User:Amiosi/Low-BST Challenge

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This page is intended to be a source of information about low-base stat total (referred to as BST) 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 may gain an insight into why these species were designed to be they way they are, and gain a 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
  • Sample teams

Pokémon that become available after first watching the credits roll are not listed. The sole exception to this is HeartGold and SoulSilver, which have the entire Kanto region and 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. Eviolite itself is also banned from use on earlier evolutions of eligible Pokémon, mostly for simplicity's sake.

Other Pokémon that are banned from the challenge include Ditto and Smeargle due to their moves Transform and Sketch, as well as Shedinja and Wishiwashi due to their Abilities Wonder Guard and Schooling. 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.

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 recommended 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.

Blue in this section refers to the Japanese Blue Version, which differs from the international release that was based on Green.

Pokémon BST Availability Game(s)
Farfetch'd 348 1 Badge R G B Y
Beedrill 350 0 Badges R G B Y
Onix 370 2 Badges R G B Y
Lickitung 370 2 BadgesJB
3 BadgesRG
R G B Y
Hitmonlee 375 2 Badges R G B Y
Hitmonchan 375 2 Badges R G B Y
Butterfree 385 0 Badges R G B Y
Porygon 385 2 Badges R G B Y
Raticate 393 0 Badges R G B Y
Marowak 395 2 Badges R G B Y
Wigglytuff 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 9,999RY/8,300JB
  • Caterpie is more common in the wild than in Red, and can be found at a higher level

Tips and strategies:




Generation II

Pokémon BST Availability Game(s)
Delibird 330 7 Badges G S C
Unown 336 0 Badges G S C
Farfetch'd 352 3 Badges G S C
Aipom 360 2 Badges G S C
Corsola 380 3 Badges G S C
Butterfree 385 0 BadgesGC
2 BadgesS
G S C
Beedrill 385 0 BadgesSC
2 BadgesG
G S C
Lickitung 385 7 Badges G S C
Ledian 390 0 Badges G S C
Ariados 390 0 Badges G S C
Yanma 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:




Generation III

Hoenn-based games

Pokémon BST Availability Game(s)
Luvdisc 330 5 Badges R S E
Spinda 360 2 Badges R S E
Nosepass 375 2 Badges R S E
Corsola 380 5 Badges R S E
Delcatty 380 0 Badges R S E
Sableye 380 1 Badge R S E
Mawile 380 1 BadgeR
7 BadgesE
R S E
Beautifly 385 0 Badges R S E
Dustox 385 0 Badges R S E
Volbeat 400 1 Badge R S E
Illumise 400 1 Badge R S E
Roselia 400 1 Badge R S E

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

  • Both Roselia and Mawile are available
    • While Sableye has no weakness in this generation, Mawile's Intimidate is more useful

Tips and strategies:

  • Luvdisc is the only available Pokémon capable of learning Dive and Waterfall

Colosseum

The maximum BST for this game is 405.

Pokémon BST Location Trainer
Yanma 390 Pyrite Bldg Cipher Peon
Nore
Plusle 405 Pyrite Town
(Post-Pyrite Cave)
Duking
(Gift)
Ledian 390 The Under Cipher Peon
Kloak
Aipom 360 Shadow PKMN Lab Cipher Peon
Cole
Murkrow 405 Shadow PKMN Lab Cipher Peon
Lare
Ariados 390 Shadow PKMN Lab Cipher Peon
Lesar
Delibird 330 Realgam Tower Cipher Peon
Arton

Due to the late availability of most Pokémon in this game, it is permissable to use unpurified Shadow Pokémon from the following list:

Shadow Pokémon Level BST Location Trainer
Makuhita Lv30 237 Mayor's House Miror B.Peon
Trudly
BayleefQuilavaCroconaw Lv30 405 Phenac City Mystery Troop
Verde/Rosso/Bluno
Slugma Lv30 250 Pyrite Town Roller Boy
Lon
Skiploom Lv30 340 Pyrite Town Rider
Leba
Flaaffy Lv30 365 Pyrite Town St.Performer
Diogo
Remoraid Lv20 300 Pyrite Bldg Miror B.Peon
Reath
Meditite Lv33 280 Pyrite Cave Rider
Twan
Swablu Lv33 310 Pyrite Cave Hunter
Zalo
Vibrava Lv43 340 Shadow PKMN Lab Cipher Peon
Remil




Kanto-based games

The maximum BST for these games is 405.

Pokémon BST Availability Game(s)
Farfetch'd 352 1 Badges FR LG
Butterfree 385 0 Badges FR LG
Beedrill 385 0 Badges FR LG
Lickitung 385 2 Badges FR LG
Parasect 405 1 Badge FR LG
Dugtrio 405 1 Badges FR LG

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

Tips and strategies:

  • Lickitung is the only available Pokémon capable of learning Surf
  • Choose Squirtle as a starter Pokémon in order to make battles with Blue easier




XD: Gale of Darkness

Due to XD consisting of mostly Double Battles, it is permissable to use an unevolved Eevee alongside Ledyba until Spinarak is caught.

Pokémon BST First available Trainer
Ledian 390 Gateon Port
(as Ledyba)
Casual Guy
Cyle
Ariados 390 Cipher Lab
(as Spinarak)
Cipher Peon
Nexir
Delcatty 380 Cipher Lab Cipher Admin
Lovrina
Mawile 380 ONBS Cipher Cmdr
Exol
Roselia 400 Pre Gym Cipher Peon
Fasin
Nosepass 375 Post-Snagem Hideout Wanderer
Miror B.
Beedrill 385 Cipher Key Lair
(second visit)
Cipher Peon
Lok
Butterfree 385 Cipher Key Lair
(second visit)
Cipher Peon
Targ
Sableye 380 Citadark Isle Navigator
Abson
Farfetch'd 352 Citadark Isle Cipher Admin
Lovrina
Lickitung 385 Citadark Isle Cipher Peon
Geftal

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)
Unown 336 2 BadgesDP
3 BadgesPt
D P Pt
Kricketune 384 0 Badges D P Pt
Beautifly 385 0 BadgesPt
1 BadgeDP
D P Pt
Dustox 385 0 BadgesPt
1 BadgeDP
D P Pt
Pachirisu 405 1 Badge D P Pt
Sudowoodo 410 2 BadgesP
5 BadgesPt
D P Pt
Bibarel 410 0 Badges D P Pt
Chatot 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
Bag TM Ice Sprite.png TM07 (Hail) 2 Badges 6 Badges
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM10 (Hidden Power) 0 Badges 3 Badges
Bag TM Water Sprite.png TM18 (Rain Dance) 2 Badges 7 Badges
Bag TM Ground Sprite.png TM26 (Earthquake) 6 Badges 2 Badges
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM27 (Return) 2 Badges 0 Badges
Bag TM Rock Sprite.png TM37 (Sandstorm) 2 Badges Postgame
Bag HM Normal Sprite.png HM04 (Strength) 2 Badges 5 Badges
Bag HM Flying Sprite.png HM05 (Defog) 2 Badges 3 Badges

Tips and strategies:

  • Bibarel is the only available Pokémon capable of learning Surf, Rock Climb, and Waterfall

Johto-based games

Pokémon BST Availability Game(s)
Delibird 330 7 Badges HG SS Pokéwalker
Unown 336 0 Badges HG SS Pokéwalker
Farfetch'd 352 3 Badges HG SS Pokéwalker
Corsola 380 3 Badges HG SS Pokéwalker*
Butterfree 385 0 BadgesHG
2 BadgesSS
HG SS Pokéwalker
Beedrill 385 0 BadgesSS
2 BadgesHG
HG SS Pokéwalker
Ledian 390 0 Badges HG SS Pokéwalker
Ariados 390 0 Badges HG SS Pokéwalker

The following Pokémon are available after entering the Hall of Fame:

Pokémon BST Availability Game(s)
Luvdisc 330 8 Badges HG SS Pokéwalker
Spinda 360 8 Badges HG SS Pokéwalker
Delcatty 380 8 Badges HG SS Pokéwalker
Sableye 380 8 Badges HG SS Pokéwalker*
Mawile 380 8 Badges HG SS Pokéwalker
Kricketune 384 8 Badges HG SS Pokéwalker
Beautifly 385 8 Badges HG SS Pokéwalker
Dustox 385 8 Badges HG SS Pokéwalker
Volbeat 400 8 Badges HG SS Pokéwalker
Illumise 400 8 Badges HG SS Pokéwalker

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

Tips and strategies:

  • Luvdisc is the only available Pokémon capable of learning Waterfall
  • An HM slave is required to use Rock Climb, meaning only 5 party members can be used to fight Red
  • 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)
Watchog 420 0 Badges B W
Swoobat 425 1 Badge B W
Emolga 428 3 Badges B W
Audino 445 1 Badge B W
Liepard 446 0 Badges B W
BasculinBasculin 460 4 Badges B W
Maractus 461 3 Badges B W

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

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)
Delibird 330 7 Badges B2 W2
Corsola 380 7 Badges B2 W2
Delcatty 380 2 Badges B2 W2
Raticate 413 2 Badges B2 W2
Dunsparce 415 1 Badge B2 W2
Castform 420 4 Badges B2 W2
Watchog 420 0 Badges B2 W2

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

Generation VI

Kalos-based games

Pokémon BST Availability Game(s)
Delibird 330 6 Badges X Y
Luvdisc 330 1 Badge X Y
Farfetch'd 352 0 Badges X Y
Spinda 360 7 Badges X Y
Corsola 380 6 Badges X Y
Delcatty 380 1 Badge X Y
Sableye 380 2 Badges X Y
Mawile 380 1 Badge X Y
Ledian 390 1 Badge X Y
Ariados 390 7 Badges X Y
Butterfree 395 0 Badges X Y
Beedrill 395 0 Badges X Y
Volbeat 400 1 Badge X Y
Illumise 400 1 Badge X Y

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

Tips and strategies:




Hoenn-based games

Pokémon BST Availability Game(s)
Delibird 330 7 Badges OR AS
Luvdisc 330 6 Badges OR AS
Unown 336 7 Badges OR AS
Spinda 360 3 Badges OR AS
Corsola 380 6 Badges OR AS
Delcatty 380 0 Badges OR AS
Sableye 380 2 Badges OR AS
Mawile 380 2 Badges OR AS
Kricketune 384 7 Badges OR AS
Dustox 385 0 Badges OR AS
Beedrill 395 7 Badges OR AS
Beautifly 395 0 Badges OR AS
Volbeat 400 2 Badges OR AS
Illumise 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

Tips and strategies:

  • Luvdisc is the only available Pokémon capable of learning Dive and Waterfall

Generation VII

Alola-based games

Pokémon BST Availability Game(s)
Delibird 330 0 Stamps, 1 Trial S M US UM
Luvdisc 330 1 Stamp, 2 Trials S M US UM
Spinda 360 1 Stamp, 1 Trial S M US UM
Sableye 380 1 Stamp, 1 Trial S M US UM
Mawile 380 1 Stamp, 1 Trial S M US UM
Ledian 390 0 Stamps, 0 Trials S M US UM
Butterfree 395 0 Stamps, 0 Trials S M US UM
Butterfree 395 1 Stamp, 1 Trial S M US UM
Ariados 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
Bag TM Fighting VI Sprite.png TM08 (Bulk Up) 1 Stamp, 4 Trials 1 Stamp, 2 Trials
Bag TM Flying VI Sprite.png TM19 (Roost) 2 Stamps, 4 Trials 0 Stamps, 1 Trial
Bag TM Rock VI Sprite.png TM23 (Smack Down) 2 Stamps, 4 Trials 0 Stamps, 1 Trial
Bag TM Electric VI Sprite.png TM24 (Thunderbolt) Postgame 3 Stamps, 6 Trials
Bag TM Normal VI Sprite.png TM32 (Double Team) 1 Stamp, 4 Trials 1 Stamp, 2 Trials
Bag TM Flying VI Sprite.png TM40 (Aerial Ace) 2 Stamps, 4 Trials 1 Stamp, 4 Trials
Bag TM Steel VI Sprite.png TM51 (Steel Wing) 2 Stamps, 4 Trials 1 Stamp, 4 Trials
Bag TM Water VI Sprite.png TM55 (Scald) 1 Stamp, 1 Trial 3 Stamps, 6 Trials
Bag TM Flying VI Sprite.png TM62 (Acrobatics) 1 Stamp, 1 Trial 2 Stamps, 6 Trials
Bag TM Ghost VI Sprite.png TM65 (Shadow Claw) 1 Stamp, 4 Trials 2 Stamps, 4 Trials
Bag TM Electric VI Sprite.png TM73 (Thunder Wave) 1 Stamp, 2 Trials 2 Stamps, 4 Trials
Bag TM Normal VI Sprite.png TM75 (Swords Dance) 2 Stamps, 4 Trials Postgame
Bag TM Normal VI Sprite.png TM77 (Psych Up) 2 Stamps, 5 Trials 2 Stamps, 4 Trials
Bag TM Ground VI Sprite.png TM78 (Bulldoze) 2 Stamps, 4 Trials 1 Stamp, 4 Trials
Bag TM Ice VI Sprite.png TM79 (Frost Breath) 3 Stamps, 6 Trials 1 Stamp, 2 Trials
Bag TM Dragon VI Sprite.png TM82 (Dragon Tail) 1 Stamp, 4 Trials 2 Stamps, 5 Trials
Bag TM Poison VI Sprite.png TM82 (Poison Jab) 2 Stamps, 6 Trials 4 Stamps, 8 Trials
Bag TM Electric VI Sprite.png TM93 (Wild Charge) 2 Stamps, 6 Trials 4 Stamps, 6 Trials

Tips and strategies:

Kanto-based games

The maximum BST for these games is 405.

Pokémon BST Availability Game(s)
Farfetch'd 377 2 Badges P E
Onix 385 2 Badges P E
Butterfree 395 0 Badges P E
Beedrill 395 0 Badges P E
Porygon 395 2 Badges P E
Parasect 405 1 Badge P E

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

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)
Meowth 290 0 Badges Sw* Sh* IoA CT
Eevee 325 0 Badges Sw* Sh* IoA CT
Delibird 330 0 Badges Sw Sh IoA CT
Farfetch'd 377 0 Badges Sw Sh IoA* CT
Sableye 380 5 Badges Sw Sh IoA CT*
Mawile 380 2 Badges Sw Sh IoA CT*
Butterfree 395 0 Badges Sw Sh IoA CT
Wobbuffet 405 1 Badge Sw Sh IoA CT
Shiinotic 405 2 Badges Sw Sh IoA CT
Sudowoodo 410 0 Badges Sw Sh IoA CT
Corsola 410 2 Badges Sw Sh IoA* CT
Pyukumuku 410 0 Badges Sw Sh IoA CT

The recommended 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
Bag TM Ice VI Sprite.png TM27 (Icy Wind) 5 Badges 6 Badges
Bag TM Rock VI Sprite.png 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)
Unown 336 2 Badges BD SP
Kricketune 384 0 Badges BD SP
Dustox 385 1 Badge BD SP
Beautifly 395 1 Badge BD SP
Pachirisu 405 1 Badge BD SP
Sudowoodo 410 2 Badges BD SP
Bibarel 410 0 Badges BD SP
Chatot 411 2 Badges BD SP

The recommended 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
Unown 336 1 Noble
Kricketune 384 0 Nobles
Dustox 385 0 Nobles
Beautifly 395 0 Nobles
Pachirisu 405 1 Noble
Sudowoodo 410 1 Noble
Bibarel 410 0 Nobles
Chatot 411 2 Nobles

Generation IX

The maximum BST for these games is 405.

Pokémon BST Obedience Game(s)
Delibird 330 1 Badge S V TM ID
Luvdisc 330 0 Badges S V TM ID
Sableye 380 0 Badges S V TM ID
Kricketune 384 0 Badges S V TM ID
Ariados 400 0 Badges S V TM ID
Spidops 404 0 Badges S V TM ID
Plusle 405 8 Badges S V TM ID
Minun 405 8 Badges S V TM ID
Pachirisu 405 0 Badges S V TM ID

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

Spin-off games

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Rulings and more research

Pokémon Trading Card Game

All of the following Pokémon have 30 HP.

Pokémon Weakness Resistance Retreat cost
TCG1 A17 Magikarp.png
Magikarp
Lightning×2 Colorless
TCG1 A25 Diglett.png
Diglett
Grass×2 Lightning-30
TCG1 A29 Abra.png
Abra
Psychic×2
TCG1 A31 Rattata.png
Rattata
Fighting×2 Psychic-30
TCG1 B34 Gastly.png
Gastly
Fighting-30
TCG1 C28 Mankey.png
Mankey
Psychic×2
TCG1 C32 Kabuto.png
Kabuto
Grass×2 Colorless
TCG1 D19 Tentacool.png
Tentacool
Lightning×2
TCG1 D43 Porygon.png
Porygon
Fighting×2 Psychic-30 Colorless

Rumble Blast

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

Pokémon Location(s)
Wurmple 1-3 Echo Valley (Forest)
1-4 Challenger's Ground (Forest)
Jigglypuff 1-4 Challenger's Ground (Forest)
Sentret 1-4 Challenger's Ground (Meadow)
Igglybuff 1-4 Challenger's Ground (Forest)
Silcoon 1-4 Challenger's Ground (Forest)
Cascoon 1-4 Challenger's Ground (Forest)
Wooper 2-1 Sun-Dappled Bank (Lake)
Azurill 2-1 Sun-Dappled Bank (Lake)
Kricketot 3-2 Volcanic Slope (Autumnwood)
Cleffa 3-3 Firebreathing Mountain (Autumnwood)
Makuhita 4-3 Sunny Seashore (Desert)

Conquest

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Other stories

Two Heroes of Ransei

Pokémon Total stars Range Move Power First available
Bastiodon 9 2 ★★★★ Cragspur Park (Level 3)
Beedrill 10 3 ★★ Chrysalia Ravine/Sky Garden (Level 3)
Wigglytuff 10 3 ★★★★ Aurora Farm (Level 2)
Emolga 10 4 ★★★★ Violight (Swarm)
Audino 11 3 Aurora (Swarm)
Carnivine 11 3 ★★ Greenleaf Farm (Level 1)
Arbok 11 3 ★★★ Cragspur Cave (Level 1)
Quagsire 11 3 ★★★ Aurora Ravine (Level 1)
Bibarel 11 3 ★★★★ Aurora Farm (Level 1)
Glalie 11 3 ★★★★ Nixtorm Snowy Mountain (Level 1)
Raichu 11 3 ★★★★★ Violight Sky Garden (Level 1)
Warrior Total Stats Capacity Default Pokémon Best link(s) Unobtainable link(s)
Conquest Warrior M 12 icon.png
Hideaki
69 3 Ekans Beedrill (70%) QuagsireBibarel
Conquest Warrior M 24 icon.png
Ujizane
76 1 Igglybuff Beedrill (70%)
Conquest Warrior F 02 icon.png
Kiyo
106 3 Carnivine RaichuEmolga (70%) Quagsire
Conquest Warrior M 06 icon.png
Hideyori
114 3 Scraggy RaichuArbok (60%) QuagsireBibarel
Conquest Warrior M 12 icon.png
Tadasumi
120 3 Bidoof RaichuQuagsireEmolga (70%) Carnivine
Conquest Warrior M 10 icon.png
Ujihiro
133 3 Pansear Beedrill (70%)