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July 12, 2009 - January 7, 2010: Version 3.00 and above
Pokémon Platinum

July 12, 2009 - January 7, 2010: Version 3.00 and above

Discover the final updates for the Pokémon Platinum guide, including Battle Castle details and fixes, covering versions 3.00 and above. Best wishes for Gen V!

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Discover the final updates for the Pokémon Platinum guide, including Battle Castle details and fixes, covering versions 3.00 and above. Best wishes for Gen V!

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Begin the game by choosing your name, gender, and rival's name. These choices are permanent. You start in your room on the top floor of your house.
  2. 2
    Exit your room, and your rival will briefly appear. Go downstairs, where your mother will inform you that your rival is looking for you. Head outside.
  3. 3
    In Twinleaf Town, you'll notice snow on the ground. There's a small, empty puddle to the south. Explore the three houses; two are empty. The rival's house is in the northwest corner.
  4. 4
    Enter the rival's house and go upstairs to find them. Approach your rival, and they will run off again. Proceed to Route 201.
  5. 5
    On Route 201, you'll have a conversation with your rival, after which Professor Rowan appears. He will ask you some questions; choose the top option when prompted.
  6. 6
    Professor Rowan's assistant arrives with a briefcase containing the starter Pokémon: Piplup, Chimchar, and Turtwig.

Choosing Your Starter:

  • Consider Friends' Starters: If friends have the game, knowing their starter can facilitate trading.
  • Player Experience: New players might prefer easier-to-evolve Pokémon. Turtwig evolves at Lv. 18 and 32 (Grass/Ground). Chimchar evolves at Lv. 14 and 36 (Fire/Fighting). Piplup evolves at Lv. 16 and 36 (Water/Steel).
  • Previous Game Experience (D/P): Since Platinum has more Fire-types, Chimchar might be less essential than in D/P. Trying a new starter is recommended.
  • Gym Battles: Each starter has advantages and disadvantages against gym leaders:
    • First Gym (Rock): Turtwig and Piplup are strong; Chimchar is weak until it learns fighting moves.
    • Second Gym (Grass): Chimchar is strongest; Piplup is weakest.
    • Third Gym (Ghost): No starter has a significant advantage. Turtwig's evolutions can't hit Ghosts with ground attacks, and Chimchar's evolutions' fighting moves are ineffective against Ghost-types.
    • Fourth Gym (Fighting): No starter has a strong advantage, though Chimchar's evolutions are super effective against Lucario.
    • Fifth Gym (Water): Turtwig is strongest; Chimchar is weakest.
    • Sixth Gym (Steel): Chimchar is very effective. Turtwig can be useful against most Steel-types except Bronzong. Piplup can hit Steelix effectively.
    • Seventh Gym (Ice): Chimchar is effective; Turtwig is ineffective.
    • Eighth Gym (Electric): Turtwig's evolutions are very strong.

Guide Updates (Version 3.00 and above):

  • Added the Battle Castle to the Battle Frontier guide.
  • Performed a spell check and fixed most errors and formatting issues.

Note: While most errors have been fixed, minor grammar or Pokémon spelling issues may persist. The guide author thanks everyone for their support over the past two years and welcomes any further corrections.

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