Best Pokémon for Nuzlocke Runs

The most reliable team members across all generations — the Pokémon that consistently carry Nuzlocke runs.

S-Tier: The Run Savers

These Pokémon appear in "best Nuzlocke Pokémon" lists over and over for good reason. They combine great stats, amazing typing, wide movepools, and easy availability.

Gyarados

Why it's amazing: Available in almost every game as Magikarp (just fish anywhere). Water/Flying gives great coverage, Intimidate cuts physical damage, and it hits like a truck after a Dragon Dance. One of the most reliable Nuzlocke Pokémon ever.

Crobat

Why it's amazing: Zubat is one of the most common encounters, and Crobat is one of the fastest Pokémon in the game. Poison/Flying typing, great speed, access to moves like Cross Poison, Brave Bird, and U-turn. Evolves through friendship, which comes naturally in a Nuzlocke since you use it constantly.

Starmie

Why it's amazing: Water/Psychic with incredible Speed and Special Attack. Natural Cure heals status on switch. Access to Thunderbolt, Ice Beam, Psychic, and Surf gives unmatched coverage. A true Nuzlocke MVP in games where it is available.

A-Tier: Extremely Reliable

Geodude / Golem

Rock/Ground with insane physical Defense. Trivializes early game and shuts down many gym leaders. Sturdy ability guarantees surviving at least one hit. The trade evolution is the only downside.

Quagsire

Water/Ground with only one weakness (Grass). Water Absorb or Unaware as ability. Incredibly bulky and safe. Wooper is common in many games. A reliable pivot that handles Electric, Rock, Fire, and Poison types with ease.

Hariyama

Enormous HP stat with Thick Fat reducing Fire and Ice damage. Fighting type with access to Knock Off, Close Combat, and Fake Out. Makuhita appears early in many games and Hariyama can tank hits that would KO most other Pokémon.

Togekiss

Fairy/Flying with Serene Grace makes Air Slash a 60% flinch chance. Great Special Attack and bulk. Handles Fighting, Dragon, and Dark types that threaten many teams. Available as Togepi gift in several games.

B-Tier: Solid Team Members

All of these Pokémon bring great typing, stats, or movepools. They might not be as universally available as S-tier picks, but when you encounter them in a Nuzlocke, they can absolutely carry.