---
# nuzlocke-tracker-jain
title: Handle Nincada split evolution (Ninjask + Shedinja)
status: completed
type: feature
priority: normal
created_at: 2026-02-08T19:38:55Z
updated_at: 2026-02-08T20:47:50Z
---

Nincada is a special case in Pokemon: when it evolves at level 20, the player gets both Ninjask (the normal evolution) AND Shedinja (if there's an empty party slot and a spare Poke Ball). This creates a unique situation for Nuzlocke tracking since one encounter effectively produces two usable Pokemon.

## Problem

The current evolution system assumes 1:1 evolution (one Pokemon evolves into one Pokemon). The Nincada line breaks this — a single caught Nincada can yield two team members. Nuzlocke rules vary on how to handle this:
- Some players treat Shedinja as a free bonus (allowed to use both)
- Some players must choose one and box/release the other
- Some rulesets ban Shedinja entirely since it wasn't "encountered"

## Considerations

- The evolution data already has a `shed` trigger type for the Nincada → Shedinja evolution, separate from the `level-up` trigger for Nincada → Ninjask
- This may need a rule option in run settings (e.g., "Allow Shedinja from Nincada evolution")
- The encounter tracking may need to support creating a second encounter entry from the same route when a Nincada evolves
- Consider whether this is purely a rules/UI concern or if the data model needs changes