The fourth generation is often presented as the birth of modern competitive play. The physical/special split, Stealth Rock, Choice Scarf, Life Orb, Focus Sash, online battles: everything that still structures battles today appeared with Diamond and Pearl. Here are the keys to understanding this metagame and shining in it.
This feature is for players who want to go beyond the adventure: battles with friends, the Battle Frontier, or simple curiosity about the history of competitive play.
It is based on the mechanics of Diamond, Pearl and Platinum; references to “tiers” refer to the rankings established at the time by the community.
