# Nuzlocke

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. 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.
2. A similarly challenging playthrough of any game other than Pokémon, especially one involving some kind of self-imposed permadeath mechanic.

## Etymology
Blend of Nuzleaf + Locke. From the title of Nuzlocke Comics, which features a Pokémon, Nuzleaf, drawn to resemble John Locke from Lost as a recurring character.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/nuzlocke