Introduction
Pokémon Platinum, the definitive version of the Sinnoh region saga, offers an upgraded experience compared to Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. With improved graphics, expanded storylines, and the introduction of the mysterious Distortion World, Platinum delivers an immersive journey. This walkthrough covers every step of your adventure, ensuring you’re prepared to conquer the Pokémon League and beyond.
Starting Your Adventure
Choosing Your Starter Pokémon
In Pokémon Platinum, your journey begins in Twinleaf Town, where you choose your starter Pokémon:
- Turtwig (Grass-type): Excellent for beginners with solid defenses and late-game utility.
- Chimchar (Fire-type): Best for players seeking a fast, offensive Pokémon.
- Piplup (Water-type): A balanced choice with strong Water- and Steel-type moves later on.
Each starter has advantages and disadvantages, so pick one that complements your play style.
Exploring Twinleaf Town and Sandgem Town
Once you’ve chosen your starter, meet Professor Rowan in Sandgem Town to receive your Pokédex. Don’t forget to visit your mom in Twinleaf Town, who will give you the Running Shoes to speed up your adventure.
Journey to Jubilife City
Route 201 and Catching Pokémon
Route 201 is the perfect place to start building your team. Catching a Shinx, Starly, or Bidoof can provide strong early-game coverage.
Trainer School and Pokétch Quest
In Jubilife City, stop by the Trainer School to battle your rival and learn battle basics. Complete the Pokétch quest by finding the clowns scattered around the city to earn this essential gadget.
First Gym: Oreburgh City
Exploring Oreburgh Mine
Before challenging the Gym, visit Oreburgh Mine to meet Roark and have him return to the Gym. Use this opportunity to train your Pokémon against the wild Geodude and Onix.
Battle Strategies Against Roark
Roark specializes in Rock-type Pokémon. If you choose Piplup or Turtwig, you’ll have a significant advantage. Chimchar users should evolve it into Monferno to access Fighting-type moves. Winning earns you the Coal Badge and TM76 (Stealth Rock).
Eterna City and the Second Gym
The Eterna Forest Challenge
Eterna Forest is a lush area teeming with Bug- and Grass-type Pokémon. You’ll team up with Cheryl, a companion who heals your team after every battle, making it an excellent place to train.
Gardenia’s Grass-Type Gym Battle
Gardenia’s team includes powerful Grass-types like Roserade. Bring a Flying- or Fire-type Pokémon to counter her team effectively. Winning earns you the Forest Badge and TM86 (Grass Knot).
Team Galactic’s First Interference
Clearing the Eterna Building
After defeating Gardenia, take on Team Galactic in their Eterna Building. Battle their grunts and Commander Jupiter to thwart their plans. As a reward, you’ll receive a free bike and a Togepi egg from a grateful NPC.
Hearthome City and the Third Gym
Amity Square and Your Pokémon’s Happiness
Spend some time in Amity Square, where you can walk with your Pokémon to increase their happiness. Happiness is crucial for evolving Pokémon like Togepi and Budew.
Battling Fantina’s Ghost-Type Team
Fantina’s Gym features Ghost-type Pokémon. Dark- or Ghost-type moves are essential for defeating her tricky team. Be wary of her Mismagius, which can deal heavy damage. Winning grants you the Relic Badge and TM65 (Shadow Claw).
Veilstone City: Galactic Headquarters
Shopping at the Department Store
The Veilstone Department Store offers powerful TMs, battle items, and healing supplies. Stock up on essentials before tackling the Gym and Galactic HQ.
Battling Maylene’s Fighting-Type Gym
Maylene’s team includes Meditite, Machoke, and Lucario. Flying- or Psychic-type Pokémon like Staravia or Kadabra are ideal for this battle. Winning rewards you with the Cobble Badge and TM60 (Drain Punch).
Pastoria City and the Great Marsh
Navigating the Great Marsh Safari Zone
The Great Marsh is a haven for rare Pokémon. Use the binoculars before entering to spot Pokémon you want to catch.
Crasher Wake’s Water-Type Gym Challenge
Crasher Wake’s Water-type team can be countered with Grass- or Electric-type moves. Pokémon like Luxio or Roselia will give you the upper hand. Defeat him to earn the Fen Badge and TM55 (Brine).
Celestic Town and Cynthia’s Storyline
Meeting Cynthia’s Grandmother
After earning your Fen Badge, head to Celestic Town to progress the story. Here, you’ll meet Cynthia’s grandmother, who will task you with investigating the town’s ancient ruins. Inside the ruins, you’ll find inscriptions that hint at the mythology of Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina, the legendary Pokémon tied to the creation of Sinnoh.
Learning About the Legendary Trio
Team Galactic makes another appearance, attempting to seize control of Celestic Town’s ruins. Defeat the Team Galactic commander to protect the town and earn Cynthia’s trust. This encounter sets the stage for your confrontation with Cyrus and Giratina later in the story.
Canalave City and Byron’s Steel Gym
Iron Island Side Quest and Riolu Egg
Before battling Byron, take a detour to Iron Island. Join Riley, a friendly trainer, to explore this area filled with Steel- and Rock-type Pokémon. After helping Riley defeat Team Galactic grunts, he’ll reward you with a Riolu egg. Hatching Riolu and evolving it into Lucario can provide a powerful addition to your team.
Strategies for Byron’s Steel-Type Pokémon
Byron, the Canalave City Gym Leader, specializes in Steel-types. His team includes Magneton, Steelix, and Bastiodon. Use Fire-, Fighting-, or Ground-type moves to exploit their weaknesses. Defeating Byron earns you the Mine Badge and TM91 (Flash Cannon).
Snowpoint City and Candice’s Ice Gym
Surviving the Snowy Trek on Route 216
The journey to Snowpoint City takes you through the icy wilderness of Route 216 and Route 217. Prepare for this trek by stocking up on healing items and equipping Pokémon resistant to Ice-type moves. Keep an eye out for Sneasel, a valuable addition to your team with its high Speed and Attack stats.
Strategies to Defeat Candice
Candice’s Ice-type Pokémon include Snover, Sneasel, and Abomasnow, with her ace Pokémon being Froslass. Use Fire-, Rock-, or Fighting-type moves to counter her team effectively. Winning this battle earns you the Icicle Badge and TM72 (Avalanche).
Team Galactic and the Spear Pillar
Clearing the Veilstone Headquarters
Return to Veilstone City to raid Team Galactic’s headquarters. Work your way through their grunts and solve puzzles to reach Cyrus, Team Galactic’s leader. After defeating him, you’ll receive the Master Ball, a critical tool for catching legendary Pokémon.
Battling Cyrus and Summoning Giratina
After foiling Cyrus’s plans in Veilstone, head to Mt. Coronet and ascend to the Spear Pillar. Here, Cyrus will attempt to summon Dialga and Palkia, but his actions tear open a portal to the Distortion World, summoning Giratina instead.
Distortion World and Giratina Battle
Navigating the Distortion World
The Distortion World is a surreal, gravity-defying realm where you’ll face puzzles and platforming challenges. Follow Cynthia and Cyrus through this maze-like area as you close in on Giratina.
Capturing or Defeating Giratina
At the heart of the Distortion World, you’ll face Giratina in its Origin Forme. Save your game before the battle and use status effects like Paralysis or Sleep to make capturing it easier. If you defeat Giratina, it will retreat to Turnback Cave, where you can challenge it again.
Sunyshore City and Volkner’s Gym
Restoring Power to the City
Sunyshore City’s Gym is initially closed due to a power outage. Speak with Volkner, the Electric-type Gym Leader, to restore power and unlock the Gym challenge.
Battling Volkner’s Electric-Type Team
Volkner’s team includes Jolteon, Luxray, and Electivire. Ground-type Pokémon like Garchomp or Torterra can easily neutralize his Electric attacks. After defeating him, you’ll receive the Beacon Badge and TM57 (Charge Beam).
Victory Road and Pokémon League
Tips for Traversing Victory Road
Victory Road is the final test before the Pokémon League. This area features strong trainers and wild Pokémon. Bring plenty of healing items, repels, and a Pokémon with Rock Climb and Surf to navigate the terrain.
Elite Four and Champion Cynthia Battle Strategies
The Elite Four consists of:
- Aaron (Bug-types): Fire- and Flying-type moves are key.
- Bertha (Ground-types): Water- and Grass-types will excel here.
- Flint (Fire-types): Counter with Water-, Rock-, or Ground-types.
- Lucian (Psychic-types): Use Dark- or Bug-type moves.
Cynthia, the Champion, has a well-rounded team including Spiritomb, Garchomp, and Togekiss. Ice- and Dragon-type moves are essential for defeating her Garchomp. Prepare a diverse team and plenty of Full Restores for this climactic battle.
Post-Game Adventures
Completing the Pokédex
After defeating the Pokémon League, your next challenge is completing the Sinnoh Pokédex. Visit Professor Rowan in Sandgem Town to receive your National Dex and gain access to even more Pokémon.
Battling in the Battle Frontier
The Battle Frontier offers a range of facilities where you can test your skills in unique battle formats. Each facility has a Frontier Brain, providing a tough challenge with unique rewards.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Building a Balanced Team: Aim for a diverse team covering all major type weaknesses.
- Leveling Up Quickly: Use the VS Seeker to rematch trainers and earn experience points.
- Maximizing Happiness: Walk with Pokémon, use Friendship-boosting items, and avoid fainting in battles to increase happiness for evolution.
Conclusion
Pokémon Platinum is a masterpiece in the Pokémon franchise, blending strategy, adventure, and lore into one unforgettable experience. This walkthrough equips you with the knowledge to conquer Sinnoh, from earning your first badge to defeating Champion Cynthia. Dive deep into the world of Pokémon Platinum and uncover the secrets of the Sinnoh region.
FAQs
- How do I get Giratina’s Origin Forme?
Equip Giratina with the Griseous Orb, found in the Distortion World, to change its form. - What is the best starter Pokémon in Platinum?
Chimchar is often favored for its early-game advantages, but all starters have strengths that shine at different stages. - Can I catch Dialga and Palkia in Platinum?
Yes, you can capture both at Spear Pillar after obtaining the National Dex. - What’s the difference between Platinum and Diamond/Pearl?
Platinum includes the Distortion World, updated Pokémon rosters, and expanded storylines, making it a more polished experience. - How do I evolve Pokémon with trade requirements?
Trade with friends or use the GTS feature to evolve Pokémon like Machoke, Graveler, and Haunter.
