape (M), Lv. 41
Shiozaki the Roselia (F), Lv. 39
Ashido the Gastrodon (F), Lv. 39
Tokoyami the Staraptor (M), Lv. 41
Kaminari the Luxray (M), Lv. 41
Gran Torino the Alakazam (M), Lv. 35

Boxes:

Midoriya the Meditite (M), Lv. 16
Jirou the Golbat (F), Lv. 22
Yaoyorozu the Happiny (F), Lv. 1
Tetsutetsu the Bronzor (Genderless), Lv. 25
Manaphy (UNUSABLE), Lv. 1
Mew (UNUSABLE), Lv. 1
Jirachi (UNUSABLE), Lv. 5

Deaths: n/a

Gym badges: 5

Spoiler: images from the Nuzlocke challenge

 

[Midoriya]

Well I got eight gym badges, made it past the elite four, and then lost to Cynthia. Oh well.

BLACKOUT.

 

[Miss Misty]

Well I got eight gym badges, made it past the elite four, and then lost to Cynthia. Oh well.

BLACKOUT.

Sorry dude :c I've heard Cynthia was given a big buff in the remake, so you're probably in good company with other very strong players who lost their blind 'lockes to her. You'll get her next time!

(also yes I still have the save file for radical red, and yes i plan on still playing it, I just haven't really wanted to and that's kinda a hack you need to want to play and I haven't wanted to asdfg)

 

[BakaRina]

Decided to make Pokemon Brilliant Diamond my first Nuzlocke and here it is.

I started it a few days ago and played throughout the past few days, kicking butt and taking badges. I had a close call against Mars today when she nearly knocked out my starter Pokémon, but made it out. Now it’s time for me to storm the building the space uniformed guys are in next.

Trainer: Henrietta

Pokemon:

Chimler the Monferno (M), Lv. 25
Star the Staravia (M), Lv. 22
Psy the Alakazam (M), Lv. 21
Rayler the Luxio (F) Lv. 21
Fio the Budew (M) Lv. 21
Zeller the Buizel (F) Lv. 18

Boxes: n/a

Deaths: n/a

Gym badges: 2

 

[Midoriya]

- snip -

Nice team! I hope you’re able to win this challenge where I failed. Make sure to keep us updated!

 

[BakaRina]

I spent the day focusing on trying to collect as many Gym Badges as I can, knocking out three in the process. Fio finally evolved as I made my way to Maylene, where she gave me some difficulty and nearly knocked out Star, Chimler and Psy in the process. It was around this time that Chimler and Star evolved to their final evolutions.

Then I went to Pastoria City to pay Wake, where he nearly knocked out Fio in the process but managed to win via Giga Drain.

I paid Fantina after a while of training and easily beaten her with Psy and Star, which I’m thankful for.

I’m already at the next city to challenge Byron, but I’ll wait and level grind a bit before he actually beats one of my Pokemon. I didn’t think I can do so much in one day, but here I am now.



Trainer: Henrietta

Pokemon:

Chimler the Infernape (M), Lv. 45
Star the Staraptor (M), Lv. 41
Psy the Alakazam (M), Lv. 41
Rayler the Luxray (F) Lv. 41
Fio the Rosalina (M) Lv. 39
Zeller the Floatzel (F) Lv. 37

Boxes:

Pachirisu (F) Lv. 37

Zubat (M) Lv. 9

Stunky (M) Lv. 23

Deaths: n/a

Gym badges: 5

 

[BakaRina]

It’s been a while since last updated everyone on my Nuzlocke. I started playing again a few days ago and managed to get the last few badges and headed my way to the Elite Four. Before I challenged them and Cynthia, I grinded like hell until everyone was close to level 70 so I can stand a chance against Cynthia’s Pokémon. I managed to battle my way through the Elite Four, though it was tough at a few points.

The real challenge was against Cynthia, where she managed to knock out a few of my Pokémon before I managed to finally win.

With that, I managed to complete my first Nuzlocke without much problems. It was fun and might do this again soon.

Trainer: Henrietta

Pokemon:

Psy the Alakazam (M), Lv. 66
Fio the Rosalina (M) Lv. 68
Zeller the Floatzel (F) Lv. 68

Boxes:

Pachirisu (F) Lv. 37
Zubat (M) Lv. 9
Stunky (M) Lv. 23

Deaths:
Chimler the Infernape (M), Lv. 73
Star the Staraptor (M), Lv. 68
Rayler the Luxray (F) Lv. 71

Gym badges: 8

 

[Midoriya]

- snip -

Congrats on winning in your first ever Nuzlocke (and succeeding where I failed)!!! I added your winning team to the OP in the Challenge Hall of Fame section. I hope you had fun and I‘m looking forward to seeing your next Pokemon challenge!

 

[Bui]

The grind continues on my Fire Red Nuzlocke!

Upon starting this time, I decided that my first priority would be to evolve my Oddish and Zubat, as their evolution levels are both below the level cap I have thanks to Lt. Surge's ace only being level 24. Following this, I would also be training up my Meowth and my Ekans up a few levels as well to stand in as contingency Pokemon in the event things went wrong in the gym. I can't evolve my Diglett before the gym as he evolves at level 27, and when I looked it up I realized his stats are quite low meaning the chance of possibly losing him in the gym is a bit higher than I thought it would be. Another reason for wanting to train up my other two Pokemon is that my team currently includes 3 pokemon that are weak to the electric gym (gyarados being 4x weak to it). Diglett is already going to stand in for one of them, and Ekans and Meowth will fill in for the other two (Meowth will almost certainly be death fodder for this gym).

It took a while, but I was able to evolve my Oddish and Zubat, with Zubat learning Wing Attack along the way. Seeing that Ekans evolves below the level cap I decided to bring him along, as having a little extra bulk as an evolved Pokemon might be able to come in handy. Upon evolving each of these Pokemon I made my way over to the S.S. Anne to get the HM for cut and take on the Vermillion gym, and was challenged to a battle by Gary. He lead off with Pidgeotto, and I sent out Charmeleon. Naturally, a single sand attack was enough for me to miss 3 embers in a row, but it did end up going down. His next Pokemon was Wartortle, so I swapped to Gloom and poisoned it before spamming absorbs. I wasn't doing as much damage to him, and I ended up getting hit by a crit bringing me well within range to be KO'd by another crit. However, as he was now in range of being KOd by poison damage, I swapped him out and let poison do the work. Out came Raticate, which I countered with my own. A single hyper fang was enough to KO Gary's Raticate, which kind of surprised me. His final Pokemon is Kadabra, so I brought out Gyarados to finish him off with Bite. Kadabra tried to disable my bite, but outsped me resulting in it wasting its first turn and bringing it down to the red. Predicting the second attempt at disable, I instead went for tackle which turned out to be the right move and took him out easily, and with that the battle was won. Onto the Vermillion Gym!

LT Surge leads off with Voltorb, so I chose to lead off with Raticate as Voltorb is the only one of his Pokemon to not have the Static ability, which allows me to use contact moves against it (I didn't want to bring out Diglett just yet). Hyper fang brought him into the red, which caused LT Surge to burn his super potion right at the start. A quick attack and second hyper fang later, Voltorb is down. Pikachu is out next, so I bring out Charmeleon to try to bring him down with Ember. Surprisingly, I land a crit and one-shot his Pikachu. That one was a little too easy... His final Pokemon is Raichu, his ace who is 3 levels higher than his Voltorb and 6 levels higher than his Pikachu. Now is Diglett's time to shine! Or is it? In a last minute decision, when thinking about Diglett's frailty, I decided to keep Gyarados on the team for one vital reason: Intimidate. By lowering Raichu's attack stage, it allows Diglett to survive two hits instead of possibly only one, with a decent possibility of surviving a third if the need arose for whatever reason. But it goes deeper than that: Since I now have a 4x weak Pokemon out against his Raichu, he will almost certainly choose to use an electric attack, allowing me to freely switch into Diglett who is unaffected by it, essentially allowing me to lower his attack without cost. And sure enough, he went for Shock Wave on my switch turn! Unfortunately for me, he chose to respond to this by spamming double team 6 times in a row to max out his evasiveness, something I failed to consider when building this plan up. This battle just got a lot more interesting... Thanks to the evasiveness spam and a bit of bad luck, I miss the first six magnitudes. The 7th hits at a magnitude of 7, bringing him down to very low red to the point where any attack will KO. Unfortunately I don't have a single attack that always hits, so now I'm at the mercy of RNG (and possibly a few potions). At this point Diglett is within range of being KO'd by a crit, so I heal up. Thank goodness I did, as the next hit was indeed a crit doing 30 damage out of my 39hp, boosted by the fact that crits don't take stat drops into account which I failed to take into account until that point. After risking death to another crit at 28 HP and missing yet another magnitude, I finally came to my senses and realized that if any attack will KO it at this point, why not swap into a bulkier Pokemon? It's essentially a free switch, as the only attack he'd go for this turn would be quick attack anyway. I might have trouble hitting the Raichu, but at least I won't be constantly sitting in crit range! I bring Diglett back and swap to Raticate. I choose to try a quick attack of my own, and to my surprise it actually hit on the first attempt, knocking out Raichu!

Thunder Badge Obtained!

Wow, what a battle! And an easy reminder to myself as to why I hate double team so much... I'm quite glad I came to my senses before a second crit knocked out my Diglett, as since Raichu outsped him I'd always end up tanking a hit in crit range before I could attack even if I healed to full first. But now it's over, and Diglett gets to live another day! And, with the next gym's top level being 29, I can finally get Aerial Ace for my Spearow and evolve it into Fearow. That's for another day though, I'm just glad to finally be done with this gym!

Current Team
Charmeleon (Lv 24)
Raticate (Lv 22)
Gyarados (Lv 22)
Gloom (Lv 21)
Diglett (Lv 24)
Arbok (Lv 22)

Boxed This Round
Golbat (Lv 22)
Spearow (Lv 22)

Deaths
Butterfree (Lv 14)
Beedrill (Lv 14)