Nuzlocke IQ-Meter

(Disclaimer: This is just a stupid meter that in no way accurately measures the skills of nuzlockers themselves. It more so represents the difficulty of implementing certain strategies or using specific “busted” Pokémon in the vanilla games. Without further or do, let me explain the concept of this mess and the post itself.)

This is an “IQ-Meter” which accesses the ease of implementing certain strategies or Pokémon as the disclaimer mentioned. There are numerous strategies that I left out, but that’s for you all to say in the comments. Throughout the vanilla games, which strategies or Pokémon require the most and least amount of skill to execute reliably? As for the ones mentioned in the post, let me briefly run through them before this post gets too long.

Brain-Dead: Emerald Swampert

This tier in the meter is reserved for the strategies and Pokémon that are so inherently busted or easy to use that any casual fan can use them in a Nuzlocke flawlessly.

Smooth Brain: Shedinja (Any game)

This tier is for the easy strategies that require at least some form of thought process to be effective. Think of it as baby’s first thought out strategy.

Room Temperature IQ: Big Stall (Blissey and friends)

This is for strategies or Pokémon that have more depth to their strategy but are ultimately simple to use and provide little difficulties in execution or use.

Average IQ: Gyarados (Any game Gen 4+)

Now we’re getting somewhere. This tier is for the strategies or Pokémon that are staples in the average Nuzlocke but do require some precaution while using them. Still basic and nothing too special in execution.

Above Average IQ: Guts Strategies

Strategies or Pokémon that begin to involve additional factors such as resource management, calculations, and even fight prep (gasp).

Advanced IQ: Set-up Strats

Staple strategies pulled off by veteran and new nuzlockers alike that involve good preparation, planning ahead, and more.

Big Brain: Platinum Infernape

A strong Pokémon or strategy that needs to be properly understood by a smart trainer to be used effectively. Strategies that need to be fully understood and thought out in order to be optimized. No more autopiloting allowed.

Eggman IQ: Pivoting

The most complex and thought provoking strategies that need to be executed perfectly in order to get use out of. Require careful play and planning before a fight.

Feel free to talk about some of the takes in this post and bring up more iconic Pokémon or strategies to place on the meter.