English · Slang Attested

nuzlocke

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A self-imposed challenge where the player can only catch the first wild Pokémon encountered in each area, and any caught Pokémon that faints cannot be used again.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Here are the rules for a Nuzlocke: • If a Pokemon faints, it’s dead. You need to release it, store it in a box for the rest of the run, or transfer it to another game. You can’t use it until you’ve successfully become the Pokemon League Champion and completed the Nuzlocke. • You can only catch the f

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A similarly challenging playthrough of any game other than Pokémon, especially one involving some kind of self-imposed permadeath mechanic.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “nuzlocke” mean?

A self-imposed challenge where the player can only catch the first wild Pokémon encountered in each area, and any caught Pokémon that faints cannot be used again.

Is “nuzlocke” formal or informal?

nuzlocke is generally slang.