User:Amiosi/Low-BST Challenge

Anyone may edit this page.

This page is meant as a source of information about low-base stat total challenge runs. The idea or "spirit" of the challenge is to prove the usefulness of very weak fully evolved Pokémon that GAME FREAK took a good look at and said "Yeah, that's good." While playing through and beating games with these Pokémon, the player main gain an insight into why these species were designed they way they are, and gain greater appreciation for them as a whole.

Information that can be found here includes:

• Which Pokémon are available to use, when they can be obtained, and the versions they appear in
• Recommended versions to play
• Tips and strategies
• More coming soon...

Pokémon that become available after first watching the credits roll are not noted. The sole exception to this is HeartGold and SoulSilver, which have the battle with Red atop Mt. Silver.

Ruleset

The maximum BST per Pokémon is generally 400, but in games where less than 6 unique Pokémon are available, the limit is adjusted to allow for a full party.

Non-fully evolved Pokémon (referred to as NFEs) are banned from the challenge starting in Generation V due to the held item Eviolite, which causes them to be much bulkier than other Pokémon with similar BSTs. In earlier Generations, the usage of NFEs is up to the the player, though discouraged (and not covered on this page). Allowing NFEs widens the pool of available Pokémon by a large margin. Some Pokémon (such as Kadabra) have proven to be extremely powerful despite their low BSTs. Others, such as starter Pokémon, are only available to be used in their first stage, making them an experience sink that will fall off in the mid-to-late game. Additionally, Everstone usage and canceling evolution on every level up is an annoyance factor.

Other Pokémon that are typically banned from the challenge include Shedinja and Wishiwashi due to their Abilities Wonder Guard and Schooling, as well as Ditto and Smeargle due to their moves Transform and Sketch. Additionally, forms of Pikachu that are unaffected by Eviolite are banned due to the held item Light Ball, which effectively makes their BST 523.

Mega Stones are banned, due to Mega Evolution increasing all applicable Pokémon's BSTs well above the maximum.

Certain near-universal TMs and Move Tutor moves are potentially banworthy due to allowing any Pokémon to simply rely on luck or the strength of the opponent. Note that this does apply to Pokémon which learn these moves naturally. They are as follows:

• Bide
• Double Team
• Mimic
• Swagger

Additional rules, such as item restrictions and level caps (often seen in Nuzlockes), can be applied to this challenge as well. If items are allowed, Wobbuffet is banworthy due to HP-restoring items enabling it to counterattack repeatedly.

As with any challenge, it is also reccomended that the game be played in Set mode.

Generation I

BSTs in this Generation are calculated on the modern scale by doubling the Special stat.

Pokémon	BST	Availability	Game(s)
	348	1 Badge	R	G	B	Y
	350	0 Badges	R	G	B	Y
	370	2 Badges	R	G	B	Y
	370	2 BadgesJB 3 BadgesRG	R	G	B	Y
	375	2 Badges	R	G	B	Y
	375	2 Badges	R	G	B	Y
	385	0 Badges	R	G	B	Y
	385	2 Badges	R	G	B	Y
	393	0 Badges	R	G	B	Y
	395	2 Badges	R	G	B	Y
	400	1 Badge	R	G	B	Y

The recommended game for this set is Green (English Blue). The reasoning is as follows:

• Beedrill and Lickitung are available
• Porygon only costs 6,500 Coins, as opposed to 9,999^RY/8,300^JB
• Caterpie is more common in the wild than in Red, and can be found at a higher level
  • Butterfree's Confusion is more useful against Brock than Beedrill's Poison Sting

Tips and strategies:

• Lickitung is the only available Pokémon capable of learning Surf
• If planning on playing Stadium, try not to level up past Lv50
• Choose Squirtle as a starter Pokémon in order to make battles with Blue easier
• In Mt. Moon, pick up TM12 (Water Gun) on 1F
• On Route 24, pick up TM45 (Thunder Wave)
• On the S.S. Anne, pick up TM08 (Body Slam) on 1F
• At the Celadon Department Store, purchase a Fresh Water and give it to the girl on the roof to receive TM13 (Ice Beam)
  • If using Onix, purchase and give her a Soda Pop to receive TM48 (Rock Slide)
  • If using Hitmonchan, purchase TM17 (Submission) on 2F
• In the Rocket Hideout, pick up TM10 (Double-Edge) on B3F
• In Saffron City, speak to Mr. Psychic to receive TM29 (Psychic)
• In Silph Co., pick up TM26 (Earthquake) on 10F
  • If using Lickitung, pick up TM03 (Swords Dance) on 7F
• In the Pokémon Mansion, pick up TM14 (Blizzard) on B1F
• Lorelei is difficult, but can be brought down by a combination of a Thunderbolt user, Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan, and a Mega Drain user for cleanup
• Bruno and Agatha are completely swept by Psychic, though Earthquake may come in handy for the latter
• Lance folds to a BoltBeam user, with Onix's Rock Slide being useful for revenge kills

For convenience, these are the NFEs that are over the maximum BST:

• Ivysaur (405)
• Gloom (405)
• Ponyta (410)
• Dragonair (420)
• Weepinbell (430)
• Kadabra (450)
• Haunter (465)

Generation II

Pokémon	BST	Availability	Game(s)
	330	7 Badges	G	S	C
	336	0 Badges	G	S	C
	352	3 Badges	G	S	C
	360	2 Badges	G	S	C
	380	3 Badges	G	S	C
	385	0 BadgesGC 2 BadgesS	G	S	C
	385	0 BadgesSC 2 BadgesG	G	S	C
	385	7 Badges	G	S	C
	390	0 Badges	G	S	C
	390	0 Badges	G	S	C
	390	2 Badges	G	S	C

The recommended game for this set is Crystal. The reasoning is as follows:

• The most Pokémon are available
• Both Caterpie and Weedle are available early

Tips and strategies:

• An HM slave is required to use Waterfall
• Begin the game on a Thursday to receive a Hard Stone from Arthur on Route 36
• Choose Totodile as a starter Pokémon in order to make battles with Silver easier
• Catch an Unown with Rock-type Hidden Power, and use it with the aforementioned Hard Stone to defeat Falkner
• On Friday, speak to Frieda on Route 32 to receive a Poison Barb
• Skip past the two Hikers in Union Cave, as well as the one on Route 33
• Teach Ledyba/Ledian ThunderPunch and Ice Punch via TMs purchased at the Goldenrod Department Store
• If planning on using Corsola, pick up TM04 (Rollout) on Route 35
• In the National Park, speak to the Teacher to receive a Quick Claw, and also pick up TM28 (Dig)
• On Sunday, obtain TM27 (Return) from a woman on 5F of the Goldenrod Department Store, as well as a Magnet from Sunny on Route 37
• Morty's Pokémon (except Gengar) can only damage Aipom with Curse or a move copied by Mimic
• At the Lake of Rage, speak to the man in the northwestern house to receive TM10 (Hidden Power)
• After clearing out Team Rocket's Hideout, speak to the guard in the gate on Route 43 to receive TM36 (Sludge Bomb)
• After defeating Team Rocket at the Goldenrod Radio Tower, speak to DJ Mary on 4F to receive a Pink Bow
• Will's Pokémon can easily be defeated by Ledian, with the exception of his Jynx
• Most of Koga's Pokémon are weak to Butterfree's Psybeam, but Crobat's Wing Attack will quickly take it out
• Bruno's Pokémon are also defeated by Butterfree, but Machamp's Rock Slide will OHKO if it hits
• Karen's Gengar can only damage Aipom and Lickitung with Curse
• Before battling Lance, have Ledian hold a PRZCureBerry in order to to heal the paralysis caused by his Dragonite's Thunder Wave

Generation III

Hoenn-based games

Pokémon	BST	Availability	Game(s)
	330	5 Badges	R	S	E
	360	2 Badges	R	S	E
	375	2 Badges	R	S	E
	380	5 Badges	R	S	E
	380	0 Badges	R	S	E
	380	1 Badge	R	S	E
	380	1 BadgeR 7 BadgesE	R	S	E
	385	0 Badges	R	S	E
	385	0 Badges	R	S	E
	400	1 Badge	R	S	E
	400	1 Badge	R	S	E
	400	1 Badge	R	S	E

The recommended game for this set is Ruby. The reasoning is as follows:

• Both Roseila and Mawile are available, with the latter appearing earlier than in Emerald
  • Intimidate is extremely useful, outweighing Sableye's excellent typing
• Tate and Liza are near-insurmountable in Emerald due to their Claydol's Earthquake

Colosseum

The maximum BST for this game is 405.

Pokémon	BST	Availability
	390	Pyrite Bldg
	405	Post-Miror's Hideout
	390	The Under
	360	Shadow PKMN Lab
	405	Shadow PKMN Lab
	390	Shadow PKMN Lab
	330	Realgam Tower

Shadow Pokémon

Due to the late availability of most Pokémon in this game and the requirement that the player have at least 2 party members at all times, it is permissable to use unpurified Shadow Pokémon.

Pokémon	Level	BST	Location
	Lv30	237	Mayor's House
//	Lv30	405	Phenac City
	Lv30	250	Pyrite Town
	Lv30	340	Pyrite Town
	Lv30	365	Pyrite Town
	Lv20	300	Pyrite Bldg
	Lv33	280	Pyrite Cave
	Lv33	310	Pyrite Cave
	Lv43	340	Shadow PKMN Lab

Kanto-based games

The maximum BST for these games is 405.

Pokémon	BST	Availability	Game(s)
	352	2 Badges	FR	LG
	385	0 Badges	FR	LG
	385	0 Badges	FR	LG
	385	2 Badges	FR	LG
	405	1 Badge	FR	LG
	405	2 Badges	FR	LG

The recommended game for this set is FireRed. The reasoning is as follows:

• Lickitung can be obtained by trading a Golduck rather than a Slowbro
  • Psyduck requires less grinding/Rare Candies to evolve than Slowpoke
• Caterpie is more common in the wild
  • Butterfree's Confusion is more useful against Brock than Beedrill's Poison Sting

XD: Gale of Darkness

Due to XD requiring that the player have 2 party members at all times, it is permissable to use an unevolved Eevee alongside Ledyba until Spinarak is caught.

Pokémon	BST	Availability
	390	Gateon Port
	390	Cipher Lab
	380	Cipher Lab
	380	ONBS
	400	Pre Gym
	375	Post-Snagem Hideout
	385	Cipher Key Lair
	385	Cipher Key Lair
	380	Citadark Isle
	352	Citadark Isle
	385	Citadark Isle

Generation IV

Sinnoh-based games

Although the maximum BST for these games is 411, Azumarill and Medicham are not listed due to their Abilities, Huge Power and Pure Power, which effectively make their BSTs 509 and 519, respectively.

Pokémon	BST	Availability	Game(s)
	336	2 BadgesDP 3 BadgesPt	D	P	Pt
	384	0 Badges	D	P	Pt
	385	0 BadgesPt 1 BadgeDP	D	P	Pt
	385	0 BadgesPt 1 BadgeDP	D	P	Pt
	405	1 Badge	D	P	Pt
	410	2 BadgesP 5 BadgesPt	D	P	Pt
	410	0 Badges	D	P	Pt
	411	1 Badge	D	P	Pt

The recommended game for this set is Platinum. The reasoning is as follows:

• Move Tutors are available
• Wurmple is available earlier and learns Bug Bite, though it must be kept from evolving until level 15
• Kricketot learns Bug Bite, though it must be kept from evolving until level 16
• Kricketune learns Slash and Night Slash
• Bibarel learns Curse
• The availability of some TMs and HMs was changed:

TM / HM		Availability
		DP	Pt
	TM07 (Hail)	2 Badges	6 Badges
	TM10 (Hidden Power)	0 Badges	3 Badges
	TM18 (Rain Dance)	2 Badges	7 Badges
	TM26 (Earthquake)	6 Badges	2 Badges
	TM27 (Return)	2 Badges	0 Badges
	TM37 (Sandstorm)	2 Badges	Postgame
	HM04 (Strength)	2 Badges	5 Badges
	HM05 (Defog)	2 Badges	3 Badges

Johto-based games

Pokémon	BST	Availability	Game(s)
	330	7 Badges	HG	SS
	336	0 Badges	HG	SS
	352	3 Badges	HG	SS
	380	3 Badges	HG	SS
	385	0 BadgesHG 2 BadgesSS	HG	SS
	385	0 BadgesSS 2 BadgesHG	HG	SS
	390	0 Badges	HG	SS
	390	0 Badges	HG	SS

After entering the Hall of Fame

Pokémon	BST	Availability	Game(s)
	330	8 Badges	HG	SS	Pokéwalker
	360	8 Badges	HG	SS	Pokéwalker
	380	8 Badges	HG	SS	Pokéwalker
	380	8 Badges	HG	SS	Pokéwalker
	380	8 Badges	HG	SS	Pokéwalker
	384	8 Badges	HG	SS	Pokéwalker
	385	8 Badges	HG	SS	Pokéwalker
	385	8 Badges	HG	SS	Pokéwalker
	400	8 Badges	HG	SS	Pokéwalker
	400	8 Badges	HG	SS	Pokéwalker

The recommended game for this set is HeartGold. The reasoning is as follows:

• Ariados is available
  • While Ledian can potentially abuse Baton Pass, Ariados has access to Night Shade and priority moves
• Caterpie is available earlier
  • Butterfree's Confusion is helpful against Proton, Bugsy, and Silver in Azalea Town

Tips and strategies:

• Choose Totodile as a starter Pokémon in order to make battles with Silver easier

Generation V

Black and White

The maximum BST for these games is 461.

Pokémon	BST	Availability	Game(s)
	420	0 Badges	B	W
	425	1 Badge	B	W
	428	3 Badges	B	W
	445	1 Badge	B	W
	446	0 Badges	B	W
	460	4 Badges	B	W
	461	3 Badges	B	W

The recommended game for this set is Black. The reasoning is as follows:

• The Basculin obtained from the in-game trade in Driftveil City has Reckless rather than Rock Head
  • Since Basculin has low defenses, avoiding recoil damage is less useful than the boost in power Take Down and Double-Edge receive

Black 2 and White 2

Although the maximum BST for these games is 420, Azumarill is not listed due to its Ability, Huge Power, which effectively makes its BST 509.

Pokémon	BST	Availability	Game(s)
	330	7 Badges	B2	W2
	380	7 Badges	B2	W2
	380	2 Badges	B2	W2
	413	2 Badges	B2	W2
	415	1 Badge	B2	W2
	420	4 Badges	B2	W2
	420	0 Badges	B2	W2

The recommended game for this set is White 2. The reasoning is as follows:

• More Pokémon are available
• A Flame Orb can be found in Reversal Mountain rather than a Toxic Orb
  • Guts Raticate prefers this item, since burn deals less damage over time than bad poison

Generation VI

Kalos-based games

Pokémon	BST	Availability	Game(s)
	330	6 Badges	X	Y
	330	1 Badge	X	Y
	352	0 Badges	X	Y
	360	7 Badges	X	Y
	380	6 Badges	X	Y
	380	1 Badge	X	Y
	380	2 Badges	X	Y
	380	1 Badge	X	Y
	390	1 Badge	X	Y
	390	7 Badges	X	Y
	395	0 Badges	X	Y
	395	0 Badges	X	Y
	400	1 Badge	X	Y
	400	1 Badge	X	Y

The recommended game for this set is X. The reasoning is as follows:

• Weedle can be found on Route 2 instead of Caterpie
  • The first mandatory battle of the game, Youngster Austin, blocks access to Santalune Forest. Without heavy grinding, his level 5 Zigzagoon can only be overcome by poisoning it

Hoenn-based games

Pokémon	BST	Availability	Game(s)
	330	7 Badges	OR	AS
	330	6 Badges	OR	AS
	336	7 Badges	OR	AS
	360	3 Badges	OR	AS
	380	6 Badges	OR	AS
	380	0 Badges	OR	AS
	380	2 Badges	OR	AS
	380	2 Badges	OR	AS
	384	7 Badges	OR	AS
	385	0 Badges	OR	AS
	395	7 Badges	OR	AS
	395	0 Badges	OR	AS
	400	2 Badges	OR	AS
	400	2 Badges	OR	AS

The recommended game for this set is Omega Ruby. The reasoning is as follows:

• Mawile is available
  • Intimidate is more useful than Sableye's typing

Generation VII

Alola-based games

Pokémon	BST	Availability	Game(s)
	330	0 Stamps, 1 Trial	S	M	US	UM
	330	1 Stamp, 2 Trials	S	M	US	UM
	360	1 Stamp, 1 Trial	S	M	US	UM
	380	1 Stamp, 1 Trial	S	M	US	UM
	380	1 Stamp, 1 Trial	S	M	US	UM
	390	0 Stamps, 0 Trials	S	M	US	UM
	395	0 Stamps, 0 Trials	S	M	US	UM
	395	1 Stamp, 1 Trial	S	M	US	UM
	400	0 Stamps, 0 Trials	S	M	US	UM

The recommended game for this set is Ultra Sun. The reasoning is as follows:

• More Pokémon are available
• Move Tutors are available
• The availability of some TMs was changed:

TM		Availability
		SM	USUM
	TM08 (Bulk Up)	1 Stamp, 4 Trials	1 Stamp, 2 Trials
	TM19 (Roost)	2 Stamps, 4 Trials	0 Stamps, 1 Trial
	TM23 (Smack Down)	2 Stamps, 4 Trials	0 Stamps, 1 Trial
	TM24 (Thunderbolt)	Postgame	3 Stamps, 6 Trials
	TM32 (Double Team)	1 Stamp, 4 Trials	1 Stamp, 2 Trials
	TM40 (Aerial Ace)	2 Stamps, 4 Trials	1 Stamp, 4 Trials
	TM51 (Steel Wing)	2 Stamps, 4 Trials	1 Stamp, 4 Trials
	TM55 (Scald)	1 Stamp, 1 Trial	3 Stamps, 6 Trials
	TM62 (Acrobatics)	1 Stamp, 1 Trial	2 Stamps, 6 Trials
	TM65 (Shadow Claw)	1 Stamp, 4 Trials	2 Stamps, 4 Trials
	TM73 (Thunder Wave)	1 Stamp, 2 Trials	2 Stamps, 4 Trials
	TM75 (Swords Dance)	2 Stamps, 4 Trials	Postgame
	TM77 (Psych Up)	2 Stamps, 5 Trials	2 Stamps, 4 Trials
	TM78 (Bulldoze)	2 Stamps, 4 Trials	1 Stamp, 4 Trials
	TM79 (Frost Breath)	3 Stamps, 6 Trials	1 Stamp, 2 Trials
	TM82 (Dragon Tail)	1 Stamp, 4 Trials	2 Stamps, 5 Trials
	TM82 (Poison Jab)	2 Stamps, 6 Trials	4 Stamps, 8 Trials
	TM93 (Wild Charge)	2 Stamps, 6 Trials	4 Stamps, 6 Trials

Tips and strategies:

• Dexio's Pokémon cannot damage Sableye, as they only know Psychic-type and Normal-type moves

Kanto-based games

The maximum BST for these games is 405.

Pokémon	BST	Availability	Game(s)
	377	2 Badges	P	E
	385	2 Badges	P	E
	395	0 Badges	P	E
	395	0 Badges	P	E
	395	2 Badges	P	E
	405	1 Badge	P	E

The recommended game for this set is Let's Go, Pikachu! The reasoning is as follows:

• Caterpie is more common in the wild
  • Butterfree's Poison Powder is more consistent against Brock than Beedrill's Poison Sting

Generation VIII

Galar-based games

Although the maximum BST for these games is 410, Medicham is not listed due to its Ability, Pure Power, which effectively makes its BST 519.

Pokémon	BST	Availability	Game(s)
	290	0 Badges	Sw*	Sh*	IoA	CT
	325	0 Badges	Sw*	Sh*	IoA	CT
	330	0 Badges	Sw	Sh	IoA	CT
	377	0 Badges	Sw	Sh	IoA*	CT
	380	5 Badges	Sw	Sh	IoA	CT*
	380	2 Badges	Sw	Sh	IoA	CT*
	395	0 Badges	Sw	Sh	IoA	CT
	405	1 Badge	Sw	Sh	IoA	CT
	405	2 Badges	Sw	Sh	IoA	CT
	410	0 Badges	Sw	Sh	IoA	CT
	410	2 Badges	Sw	Sh	IoA*	CT
	410	0 Badges	Sw	Sh	IoA	CT

The reccomended game for this set is Sword. The reasoning is as follows:

• Mawile is available, and earlier than Sableye
  • Intimidate is more useful than Sableye's typing
• The availability of some TMs is different:

TM		Availability
		Sw	Sh
	TM27 (Icy Wind)	5 Badges	6 Badges
	TM48 (Rock Tomb)	6 Badges	5 Badges

Sinnoh-based games

Although the maximum BST for these games is 411, Medicham is not listed due to its Ability, Pure Power, which effectively makes its BST 519.

Pokémon	BST	Availability	Game(s)
	336	2 Badges	BD	SP
	384	0 Badges	BD	SP
	385	1 Badge	BD	SP
	395	1 Badge	BD	SP
	405	1 Badge	BD	SP
	410	2 Badges	BD	SP
	410	0 Badges	BD	SP
	411	2 Badges	BD	SP

The reccomended game for this set is Shining Pearl. The reasoning is as follows:

• More Pokémon are available

Legends: Arceus

The maximum BST for this game is 411.

Pokémon	BST	Availability
	336	1 Noble
	384	0 Nobles
	385	0 Nobles
	395	0 Nobles
	405	1 Noble
	410	1 Noble
	410	0 Nobles
	411	2 Nobles

Generation IX

The maximum BST for these games is 405.

Pokémon	BST	Game(s)
	330	S	V	TM	ID
	330	S	V	TM	ID
	380	S	V	TM	ID
	384	S	V	TM	ID
	400	S	V	TM	ID
	404	S	V	TM	ID
	405	S	V	TM	ID
	405	S	V	TM	ID
	405	S	V	TM	ID

Spin-off games

Rumble Blast

All of the following Pokémon have 1 Attack, 1 Defense, and 2 Speed.

Pokémon	Location(s)
	1-3 Echo Valley (Forest) 1-4 Challenger's Ground (Forest)
	1-4 Challenger's Ground (Forest)
	1-4 Challenger's Ground (Meadow)
	1-4 Challenger's Ground (Forest)
	1-4 Challenger's Ground (Forest)
	1-4 Challenger's Ground (Forest)
	2-1 Sun-Dappled Bank (Lake)
	2-1 Sun-Dappled Bank (Lake)
	3-2 Volcanic Slope (Autumnwood)
	3-3 Firebreathing Mountain (Autumnwood)
	4-3 Sunny Seashore (Desert)

Conquest

This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.

Two Heroes of Ransei

Pokémon	Stars	Range	Move Power	First available
	9	2	★★★★	Cragspur Park (Level 3)
	10	3	★★	Chrysalia Ravine/Sky Garden (Level 3)
	10	3	★★★★	Aurora Farm (Level 2)
	10	4	★★★★	Violight (Special)
	11	3	★	Aurora (Special)
	11	3	★★	Greenleaf Farm (Level 1)
	11	3	★★★	Cragspur Cave (Level 1)
	11	3	★★★	Aurora Ravine (Level 1)
	11	3	★★★★	Aurora Farm (Level 1)
	11	3	★★★★	Nixtorm Snowy Mountain (Level 1)
	11	3	★★★★★	Violight Sky Garden (Level 1)

Warrior	Total Stats	Capacity	Default Pokémon	Best link(s)	Unobtainable link(s)
Hideaki	69	3		(70%)
Ujizane	76	1		(70%)	—
Kiyo	106	3		(70%)
Hideyori	114	3		(60%)
Tadasumi	120	3		(70%)
Ujihiro	133	3		(70%)	—