Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl - Best Pokemon to Use for Clearing the Game

Best Pokemon to Use for Clearing Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Below is a list of recommended Pokemon to catch and train as you go through the main story of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (Pokemon BDSP). Included are an overview of each Pokemon, data, stats, and other useful information.

Best Pokemon for Each Type

You can also read our guide on the best starter Pokemon to choose in the beginning of the game to help you decide the one to get for clearing the main story more easily.

Which Starter Pokemon Should You Choose?

Staraptor

Overview

Staraptor is the third and final evolution of Starly which can be caught on Route 201 near the beginning of the game. Starly learns Wing Attack, a good Flying type move at level 9 and is generally a reliable Pokemon all throughout the main story.

Stats

Luxray

Overview

Shinx, Luxray’s base evolutionary stage, can be caught on Route 202. It has access to Thunder Shock at level 4, giving it a decent move offensive move, especially against Flying Pokemon. At level 36, Luxray learns Crunch, giving it the edge when taking on Ghost and Psychic Pokemon.

Stats

Roserade

Overview

Roserade’s base evolution stage Budew can be caught upon reaching Route 204 (especially if you did not choose Turtwig as your starter). This Pokemon boasts impressive attack and defense and learns powerful moves like Sludge Bomb and Shadow Ball. It offers further utility by being able to paralyze foes in battle, making it useful for catching wild Pokemon or taking on other Trainers.

Stats

Gyarados

Overview

Gyarados’ base evolutionary stage Magikarp can be caught using a fishing rod in various lakes around the Sinnoh Region. This Pokemon is one of the best attackers you can obtain during the main story, owing to its high attack and speed. Gyarados also enjoys access to a diverse range of powerful moves like Waterfall, Crunch, Ice Beam, and Earthquake to make it a mainstay of your party throughout the entire game. Gyarados can also use the extremely useful move Dragon Dance, further raising its already impressive attack and speed to make short work of even the Elite Four.

Stats

Gastrodon

Overview

Shellos, Gastrodon’s base evolutionary stage, can be caught when you reach Route 205 which is fairly early in the game. It learns Water Pulse at level 15, giving you a decent Water type move, especially if you did not choose Piplup as your starter. Gastrodon suffers from low speed so switch it out with Gyarados but only if your opponent does not have any Pokemon with Electric attacks (double weakness is applied to Gyarados if he is hit with Electric moves).

Stats

Houndoom

Overview

Houndoom is an impressive addition to your team if you are in need of a reliable Dark and Fire attacker. It is especially useful if you did not pick Chimchar as your starter. Houndour, Houndoom’s base evolutionary stage, can be found in the Grand Underground after you have obtained the Explorer Kit from the old man in Eterna City.

Stats