Discover the key differences between Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, including version-exclusive Pokemon for the Main Story, Grand Underground, and Postgame.
Alright, let's break down what makes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl unique! If you're trying to decide which version to grab, or just curious about what you might miss out on in the other, this is the place to be. We'll cover the Pokémon that are exclusive to each version across different parts of the game.
The biggest differences you'll notice are the Pokémon you can catch! Each version has its own set of creatures that you won't find in the other, and this applies to the Main Story, the Grand Underground, and even the Postgame.
Exclusive to Brilliant Diamond
If you're going with Brilliant Diamond, here are the Pokémon you'll be able to catch that aren't available in Shining Pearl:
Main Story Exclusives
| Pokémon | Type |
| Cranidos | |
| Rampardos | |
| Murkrow | |
| Honchkrow | |
| Stunky | |
| Skuntank | |
| Dialga |
Grand Underground Exclusives
| Pokémon | Type |
| Scyther | |
| Electabuzz | |
| Gligar | |
| Scizor | |
| Elekid | |
| Electivire | |
| Gliscor |
Postgame Exclusives
| Pokémon | Type |
| Caterpie | |
| Metapod | |
| Butterfree | |
| Ekans | |
| Arcbok | |
| Growlithe | |
| Arcanine | |
| Seel | |
| Dewgong | |
| Raikou | |
| Entei | |
| Suicune | |
| Larvitar | |
| Pupitar | |
| Tyranitar | |
| Ho-Oh | |
| Seedot | |
| Nuzleaf | |
| Shiftry | |
| Mawile | |
| Zangoose | |
| Solrock | |
| Kecleon |
Exclusive to Shining Pearl
And if you choose Shining Pearl, these are the Pokémon you'll find that aren't in Brilliant Diamond:
Main Story Exclusives
| Pokémon | Type |
| Shieldon | |
| Bastiodon | |
| Misdreavus | |
| Mismagius | |
| Glameow | |
| Purugly | |
| Palkia |
Grand Underground Exclusives
| Pokémon | Type |
| Magmar | |
| Pinsir | |
| Teddiursa | |
| Ursaring | |
| Magby | |
| Magmortar |
Postgame Exclusives
| Pokémon | Type |
| Weedle | |
| Kakuna | |
| Beedrill | |
| Sandshrew | |
| Sandslash | |
| Vulpix | |
| Ninetales | |
| Slowpoke | |
| Slowbro | |
| Articuno | |
| Zapdos | |
| Moltres | |
| Slowking | |
| Stantler | |
| Lugia | |
| Lotad | |
| Lombre | |
| Ludicolo | |
| Sableye | |
| Seviper | |
| Lunatone | |
| Bagon | |
| Shelgon | |
| Salamence |
Which Version to Pick?
So, which one should you go for? Honestly, with online trading being so easy these days, you can usually get your hands on any Pokémon you want, no matter which version you pick. The main exception to this is the Legendary Pokémon – Dialga for Brilliant Diamond and Palkia for Shining Pearl. You only get one of each, and they're super powerful, so they're a big deal!
If you're really on the fence, think about which Legendary Pokémon you like more. That's probably the best deciding factor. Of course, if you don't plan on trading online, then just pick the version that calls to you the most. Follow your heart!
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