Relive the Nostalgia: Build Your Own Gen 1 Pokémon Battle Simulator Using Google Sheets
The original Pokémon games (Red, Blue, and Yellow) hold a special place in the hearts of many ’90s kids. From the iconic cries of Pikachu and Charizard to the thrill of defeating Gym Leaders, these games defined a generation. But what if you could recreate the magic of Gen 1 Pokémon battles in a tool as simple as Google Sheets? Enter the world of DIY battle simulators—a creative way to merge nostalgia with modern spreadsheet skills.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to build a basic yet functional Gen 1 Pokémon battle simulator using Google Sheets. Whether you’re a Pokémon enthusiast, a spreadsheet nerd, or someone who loves retro gaming, this project offers a fun blend of strategy, math, and creativity.
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Why a Spreadsheet Simulator?
Before diving into the mechanics, you might wonder: Why use Google Sheets for a battle simulator? The answer lies in its flexibility. Spreadsheets allow you to organize data, automate calculations, and visualize outcomes—all critical for simulating turn-based combat. Plus, Google Sheets is free, collaborative, and accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
While professional battle simulators like Pokémon Showdown exist, building your own version teaches valuable skills. You’ll learn how to use formulas, conditional formatting, and even basic scripting while reliving classic Pokémon strategies.
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Setting Up Your Battle Simulator
Step 1: Create Your Pokémon Database
Every battle starts with data. Begin by compiling a list of Gen 1 Pokémon and their base stats (HP, Attack, Defense, Speed, Special). Resources like Bulbapedia or Serebii offer accurate numbers. Organize this data in a sheet named “Pokédex.”
For example:
| Pokémon | Type 1 | Type 2 | HP | Attack | Defense | Speed | Special |
|———–|——–|——–|—-|——–|———|——-|———|
| Charizard | Fire | Flying | 78 | 84 | 78 | 100 | 85 |
| Blastoise | Water | – | 79 | 83 | 100 | 78 | 85 |
Use the `IMPORTRANGE` or `IMPORTDATA` functions to pull stats directly from online sources if you don’t want to input them manually.
Step 2: Design the Battle Interface
Create a new sheet labeled “Battle.” This is where the action happens. Design a simple interface with two sections: one for the player’s Pokémon and one for the opponent. Include fields for:
– Active Pokémon names
– Current HP
– Moves (with type, power, and accuracy)
– Buttons for selecting moves (using data validation dropdowns)
For visual flair, use conditional formatting to change a Pokémon’s HP bar color based on remaining health.
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Simulating Battle Mechanics
Step 3: Program Turn Order
In Gen 1, turn order is determined by a Pokémon’s Speed stat. To replicate this:
1. Use the `RAND` function to generate a random number (0–1) for each Pokémon.
2. Multiply Speed by this number. The Pokémon with the higher result attacks first.
Example formula:
“`
=IF((Player_Speed RAND()) > (Opponent_Speed RAND()), “Player First”, “Opponent First”)
“`
Step 4: Calculate Damage
Ah, the heart of any battle simulator! Gen 1 damage calculation follows this formula:
“`
Damage = (((2 Level / 5 + 2) Attack_Power (Attacker_Attack / Defender_Defense)) / 50 + 2) Modifier
“`
Modifier accounts for type effectiveness (e.g., Water vs. Fire), STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus), and random variance.
Break this down in your spreadsheet:
– Use `VLOOKUP` to pull move power and type from your database.
– Calculate type effectiveness using nested `IF` statements or a reference matrix.
– Add STAB (multiply by 1.5 if the move’s type matches the Pokémon’s type).
Step 5: Track HP and Status Effects
Subtract damage from the defender’s HP. Use conditional formatting to highlight critical hits or low health. For status effects like “Sleep” or “Paralysis,” create dropdown menus that alter move availability or Speed stats.
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Adding Automation with Google Apps Script
For a smoother experience, automate repetitive tasks with Google Apps Script (GAS). For example:
– Write a script to reset HP after a battle.
– Create custom buttons to trigger attacks instead of manually updating cells.
Here’s a simple script to handle a basic attack:
“`javascript
function playerAttack() {
const sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getSheetByName(“Battle”);
const damage = sheet.getRange(“B10”).getValue(); // Assume damage is calculated in cell B10
const opponentHP = sheet.getRange(“D5”).getValue(); // Opponent’s HP in D5
sheet.getRange(“D5”).setValue(opponentHP – damage);
}
“`
Link this script to a button in your “Battle” sheet for one-click attacks!
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Example Battle: Pikachu vs. Squirtle
Let’s put your simulator to the test! Imagine a battle where Pikachu (Level 30) faces Squirtle (Level 25).
1. Turn Order: Pikachu’s Speed (90) vs. Squirtle’s (43). Pikachu likely goes first.
2. Pikachu’s Move: Thunder Shock (Power 40, Electric).
– Damage = (((230/5 + 2) 40 (55/65)) /50 +2) 2 (Water is weak to Electric) 1.5 (STAB) ≈ 42 HP.
3. Squirtle’s HP: Starts at 44. After one hit, it drops to 2 HP.
4. Squirtle’s Move: Tackle (Power 40, Normal).
– Damage = (((225/5 +2) 40 (48/35)) /50 +2) ≈ 27 HP.
– Pikachu’s HP drops from 70 to 43.
In the next turn, Pikachu finishes Squirtle with another Thunder Shock. Victory!
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Expanding Your Simulator
Once the basics work, enhance your simulator with:
– Multiple Pokémon Teams: Let users switch Pokémon mid-battle.
– Experience Gain: Automatically level up Pokémon after battles.
– AI Opponents: Use `RANDBETWEEN` to randomize the opponent’s move choices.
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Why This Matters Beyond Nostalgia
Building a battle simulator isn’t just fun—it’s educational. You’ll gain hands-on experience with:
– Data Management: Organizing large datasets (Pokémon stats, moves).
– Problem Solving: Debugging formulas or balancing damage calculations.
– Basic Coding: Automating tasks with Google Apps Script.
For teachers, this could even be a classroom project to teach math or logic!
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Ready to Build Your Own?
With Google Sheets and a little creativity, you can recreate the excitement of Gen 1 battles while sharpening your technical skills. Share your simulator with friends, challenge them to duels, or tweak the mechanics to invent new rules. After all, the spirit of Pokémon has always been about experimentation, strategy, and community.
Grab your spreadsheet, choose your starter, and let the battles begin! 🔥🌊⚡
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