This Starter Changed Pokemon Platinum Speedruns Forever

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Thanks to the following people for their speedrun contributions! Be sure to check their channels out:
Video Footage
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‪@scoagogo‬ - Piplup
‪@craftedite‬ - Chimchar
Special Thanks!
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​Scoagogo for helping me with information!
Thumbnail Art
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/ lycelart
PulseEffects is a Pokemon Speedrunning focused KZbin channel with an emphasis on teaching you how truly fun it is to Speedrun Pokemon games. You'll find Speedrunning Tutorials and Pokemon Speedruns ranging from Pokemon Crystal, all the way up to latest releases Pokemon Sword and Shield. Whether you have an interest in learning Pokemon Speedrunning, or you just enjoy Speedrunning content, this is the place to be! Hit Subscribe and ring that bell icon to see how it EFFECTS your Pokemon experience!
📧Business Inquiries: [e-mail]

[@PulseEffects]

🐒 or🐧?

[@lulutheplayer4077]

🐢, but it is unfortunately too slow😅

[@wartab]

🐒

[@olivedavid3221]

🐧

[@grizifu]

🐧

[@PlatinumStrife]

🐒

[@typemasters2871]

It would be cool if there was a gimmick category of “Turtwig starter glitchless” where the player has to pick Turtwig and has to keep Turtwig in their party at all times

[@legoerofeggos]

There is, go to the category extensions for pokemon platinum on the leaderboard, and go to "alt main pokes," and there are a couple runs for torterra as the main pokemon.

[@typemasters2871]

@@legoerofeggos nice, thanks for informing me

[@dlrsnate5100]

Is turtwig so unviable that it is a gimmick to use ?

[@MrDdeded]

@@dlrsnate5100literally adds another turn to most battles because his speed is low. The opposing Pokémon will usually outspeed

[@Saddi_qui]

Will you have to keep Turtwig or can you use Torterra?

[@alexpotts6520]

Bubble has *20* base power, it's honestly tragic for it. If Piplup learnt Water Gun instead there'd be no contest.

[@plogplog207]

or a special pluck alternative maybe even icy wind

[@solitare4602]

@@plogplog207 Do you mean the 40BP Gust? Or 55BP Air Cutter? 40BP Powder Snow? All of these moves are in Gen IV BTW. I don't know why Piplup can't learn these. It's stupid. This kind of thing is why Fire Types suck early in Gen V. They only get the 30BP Incinerate instead of 40BP Ember early on. Even the Victini that you can get super early in BW gets it's butt kicked early on because of Incinerate. 50BP Flame Charge doesn't help much either because by that point you need 60BP moves. It gets a little better with 75BP Flame Shot, but by that point you want to be using 80 to 100 BP moves.

[@yoshiegg95]

Can't wait for the suprise takeover of Torterra

[@C4lmaria]

My man cant even flee from wild encounters by itself

[@alexbrown8900]

@@C4lmaria buy repels and give him choice scarf. I call it

[@C4lmaria]

@@alexbrown8900 that takes time

[@alexbrown8900]

@@C4lmaria i was kidding anyways

[@mykittystinksbad2]

@@C4lmaria My man? lmao what?

[@C4lmaria]

0:54 love how "pachirisu" is one of the boss battles

[@lucygirl1111]

well he is the dragon slayer for a reason

[@eltipidemalaguero]

He won a championship after all

[@GamingWarlord64]

If only it could be my boi!!!!!! but I understand he is very slow

[@lulutheplayer4077]

My favourite starter of all time is Turtwig. Really cute but unfortunately slow😅🌱🐢

[@PulseEffects]

Just for Turtwig 😢✊️

[@xaldrortenderofthevats8948]

Grass type gang

[@brucepotter8817]

Rip turtwig

[@naaga7932]

I pick turtwig cause I put the green first😤

[@All4Games4]

Trust in monkey, monkey cares for your mental well being. Penguin wants you to experience endless anxiety.

[@aaravreddy9263]

True

[@TheAuraGuardian]

That's really cool Pulse, but did you know that you can beat Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl in under 15 minutes???

[@PulseEffects]

No way that's crazy. 😱

[@wilma_wessels]

Turtwig is the king of speedrunning in my heart. even if he's not in the race for it.

[@88porpoise]

Wait, did I hear Werster sticking with his water type starter against the new challenger? I can't believe he would ever do such a thing.

[@minutosdesapercibidosesp-e4508]

''B-but my Monkeh is stronk you just need to-'' *''116 Surfs''*

[@flamechomp5075]

Crazy how much changes overtime, sure Chimchar starts off better in terms of speedrun strats, but doesn't finish off as strong. Piplup on the other hand certainly had the tougher early game (which thankfully is made easier through RNG manip) and thankfully has a strong finish, as an Empoleon especially with the choice specs which makes it insane with it's higher special attack.

[@j.fischer707]

Thanks for summarizing the video I guess😅

[@Xaaaach]

Well now someone needs to get the world record with Turtwig

[@Condetg]

Really interesting videos you are making. Thanks for the insight of pokémon speedrunning.

[@chuuu4610]

Don’t worry ma grass turtle summer child… I like you even if you’re slow.

[@scoagogo]

Piplup has lost the battle, but the war is far from over. Piplup will dominate once more!

[@piralos1329]

Super interesting and cool video, thank you for the insight into it!! Also, shout out to the gravity rush music. What a blast from the past. Still wish those games had had a better reception, and more love.

[@PulseEffects]

Gravity Rush has a very special place in my heart. I'm at least glad it was ported from Vita to consoles! 🙏

[@MattMorency]

The penguin emperor commands: execute level 66.

[@Hidden_Fern]

Really liked how you broke down the differences in the routes and why diff parts would take them longer or shorter, very interesting as always!

[@metleon]

Thumnail should have had Turtwig patting Piplup on the back like "It'll be ok."

[@CinJyxxe]

I cannot even begin to express to you why I thought this video, which was a fantastic and well thought out analysis of Platinum speedrunning with a relatively serious tone, would end with you joking about Torterra being the best starter and leaving the question unanswered. But I was ready for it down to the cellular level.

[@PulseEffects]

Man...I should have done this LOL

[@hitavi4965]

As someone whose always loved chimchar since I got it as my first ever pokemon back in platinum I love to see how it's on top, but honestly I think eventually that record is gonna fall to empoleon's surf in double battles

[@-penta-1357]

I think the debate should be less about who's the fastest and instead focus more on who's the most consistent. If Chimchar is able to finish more runs, which in turn leads to a more healthy competition and helps improve the speedrun meta for the game, then I'm Team Monkey all the way.

[@sagacious03]

Neat analysis video! Thanks for uploading!

[@FAI_CW]

Huh...heavy sunshine routes would be cool actually. Never gave that a thought before

[@romanfuchs1932]

8:50. Why, why were you so evil haha!

[@BrittleBook326]

Oh please, everyone knows the best starter is unquestionably Turtwig

[@Thund3rDrag0n12]

This is an interesting discussion. In my opinion, Chimchar is overall better due to the early game. The early game's the hardest part of most Pokemon games because the Pokemon and trainers are at a relatively similar power level to you compared to the late game where you're at a much higher level and have EVs. So I'd say having a good early game and late game is overall better than having a dicey early game and an excellent late game. It'd be interesting to see what it would be like if Infernape learned Heat Wave though

[@nicolaistuhlmuller8718]

In a speedrun you're generally leveled far below your opponents, after all Empoleon finishes on level 67, a lower level than Cynthia's Garchomp. Kanto speedruns are even harder, you finish on level 53, 10 or even 12 levels beyond the rival's starter. As for what matters more, generally in the lategame opponents have huge teams while early on you're only facing trainers with one or two mons, so for a speedrun a better lategame often saves more time. However an unreliable part of a speedrun will always be annoying, but if the riskier route is faster, then it's the better one.

[@DemonLordRaiden]

@@nicolaistuhlmuller8718 Unless it's so risky that it's just not feasible. I'm certain someone will come along with a perfect Piplup time one of these days due to the nature of things, but unless you're pushing WRs, Chimchar run is better due to consistency. And that's assuming it can't also shave off time like the Piplup route can.

[@mrfixa7702]

Good vid, this one alone deserves a sub

[@samelol8149]

I have always wondered what moves become viable if you keep move animations enabled(like a memerun theorycrafting)

[@JZer0]

I FEEL like physicals are going to dominate as the specials are way flashier and slower. haven't tested this.

[@edra2005]

Reminds me of the pokemon anime where chimchar steals food from piplup and they both fight and escape from Rowans lab while turtwig just continues eating

[@christopherballero866]

Poor Turtwig not even in the running though I go with consistency over potentially better rates but luck dependent

[@houraisheperd9721]

I like the Gravity Rush music in the background.

[@KillerKill95]

Would've been funny to add a little part for turtwig, saying something like "Oh we don't even mention Turtwig, with its awful world record of x:xx:xx"

[@sandrobarreto7002]

8:53 oscar-worthy evil laugh

[@piyush1176]

For me it just seemed like Infernape with low sweep was all you needed to One shot anyone except ofc those who were immune to it.

[@krisiverse]

Someone should submit a Piplup vs Chimchar race to GDQ

[@driptcg]

Nice video, editing

[@Vanderon500]

Can you do a video where you talk about the speed run Pokémon for each game. Some are unexpected; I’ve seen Nidoking for Red and Stoutland for Black and White. I want to know if there are any other unexpected ones

[@astridvalkyrie8458]

The irony of the precise speedrun being best done on the rng monkeh going ape xD

[@SonCosmo]

i love that chimp

[@Jugement]

So basically high floor vs high ceiling

[@__thebadger]

I feel like if you can spend a minute or two getting the lucky egg, you can also spend a minute or two getting the earthquake tm for infernape, that can help with a lot of the double battles.

[@skyeschlueter9877]

It's really funny to me that Chimchar finishes more runs but Piplup's runs are better.

[@Sleepingfishie]

This is the best video yet

[@idontwantahandlethough]

Bro you have an _exceptional_ evil laugh

[@Mr.Hellboi]

as soon as you evolve chimchar it learns mach punch and other moves that set you up for all your weaknesses

[@Skel_fgc]

Truly a rough day for fellow Turtwig lovers

[@ramon2b2t]

ITS SO CRAZY THAT THE TIMES FOR BOTH MONS ARE 44 SECONDS APART

[@TCStink3]

*GUYS! IT’S TCNICK3!*

[@lucygirl1111]

it would have been very funny if it would have been said all these calculations and the best mon to speed run is turtwig XD

[@ButtAflyLP]

That mass effect OS hits different when you haven't played the game in ages

[@Roseyfinchartworks]

Heart eyes 😍 for the Mass effect instrumental you have my heart AND my attention

[@choengchilling]

Finally sinnoh speedruns😎🥰😍💪👌

[@cs7230]

I find it interesting that you use your starter throughout the entire game. Would have thought that maybe another mon you can catch at the start would be better.

[@mariogorgees3489]

this war can easily be solved with a TAS

[@autumnshinespark]

I used to do casual Diamond speedruns with Chimchar, but yeah Hidden Power let me challenge the first gym before evolving.

[@leotrollstoy2351]

So it seems like the way to make a determination is to do two separate tas

[@evachado1008]

Its kinda poetic that piplup is harder cuz in the dex it says that piplup is hard to train.

[@PlayMadness]

In the sex 👀

[@mrfixa7702]

Chimchar was insane, bug types couldnt handle the ember, monferno’s mach punch screwed up rock types hard, infernape was quick and had enough dmg

[@traba1023]

This need to be settled at a gdq

[@ultimapower6950]

NO: it would better settled on ESA

[@Lokiip]

Chimchar chimchar chimchar chimchar

[@user-ei8vz8xy1j]

we might need to product TAS run of both starter to completed this answer

[@nicolaistuhlmuller8718]

In a TAS Piplup wins by far, but it's so incredibly unlikely that it pretty much won't be reproduced even remotely ever.

[@oliverleonard7730]

Be interesting to see how this changes with Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

[@bluenovacorgi8230]

I miss gen 5 sprites so bad 😭😭😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️ wish they would make a comeback....

[@user-AADZ]

6:56 Roarick msm?! 💀

[@Cool-fr8dv]

Extremely common Piplup W

[@daddyespressodepresso2207]

I find it very interesting that the Infernape route goes for a Physical Moveset. Sure maximizing that early Mach Punch damage might be great, but Infernape still has an equally good Special Atk stat and has access to a lot of great special moves as well, including a 95 base power Flamethrower and a 100BP Heat Wave that also hits both opponents in Doubles. It even gets Vaccum Wave in Platinum. Maybe a Special Set with Timid or Modest nature could be enough to make use of that Choice Specs in the late game and be able to avoid the time loss from the extra text from Flare Blitz and Close Combat. It would also increase the damage of Grass Knot

[@PulseEffects]

It uses Grass Knot and Flamethrower quite a bit! The late game hardly needs special moves though.

[@jansonshrock2859]

my belief is that most of Infernape's counters you see in platinum are weaker physically or weak to fighting moves, with the few exceptions (heavy ground types) being extra squishy to grass knot, which as you say could still work in a physical attacking infernape due to his mostly equal attack/spa stats. Additionally Infernape can learn earthquake through TM

[@craftedite]

None of these moves are viable for the speedrun: Flamethrower TM - Massive detour to Fuego ironworks to get Heat Wave - only available from a move tutor post game Vaccum Wave - Big timeloss collecting shards and going to move tutor (for a very low base power move)

[@worldsboss]

Or they could just use Turtwig and accept that they can't have nice things

[@e7193]

this guy has the exact same voice as hoopsandhiphop and papasea ☠️

[@mineyvoid1308]

I like the turtle.

[@GoodDayPenguin]

PIPLUP YEAHH

[@BooHi]

Meanwhile Turtwig speedrun is over 4 hours lol

[@CovalentNetworkSolid]

I wonder how much the difference in record comes down to number of runs finished since early game is so miserable for the penguin

[@vinny4765]

We still use Piplup for post game runs though, right? I don't actually remember.

[@250914616672152]

who would be faster pipul with stronger early move or infernape with move than hits both pokemon?

[@PulseEffects]

Leaning a bit towards Chimchar!

[@renegaderaven3777]

With no context I kinda just figured Chimchar would be better

[@tho_tho]

Meanwhile as a Turtwig fan, it's sad to see how it gets screwed over so badly, Intimidate from Gyarados and the many Staravia, Bronzors and Bronzongs always defaulting to Levitate instead of Heatproof, no access to Rock Slide/Stone Edge until way later on to deal with flying mons, etc., even if it sweeps through the league and most gyms (besides Crusher Wake) without the tiniest of troubles. Really wish it was viable for speedruns, but even when it's not, it's still the starter I'll always pick! PS: It's Roark, you butchered the poor kid's name so many times lol

[@AverageGamerGuyPlays]

Platinum Race: Piplup vs Chimchar at GDQ coming up?

[@nicolaistuhlmuller8718]

I mean if Piplup's main issue is that almost any run fails before it picks up then a live event may not be the best place for it.

[@AverageGamerGuyPlays]

@@nicolaistuhlmuller8718 You’ve never seen a run with a backup cart?

[@Tech344]

Well bibarel answer most hms needed and infernape can learn the few hms too

[@therealx2907]

PLAPP for life

[@whocaresaboutmyname2535]

Poor TCNick3 Man...

[@MaikDreijer]

Monkey = fun Penguin = PLS RNGESUS Nah. I'm running Monkey bro.

[@aronjacob465]

My favorite starter in sinnoh is chimchar but what about torterra he deserves love ngl

[@noonenothing3898]

*sad turtwig noises*

[@genehom7147]

choosing chimchar solves the problem

[@ChocoKayke]

My fellow Turtwig fans... If we put our heads together, we can overtake them.

[@flamefox0926]

POV; Me a turtwig enjoyer in pokemon platinum because I like smell of plants

[@corbinmoore96]

What about Torterra? c;

[@SJrad]

When in doubt, TAS it out

[@cuteygooki]

I love Empoleon

[@LocalDiscordCatgirl]

So, I’m always going to take the *one* fire pokemon evolution line of the generation over something I can replace by fishing. D/P/P had the Chimchar line and the Ponyta line. Those were the only fire pokemon of those games

[@enriqueestrella3609]

Can you talk about a turtwig speed run.

[@ShadowDoyler]

Now do it again but with Turtwig

[@frankiemorga2873]

They need to rename glitchless runs into rng runs

[@PlayMadness]

I figured Chimchar would make up a lot of time on the ice type gym leader (I can't remember her name)

[@sebastianescalante5618]

Candice

[@PlayMadness]

@@sebastianescalante5618 Candice dick fit in yo mouf haha gottem

[@stylinsandwich]

​@@sebastianescalante5618Candice nuts fit in your mouth

[@gaminggoddess85]

"Roark" is really hard to say, huh

[@watercat1248]

What about the grass starter ?

[@toastertrudel104]

bro is this LS? from league?

[@user-ow4jt4vc5k]

i completed pokemon platinum with a chimchar and quagsire in 5 hours by accident