Underground Mining — Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Guide

Underground Mining

Getting Started

1. Obtain the Explorer Kit: Speak to the old man in the house directly to the right of the Pokémon Center in Eterna City. He will give you the Explorer Kit, which allows you to delve into the Underground.
2. Enter the Underground: Use the Explorer Kit from your Key Items pocket anywhere outdoors in Sinnoh to descend into the Underground. You'll appear in a section of the Underground corresponding to your surface location.

Mining for Treasures

Once in the Underground, your primary goal for mining is to locate sparkling spots on the walls. These indicate potential excavation sites.

1. Locate Dig Sites: Walk around the Underground map. When you are near a dig site, a yellow sparkle will appear on your bottom screen. Tap this sparkle to initiate the mining mini-game.
2. The Mining Mini-Game:
   • You'll be presented with a cross-section of the wall, revealing various layers of rock and potential items.
   • You have two tools: a Pickaxe (for breaking small, precise chunks) and a Hammer (for larger, less precise areas).
   • Your goal is to uncover as many items as possible before the wall collapses. The "wall integrity" meter at the top of the screen depletes with each swing of your tools. Larger tools deplete it faster.
   • Strategically use both tools. The Pickaxe is excellent for carefully revealing items, while the Hammer can quickly clear large sections of rock, especially if you're confident there are no items hidden within.
   • Pay attention to the vibrations on your bottom screen. Stronger vibrations indicate an item is closer.
3. Collecting Your Finds: Any items you successfully uncover will be added to your Bag.

Valuable Finds & Strategies

The Underground offers a wide array of items crucial for your journey:

• Evolutionary Stones: These are among the most sought-after items. Look for Fire Stone, Water Stone, Thunder Stone, Leaf Stone, Moon Stone, and Sun Stone. These are essential for evolving certain Pokémon.
• Fossils: You can unearth various Fossils, which can be revived into Pokémon at the Oreburgh Mining Museum. Common finds include the Skull Fossil (for Cranidos in Diamond) and Armor Fossil (for Shieldon in Pearl). After obtaining the National Dex, you can find other fossils like the Old Amber, Helix Fossil, Dome Fossil, and Root Fossil.
• Shards: These colorful fragments (Red Shard, Blue Shard, Yellow Shard, Green Shard) can be traded for various TMs in the house near the Move Tutor in Pastoria City.
• Plates: These items boost the power of Arceus's moves and change its type. Examples include Flame Plate, Splash Plate, Zap Plate, and Meadow Plate.
• Heart Scales: These precious items can be given to the Move Relearner in Pastoria City to teach your Pokémon moves they've forgotten or learned at a higher level.
• Spheres: These are used to purchase goods from other trainers in the Underground, such as traps and decorations for your Secret Base.
• Revives & Max Revives: Always useful for reviving fainted Pokémon.
• Stardust & Star Pieces: Sell these to vendors for a good amount of Poké Dollars.

Maximizing Your Haul

• Clear the Edges First: Often, items are located closer to the surface of the wall. Use your Hammer to quickly clear the outer layers.
• Conserve Wall Integrity: Don't just blindly smash. If you've uncovered a few items and the wall integrity is low, consider stopping to save what you've found.
• Target Specific Areas: If you're looking for a specific item, like a Fossil, try to clear larger sections of the wall where they are more likely to appear.
• Multiplayer Mining: If you're playing with friends wirelessly, you can see each other's dig sites. Coordinate your efforts to uncover more treasures!

Happy digging, trainers! The Underground holds many secrets and valuable resources that will undoubtedly aid you on your journey through the Sinnoh region.