History Main / NoItemUseForYou

** In the remake, the rematch against Johnny has Mario fight him as a DuelBoss (although his active party members can instead give him buffs for that battle), and items are not allowed in this fight. Also, [[spoiler: Culex 3D]] can randomly disable a button like Bowyer do.

* In ''VideoGame/SaveTheLight'', there's an enemy in the Pyramid Temple that [[BanditMook steals the Cheeseburger Backpack from your party]], preventing you from using items until you defeat it. [[spoiler:Because during this stage, only Connie and Peridot can use the Backpack, Greg, Amethyst, and Pearl are forced to go without items for their leg of the dungeon.]]

* In ''VideoGame/SaveTheLight'', there's an enemy in the Pyramid Temple that [[BanditMook steals the Cheeseburger Backpack from your party]], preventing you from using items until you defeat it. [[spoiler:Because during this stage, only Connie and Peridot can use the Backpack, Greg, Amethyst, and Pearl, are forced to go without items for their leg of the dungeon.]]

* In ''VideoGame/SaveTheLight'', there's an enemy in the Pyramid Temple that steals the Cheeseburger Backpack from your party, preventing you from using items until you defeat it. [[spoiler:Because during this stage, only Connie and Peridot can use the Backpack, Greg, Amethyst, and Pearl, are forced to go without items for their leg of the dungeon.]]

* In ''VideoGame/SaveTheLight'', there's an enemy in the Pyramid Temple that steals the Cheeseburger Backpack from your party, preventing you from using items until you defeat it.

* ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'':
** The moves Embargo and Magic Room for any items and Heal Block for any held healing items (since Generation V), and the ability Unnerve for held Berries. The moves Knock Off and Corrosive Gas disable the target Pokémon's held item for the rest of the battle, even if they are switched out.
** Several more "competitive" battle environments disallow the use of any items on your Pokémon, with the only assistance allowed being held items. This included all battles against other players until ''VideoGame/PokemonBlackAndWhite'', which introduced a "Wonder Launcher" option to include items in battle.

* In ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed: Hot Pursuit'' (the one by Creator/CriterionGames), the Racers can activate a Jammer weapon that not only prevents Cops within the radius of the Jammer's effect from using any weapons, but also makes the minimap disappear for Cops, reveals any Roadblocks called in beforehand and causes any Spike Strips deployed beforehand (by Cops, of course) to disappear.

* In ''VideoGame/RaidouKuzunohaVsKingAbaddon'', one possible bad result of the Luck Roulettes is not being able to use items.
* In ''VideoGame/SuperMarioRPG'', Bowyer shoots arrows to disable buttons on your controller, thus preventing Mario from either attacking, casting spells or using items. Later, in the Moleville Mines, Croco will challenge you to a fight. After he loses half of his HP, he will steal all of your items, and you won't be able to use them again until you defeat him.

* ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigi'':
** In ''[[VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiSuperstarSaga Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'', the Boos in Bowser's castle can steal command blocks from the brothers during a battle. Depending on which block is stolen, the brothers can't jump, use their hammers or use their hand powers for the next turn. The same happens during the battles with Popple.
** The {{superboss}} of ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiBowsersInsideStory'', [[spoiler:Bowser X]], temporarily steals your special attacks as you use them.
** The {{superboss}} in ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiDreamTeam'', [[spoiler:Bowser Jr.]], does the same. Also, in the dream arena battles, your items are replaced with a predetermined and limited inventory, and the turn limit discourages item usage. This is inverted with Thunder Sass, who you're supposed to beat with counterattacks, and thus you can't use anything ''except'' items. If you don't want to use one, you can idle to make him attack again.
* ''VideoGame/{{Bayonetta}}'':
** Attempting to access the item screen during an Alfheim portal challenge? You'll be greeted with [[http://lparchive.org/Bayonetta/Update%2055/2-items.png this]]. [[spoiler:Angel Slayer, the Lost Chapter, takes place entirely within Alfheim, and this restriction is not lifted.]]
** Because items lower your score, the entire ''game'' is this when going for Platinum trophies and the like.
** You also can't use items while fighting the {{superboss}}, [[spoiler:Father Rodin]].
* ''VideoGame/TheWonderful101'' also restricts item usage in Kahkoo-regah. Unlike Bayonetta, there's no message if you attempt to access the item screen. You're just denied access to that section of the menu if you pause the game. [[spoiler:And once again, the special Operation 101 contains the same restriction.]]
* In ''VideoGame/DmCDevilMayCry [[UpdatedRerelease Definitive Edition]]'', the new Gods Must Die difficulty disables all consumable items and Green Orbs, making it impossible to heal Dante or Vergil should they take any damage. This is just one of many reasons why it's considered HarderThanHard.

* In many {{Roguelike}}s, if an equipped item (a wielded weapon or worn piece of armor/jewelry) is cursed then it can't be removed. While the equipped cursed item can still be used like normal, this prevents the player from swapping in a different piece of equipment of the same type. Some games go further and take equipment layers into account: in ''VideoGame/NetHack'', if you're wearing cursed gloves then you'll be unable to change which rings you're wearing on your hands, since you can't take off your gloves to get at your bare fingers.

* ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'':
** In most games, there are items that cannot be used in all places. The most common example of this is not being allowed to use weapons when you're in someone's house. Many games in the series also feature 'cursed' enemies who often have blue flames or smoke (dark purple in ''Skyward Sword''). Instead of burning Link, they will restrict the usage of his items for as long as the effect lasts.
** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime'': The FinalBoss has a downplayed version. Ganon knocks Link's Master Sword out of his hand, effectively making him unarmed. Link can still use other items like the bow, hammer, bombs and even [[InfinityPlusOneSword his other sword]] if you managed to get it.
** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaMajorasMask'' disables all items when you use a transformation mask to assume another form with bottled items being the only exception to the rule.
** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheWindWaker'': The Gohma, Kalle Demos, Jalhalla, and Molgera rematches in Ganon's Tower take away any and all items that were not present in your inventory at the time of the initial battle. Link's bottle collection is left intact, however.
** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSpiritTracks'': Item usage as a whole is disabled during the very last fight of the Take 'Em All On! minigame.
** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword'':
*** The [[PoisonMushroom Cursed Medal]] considerably [[MoneyMultiplier increases the drop rate of money and treasures]], but you can't open your Adventure Pouch to use items like your bottles or shield.
*** The BossRush mode of the game disables the use of all items in your pouches except for a shield.
* ''VideoGame/AzureDreams'': Anorexia ability prevent monsters from eating consumables (i.e., the kind that heals HP or cures status ailments). They are mildly GoddamnedBats when they appear as enemies, and ''completely useless'' when they are your allies.
* Particularly JustForFun/{{Egregious}} example in ''VideoGame/HeroesOfMightAndMagic IV'': if a monster or character has protection from magic, they will also be unable to drink potions. So the choice is between brutally mauled by magic but able to heal, or brutally mauled by fangs/claws/fists/whatever but unable to heal.
* During the Temple Ruins dungeon in ''VideoGame/ShadowHearts1'', Yuri and Zhuzhen are forced to split off from Alice and Margarete and have their ability to use items confiscated (hopefully you've leveled Zhuzhen enough so that he's learned his healing spell). Alice and Margarete, meanwhile, have their skills sealed. Later, Yuri and Zhouzen have ''their'' skills sealed off, but don't get the ability to use items back until they get out of the dungeon. This isn't a complete case, though, since you can still use items outside of battle (though the game pretends otherwise).
* The SNES adaptation of ''Manga/MagicKnightRayearth'' features the Forest of Silence as in the manga and anime, but in addition to preventing the use of magic, it also (somehow) blocks the use of items.

* In ''VideoGame/MarioParty9'', one event lets the current captain temporarily seal all the other player's special dice, keeping them from using them for their next turn.
* ''VideoGame/DarkSouls'' has the throwable "Lloyd's Talismans", which disable the use of [[HealingPotion Estus Flasks]] in a limited area. While computer-controlled enemies that use Estus are somewhat rare and generally don't have so much health that it makes a difference, they are almost a requirement when invading in [=PvP=] to keep your foe from just running away and chugging Estus every chance they get (though if someone deliberately sought out invaders to duel it's generally agreed they shouldn't be doing this anyway).
* The final battles in ''VideoGame/{{Radiant Silvergun}}'' and ''VideoGame/{{Ikaruga}}'' both disable your weapons and have you dodge their BulletHell for 60 seconds.
* In ''VideoGame/ChronoTrigger'', there are a number of enemies who have the ability "Lock-All", which prevents the player from using items or techniques. The enemies that do this are all {{Metal Slime}}s, having high evasion rates, giving lots of experience, and (in some cases) dropping rare items.
* ''VideoGame/TheLastFederation'', if the player challenges Burlust warlord into a duel, his special abilities are disabled.
* ''VideoGame/MonsterHunter'' has the "stench" status, which prevents you from using items that you use on yourself. Tossing a Deodorant or stepping into another player's active Deodorant cures it. Expect to get stenched frequently when fighting Congala, who {{fart|illery}}s and [[DungFu throws excretement]] like no tomorrow.
* Picking Roo in ''VideoGame/StreetsOfRage 3'' prevents you from using any weapons until you switch to another character. Makes sense, since he's a BoxingKangaroo.
* ''Videogame/TheImpossibleQuiz'' occasionally gives you "Skip" items that lets you bypass a question, but some questions disable Skips. [[spoiler:It doesn't matter. You need all seven skips to complete the final question.]] The sequel allows you to use Skips freely again (except on the last question), but there are a few questions with a bomb that can disable the Fusestopper [[note]]an item that allows you to destroy bombs so they cannot explode and give you a Game Over[[/note]], meaning you must deal with the bomb in the question.

* ''Videogame/YsVITheArkOfNapishtim'' has Catastrophe mode, which prevents the player from using items in boss battles. The only items that can be used outside of boss fights are the nerfed Capla Waters and [[RareCandy stat boosting seeds]]. Additionally, all consumables from chests are replaced by Capla Waters and any consumables from enemy drops are used up immediately.

* In ''Franchise/RatchetAndClank'', [[OnceAnEpisode there will be at least one level in each game]] (aside from the first level, obviously), where Ratchet will have to do without Clank. This can be an unexpected hindrance because at the point these levels occur, the player will be very used to using Clank's Heli-Pack/Thruster Pack boosts to get around and cross gaps, [[DamnYouMuscleMemory resulting in some unexpected deaths]].
* The Cursed status effect in ''VideoGame/{{Terraria}}'' prevents the player from using any items ''including'' weapons, leaving the player mostly helpless. Thankfully it only lasts for a very short while.
* VideoGame/{{Judgment}}: The game's {{superboss}}, [[spoiler: Shin Amon]], will try to steal Yagami's phone in the fight's early phases, making you unable to access your item menu (or pause) for the rest of the fight. You can still use items (up to 3) assigned to the D-pad shortcuts before this happens, but you can't swap these.
* ''VideoGame/BugFables'':
** When the team fights Astotheles, leader of the DesertBandits, he would prevent them from using any items by destroying them the moment they pull it out in order [[LetsFightLikeGentlemen to keep the fight fair]]. He would even free himself from any paralyzing status effect (Freeze, Numb or Sleep) just to destroy an item.
** Also, Mimic Spiders and [[spoiler:Delilah of Team Slacker]] both can inflict the Sticky status effect that seals off item use with their attacks, with gluey bubbles in case of the former and one of the ''[[MoreDakka many]]'' projectiles fired from the latter's {{BFG}}.
* All boss fights in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld2YoshisIsland'' disables your items to prevent you from cheesing the battles.
* ''VideoGame/PersonaQShadowOfTheLabyrinth'': The boss of the Group Date Cafe, the Merciful Clergyman, casts "vows" that the party members must obey. If you go against them, you're immediately hit with a very powerful attack. These vows restrict you from using skills, items, or physical attacks. However, they wear off after a turn or two.
* One mission of ''VideoGame/Sly3HonorAmongThieves'' has the surprisingly GenreSavvy villain steal the gang's laptop. Without it you can't access [=ThiefNet=] to sell stolen treasures or buy new powerups, being limited to using what you currently have until you complete said mission.
* ''VideoGame/TheBindingOfIsaac: Repentance'': The section of the Mines or Ashpit leading to Knife Piece 2 removes the player character's items while inside, [[spoiler:forcing them to avoid Mother's Shadow at base stats]]. Since most items are passive upgrades, this overlaps with NoGearLevel, but even consumables, bombs, and activated items are removed in this sequence.
* The first phase of the final boss fight in ''VideoGame/KonjikiNoGashBellMakaiNoBookmark'' disables the inventory ''and'' unequips all bookmarks. The inventory is enabled for the third phase, but you'll need to manually reequip your bookmarks.

[[quoteright:350:[[VideoGame/GunstarHeroes https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/nofire.png]]]]

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* During one dungeon in ''VideoGame/ShadowHearts'', Yuri and Zhouzen are forced to split off from Alice and Margarete and have their ability to use items confiscated (hopefully you've leveled Zhouzen enough so that he's learned his healing spell). Alice and Margarete, meanwhile, have their skills sealed. Later, Yuri and Zhouzen have ''their'' skills sealed off, but don't get the ability to use items back until they get out of the dungeon. This isn't a complete case, though, since you can still use items outside of battle (though the game pretends otherwise).

** The BonusBoss of ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiBowsersInsideStory'', [[spoiler:Bowser X]], temporarily steals your special attacks as you use them.
** The BonusBoss in ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiDreamTeam'', [[spoiler:Bowser Jr.]], does the same. Also, in the dream arena battles, your items are replaced with a predetermined and limited inventory, and the turn limit discourages item usage. This is inverted with Thunder Sass, who you're supposed to beat with counterattacks, and thus you can't use anything ''except'' items. If you don't want to use one, you can idle to make him attack again.

** You also can't use items while fighting the BonusBoss, [[spoiler:Father Rodin]].

* VideoGame/{{Judgment}}: The game's BonusBoss, [[spoiler: Shin Amon]], will try to steal Yagami's phone in the fight's early phases, making you unable to access your item menu (or pause) for the rest of the fight. You can still use items (up to 3) assigned to the D-pad shortcuts before this happens, but you can't swap these.

* Attempting to access the item screen in ''VideoGame/{{Bayonetta}}'' during an Alfheim portal challenge? You'll be greeted with [[http://lparchive.org/Bayonetta/Update%2055/2-items.png this]]. [[spoiler:Angel Slayer, the Lost Chapter, takes place entirely within Alfheim, and this restriction is not lifted.]]

* Much like Bayonetta, ''VideoGame/TheWonderful101'' also restricts item usage in Kahkoo-regah. Unlike Bayonetta, there's no message if you attempt to access the item screen. You're just denied access to that section of the menu if you pause the game. [[spoiler:And once again, the special Operation 101 contains the same restriction.]]
** Item usage in regards to score is still restricted, but only to items that make combat easier. Healing items for the health and unite gauge are fair game, thankfully, and will never have ill effects.

* In ''VideoGame/MarioParty 9'', one event lets the current captain temporarily seal all the other player's special dice, keeping them from using them for their next turn.

* ''Videogame/TheImpossibleQuiz'' occasionally gives you "Skip" items that lets you bypass a question, but some questions disable Skips. [[spoiler:It doesn't matter. You need all seven skips to complete the final question.]]
** The sequel allows you to use Skips freely again (except on the last question), but there are a few questions with a bomb that can disable the Fusestopper [[note]]an item that allows you to destroy bombs so they cannot explode and give you a Game Over[[/note]], meaning you must deal with the bomb in the question.

* In ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid'', your weapons are de-activated when you get into the nuclear warheads store.
** In ''VideoGame/MetalGearRisingRevengeance'', the Final Battle [[spoiler: against Senator Armstrong]] will only let you use your sword. No items (except for healing), no subweapons, and no boss weapons.

** Speaking of Barbatos himself, boss fights against him throughout the series are essentially this. Oh you can use items if you dare, he'll just immediately toss a hard hitting spell at you in the original ''Destiny 2'', or a specially made Mystic Arte for such an occasion in other games.
* In most ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'' games, there are items that cannot be used in all places. The most common example of this is not being allowed to use weapons when you're in someone's house. Many games in the series also feature 'cursed' enemies who often have blue flames or smoke (dark purple in ''Skyward Sword''). Instead of burning Link, they will restrict the usage of his items for as long as the effect lasts.
** The Gohma, Kalle Demos, Jalhalla, and Molgera rematches in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheWindWaker'' take away any and all items that were not present in your inventory at the time of the initial battle. Link's bottle collection is left intact, however.
** The zenith of the trope occurs in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSpiritTracks'', where item usage as a whole is disabled during the very last fight of the Take 'Em All On! minigame.
** In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword'', the [[PoisonMushroom Cursed Medal]] considerably [[MoneyMultiplier increases the drop rate of money and treasures]], but you can't open your Adventure Pouch to use items like your bottles or shield.
*** The BossRush mode of the game also disables the use of all items in your pouches except for a shield.
** The FinalBoss has a downplayed version in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime''. Ganon knocks Link's Master Sword out of his hand, effectively making him unarmed. Link can still use other items like the bow, hammer, bombs and even [[InfinityPlusOneSword his other sword]] if you managed to get it.

* During the final fight with Bowser in the first ''VideoGame/{{Paper Mario|64}}'' game, Bowser could stomp Mario and prevent him from using items, jump attacks, or hammer attacks for a couple of turns. The Spy Guy's hammer attack can do the same thing.

* In ''[[VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiSuperstarSaga Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'', the Boos in Bowser's castle can steal command blocks from the brothers during a battle. Depending on which block is stolen, the brothers can't jump, use their hammers or use their hand powers for the next turn.
** The same happens during the battles with Popple.

*** The BonusBoss in ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiDreamTeam'', [[spoiler:Bowser Jr.]], does the same. Also, in the dream arena battles, your items are replaced with a predetermined and limited inventory, and the turn limit discourages item usage.

** In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXII'', the climb up the Pharos tower requires you to make a sacrifice before proceeding up the second section (which is five floors and one BossBattle). One of the sacrifices you can choose is to give up your Items command. The boss fight against [[BlowYouAway Chaos]] also has this as a static effect.

** In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXII'', the climb up the Pharos tower requires you to make a sacrifice before proceeding up the second section (which is five floors and one BossBattle). One of the sacrifices you can choose is to give up your Items command.

* In ''VideoGame/BugFables'', when the team fights Astotheles, leader of the DesertBandits, he would prevent them from using any items by destroying them the moment they pull it out in order [[LetsFightLikeGentlemen to keep the fight fair]]. He would even free himself from any paralyzing status effect (Freeze, Numb or Sleep) just to destroy an item.