Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearlreturn players to Generation 4’s Sinnoh region. With many iconic and Pokemon introduced in the originalPokemon DiamondandPearl, players have some tough choices to make when it comes to which Pokemon to catch and take with them on their journey.
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Whether players are exploring the Sinnoh region for the first time or returning after many years away, the choice of Pokemon can be overwhelming.Rock-type Pokemon are a safe betfor players looking for strong Pokemon in Sinnoh, and withBrilliant DiamondandShining Pearl’sinclusion of the Grand Undergroundplayers have even more chances to catch these Pokemon.
10Golem
Golemis a Rock and Ground dual-type Pokemon which means it has a4X weakness to damage from both Grass and Water-type moves. This can put Golem in some real trouble throughout the game. Golem also comes with immunity to Electric-type damage however and has a great 120 Attack and 130 Defense stat to cover its major Grass and Water weaknesses.
Golem evolves from Geodude and Graveler. Geodude can befound throughout theGrand Undergroundand will most likely be encountered first by players onRoute 206,Route 207, or in theOreburgh Minebut can be found in many other places throughout the game. An evolved Graveler can be found in theGrand Undergroundonce players have theDefogability and in the wild onRoute 211,Route 216, and inMt. Coronetand other places around Sinnoh. Geodude will evolve into Graveler at level 25 and Golem oncetradedwith another trainer.
HP: 80
Total: 495
9Cradily
Cradilyis a Grass and Rock-type Pokemon. Its dual-typing gives it few weaknesses and only two resistances (Normal and Electric-type). Cradily has decent stats across the board, with a 97 Defense, 107 Special Defense, and 81 Attack and Special Attack.
Cradily evolves from Lileep. Lileep can be obtained once players find its fossil in theGrand Underground. Players will have to find theRoot Fossilafter they have obtained theNational Dexand then take it to theMining Museumto obtain Lileep. Lileep evolves into Cradily at level 40.
HP: 86
8Kabutops
Kabutopsis a Water and Rock Pokemon, resulting in a 4X damage weakness to Grass-type moves. Kabutops covers for its major weakness by having a great Attack stat, coming in at 115. Kabutops can do some real damage in the right circumstances.
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Kabutops evolves from Kabuto. Kabuto can be obtained once players find theDome Fossilin theGrand Underground. Players will need to have theNational Dexin order to find the Dome Fossil and then take it to theMining Museumto obtain Kabuto. Kabuto will evolve into Kabutops at level 40.
HP: 60
7Omastar
Omastaris a Water and Rock dual-type Pokemon. This typing combination results in 4X weakness to damage received from Grass-type moves. Omastar has a great move pool of powerful Water-type moves and a 115 Special Attack to back it up.
Omastar comes from Omanyte, which can be obtained by finding theHelix Fossilin theGrand Underground. Players will need to obtain theNational Dexin order to find the Helix Fossil, and then take it to theMining Museumto obtain Omanyte. Omanyte will evolve into Omastar at level 40.
HP: 70
6Shuckle
Shuckleis a novelty Pokemon for players to catch. It has an astounding 230 Defense and Special Defense, which is among the highest in the game, even rivaling the defense of many of thelegendary Pokemon available inBrilliant Diamondand Shining Pearl. It has atrocious stats to follow this up, with 20 HP, 10 Attack, and 10 Special Attack. Shuckle’s appeal is mostly in its ability to soak up most hits thrown its way. With Bug and Rock dual-typing, it also avoids any major weaknesses.
Shuckle can be found inPokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl’sGrand Underground, but only when players have obtained theNational Dex. Shuckle has no pre-evolutions and doesn’t evolve itself, so once it has been caught by players, that’s it.
HP: 20
Total: 505
5Aerodactyl
Aerodactylhas decent stats overall, with its 105 Attack and 130 Speed coming in handy during battle. Aerodactyl is a Flying and Rock-type Pokemon, which means it has no major 4X weaknesses and also an immunity to Ground-type damage. Aerodactyl has a decent move pool, but Normal-type moves are among its strongest which can be a setback at times due to Normal-type’s moderate effectiveness against most Pokemon.
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Players will need to findOld Amberfossil in theGrand Undergroundand then take it to theMining Museumto obtain Aerodactyl. Old Amber can be found once players haveobtained theNational Dex. Aerodactyl does not evolve or have any prior evolutions.
Total: 515
4Rhyperior
Rhyperioris a Rock and Ground-type Pokemon, which gives it a crippling 4X weakness to damage received from both Water and Grass-type moves. With Water and Grass being common typings in the Sinnoh region, Rhyperior can have many struggles. It does have an immunity to Electric-type damage and great stats to go along with it. 140 Attack and 130 Defense give it the ability to take outmost opponents in only a few turnsas well as tank any major damage it should take while in battle.
Rhyperior evolves from Rhyhorn and Rhydon. Rhyhorn can be found in theGrand Undergroundand onRoute 227,Stark Mountain, andRoute 228. An already evolved Rhydon can be found in theGrand Undergroundonce players have obtained theNational Dex. Rhyhorn will evolve into Rhydon at level 42 and into Rhyperior oncetradedwhile holdingProtector.
HP: 115
Total: 535
3Probopass
Probopassis a defense-heavy Pokemon, and with a massive 150 Special Defense and 145 Defense stat it can take most hits thrown its way. Probopass' major downside is its 4X damage weakness to Fighting and Ground-type moves which are a consistent threat throughout the game. Probopass has a great move pool with strong Electric, Rock, Ground, and Fighting-type moves represented.
Probopass evolves from Nosepass. Nosepass can be found rarely onRoute 206and will evolve into Probopass once it has been leveled up in a Magnetic Field area.
Total: 525
2Aggron
Aggronis a Steel and Rock-type Pokemon, meaning it is hindered by a 4X weakness to damage taken from Fighting or Ground-type moves. The effects of its weaknesses are somewhat lessened by Aggron’s massive 180 Defense stat, and with a 110 Attack stat, it can hold its own in combat, even against strong opponents. Aggron’s dual-typing also gives it an immunity to Poison-type damage, which comes in handy.
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Aggron evolves from Aron and Lairon. Both Pokemon can be found in theGrand Undergroundonce players have obtained theNational Dex, and also atFuego Ironworksonce players have the ability to use thePoke Radar. Aron will evolve into Lairon at level 32 and Aggron at level 42.This is a high-level evolution, but players can take advantage ofBrilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl’sExp. Share mechanic being constantly turned onto level up their Pokemon quickly.
Total: 530
1Tyranitar (Pokemon Brilliant DiamondExclusive)
Tyranitaris a Rock and Dark dual-type Pokemon. Tyranitar has great stats, with 100 Special Defense, 110 Defense, and a massive 134 Attack stat. Tyranitar’s typing gives it a 4X damage weakness to Fighting-type moves but also a complete immunity to Psychic-type damage. Tyranitar is a fantastic Pokemon, though it is exclusive toPokemon Brilliant Diamond.
Tyranitar evolves from Larvitar and Pupitar. Both Pokemon can be found in theGrand Undergroundonce players have obtained theNational Dex, and Larvitar can be found onRoute 207once players have the ability to use thePoke Radar. Larvitar and Pupitar can only be caught in the wild inPokemon Brilliant Diamond. Larvitar evolves into Pupitar at level 30 and into Tyranitar at level 55.
HP: 100
Speed: 61
Total: 600
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearlare available for the Nintendo Switch.
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