Soul Link Rules

Each player follows the Nuzlocke catch and permanent-death rules in a separate playthrough. Their catches are then linked to the other player’s Pokémon. Nuzlocke University describes a two-player version played through the same game or corresponding games in the same generation.

Before starting, record the editions, the end goal and which areas correspond. Using games with matching progression makes that agreement easier to follow. If the games have different layouts, create the mapping before taking encounters rather than pairing two convenient catches afterwards.

The rules sheet also states when the rules begin, how gifts and static encounters count, which duplicate and shiny clauses apply, which battle restrictions are used and what happens after a full-party wipe. Both players should agree on these choices before starting.

Under the usual Soul Link rules, the first eligible Pokémon caught in corresponding areas become partners. If either player fails the catch, the other cannot use the Pokémon from that pair. If a member faints later, both members become permanently unavailable. The linked partner cannot be paired with another catch, even if it is still healthy.

Before moving on, both players should confirm how their encounters ended. Record both catches, or record the failed encounter and the forfeited partner. A species name alone is insufficient: two catches of the same species from different areas still belong to different pairs.

Under the usual rules, linked Pokémon must be in their players’ parties together. Boxing one also means boxing the partner. Both may return later if they are still alive and the rest of the rules allow it. A pair lost through death or a failed catch cannot return.

Both players should check their teams before adding a pair. One Pokémon may be suited to the next opponent, while its partner leaves the other team unable to handle a threat. Check whether another available pair would leave both teams better prepared.

Evolution or a team change does not change which Pokémon are linked. Keep the original area and partner recorded even when the species or nickname changes. A pair label or shared note helps distinguish several similar catches without changing who belongs together.

Some creators require one male and one female Pokémon per pair and ban repeated primary types across both active parties. The archived Diamond and Pearl series rules from ShadyPenguinn and TheKingNappy include both restrictions. Nuzlocke University lists shared primary-type restrictions as an additional convention. These restrictions apply to those versions of Soul Link and are optional for other runs.

For a type clause, agree whether it covers primary types or both types and whether it applies to active parties or every living pair. Decide what happens if evolution changes a Pokémon’s type. For a gender clause, decide how genderless Pokémon count and which player encounters a Pokémon first. Write down which encounters may be skipped to satisfy the clause.

If a legal catch produces a pair that cannot join the current parties under the type rule, distinguish “caught but boxed” from “failed encounter”. A reserve pair can become useful after another pair leaves the team. Marking that pair as a failed catch would remove it from the available reserves.

The players need to keep each other informed, even when they are not playing at the same pace. Before looking for a new encounter, confirm which areas will be paired. Before a major fight, confirm the active pairs and any agreed cap. After a loss, pause long enough to update both teams.

Agree when to pause so neither player continues with a partner that can no longer be used. For example, either player can call a pause after a death, failed catch or disputed encounter. If the other player is already in battle, the rules sheet should say how to resolve that situation. The pause rule is a suggested house rule and needs both players’ agreement.

A randomizer is common in Soul Link, but the linking rule itself does not require one. If randomized games are used, both players should record the configuration and identify which data has changed. Guides to the original game may list different encounters and opponent teams.

Blanc’s published Black 2 and White 2 run on Bulbagarden uses no randomizer. Its rules also omit type restrictions. Other Soul Link runs may use different house rules.

Agree whether a wipe ends the shared run immediately or whether surviving reserve pairs can replace the defeated team. Also define the finish line for both players. Reaching the chosen ending on one side while the other still has required fights leaves the cooperative goal unfinished.