Twitch streamer PointCrow achieved a remarkable feat: conquering the brutal "Kaizo IronMon" challenge in Pokémon FireRed, utilizing a Flareon. This article details this impressive accomplishment and explores the challenge itself.
Streamer Triumphs After Countless Resets in Pokémon FireRed
Conquering the "Kaizo IronMon" Challenge
PointCrow's 15-month journey culminated in victory after thousands of attempts. The "Kaizo IronMon" challenge significantly amplifies the difficulty of a standard Nuzlocke run.
Restricted to a single Pokémon, the odds of defeating the Elite Four seem insurmountable. Yet, PointCrow's level 90 Flareon delivered the final blow to Champion Blue's Dugtrio, securing a hard-fought win. Overwhelmed with emotion, he exclaimed, "3,978 resets and a dream! Let’s go!"
This exceptionally challenging variation of the "IronMon Challenge" forces players to battle using only one Pokémon with randomized stats and movesets. Furthermore, Pokémon are limited to those with a base stat total under 600 (with exceptions for Pokémon that evolve to exceed this limit). While PointCrow isn't the first to complete this challenge, his dedication is truly noteworthy.
The Nuzlocke Challenge: The Genesis of Pokémon Difficulty
The Nuzlocke challenge originated with Californian screenwriter Nick Franco. In 2010, he shared his Pokémon Ruby playthrough with unique rules on 4chan. This quickly gained popularity, inspiring countless Pokémon players.
The initial rules were simple: catch only one Pokémon per area, and release any Pokémon that faints. Franco explained on his website that this added a layer of emotional investment, making him care for his Pokémon more deeply.
The Nuzlocke challenge has evolved, with players adding their own twists. These include using only the first encountered Pokémon, avoiding wild encounters entirely, or even randomizing starters. The possibilities are endless.
By 2024, challenges like the "IronMon Challenge" emerged. Even more difficult variants exist, such as the "Survival IronMon," which adds further restrictions, like limiting healing opportunities and potion purchases. PointCrow's achievement underscores the enduring appeal and extreme difficulty of these self-imposed Pokémon challenges.