>>48168419Beginning of the game was the exact same up through Roxanne.
Instead of fighting Brawly, I deliver Steven's letter and took a detour to Slateport. After catching Wattson the Electrike, I carefully managed my experience around level 18 so I could defeat every required trainer before May.
The fact that Norman evolves into Vigoroth right at level 18 is what makes May possible, as I can safely deal with her Lombre/Slugma, and Yawn Marshtomp while healing with Slack Off to keep at a safe HP and whittling it down with Fury Swipes.
At Mauville, I can get what I need - a Thunderbolt TM from the Game Corner. I teach this to Wattson then go to absolute town on the Ralts population of Route 102 to beef up his SpA as much as possible.
Finally, I head back to the gym, and Brawly is incredibly easy, Wattson tears through his team with extreme ease and only takes a single Vital Throw from Makuhita in the process.
I can't get Nosepass until I defeat the actual Wattson, as for some reason it's locked to Rock Smash-encounter only.
