Pokémon SoulSilver Hardcore Nuzlocke - Smeargles Only! (No items, No overleveling)

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Can I beat Pokémon SoulSilver with only Smeargles using Hardcore Nuzlocke Rules?
Normal Nuzlocke Ruleset:
1. Fainting = Death
2. Can only "catch" one Smeargle per route where there is a grass patch encounter.
3. Nickname Pokémon
Hardcore Nuzlocke Ruleset:
4. No items in battle (held items okay)
5. No leveling past the next gym leader/E4 (at the START of the battle)
6. Play on "Set" battle mode
Check out my VODS Channel for more Smeargle Action: / @flygonhgvods4344
Join our Discord Server: / discord
Follow me on Twitter: / flygonhg
Follow me on Twitch: / flygonhg
#Pokemon #Gaming #Nuzlocke #PokemonSoulSilver

[@choklat4606]

The cards for each of the smeargles are just amazing

[@sadirasturdevant4128]

The Georgia o’keefe one had me cackling.

[@catattack7639]

@@Jay7707 it's a bot, you responding to it tells it it's working and encourages it to post more comments

[@Jay7707]

@@catattack7639 thanks for letting me know

[@catattack7639]

@@Jay7707 no prob

[@lyletuffaf8254]

@kimberly LOL p LOL l

[@naomiseadragon2676]

I would love to see the smeargle squad take on the Kanto league when they're ready!

[@Woodenfan]

Seconded! That'll be really fun.

[@bigjake6foot5]

100% needs to happen

[@james4429]

Red and Blue would probably be really hard

[@ecowo57]

Same!!

[@TheBuckBratager]

Gotta see the art squad take on those Kanto types!

[@flammableduck2640]

This run is also known as a smear campaign

[@KarmaPaym3ntPlan]

Well done

[@adolfovelasquez5382]

My favorite parts of the video 1. The different names for the smeargles felt like such a fun painter trivia 2. The magnemite prununctiation 3. The fact that you exploited the game so much you found a error in serebii with the level 24 farfetch’d 4. The insane strats for each major battle

[@treehugger0241]

15:54 I asked a similar question in a D&D game wondering why my longbow shots were missing a big honking dragon. The DM explained that it isn't always a physical miss--sometimes it connects but just doesn't do anything. I'm guessing it's a similar thing here--the string shot lands but doesn't always successfully tangle the opponent up and lower their speed. Also you cuddling the substitute doll during the final battle is oddly adorable.

[@appelofdoom8211]

I mean there's a reason why wearing heavy armor increases AC even though it should be a lot easier to hit a dude wearing heavy armor.

[@Dreamyzas]

I mean, it makes sense. It’s made of String, even a normal human wound be capable of breaking one easily.

[@hattheduck2359]

I don’t think he’s saying why string shot could logically miss. He’s asking why a shitty move is not guarantee to hit

[@jasonandrews1770]

@@appelofdoom8211 yeah like a fighter in full plate armour might have the same AC as a super quick monk but they function totally different

[@Dreamyzas]

@kimberly no

[@jesseduran6070]

O'Keefe painting a Cloyster had me dying

[@nayr8506]

Ive never laughed so hard at a pokemon video before

[@treecko3453]

Truth

[@drawnwithlove3499]

I only saw O'Keeffe's work in a book and it was made for children so they didn't go too in depth with her work other than saying it was mostly flowers. They used a fairly innocent artwork of hers too. One look at her *actual work* and I got the joke

[@Rybread52]

Omg wow I can’t believe I missed that lmao

[@cannondorf]

“With the force of a cotton ball” whoa whoa, don’t downplay Eldegoss and Whimsicott like that

[@joaogomes9405]

Or do because both kinda suck offensively

[@cannondorf]

@@joaogomes9405 they’re not AS weak

[@gamingtoaster2714]

*forgets jumpluff*

[@eyeconqueror1185]

@@gamingtoaster2714 I will never forget Jumpluff

[@averagechannelname9969]

Lmaooooo

[@WeedleTwineedle]

This video is a work of art 🎨 nicely done

[@markT4561]

Hi weedle

[@gattobello6802]

I know for a fact you browse r/196

[@salbarcenas9943]

You're a work of art weedle. Glad you know you watch flygonhg!!

[@augustcastle2913]

@@gattobello6802 definitely browses r/196

[@theovertyrant2620]

Sexy James approved.

[@HaveAGoooooodDay]

And yet, despite it's atrocious stats, Smeragle still managed to be the bane of competitive play in several formats. Goes to show, stats aren't everything... when you have access to a highly accurate multi-target sleep move and one of the silliest abilities ever conceived. Despite that, I've still got a soft spot for Smeargle, so I'm loving this video!

[@Dreamyzas]

I’m pretty sure Moody is outright banned in some formats because the game essentially becomes a dice row if you win or not. Like, seriously, Moody is so OP it made Bibarel a threat in Ubers in Gen 5. But yeah, it goes to show that stats are not everything.

[@ILiekFishes]

@@Dreamyzas in all smogon formats. I don't know why you said "some"

[@Dreamyzas]

@@ILiekFishes I don’t have that much experience with Smogon in general, but you’re right. The only format it isn’t outright banned is official Nintendo formats i believe

[@MrGowose]

@@Dreamyzas Is Bibarel better with Simple or Moody?

[@rojibeans5816]

Smeargle'S usefulness is highly tied to the stats of the pokemon behind it though

[@skotiaH2O]

Regarding String Shot's accuracy, my best guess is that they made moves that they consider restricted to the early game (String Shot, Tackle...) not 100% accurate since the first battles in the game would be pretty boring otherwise. The miss chance adds an element that can break the monotony of spamming the same move over and over. These moves aren't properly balanced because Game Freak thought that early game battles weren't going to be very strategic or hard anyway... they were, of course, wrong.

[@EnderCreeper168]

But they buffed String Shot in gen 6! It now lowers speed by 2 stages instead of 1, I assume to make the move less worthless. I really don't get the reasoning.

[@andreescalona8902]

@@EnderCreeper168 it also hits both opponents in doubles like icy wind! But... Why would you use a pokemon that learns string shit in VGC? They all suck

[@jebbryant6522]

@@andreescalona8902 volcaronas pretty nice and it learns stringshot

[@yoshi_705]

wait they buffed string shot what

[@TheTuneAce]

Missing isn't fun

[@djwindex849]

The joke at 7:05 with the Cloyster was truly some 5000 IQ humor. I was cackling for a good few minutes. Thank you for that.

[@theworstghost123]

Flygon roasting Falkner for his “Johto birds” every run is something I live for.

[@1BlueYoshi]

That difference between HG and SS is mindblowing. It must be an oversight of some kind. I can't think of any possible reason why that would be done on purpose lmao

[@jasonandrews1770]

I think there was something similar back with the og gold and silver. Its weird

[@xRolyJoel]

What difference is that?

[@oodogla]

@@xRolyJoel The level of wild farfetche'd. It's pretty hard to miss if you watched the video.

[@BaconNuke]

There has got to be some reason or other difference in the games to compensate, ie some other mon is lvl 25 in SS while HG is lvl 24 as like an inverse since that is how this stuff usually works

[@tsawy6]

It's such a massive snowball on this single run from such a small difference

[@yashmishra3569]

Hey flygon Hg i have been watching you for a few months now and i just wanna say thank you for all this amazing content and keeping me entertained during these tough times i hope you have a good day and keep bringing out more such content

[@collinbrown9233]

This has to be one of the most tactically interesting runs I’ve seen. Well done

[@Sneavile]

I was impressed when you sketched dragon pulse in the middle of the Clair fight. That's the kind of stuff that you only see in a super specific challenge run like this!

[@cuanchulainn]

God the final 20 minutes had me on the edge of my seat!!!!! Matti's commentary never misses and he's such an intelligent player (usually) that it's fun seeing him navigate bad situations. Also him clutching the substitute plushie is peak cute, i need one for myself lol

[@aIoevera]

Damn, I can’t even use one smeargle in any game. Good on you for sticking this one out HG!

[@SillyInsaneGamer]

One will drive you absolutely insane; take it from me! LOL...

[@TheKotaCan]

Smeargles a gen 3 Pokemon and you will never change my mind.

[@ThumbSipper]

Yep, just like skarmory.

[@konokoekarashitebestending36]

Also Slugma.

[@sumstultus4441]

@@ThumbSipper I am glad I am not the only one who was convinced until very recently that Skarmory is a gen 3 Pokemon....

[@appelofdoom8211]

@@konokoekarashitebestending36 I knew I wasn't the only one that thought this for the longest time

[@iBlueBro]

My mind was blown when I first found out smeargle's actual origin generation

[@layarteBdnAevoL]

Smeargle's my favorite pokemon, thanks for doing this. I can tell from the first 5 minutes, this one's gonna be good. Edit: That was such a ride, there were so many twists and turns and your narration was on point the entire time to keep the suspense going. Also loved all the artwork you made for each of the smeargle's profile cards, not only naming them but giving them a bit of artwork dedicated to them brought forth a bit of individuality and emotional attachment to each despite them all being the same species. I'd love to see it continued into Kanto, but dang that must've been exhausting to pull off already. Good work, this video's nothing short of a masterpiece in my eyes.

[@rauchschwalbelp7693]

Pikasprey has a whole series dedicated to a Smeargle run, one for G/S/C and one for Firered.

[@adolfovelasquez5382]

This is such an original idea for a Nuzlocke playthrough, I really appreciate the effort you put in to this videos and how you keep making great content :)

[@zylifv]

Pikasprey did this 4 years ago

[@tsawy6]

@@zylifv His wasn't a nuzlocke, but he definitely deserves credit for the idea!

[@vertigo.frog2110]

@@tsawy6 No he does not lol, what idea?

[@DreamyShepherd]

Imagine feeling the need to credit a youtuber over the idea of use team of (Insert Gimmick Pokemon) This sort of thing has absolutely been done so many times before by people who aren't terminally online

[@greyscaleadaven]

I've been using a Smeargle on an ingame team for Su/Mo and it's been really fun to plan around getting new moves. Makes it feel like a blue mage from FF or something, very cool. But you also get insane moves like Fake Out (makuhita), Super Fang (gumshoos), Dragon Rage (salandit), and Spore (Parasect) super early in Su/Mo and obviously other games aren't as well built for smeargle to make it feel rewarding for doing your research and putting in a bit of extra time to get those moves in the first place. Regardless, ingame smeargle is really cool as a concept to me, because it was clearly designed with more advanced players in mind. Great vid btw as always

[@Razlah]

Haven’t played Pokémon in over a year, but dude your channel is one of the channels I always keep coming back to. Your challenges are always interesting and your commentary always has me chuckling. Keep up the awesome work.

[@jasonandrews1770]

Smeargle is basically a bard with magical secrets. I love it

[@1umbreon4life]

Honestly kinda surprised he hasn't revisited this yet for the post-game. It's one of the few challenges where Kanto would actually be as interesting as Johto was, since the strategizing is just as unique for each battle

[@zacherytaylor]

Genuinely one of the most entertaining runs I’ve seen on KZbin. I would LOVE to see you take these little artists through the postgame

[@Melirith]

I don't think I've ever seen this kind of nuzlocke challenge, great fun to watch! Love that you went the extra mile with the smeargle art, so much respect for the dedication to details like that

[@rauchschwalbelp7693]

Pikasprey did a Smeargle run (not Nuzlocke, but otherwise same) 4 years ago.

[@AlyxIsSpelledWeird]

We would love to see you get to Red, I hope I don't just speak for myself, because this was really entertaining to watch and the fact that you only took one attempt was very impressive, seeing you get to Red in the same attempt would be amazing, I could understand not wanting to do it though because if you wipe on the way there then you'll have to restart the entire challenge again instead of just from when you started the video, but all in all, thank you for making such a good content

[@alacritical7873]

my inner art nerd absolutely loves the names you chose for the Smeargle Squad and the adorably creative cards you present them with. this is one of my favorite videos of yours--which is saying a lot, given how terrific all of your videos are :D

[@indigoblue8600]

Those smeargle cards are astounding, your videos always have some extra flare that Akers them so rewatchable. Keep up the awesome work!

[@mickadriaansens5472]

I gasped out loud when this video finally came out, I have been following this on twitch on and off for a while! Love the challenge!

[@zharu6676]

My god the final minutes of this run had me clinging to my seat! So exciting! Rest in paradise, Anguissola! You are a legend.

[@potitishogun2961997]

You're by far one of the most creative, funny and skilled nuzlockers I've watched. Mad respect to you, sir! o7

[@noix666dezephir]

This seemed so ridiculously difficult. It’s as majestic as an epic from times of old.

[@BasketOfPuppies642]

There's a lot to love about your vids, but I specifically want to say that your photos of smeargle in each artist's style are a great addition.

[@danshevel1684]

Well... The Gamefreak dude who decided fire type couldn't be burned, definitely wasn't expecting that Charizard comment in Lance fight

[@featherglacier6822]

I know winning a nuzlocke with only Smeargles is 10x more of an achievement but I guessed the amount of deaths exactly and I'm overjoyed by that lmao

[@shuckletv3550]

The limitless moveset potential definitely seems a bit overwhelming. You handled it like a champ though. Awesome video. :)

[@mpepp9]

I used to love trolling my mate with the Spore, Mind Reader, Sheer Cold smeargle!

[@circusbugs_]

God I love the little strat you did with Monet You know what would have been funny? You should have given transform to Picasso, before he developed his own proper art he was known for copying others

[@PauloftheMoon]

“We name our rival fascism” just made me bark out loud and stop driving for a moment (not watching while driving, just listening to the audio).

[@kyal8133]

This hands down the best nuzlocke I hv ever seen. I literally be like "wow" after finishing the 1-hour long video. Thanks for the content!

[@sharps_81]

So very glad to hear that your Uncle Jimtendo is out of prison, we missed him greatly!

[@tabbithagordon2403]

I never knew that Smeargle had such garbage stats, but this run was absolutely amazing! I'm always excited to see what new kind of challenge you'll think of next.

[@rauchschwalbelp7693]

It's not new, Pikasprey did two Smeargle Challanges 4 years ago. Dude should at least credit him.

[@bonnie_158]

Interesting challenge let’s see how it goes Wow this went way better than I though it’d go, you mad lad

[@m24213]

This is the hardest run that you have ever had Flygon, I cannot believe you had the patience to sit there and do this, a lot of respect for that. On another note, the most important thing in this run is note how amazing spore actually is. A very little amount of pokemon can actually learn it. The grass fighting Breeloom, even with its insane amount of weaknesses, is an OU pokemon, because of spore ( it has other advantages like technician, poison heal, SW, Substitute. But spore is the reason its OU, you can be sure to get a focus punch a 150 BP move off a 130 attack).

[@corywest6224]

Dude the O’Keefe Cloyster innuendo is ELITE

[@calmguru1274]

Dude I've been out of work for over a good month at this point. Thankfully I've found something and will be back on my feet soon but man I can't over state how good it's been just binging your channel. While it is playing a silly kids game I can say your content is really entertaining and has helped stay calm through some tougher times

[@yezkhelromero2528]

I was so nervous at the end. This was an excellent nuzlocke

[@adv78]

Definitely one of the most interesting Hardcore Nuzlocke runs i've ever seen. And you're video is crazy good. I've seen a few others of yours but this was defintely your best so far imo. The concept of having just a weak pokemon but with almost every move in the game makes strategies really interesting, loved every second of it.

[@Firefly970]

What a great run, and a very entertaining video. I especially loved the artwork for every Smeargle, those were amazing. You maybe could have used those to represent what Smeargle you had on your team, to show it off a bit more, but that certainly did not detract from the quality of the video. The dedication and patience it must have taken to plan out and Sketch all the individual moves is really impressive. You really deserved that Hall of Fame entry. Thank you for taking us along for the ride. PS: I'd really like to see this creative bunch take on Kanto.

[@jowieramone2137]

Hey Fly, I binged all your challenges about two weeks ago and I've been so bored having nothing new to listen to while grinding/shiny hunting, I bet this will be a sick vid. Love it, keep it up!

[@enderwiggins8248]

Omigod you don’t know how excited I am to watch this! I saw it a bit on the vods but didn’t have enough time. This looks awesome!!!

[@viperv6768]

I have a soft spot for Smeargle after trying to make my own region and coming up with an evolution I called Rainbowow. A dumb name, but one that makes me giggle hearing how bad it is, so I love it.

[@rooiscool]

ive been trying to get more in to nuzlockes but its so hard, your videos are really engaging and very easy to process, thanks for all your hard work and incredible videos

[@JB-bc2ry]

Smeargle has been my favorite Pokemon since I played X as a kid, so glad to see it represented :)

[@joshuajennings4070]

"We name our starter Picasso" Alright makes sense, smeargle is the painter pokemon and picasso is a famous artist. 2 minutes later "We name our rival Fascism" what

[@discountchocolate4577]

Fascists regarded early 20th century modern art styles which strayed from more photorealistic classical styles as "degenerate" and sought to censor and purge them in an attempt to preserve their nostalgic and artificial notion of "traditional" European culture. They did this for the same reasons they violently attempted to purge "degenerate" peoples (e.g., ethnic minorities, people w/ disabilities, socialists, and communists). Picasso became famous for his cubist works (including Guernica, which depicted the confusion surrounding the Spanish Civil War), which necessarily took on some antifascist traits for merely existing as they did.

[@skeetermania3202]

@@discountchocolate4577 Supposedly they also oppose social democrats?

[@joshuajennings4070]

@Discount Chocolate Thanks for the explanation!

[@jsoyinka]

The Anguissola death hit particularly hard after she survived so long, amazing video as always, and once again I gotta say you're based af

[@larsm867]

Got me with the Luigi joke. I'm mad.

[@jacksonroe6034]

Hahaha i died at Georgia O’Keefe Smeargle @ 7:04

[@drewlynoted2039]

Hello FlygonHG, Love the content you put out. I have been doing some of my own nuzlockes and have nearly gotten my first video ready for a themed nuzlocke that was quite unique. I did a run a while back in fire red where I could only use 1 smeargle, it had to be extremely thought out but sometimes you just have to sketch a move. I did eventually win against the e4 and champ but it was a gruelling experience that I had to be lvl 100 for. Have been inspired by your runs to do more of my own and show them off to the world, keep it up.

[@VideoGameSlang]

12:46 Ironically Salvador Dali was a fan of fascism

[@thelegacyofgaming2928]

24:18 Imagine flying up into the sky as a Dragonite, and you just see a Smeargle flying behind you

[@Dzyntara]

I just love the effort that you put into these videos. It really sets you apart from other Pokétubers.

[@brianmcelligott6394]

Hey FlygonHG, I love your videos been keeping me sane during yet another lockdown....still trying to complete my first nuzlocke! Keep up the great content!

[@lukerton5643]

what a legend you are Dr. Flygon. I periodically stop by streams, and this challenge has been my favorite to see live and now as a finished project

[@daniel6678]

The Smeargle art in the style of the painter is such an excellent extra added touch

[@robbies3444]

Stuck at home sick, this video couldn’t have come at better time. Thank you Flygon

[@grittykitty24]

really great video, had a lot of fun watching! the cards for the smeargles were awesome, I hope you'll come back and do the kanto stuff with these painterly lads someday!

[@jeremyl2728]

I've done a full team of smeargle in fire Red and emerald but never thought of making it a nuzlocke that sounds terrifying and I can't wait to watch the video

[@tuiteyfruity5010]

Using rare candies is so valid. You had to train up SO MANY smeargles it would have been a really boring grind for levels when the goal is a grind for moves XD

[@brendanmanning2725]

Your challenge runs always have such cool themes, keep up the good work Flygon!

[@brandonc422]

This run is legendary. Great stuff man I loved watching this one! That Gengar Focus Blast situation had me worried thankfully it is only 70% and 5 PP but still that could've nearly wiped the team of painters if you got unlucky.

[@MyFriendsCallMeC0ach]

such an entertaining run. also that difference between HG and SS with farfetch'd highest catchable lvl being lvl 24 instead of lvl 25 is insane. i wonder if that was even discovered before because it's just so random. that being said i love how much i find out about the pokemon games through your runs. with well over 20 years playing the games i thought i knew pretty much everything there is to the games. your videos prove me wrong a lot though and i love it. wish you a healthy and happy 2022

[@caitlin4598]

I like how you still put the little team preview at the bottom. Just in case I forgot which pokemon you had

[@niravwadhwani2158]

You keep coming up with the most interesting nuzlocke challenges. Your content is thoroughly engaging. I hope that along with healthy breaks, you keep uploading and going strong.

[@rauchschwalbelp7693]

Not his own, Pikasprey did this twice 4 years ago.

[@rioluboy]

Honestly you have become one if not my favourite poketuber so far please keep making your incredible content

[@Shadowxx98]

In Pokemon randomizer runs your team/the world consists of a bunch of Dittos with an identity crisis. Here though, your team consists of a bunch of Dittos that lived a happy life, but became inspired by your smeargle artworks and decided to stay by your side as smeargle.

[@genericcatgirl]

The commentary and editing was ON POINT in this video! Best one yet

[@half8n191]

Another great and intensive run, really enjoyed this one! Good work!

[@jakubnowak649]

Incredibly creative challenge, thank you for the video! Also - my vote goes for beating the Kanto gyms and Red, it was really interesting in your nocturnal challenge

[@LuisRodriguez-sy5rs]

This is definitely my most favorite challenge locke you've ever done

[@cringies]

i listened to this video at work when i watched it for the first time, so i missed out on all the funny little drawings… i am SO glad i watched this again

[@xyznihall]

one of your best vids yet a great challenge and the editibg was top notch, the artist card for each smeargle was great too. great job mate

[@loorzie7953]

I am angry >:-( I usually watch your vids before bed but this one was so HYPE it completely got me over my sleep. Guess I'll just have to watch some more of your channel this night lol. Keep up the amazing content!

[@lexiebutler1706]

Yes! I watched all the vods for this I am stoked to see it come together in one of your awesome vids it's so much fun to watch!!

[@MoxieInfernape]

I was working and doing a bunch of tedious work while watching this video, so I was more so just listening to it. And when you said "Mag-nem-it-ee" I did a double take and had to look at whatever Pokemon you just called that. Well done, Flyjohn Ache-Gee.

[@petsounds3612]

Loved this challenge, you spoil us Flygon HG. Would definitely love to see Kanto

[@chrisbook7938]

I guessed 15 for the amount of Smeargles I thought would die, so when you got to the Elite Four with 9, I knew the only way I would be correct was if you wiped, so I guess I'm glad I was incorrect this time around

[@marlonlarry3656]

This is one of the most intetesting challnges I've seen in a Pokemon playthrough. Really nice video, really want to try this in a different game now

[@hedge5322]

Damn, if anyone could pull this off in one try, it is definitely you! Loved all the different Smeargle cards you made. Thanks for another wild ride!

[@addressedbyuly2947]

I would love to see a Kanto smeargle run

[@Popplio3323]

Since Smeargle can learn any move, I had an idea for a Smogon team that was Shell Smash, Recycle, Stored Power and a defense raising move holding a White Herb. Forgot how frail Smeargle is.

[@alolancubone4737]

You can pull off an offensive smeargle in doubles maybe, if you give to it enough support such as follow me and quick+wide guard mons. Pretty sure competitively speaking it’ll suck, but well the idea is for the memes? I’d recommend a set with protect + tail glow, then two attacks that are multi hit. Surf/Discharge/Heat Wave/Hyper Voice would be great options. Tailglow support for Smeargle to outspeed would also be needed most of the time.

[@oodogla]

I've tried offensive smeargle and it's a lot easier to just use spore then substitute and hope they sleep or switch, which gives you a turn to use shell smash.

[@Pvp_clues]

Dude this was EPIC. I’d love to see smeargles in ALL play throughs not sure which are possible but would love to see them all (fire red if possible, emerald/omega ruby/sapphire, Platinum, BDSP, etc etc etc) most thrilling nuzlocke with the sketch possibilities and you are a master of theory craft.

[@gameperson5]

Love that this came out as I'm doing my first soulsilver nuzlocke

[@totallynameless8861]

Please do Kanto (when you've recovered from this)! This was intense.

[@AnAshenSpirit]

Pikasprey mode

[@MinnesotaExpat]

I did a presentation on Cassatt back in high school, so I knew those paintings immediately! Nice to see her getting some more recognition.

[@nolsee1176]

Serebii is actually full of errors like that, ranging from small to moderate. Bulbapedia all the way.

[@nalinparihar]

I think you dont know the clair fight was very scarier than you thought because dragonair's have shed skin as their ability thus they had like 1 in 3 chance to wake up and absolutely destroy you Edit: Ya Never mind I didn't know completely about shed skin

[@nalinparihar]

@@FlygonHG oh wait you are right I thought it activates immediately for some reason