Pokémon Platinum: Contests

AntMag.NET

Alright, let's talk about Contests! While not everyone's cup of tea, they're a fun way to showcase your Pokémon's style and earn some cool rewards. Think of it as a beauty pageant, but with more Pokémon battling and less awkward small talk.

The Contest Hall

You'll find the Contest Hall in Hearthome City. This is where all the action happens. There are four different types of contests, each with its own focus:

Normal Rank
Super Rank
Hyper Rank
Master Rank

Each rank has four categories: Cool, Beauty, Cute, Smart, and Tough. Your Pokémon will need to excel in different areas depending on the category.

Preparing Your Pokémon

Before you enter a contest, you'll want to make sure your Pokémon is ready. The key stat here is the Condition. You can increase your Pokémon's Condition by feeding it Poffins. You can make Poffins yourself using Berries at a Poffin House, or buy them from the stall in Hearthome City (though making them yourself gives you more control).

Each Condition stat (Coolness, Beauty, Cuteness, Smartness, and Toughness) can be raised up to a maximum of 255. Remember, Poffins can only be made with certain Berries, and the flavor of the Poffin matters! For example, a Spicy Berry will make a Spicy Poffin, which is great for raising Coolness.

Pro Tip: Don't overfeed your Pokémon! Once a Condition stat is maxed out, feeding more Poffins of that flavor will make them dislike it, and you won't be able to raise that stat further. Also, if you make a Poffin that's too dry or too moist, it might make your Pokémon dislike it, so pay attention to the mixing!

Contest Moves

Not all Pokémon moves are suitable for Contests. You'll want to use moves that appeal to the specific category you're entering. For example, in a Coolness contest, moves like Fake Out or Taunt can be very effective. In a Beauty contest, moves like Charm or Attract might be your best bet.

You can teach your Pokémon Contest-specific moves or use regular moves that fit the theme. Some moves have special effects that can boost your score or hinder opponents, so experiment!

The Contest Gameplay

During a Contest, your Pokémon will take turns performing. You'll choose a move, and the judges will score your Pokémon based on its Condition, the move's appeal, and how well it fits the category. You'll also need to watch out for your opponents' moves, as they can try to make your Pokémon nervous or reduce their appeal.

The goal is to have the highest Excitement level by the end of the performance. You'll get bonus points for things like going first, using moves that match the current jam, or making your Pokémon happy.

Winning and Rewards

Winning a contest, especially the Master Rank, can be tough, but the rewards are worth it! You'll earn Ribbons for your Pokémon, which are a great way to show off their achievements. You might also get special items or even unlock new areas or features.

Don't get discouraged if you don't win right away. It takes practice and a bit of strategy to get the hang of Contests. Keep training your Pokémon, making those Poffins, and you'll be a Contest star in no time!