How Pokémon Black 2 & White 2 Challenge Mode Increases Difficulty

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 contain an option called Challenge Mode, an altered version of the game that serves to make certain aspects generally more difficult. When it comes to Pokémon games, the overall difficulty of the experience is largely predetermined. Players can approach the game with a different team of six Pokémon, or even use Nuzlocke challenge rules to limit themselves, but the challenge to overcome will remain the same. Black and White 2 took a different approach.

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2‘s Challenge Mode can be accessed through the game’s Key System feature. Upon defeating Black 2‘s champion (Challenge Mode’s key is version-exclusive), players obtain a key that allows a new save file to be started with Challenge Mode active. From there, the key must be transferred to another copy of either Black 2 or White 2 via the Unova Link. Having received the key, Challenge Mode can be enabled to alter aspects of the game that increase difficulty.

Pokémon Black and White 2‘s addition of Challenge Mode is a unique feature compared other games in the series. No mainline Pokémon game before, or since, has included a difficulty selection. Still, the multitude of steps required to unlock the mode could potentially have prevented some people from ever experiencing it. Here are some of the changes a save file will experience with Challenge Mode active.

What Pokémon Black and White 2’s Challenge Mode Changes

Higher-Leveled Trainer Pokémon

Trainers in Challenge Mode have higher-leveled Pokémon compared to their original counterparts. Early opponents will gain 1 level, but late-game adversaries can be up to 5 levels higher.

Smarter Trainer AI

Challenge Mode opponents will approach battles with more optimal strategies rather than using the same move repeatedly. They might set up weather effects, focus on inflicting status effects, or boost a Pokémon’s stats with moves.

Additional Held Items

Some Pokémon will carry held items in Challenge Mode. Gym Leaders will have one or multiple Pokémon with restorative Oran or Sitrus Berries. Elite Four members, on the other hand, will equip each of their Pokémon with a competitive item such as a Life Orb, Choice Scarf, or Leftovers.

Additional Gym Leader Pokémon

Both Gym Leaders and Elite Four members will have an additional Pokemon added to their existing team. For example, Leader Drayden’s team include an Altaria, and Elite Four Caitlin will use a new Metagross.

Different Pokémon Move Sets

Certain Pokémon on Gym Leader and Elite Four teams will have different moves in Challenge Mode. Often, these new moves will serve to cover the Pokémon’s weaknesses, such as Leader Marlon’s Wailord gaining Earthquake to deal with Electric-type Pokémon.

Higher Pokémon IVs

Additionally, Gym Leader and Elite Four Pokémon have beneficial IVs in Challenge Mode. Each Pokémon has had their IVs changed to 30, resulting in optimized stats.

These challenges all work together to create a more difficult experience that will appeal to veteran players of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, offering a chance at more satisfying encounters that ask trainers to be at the top of their game. It’s a mode that future Pokémon games might do well to consider implementing as their popularity and reach continue to expand.

About The Author

Justin Loveland
(90 Articles Published)

Justin is a Gaming Features Writer for Screen Rant, and a graduate of Quinnipiac University. Based in Connecticut, he is also currently a staff writer for Parish Property Management in Pelham, NY, as well as an avid fan of fantasy fiction. Justin has enjoyed a variety of games since his beginnings with the Nintendo 64 and original PlayStation.

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