If you’re getting bored of playing regularPokemongames, it might be time to try a challenge. While the games feature many Pokemon, you probably ignore some of them. Challenges like Soul Link or Nuzlocke encourage you to use Pokemon you’ve never considered, making it a great way to rediscover the game and try new Pokemon.

Soul Link Nuzlocke is an especially unique experience since playing with a partner adds chaos and fun, making it feel like an entirely new game. In this guide, we explain what Soul Link Nuzlocke is, its variations, extra rules, solo mode, and more.

Lucas with Turtwig ready for battle in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond.

The Soul Link Nuzlocke challenge adds a unique twist to the classic Nuzlocke formula byrequiring teamwork, communication, and a shared sense of victory and defeat.

Whether you’re playing with a friend or testing yourself with a solo variant, this challenge will make even the most familiar Pokemon games feel brand new! If you’re up for the challenge, grab a partner and dive in!

Mismagius Iono Pokemon Scarlet Violet.

A Soul Link Nuzlocke is a Nuzlocke challenge that two players can take on together. But before we dive into it, let’s clarify what a Nuzlocke actually is. If you’ve never heard of it before, a Nuzlocke is a self-imposed challenge designed tomake the standard main series Pokemon games both harder and more engaging.There are three fundamental rules:

Now that you understand the basics, let’s get into what makes Soul Link Nuzlocke different. Unlike a standard Nuzlocke, a Soul Link Nuzlocke ismeant to be played by two people at the same time.

Trainer running along a road towards a town in Pokemon X.

Before jumping into the rules,both players need to be playing either the same game or corresponding paired gamesfrom the same generation. For example, if one player is playing Pokemon X, the other must be playing either Pokemon X or Pokemon Y.

Additional Rules

Catching as many Pokemon as possible is crucialwhen doing a Soul Link Challenge. Because of this, both players should always have enough Poke Balls. Before entering a new route, make sure to check how many you have.

Additionally,ensure you have plenty of healing items.It’s especially important to carry enough items to cure status ailments. Poisoned Pokemon can put you in a tough situation, so always be prepared for that scenario.

The Pokemon Skeledirge from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

There isn’t a definitive answer to this, butplaying with someone who has an interest in Pokemonwill make the experience enjoyable for both of you. Playing together in person can make things more fun, but you can also do a Soul Link remotely with a friend through online communication.

you’re able to take turns battling Gym Leaders—one person can battle while the other watches, gives advice, or provides commentary.

A Pokemon scarlet and violet trainer holding a pokeball towards the camera.

Doing a Soul Link with a careless friend will make things more difficult but can lead to a fun and hilarious experience. Playing with someone unfamiliar with Pokemon who wants to learn makes the challenge even harder, but it can also be a great opportunity to teach them about the game.

Want to make your Soul Link run even more cooperative? Try these:

Trading Linked Pokemon After Each Gym Battle

This forces you to adjust your strategies and adapt to different team compositions, making things more dynamic.

Battling Each Other After Every Gym

If you prefer a competitive twist, have a battle after every Gym to see who is the superior trainer. Track your wins, and at the end of the run, declare the true champion!

Yes! But it makes things much harder.

pokemon trainer triggering mega evolution in pokemon legends z-a.

Absolutely! If you don’t have a friend to play with, you can still experience a Soul Link challenge on your own:

While playing solo doesn’t capture the same cooperative chaos, it still adds an interesting twist to standard Nuzlocke runs!

The player trades a Haunter named “Haauntikins” in Pokemon.

A triple pokemon battle scene from Pokemon X.

A doubles battle scene from Pokemon Sun.