Turtwig, Chimchar or Piplup? Sinnoh’s first choice is also the most debated. Here is our advice on making it well, then on getting through your first hours: which Pokémon to catch early, how to earn money and which mistakes to avoid.
In Diamond and Pearl, you pick your Pokémon by Lake Verity, from the briefcase forgotten by Professor Rowan; in Platinum, the professor stops you on Route 201 and has you choose from his assistant’s briefcase. Your rival Barry always takes the one that has the advantage over yours.
There is no bad choice: all three finish the game with no trouble. But each one changes how the first Gyms play out.
🌱The three starter Pokémon
| Pokémon | Final evolution | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
 Turtwig | Torterra (Grass and Ground) | Very sturdy physically, Earthquake, easy against Roark, Crasher Wake and Volkner | Slow; four times weak to Ice (Candice, Cynthia’s Garchomp) |
 Chimchar | Infernape (Fire and Fighting) | Fast, offensive; Fire Pokémon are rare in Sinnoh, especially in Diamond and Pearl | Fragile; two tough Gyms early on (Roark, then Crasher Wake) |
 Piplup | Empoleon (Water and Steel) | Excellent type combination, few weaknesses, powerful Surf | Evolves late (level 36); slightly slow start |
🎯The first catches
- Starly (Routes 201 and 202): becomes Staraptor, one of the best Flying Pokémon in the game, with Close Combat.
- Shinx (Route 202): becomes Luxray, a solid Electric attacker, and sorts out Crasher Wake’s Gym.
- Bidoof (Routes 201 and 202): the ideal HM user.
- Machop (Route 207) or Geodude (Oreburgh Gate): good choices against Roark and Gardenia depending on your starter.
- Burmy and Combee: keep an eye out for them at Honey Trees.
💰Money and items
- Buy about ten Poké Balls and as many Potions before leaving Jubilife City.
- Use the Dowsing Machine on the Pokétch (Route 207) on every new screen: Sinnoh is full of hidden items.
- Hang on to Nuggets and Pearls: they sell for a lot in any Poké Mart.
- Run with the Running Shoes (B button) and take the Bicycle as soon as you reach Eterna City.
For what comes next, follow our complete walkthrough, step by step. For ready-made teams, see our Premium file The ideal teams.
