A very patient Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen player has managed to defeat the Elite Four while only using Status moves to damage their opponents. The restrictions of this Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen challenge mean that every battle requires lots of patience to get through, so it’s pretty incredible that they’ve managed to beat the game’s most significant challenge under these conditions.
Game Freak and Nintendo confirmed Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen‘s Nintendo Switch port in late February 2026. This release is a small part of The Pokemon Company’s 30th anniversary celebrations, and marks the first time these classic titles became available on any platform outside the Game Boy Advance. Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen are remakes of the Gen 1 games, and at over 22 years old, are classics in their own right. The recent re-releases have sparked a surge in popularity for both titles, as general excitement for the wider franchise grows ahead of the upcoming Generation 10.
Yes, You Can Truly Beat Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen’s Elite Four With a Magikarp
Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen can be a bit punishing due to the type chart and version exclusives, but you could beat the whole game with a Magikarp.
Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen Player Defeats Elite Four Without Ever Directly Attacking
Redditor Lukeluster has completed a pretty incredible challenge, after beating the entirety of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen (including the Elite Four) exclusively using Status moves. Each Pokemon on their lineup has a host of crucial Status moves to drain their opponent’s health, heal themselves, and just generally make it more difficult for their enemies to hit them. Because Status moves take a while to down a Pokemon, Lukeluster will have required tons of patience to make this challenge work, especially during the Elite Four, where beating each member is difficult enough when dealing direct damage. Their reward is one of the most impressive Hall of Fame lineups to date, and the general satisfaction of their achievement.
Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen Elite Four Status Move-Only Team
- Slowbro – Attract, Toxic, Withdraw, and Amnesia
- Venusaur – Leech Seed, Synthesis, Poison Powder, and Sleep Powder
- Ninetales – Attract, Confuse Ray, Will-O-Wisp, and Safeguard
- Haunter – Curse, Destiny Bond, Confuse Ray, and Attract
- Lapras – Perish Song, Attract, Confuse Ray, and Safeguard
- Graveler – Defense Curl, Mud Sport, Attract, and Strength
According to the player, the only move on their roster that could potentially deal direct damage was Graveler’s Strength, although that was only used to break the rocks on Victory Road. Venusaur’s Leech Seed was particularly important throughout the early game, while poison-based moves became more important as the game progressed. Overall, they described Infatuation as the most important Status, which is why Attract features on five Pokemon in this FireRed and LeafGreen challenge run.
For as long as the Pokemon games have existed, players have been taking on unique challenges that deliberately make it more difficult to beat them. There’s no reward for this beyond the satisfaction of the achievement, and players have been doing the exact same thing upon the recent re-release of the Gen 1 remakes. For example, one Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen player managed to beat the Elite Four using only a single Caterpie, which required plenty of patience of its own.
Excitement continues to build about what The Pokemon Company has planned for the franchise’s 30th anniversary. It’s a huge milestone, and the company will not let it pass without huge celebrations. Earlier this year, it confirmed that Pokemon Gen 10 will launch in 2027 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. While it’s sad that Pokemon Winds and Waves won’t arrive in time for the 30th anniversary, it’s better that Game Freak has more time to polish the games to make them the best they possibly can be.
- Released
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September 7, 2004
- ESRB
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Everyone 10+ / Mild Fantasy Violence, Simulated Gambling
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer
