The most frequently asked questions about Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, with short answers and links to our guides.
The game
Are Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl remakes of Platinum?
No, of Diamond and Pearl. A few elements from Platinum are included (Formes of Rotom, Giratina and Shaymin), but not the Distortion World or the Battle Frontier. See our detailed differences.
Who developed the game?
The studio ILCA, under the co-direction of Junichi Masuda (GAME FREAK) and Yuichi Ueda (ILCA). It is the first main-series game not developed by GAME FREAK.
Does the game work on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes, it is playable on Nintendo Switch 2.
Which version should I pick?
The one whose mascot you like best: Dialga for Brilliant Diamond, Palkia for Shining Pearl. The differences involve around twenty species and a few legendaries. See Getting Started.
Is the game difficult?
The adventure is easy, notably because the Exp. Share is always on. The League, however, is much tougher, especially Cynthia.
The adventure
How do I beat Cynthia?
Prepare a varied team of sufficient level and plenty of healing items. Her Garchomp, fast and powerful, fears Ice (four times) and Fairy. Also watch out for Lucario and Milotic. The last step of our walkthrough details her team.
How do I get the National Pokédex?
After the League, see every species in the Sinnoh Pokédex, then head to Professor Rowan’s lab in Sandgem Town.
How do I evolve Riolu?
Riolu evolves into Lucario when it levels up during the day with high friendship. A Riolu Egg is given on Iron Island, off Canalave City, by Riley, after a joint battle against Team Galactic. See Getting Riolu and evolving it.
How do I evolve Roselia?
Roselia evolves into Roserade when exposed to a Shiny Stone. See Evolving Roselia into Roserade.
Where can I find Feebas?
Feebas is fished up on a few specific tiles of Mt. Coronet, which change from game to game. It evolves into Milotic. Our guide Finding Feebas explains the method.
Legendaries and Mythicals
Where do I catch the legendaries of Kanto, Johto and Hoenn?
At Ramanas Park, after the League and the National Pokédex, with slates obtained in exchange for Strange Souvenirs.
How do I get Mew and Jirachi?
In Floaroma Town, with a save file from Let’s Go, Pikachu or Eevee (Mew) and from Sword or Shield (Jirachi) on the console.
How do I get Arceus?
With a save file from Pokémon Legends: Arceus in which the story is complete, after the League, the National Pokédex and catching Cresselia: pick up the Azure Flute in Twinleaf Town, then go to Spear Pillar with Dialga or Palkia on your team.
Can you still get Darkrai and Shaymin?
No: these two Mythical Pokémon were distributed through Mystery Gift in 2022, and the distributions are over.
Can you get Celebi or Deoxys?
Neither can be encountered in the game. See the list of legendaries.
Connectivity
Is the game compatible with Pokémon HOME?
Yes. Pokémon can be transferred between Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and Pokémon HOME, limited to the species present in the game.
Can you trade online?
Yes, at the Global Terminal in Jubilife City since update 1.3.0, with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The Union Room and the Colosseum also allow battles.
