User:Amiosi/Low-BST Challenge

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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. Allowing NFEs widens the pool of available Pokémon by a large margin. Additionally, 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.

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.

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:

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

The following BSTs are calculated on the modern scale by doubling the Special stat.

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 Badges^JB 3 Badges^RG	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^R^Y/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 50
Choose Squirtle as a starter Pokémon in order to make the first two 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

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 Badges^G^C 2 Badges^S	G	S	C
385	0 Badges^S^C 2 Badges^G	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

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 Badge^R 7 Badges^E	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	Location
	330	Realgam Tower
	360	Shadow PKMN Lab
	390	The Under
	390	Shadow PKMN Lab
	390	Pyrite Bldg
	405	Shadow PKMN Lab
	405	Pyrite Cave

Tips and strategies:

This game might actually just not be playable under this ruleset

Kanto-based games

The maximum BST for these games is 405.

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

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

Tips and strategies:

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

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.

BST	Availability	Game(s)
336	2 Badges^DP 3 Badges^Pt	D	P	Pt
384	0 Badges	D	P	Pt
385	0 Badges^Pt 1 Badge^DP	D	P	Pt
385	0 Badges^Pt 1 Badge^DP	D	P	Pt
405	1 Badge	D	P	Pt
410	2 Badges^P 5 Badges^Pt	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
TM / HM		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

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 Badges^HG 2 Badges^SS	HG	SS
385	0 Badges^SS 2 Badges^HG	HG	SS
390	0 Badges	HG	SS
390	0 Badges	HG	SS

After entering the Hall of Fame

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.

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 Badge	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.

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

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

BST	Availability	Game(s)
320	2 Badges	OR	AS
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

BST	Availability	Game(s)
320	1 Stamp, 1 Trial	S	M	US	UM
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
TM		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.

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.

BST	Availability	Game(s)
290	0 Badges	Sw*	Sh*	IoA	CT
320	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