Unlocking the Secrets: Mastering the Unspoken Rules of the Pokemon Game Franchise

The Pokemon franchise has enjoyed a successful three-decade run, cultivating one of the most dedicated fanbases in the gaming industry. As the series spans numerous generations and games, it's no surprise that passionate fans have developed their own set of unwritten rules for an authentic Pokemon playthrough.

While Game Freak, the creators of Pokemon, have established official rules within the Pokemon universe over the years, not every rule is set in stone and mandatory for all players. Instead, there are unspoken guidelines that loyal fans anticipate and expect others to adhere to. New players would be wise to familiarize themselves with these unwritten rules to avoid potential judgment from the community.

Unwritten Pokemon Rule #1: No Hacked Pokemon

Hacked Pokemon were more common during the Action Replay/GameShark era, as recent technologies have made it more challenging to modify the main series games. A hacked Pokemon refers to one acquired through unauthorized means within the game, such as obtaining a rare or inaccessible Pokemon by hacking Pokemon Gold and Silver to access the GS Ball Celebi event. It could also mean having a perfectly trained and shiny Alakazam with optimal stats, which can give an advantage in 3DS meta battles. While playing with hacked Pokemon can be entertaining, it is generally frowned upon to use them in competitive play within the Pokemon games. This is because it can result in a player being banned and detracts from the overall experience for others.

Unwritten Pokemon Rule #2: Fair Trade

Trading Pokemon between different games has always been a key feature in the series. However, the honor system has played a significant role, especially with the rise of online trading. It is an unwritten rule to always be honest when trading with others, whether they are familiar or strangers.

Regrettably, numerous players have encountered dishonest individuals in the past. These individuals would offer to trade Pokemon that require evolution through trading, but never fulfill their end of the bargain. Additionally, there have been instances where players would promise Pokemon with specific characteristics such as natures, EVs, or IVs, but fail to deliver while accepting the other player's legitimate Pokemon.

Unwritten Pokemon Rule #3: Protect the Master Ball

The Master Ball is a legendary and highly sought-after item in the Pokemon main series. In each game, players can only obtain one Master Ball, allowing them to catch any desired Pokemon without fail. It is commonly advised for players to wisely use this valuable item and refrain from using it carelessly on relatively easier Pokemon. While it is typically associated with capturing legendary mascots, there are other challenging legendaries, such as the roaming dogs in FireRed and LeafGreen, that could be considered more worthy targets for the Master Ball.

Unwritten Pokemon Rule #4: If It's Too Easy, Try a Nuzlocke

The phrase "New Pokemon games are too easy" is widely heard within the community. While not entirely incorrect, it is a rather trivial observation considering the well-known fact that most new Pokemon experiences do not pose a significant challenge even for inexperienced gamers.

For players who love Pokemon but desire a more thought-provoking experience, the Nuzlocke Challenge provides a solution. This challenge involves self-imposing a set of additional rules on the game to make it more engaging. In a Nuzlocke Challenge, any Pokemon that faints in the party is permanently removed and cannot be used again. This simple restriction adds a remarkable level of depth to comparatively easier main series titles like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. It is an unwritten rule among players to share this information with others who seek to elevate the difficulty of their Pokemon playthroughs.