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Sinnoh field journalPokémon PlatinumGUIDES

Pokémon Platinum Walkthrough: Every Gym, Team Galactic & the Distortion World

The whole adventure in 22 parts, from Twinleaf Town to Champion Cynthia and on through the Battle Zone and the Battle Frontier. Each part links to the location pages for wild Pokémon, trainers and items.

Edition: the original Nintendo DS Pokémon Platinum (English, 2009). Diamond, Pearl and Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl differ.

Parts
22
Badges
8
Elite Four
4 + Champion Cynthia
Starters
Turtwig · Chimchar · Piplup

Part 1 Twinleaf Town to Sandgem Town

Twinleaf Town Route 201 Lake Verity Sandgem Town

Your adventure starts at home in Twinleaf Town, where your impatient neighbour Barry talks you into a trip through the tall grass of Route 201. Professor Rowan catches you both in the act and, after a short lecture, lets you each pick a starter Pokémon from his briefcase. A visit to Lake Verity and to Rowan's lab in Sandgem Town gets you your first Pokédex.

  1. Head downstairs, talk to your mum and then step outside, where Barry bumps into you and says he's off to see Professor Rowan.
  2. On Route 201, Barry tries to dash through the tall grass without any Pokémon until Professor Rowan steps in to stop him.
  3. After questioning you both, Rowan agrees to entrust you with Pokémon, and his assistant runs up with the briefcase he left at the lake, letting you choose Turtwig, Chimchar or Piplup at Lv5.
  4. Barry immediately challenges you with the starter that has the type advantage over yours: Chimchar Lv5 if you chose Turtwig, Piplup Lv5 if you chose Chimchar, or Turtwig Lv5 if you chose Piplup.
  5. Return home, where your mum gives you the Running Shoes before you set out again.
  6. Follow Barry to the shore of Lake Verity, where a strange man named Cyrus is staring out over the water.
  7. Walk east along Route 201 to Sandgem Town; a Poké Mart worker hands you a free Potion on the way in.
  8. In the Pokémon Research Lab, Rowan lets you keep your starter and gives you a Pokédex, then hands you TM27 Return outside.
  9. Rowan's assistant, Dawn or Lucas depending on which character you didn't pick, shows you around the Pokémon Center and Poké Mart.
  10. Go back to Twinleaf to tell your mum you're leaving; she gives you the Journal, and Barry's mum asks you to deliver a Parcel to him in Jubilife City.

Worth catching: Starly Bidoof Kricketot

Catch a Starly early: it learns Wing Attack at Lv9 and becomes one of the best Flying types in the game.

Part 2 Jubilife City to Oreburgh City

Route 202 Jubilife City Route 203 Oreburgh Gate Oreburgh City Oreburgh Mine

Rowan's assistant teaches you how to catch Pokémon on Route 202 before you reach the big city of Jubilife, where you collect your Pokétch and bump into the International Police agent Looker. A rival battle on Route 203 leads through Oreburgh Gate to the mining town of Oreburgh and your first Gym Leader, Roark.

  1. On Route 202, Rowan's assistant demonstrates how to catch a wild Pokémon and gives you five Poké Balls.
  2. In Jubilife City, your guide leads you up the main street, where Looker introduces himself and gives you the Vs. Recorder.
  3. Find Barry in the Trainers' School, deliver the Parcel and receive the Town Map, then battle School Kids Harrison (Starly Lv6) and Christine (Bidoof Lv6).
  4. Find the three clowns around town, answer their questions to earn Coupons 1, 2 and 3, and swap them at the Pokétch Company for your Pokétch.
  5. Leave east for Route 203, where Barry battles you with Starly Lv7 plus Chimchar Lv9 if you chose Turtwig, Piplup Lv9 if you chose Chimchar, or Turtwig Lv9 if you chose Piplup.
  6. In Oreburgh Gate, a Hiker gives you HM06 Rock Smash, which you can't use outside battle until you have the Coal Badge.
  7. Oreburgh's Gym Leader isn't home, so head into Oreburgh Mine on the south side of town and find Roark on the lower floor to send him back to his Gym.
  8. Inside the Gym, Youngsters Jonathon (Geodude Lv11) and Darius (Geodude Lv9, Onix Lv9) stand between you and the Leader.
  9. Roark fields Geodude Lv12, Onix Lv12 and Cranidos Lv14, and Water, Grass, Fighting and Steel moves all work well against them.
  10. Winning earns you the Coal Badge, which lets you use Rock Smash outside battle, along with TM76 Stealth Rock.
  11. Before you leave, a man in Oreburgh's north house will trade you his Abra, Kazza, for a Machop.
Roark

Worth catching: Shinx Abra Geodude Onix

If you chose Chimchar, train it to Lv14 so it evolves into Monferno and learns Mach Punch before you challenge Roark.

Part 3 Floaroma Town and the Valley Windworks

Jubilife City Route 204 Ravaged Path Floaroma Town Floaroma Meadow Route 205 Valley Windworks

Team Galactic show their hand in Jubilife City when they try to strong-arm Professor Rowan out of his research. You follow their trail north through the Ravaged Path to the flower town of Floaroma, then shut down their operation at the Valley Windworks and meet Commander Mars for the first time.

  1. Back in Jubilife City, two Team Galactic Grunts are threatening Professor Rowan, and you team up with his assistant in a Multi Battle against their Stunky Lv11 and Glameow Lv11.
  2. A Jubilife TV employee who watched the fight gives you the Fashion Case, and Rowan suggests you collect all of Sinnoh's Gym Badges.
  3. Head north onto Route 204 and smash the rocks inside the Ravaged Path, where TM39 Rock Tomb is waiting.
  4. Continue to Floaroma Town, where locals tell you Team Galactic have been hanging around the meadow and the Windworks.
  5. Follow Route 205 east to the Valley Windworks, where a Grunt (Glameow Lv13) locks himself inside and says his friends in Floaroma Meadow have the spare key.
  6. Back in Floaroma Meadow, beat the two Grunts who are bullying the Honey seller (Stunky Lv13, then Zubat Lv11 ×2) and take the Works Key they leave behind.
  7. The grateful Honey seller gives you ten Honey, which you can spread on the golden honey trees to attract Pokémon.
  8. Unlock the Windworks and fight through the Grunts inside (Zubat Lv13; Glameow Lv11 and Stunky Lv11) to reach the back room.
  9. Commander Mars battles you with Zubat Lv15 and Purugly Lv17, then retreats with Charon, freeing the captured worker and opening Route 205 north.
  10. Once Team Galactic have gone, a Drifloon (Lv15) floats by the Windworks door every Friday.

Worth catching: Budew Pachirisu Buizel Shellos Drifloon

Spread Honey on the golden tree on Route 205 as you pass and come back later to see which Pokémon it has attracted.

Part 4 Eterna Forest and the Eterna Gym

Route 205 Eterna Forest Eterna City

North of the Windworks, you escort the Trainer Cheryl through the dark woods of Eterna Forest. In Eterna City you meet Cynthia, find Team Galactic camped beside the town's Pokémon statue, and earn your second badge from the Grass-type Leader Gardenia.

  1. Head up the northern half of Route 205 and enter Eterna Forest.
  2. Just inside, Cheryl asks you to escort her through the forest, and while she's with you wild battles become double battles fought side by side.
  3. Bug Catchers Jack (Wurmple Lv11, Silcoon Lv13, Beautifly Lv15) and Phillip (Wurmple Lv11, Cascoon Lv13, Dustox Lv15) are the toughest of the forest's Trainers.
  4. At the northern exit Cheryl thanks you with the Soothe Bell, and the last stretch of Route 205 leads into Eterna City.
  5. In Eterna, Barry drags you to the Pokémon statue, where Cyrus is studying it; straight afterwards you meet Cynthia, a Trainer researching Sinnoh's legends, who gives you HM01 Cut.
  6. Visit the Underground Man's house to get the Explorer Kit, which lets you dig up fossils to revive at the Oreburgh Mining Museum.
  7. In the Gym, Lass Caroline (Cherubi Lv17, Roselia Lv17) and Aroma Ladies Jenna (Budew Lv15–17) and Angela (Roselia Lv19) guard the way to the Leader.
  8. Gardenia uses Turtwig Lv20, Cherrim Lv20 and Roserade Lv22, so Fire, Flying, Ice and Poison moves are your friends here.
  9. Winning earns you the Forest Badge, which lets you use Cut outside battle, plus TM86 Grass Knot.
Gardenia

Worth catching: Buneary Gastly Budew Hoothoot

If your starter isn't Chimchar, a Staravia with Wing Attack makes light work of Gardenia's Grass types.

Part 5 The Team Galactic Eterna Building and Cycling Road

Eterna City Old Chateau Route 206 Wayward Cave Route 207

Team Galactic's Eterna headquarters is full of stolen Pokémon, and Commander Jupiter is waiting at the top. Clearing it out earns you a Bicycle, which you can ride down Cycling Road toward Mt. Coronet, stopping off at the haunted Old Chateau and the dark Wayward Cave on the way.

  1. Enter the Team Galactic Eterna Building, where Looker, in disguise, warns you to be careful.
  2. Fight up through the Grunts (Lv16–19) and Scientist Travon (Kadabra Lv20) to the top floor.
  3. Commander Jupiter battles you with Zubat Lv21 and Skuntank Lv23, then retreats.
  4. Rescue the Cycle Shop owner's Clefairy, and he thanks you with a Bicycle back at his shop.
  5. Cynthia waits outside the Pokémon Center with an Egg for you that hatches into Togepi; you need a free party slot to take it.
  6. With Cut you can reach the Old Chateau from Eterna Forest, a spooky mansion full of Gastly with the Dread Plate and TM90 Substitute inside.
  7. Ride south from Eterna down Cycling Road (Route 206), where Cyclists such as Axel (Pikachu Lv21) and Megan (Staravia Lv21) wait.
  8. In the Cycling Road north gate you're given the Exp. Share if you have seen at least 35 kinds of Pokémon.
  9. Wayward Cave, beside Cycling Road, is pitch dark, but its lower floor is home to Gible.
  10. At the foot of Cycling Road, Route 207 climbs east toward Mt. Coronet, and Rowan's assistant meets you there with the Vs. Seeker and the Dowsing Machine Pokétch app.

Worth catching: Gible Gligar Ponyta Machop

Gible is slow to start, but it evolves into Gabite at Lv24 and Garchomp at Lv48, so it pays to catch one now.

Part 6 Mt. Coronet to Hearthome City

Mt. Coronet Route 208 Hearthome City Route 209

A short tunnel through Mt. Coronet, where Cyrus speaks of remaking the world, brings you out on Route 208 and into Hearthome City. In Platinum, Hearthome's Ghost-type Gym is your third stop, and Barry is waiting for a rematch as you leave town.

  1. Follow the southern passage through Mt. Coronet, where Cyrus is gazing at the mountain and talking about creating a new world.
  2. On Route 208 you're handed the Odd Keystone; hang on to it for Spiritomb later.
  3. In Hearthome City, Bebe in the house next to the Pokémon Center gives you an Eevee (Lv20) if you have room in your party.
  4. Visit the Pokémon Fan Club for the Poffin Case; contest judge Keira, whose runaway Buneary you stopped on arrival, asks you to drop by the Contest Hall, where you discover Fantina is the Gym Leader and she heads back to her Gym.
  5. The Gym's Ace Trainers Allen (Gastly Lv21, Gastly Lv22, Haunter Lv24) and Catherine (Haunter Lv23, Misdreavus Lv24) are the hardest trainers on the way.
  6. Fantina uses Duskull Lv24, Haunter Lv24 and Mismagius Lv26, and Normal and Fighting moves can't touch any of them.
  7. Winning earns you the Relic Badge, which lets you use Defog outside battle, along with TM65 Shadow Claw.
  8. As you head for Route 209, Barry stops you in the gate: Staravia Lv25, Buizel Lv23, Roselia Lv23 and Monferno Lv27 if you chose Turtwig; Staravia Lv25, Roselia Lv23, Ponyta Lv23 and Prinplup Lv27 if you chose Chimchar; Staravia Lv25, Buizel Lv23, Ponyta Lv23 and Grotle Lv27 if you chose Piplup.
Fantina

Worth catching: Ralts Roselia Eevee Chansey

Ghosts are immune to Normal and Fighting moves, so give your team Dark- or Ghost-type attacks such as Bite before you face Fantina.

Part 7 Solaceon Town, the Ruins and the Lost Tower

Route 209 Solaceon Town Solaceon Ruins Lost Tower Route 210

Route 209 leads to quiet Solaceon Town, home of the Day Care and the Unown-filled Solaceon Ruins, where HM05 Defog is hidden. With Defog you can climb the fog-bound Lost Tower, and further north a group of confused Psyduck block Route 210.

  1. Head east from Hearthome along Route 209, passing the small Hallowed Tower, where the Odd Keystone can be placed.
  2. In Solaceon Town, drop Pokémon at the Day Care, pick up the Seal Case from the house on the east side, and check the Pokémon News Press for its daily request.
  3. Explore the Solaceon Ruins, where only Unown live; Ruin Maniac Karl (Geodude Lv19, Geodude Lv21, Bronzor Lv23) is the only Trainer inside.
  4. The deepest chamber of the ruins holds HM05 Defog, the Mind Plate and the Odd Incense.
  5. Back on Route 209, enter the Lost Tower and use Defog to clear the fog on its upper floors.
  6. The two old women at the top of the Lost Tower give you the Spell Tag and the Cleanse Tag.
  7. Head north from Solaceon onto Route 210, where wild Scyther and Chansey live in the tall grass.
  8. A group of Psyduck with headaches blocks the path north, so turn east toward Route 215 for now.

Worth catching: Unown Scyther Chansey Duskull Ponyta

Leave two compatible Pokémon at the Solaceon Day Care while you explore, then check back for an Egg.

Part 8 Route 215 and the Veilstone Gym

Route 215 Veilstone City

The rain-soaked Route 215 brings you to Veilstone City, home of the Department Store, the Game Corner and Maylene's Fighting-type Gym. After your fourth badge, Team Galactic steal your friend's Pokédex, and a raid on their warehouse turns up a Hidden Machine.

  1. Head east along Route 215, where a Black Belt gives you TM66 Payback and Ace Trainers Dennis (Gligar Lv24, Buizel Lv24, Drifblim Lv25) and Maya (Roselia Lv24, Ralts Lv24, Lickitung Lv25) want to battle.
  2. In Veilstone City, a man gives you TM63 Embargo, and you can pick up a Coin Case to play at the Game Corner.
  3. Outside the Gym you meet Rowan's assistant and Crasher Wake, the Pastoria Gym Leader.
  4. Gym trainers include Black Belts Colby (Machoke Lv23, Lv25 and Lv27) and Jeffery (Heracross Lv28).
  5. Maylene uses Meditite Lv28, Machoke Lv29 and Lucario Lv32.
  6. Winning earns you the Cobble Badge, which lets you use Fly outside battle, and TM60 Drain Punch.
  7. Rowan's assistant tells you that Team Galactic have stolen their Pokédex and asks you to meet them by the warehouses.
  8. Team up for a Multi Battle against two Grunts, who use Zubat Lv24 and Stunky Lv26, and Zubat Lv24 and Croagunk Lv26.
  9. Looker arrives and follows you into the Galactic Warehouse, where you find HM02 Fly and a Dusk Stone and hear that Team Galactic have shipped something to Pastoria City.
Maylene

Worth catching: Kadabra Lickitung Marill Scyther

Flying moves knock out Meditite and Machoke, but Lucario is part Steel, so save a Fire or Ground attack for it.

Part 9 Route 214 to the Pastoria Gym

Route 214 Maniac Tunnel Valor Lakefront Route 213 Pastoria City

South of Veilstone, Route 214 leads past the Maniac Tunnel to the resort area of Valor Lakefront and the beaches of Route 213. In Pastoria City, Barry battles you once more before you take on the Water-type Leader Crasher Wake.

  1. Head south from Veilstone along Route 214, where you'll find Rhyhorn and Houndour in the grass and the Magmarizer lying on the ground.
  2. Off Route 214, the Maniac Tunnel holds Hippopotas and TM28 Dig.
  3. Valor Lakefront is home to Hotel Grand Lake, and the Seven Stars Restaurant hosts a string of Double Battles against diners using Lv24–31 Pokémon.
  4. Continue west along the beaches of Route 213 into Pastoria City.
  5. Barry is waiting outside the Gym: Staravia Lv34, Buizel Lv32, Roselia Lv32 and Monferno Lv36 if you chose Turtwig; Staravia Lv34, Roselia Lv32, Ponyta Lv32 and Prinplup Lv36 if you chose Chimchar; Staravia Lv34, Buizel Lv32, Ponyta Lv32 and Grotle Lv36 if you chose Piplup.
  6. Inside, press the buttons to raise and lower the water and reach the Leader.
  7. The Gym's toughest trainers are Fisherman Erick (Goldeen Lv28, Seaking Lv31, Gyarados Lv31) and Fisherman Walter (Whiscash Lv33).
  8. Crasher Wake uses Gyarados Lv33, Quagsire Lv34 and Floatzel Lv37.
  9. Winning earns you the Fen Badge, which lets you use Surf outside battle, and TM55 Brine.
Crasher Wake

Worth catching: Hippopotas Rhyhorn Houndour Girafarig Chatot

Wake's Quagsire is immune to Electric moves and takes four times damage from Grass, so keep a Grass-type attack ready.

Part 10 The Great Marsh to Celestic Town

Great Marsh Route 213 Valor Lakefront Route 212 Pokémon Mansion Route 210 Celestic Town

A Team Galactic Grunt sets off a test bomb in the Great Marsh, and the chase ends at Valor Lakefront, where Cynthia gives you medicine for the Psyduck on Route 210. That opens the misty road to Celestic Town, where Cyrus himself is waiting and Cynthia's grandmother gives you HM03 Surf.

  1. After the Gym, Barry warns you about a suspicious Grunt near the Great Marsh, who sets off a test explosion there and runs away.
  2. Chase him east along Route 213 to Valor Lakefront and defeat him (Croagunk Lv31).
  3. Cynthia appears at the lakefront and gives you the SecretPotion to cure the Psyduck on Route 210.
  4. Optionally, try the Great Marsh Safari Game, where you can find Wooper, Tropius, Yanma and Tangela.
  5. Also optional is Route 212, north of Pastoria, where Croagunk live in the southern grass and the Pokémon Mansion sits beside the Trophy Garden.
  6. Fly back to Solaceon, walk north and give the SecretPotion to the Psyduck on Route 210; Cynthia then asks you to deliver the Old Charm to her grandmother in Celestic Town.
  7. Use Defog to clear the thick fog on northern Route 210, where Ninja Boys hide in the grass and Ace Trainers Ernest and Alyssa wait.
  8. In Celestic Town, beat the Grunt (Houndour Lv32, Golbat Lv30) causing trouble at the north end of town.
  9. Cyrus is inside the cave at the ruins and battles you with Sneasel Lv34, Golbat Lv34 and Murkrow Lv36.
  10. Cynthia's grandmother thanks you with HM03 Surf, which you can now use thanks to the Fen Badge, and Cynthia suggests visiting the library in Canalave City.

Worth catching: Wooper Tropius Yanma Croagunk Swablu

Before paying for a Safari Game, look through the binoculars on the Great Marsh observation deck to see which bonus Pokémon is around today.

Part 11 Surfing Side Trips and Canalave City

Oreburgh Gate Fuego Ironworks Route 219 Route 220 Route 221 Route 218 Canalave City

With Surf you can reach places you passed earlier, including the Fuego Ironworks and the sea routes south of Sandgem Town. The story then sends you west from Jubilife across Route 218 to the port town of Canalave City, where Barry is waiting on the bridge.

  1. Surf across the water on B1F of Oreburgh Gate to battle Veteran Grant (Riolu Lv34, Staraptor Lv34, Graveler Lv34).
  2. Surf east from Route 205 to reach the Fuego Ironworks, where Workers Dillan (Machop Lv33, Machoke Lv33), Holden (three Magnemite Lv32) and Conrad (Magmar Lv35) battle you inside, and the building also holds TM35 Flamethrower and a Fire Stone.
  3. South of Sandgem Town, Surf down Routes 219 and 220 to Route 221, where Pal Park stays closed for now.
  4. Route 221 has TM81 X-Scissor and Ace Trainers Jake (Staraptor Lv35, Girafarig Lv36) and Shannon (Cherrim Lv34, Azumarill Lv34, Lopunny Lv35).
  5. Head west from Jubilife City onto Route 218 and Surf across to Canalave City, beating Fishermen Miguel (Gyarados Lv33 ×2) and Luc (four Remoraid and a Gyarados, Lv29–31) on the way.
  6. Barry stops you on the bridge in Canalave: Staraptor Lv36, Floatzel Lv35, Heracross Lv37, Roserade Lv35 and Infernape Lv38 if you chose Turtwig; Staraptor Lv36, Roserade Lv35, Heracross Lv37, Rapidash Lv35 and Empoleon Lv38 if you chose Chimchar; Staraptor Lv36, Floatzel Lv35, Heracross Lv37, Rapidash Lv35 and Torterra Lv38 if you chose Piplup.
  7. After the battle, Barry tells you to go and train on Iron Island first.
  8. Pick up TM89 U-turn in town before you set sail.

Worth catching: Magmar Magnemite Mr. Mime Sudowoodo Chatot

Barry's Heracross and Staraptor are his biggest threats in Canalave, so bring a strong Flying, Electric or Fire attacker.

Part 12 Iron Island and the Canalave Gym

Iron Island Canalave City

A boat from Canalave takes you to Iron Island, where the Aura-sensing Trainer Riley gives you Strength and helps you drive Team Galactic out of the mines. Back in Canalave, Roark's father Byron is waiting with his Steel-type team.

  1. Take the boat from Canalave harbour to Iron Island, where Riley greets you and gives you HM04 Strength.
  2. Explore the island's mines, where wild Steelix live on the lower floors.
  3. The mine's trainers include Ace Trainers Jonah (Quagsire Lv35, Staraptor Lv36, Hippopotas Lv38) and Brenda (Lopunny Lv38, Kirlia Lv36, Medicham Lv35).
  4. On B2F, Riley joins you, and together you defeat two Grunts using Zubat Lv34, Houndour Lv34 and Golbat Lv34, and Glameow Lv34, Stunky Lv34 and Croagunk Lv34.
  5. Afterwards Riley gives you an Egg that hatches into Riolu.
  6. Back in Canalave, the Gym's trainers include Ace Trainers Cesar (Scizor Lv40) and Breanna (Bronzor Lv35, Lv36 and Lv38).
  7. Byron uses Magneton Lv37, Steelix Lv38 and Bastiodon Lv41.
  8. Winning earns you the Mine Badge, which lets you use Strength outside battle, plus TM91 Flash Cannon.
Byron

Worth catching: Steelix Onix Graveler Golbat

Ground moves hit Magneton and Bastiodon four times as hard, and Steelix is weak to Water, Fire, Fighting and Ground.

Part 13 The Canalave Library, Lake Valor and Lake Verity

Canalave City Valor Lakefront Lake Valor Lake Verity

Barry drags you to the Canalave Library, where Rowan sends each of you to one of Sinnoh's three lakes. A huge explosion at Lake Valor interrupts the meeting, and you arrive to find the lake drained and Commander Saturn inside. Then it's a race to Lake Verity, where Commander Mars is after Mesprit.

  1. After your Mine Badge, Barry leads you to the top floor of the Canalave Library to meet Professor Rowan and his assistant.
  2. Rowan assigns Lake Valor to you, Lake Verity to his assistant and Lake Acuity to Barry, but an explosion rocks the building and the TV shows that Lake Valor has been bombed.
  3. Fly to Pastoria City or Veilstone City and head to Valor Lakefront, where the lake has been drained.
  4. Defeat the Grunts in the dry lakebed: Golbat Lv37; Glameow Lv35 and Murkrow Lv35; and Croagunk Lv33, Glameow Lv33, Stunky Lv33 and Houndour Lv33.
  5. Commander Saturn waits in Valor Cavern with Golbat Lv38, Bronzor Lv38 and Toxicroak Lv40, and after losing he admits he was only buying time for Team Galactic.
  6. Fly to Twinleaf Town and hurry to Lake Verity, where Rowan is holding off a Grunt and two Double Battles against more Grunts block your way.
  7. Commander Mars battles you with Golbat Lv38, Bronzor Lv38 and Purugly Lv40, but Team Galactic have already taken Mesprit.
  8. Rowan asks you to go north to Lake Acuity to check on Barry.

Worth catching: Girafarig Houndour Golduck

Both Commanders use Bronzor, whose Steel/Psychic typing resists most attacks: only Fire is super effective (a Heatproof Bronzor halves even that), Ghost and Dark do just normal damage, and a Levitate Bronzor is immune to Ground.

Part 14 Mt. Coronet North, Snowpoint City and Lake Acuity

Route 211 Mt. Coronet Route 216 Route 217 Snowpoint City Lake Acuity

The road to Lake Acuity runs through the northern caves of Mt. Coronet and across two snowbound routes. You're too late to stop Barry being overwhelmed, but you'll need Candice's Icicle Badge before you can even climb up to the lake.

  1. Travel east from Eterna City along Route 211 into Mt. Coronet, using Strength and Rock Smash to reach the northern exit to Route 216.
  2. Deep snow slows you down on Route 216, where you'll find TM13 Ice Beam and Ace Trainers Blake (Ambipom Lv39, Porygon2 Lv40) and Garrett (Mr. Mime Lv37, Dusclops Lv39, Scyther Lv39).
  3. A blizzard covers Route 217, where you can pick up HM08 Rock Climb lying on the ground.
  4. At Acuity Lakefront, Barry tells you that you can't climb the rocky slope to the lake without the Snowpoint Gym Badge.
  5. In Snowpoint City, the Gym's six Ace Trainers include Anton (Glalie Lv44) and Isaiah (Piloswine Lv44).
  6. Candice uses Sneasel Lv40, Piloswine Lv40, Abomasnow Lv42 and Froslass Lv44.
  7. Winning earns you the Icicle Badge, which lets you use Rock Climb outside battle, along with TM72 Avalanche.
  8. Climb up to Lake Acuity to find Commander Jupiter has already taken Uxie and beaten Barry; she leaves for Team Galactic's headquarters in Veilstone City.
  9. Optionally, trade a Medicham to a girl in Snowpoint for Gaspar, a Haunter holding an Everstone.
Candice

Worth catching: Sneasel Snover Snorunt Swinub Bronzor

Abomasnow is four times weak to Fire and Sneasel four times weak to Fighting, so a strong Fire or Fighting type covers most of Candice's team.

Part 15 Team Galactic HQ and the Climb up Mt. Coronet

Veilstone City Galactic HQ Mt. Coronet

Looker gets you into Team Galactic's headquarters in Veilstone City, where you face Cyrus and Saturn and free the three Lake Guardians. Cyrus then heads for the summit of Mt. Coronet, and you follow him up through the mountain.

  1. In Veilstone City, Looker reveals that he has a Storage Key and arranges to meet you in the Galactic Warehouse.
  2. Inside the warehouse, Looker uses the Storage Key on the rusty door to open the way into Team Galactic HQ, then goes on ahead.
  3. Find your way around with the warp panels, and pick up the Galactic Key on B2F to open the locked doors.
  4. The HQ is full of Grunts at Lv37–41, plus Scientists Fredrick (Kirlia Lv40, Kadabra Lv40) and Darrius (Porygon2 Lv42).
  5. Cyrus meets you on 4F and battles you with Sneasel Lv44, Crobat Lv44 and Honchkrow Lv46, then gives you the Master Ball and leaves for Mt. Coronet.
  6. Commander Saturn guards the Control Room with Golbat Lv42, Bronzor Lv42 and Toxicroak Lv44.
  7. Press the button on the machine to free Uxie, Mesprit and Azelf, while Charon watches and mutters about a plan of his own.
  8. Head to Mt. Coronet and climb toward the summit, using Rock Smash, Strength and Rock Climb along the way.
  9. Grunts at Lv38–43 are posted along the way, and wild Absol roam the snowy outdoor ledges near the summit.

Worth catching: Absol Chimecho Bronzong Medicham

Save your Master Ball for a roaming legendary such as Mesprit or Cresselia, which flee every turn.

Part 16 Spear Pillar and the Distortion World

Spear Pillar Distortion World Sendoff Spring

At the summit, Cyrus uses the Red Chain to summon Dialga and Palkia, but a shadowy third Pokémon intervenes and drags him into another dimension. Together with Cynthia, you follow him into the Distortion World for the final showdown with Team Galactic's leader and a meeting with Giratina.

  1. At Spear Pillar, two Grunts take you on in a Double Battle with Croagunk Lv39 and Croagunk Lv43, and Stunky Lv41 and Glameow Lv41.
  2. Barry arrives and joins you in a Multi Battle against Mars (Bronzor Lv44, Golbat Lv44, Purugly Lv46) and Jupiter (Bronzor Lv44, Golbat Lv44, Skuntank Lv46), then heals your team.
  3. Cyrus uses the Red Chain to summon Dialga and Palkia, the lake trio appear, and a portal tears open as a shadowy Pokémon pulls Cyrus inside.
  4. Cynthia arrives, identifies the shadow as Giratina and asks you to follow her into the Distortion World.
  5. Gravity works differently in the Distortion World, so follow Cynthia down through its floating floors, pushing boulders into holes on B6F to open the way to the bottom.
  6. On the lowest floor, Cyrus battles you with Houndoom Lv45, Honchkrow Lv47, Crobat Lv46, Gyarados Lv46 and Weavile Lv48.
  7. Giratina (Lv47, in its Origin Forme) then attacks; you can catch it here, and if it faints or flees it will wait for you in Turnback Cave after the Hall of Fame.
  8. Leap through the portal with Cynthia, and you'll come out at Sendoff Spring.
  9. Cynthia asks you to report to Professor Rowan in Sandgem Town, who tells you the Lake Guardians have returned home and suggests heading to Sunyshore City.

Worth catching: Giratina Dusclops Chingling

Save before you touch Giratina and bring plenty of Ultra and Dusk Balls, because this is your one chance to catch it in its Origin Forme.

Part 17 The Lake Guardians and the Sunyshore Gym

Lake Verity Lake Valor Lake Acuity Valor Lakefront Route 222 Sunyshore City

With Team Galactic beaten, the three Lake Guardians are back in their caverns and can be caught. Then it's east along Route 222 to Sunyshore City, where Elite Four member Flint asks you to give the bored Gym Leader Volkner a battle worth remembering.

  1. At Lake Verity, Mesprit (Lv50) appears briefly in Verity Cavern, then flees and roams Sinnoh; use the Marking Map Pokétch app to track it.
  2. At Lake Valor, which has refilled, Surf to the island in the middle and catch Azelf (Lv50) in Valor Cavern.
  3. At Lake Acuity, use Rock Climb to get up to the lake and catch Uxie (Lv50) in Acuity Cavern.
  4. From Valor Lakefront, head east past Hotel Grand Lake onto Route 222, where Electabuzz and Luxio live in the grass and Rich Boy Trey has a Luxray Lv45.
  5. In Sunyshore City, Flint asks you to reignite Volkner's passion for battling.
  6. The Gym's toughest trainers are Ace Trainers Destiny (Electabuzz Lv47, Raichu Lv48) and Zachery (Electabuzz Lv47, Magneton Lv48).
  7. Volkner uses Jolteon Lv46, Raichu Lv46, Luxray Lv48 and Electivire Lv50.
  8. Winning earns you the Beacon Badge, which lets you use Waterfall outside battle, plus TM57 Charge Beam.
  9. Jasmine, a Gym Leader visiting from Johto, gives you HM07 Waterfall so you can reach the Pokémon League.
Volkner

Worth catching: Uxie Azelf Mesprit Electabuzz Luxio

Ground types are immune to Volkner's Electric moves, and Gastrodon, which is weak only to Grass, is an especially safe pick.

Part 18 Victory Road and the Pokémon League

Route 223 Victory Road Pokémon League

Surf and Waterfall carry you north to the Pokémon League, where Victory Road is the last test before the Elite Four. After one final battle with Barry, you face Aaron, Bertha, Flint and Lucian in a row and then Champion Cynthia.

  1. Surf north from Sunyshore along Route 223, past Swimmers at Lv40–45, and climb the waterfall to the Pokémon League's southern Pokémon Center.
  2. Victory Road calls for Surf, Strength, Rock Smash, Waterfall and Rock Climb, and its trainers include Ace Trainer Mariah (Blissey Lv45, Glalie Lv46, Magnezone Lv48) and Veteran Edgar (Porygon-Z Lv46, Tangrowth Lv46, Empoleon Lv46).
  3. Look for TM71 Stone Edge, TM79 Dark Pulse and TM59 Dragon Pulse inside the cave.
  4. At the northern Pokémon Center, Barry challenges you: Staraptor Lv48, Floatzel Lv47, Heracross Lv48, Roserade Lv47, Snorlax Lv49 and Infernape Lv51 if you chose Turtwig; Staraptor Lv48, Roserade Lv47, Heracross Lv48, Rapidash Lv47, Snorlax Lv49 and Empoleon Lv51 if you chose Chimchar; Staraptor Lv48, Floatzel Lv47, Heracross Lv48, Rapidash Lv47, Snorlax Lv49 and Torterra Lv51 if you chose Piplup.
  5. Once you step through the door to the Elite Four, you can't leave until you win or lose, so stock up first.
  6. Aaron (Bug) uses Yanmega Lv49, Scizor Lv49, Vespiquen Lv50, Heracross Lv51 and Drapion Lv53.
  7. Bertha (Ground) uses Whiscash Lv50, Gliscor Lv53, Hippowdon Lv52, Golem Lv52 and Rhyperior Lv55.
  8. Flint (Fire) uses Houndoom Lv52, Flareon Lv55, Rapidash Lv53, Infernape Lv55 and Magmortar Lv57.
  9. Lucian (Psychic) uses Mr. Mime Lv53, Espeon Lv55, Bronzong Lv54, Alakazam Lv56 and Gallade Lv59.
  10. Champion Cynthia uses Spiritomb Lv58, Roserade Lv58, Togekiss Lv60, Lucario Lv60, Milotic Lv58 and Garchomp Lv62.
  11. Beat her to enter the Hall of Fame, and when the credits end the post-game begins back in your bedroom in Twinleaf Town.
Cynthia

Worth catching: Gabite Steelix Magneton Mantyke

Bring a strong Ice-type move for Cynthia's Garchomp, which takes four times damage from Ice, and carry plenty of Full Restores because there's no shop between battles.

Part 19 The National Pokédex and Roaming Legendaries

Sandgem Town Route 221 Pal Park Eterna City Canalave City Fullmoon Island Veilstone City Old Chateau Pokémon Mansion Trophy Garden

Once you've seen every Pokémon in the Sinnoh Pokédex, Professor Oak arrives to upgrade it to the National Pokédex. That opens Pal Park, sets the legendary birds and Cresselia roaming the region, and brings out new Pokémon all over Sinnoh.

  1. After the Hall of Fame, keep filling your Pokédex until you've seen every Pokémon in the Sinnoh Pokédex, then visit Professor Rowan in Sandgem Town.
  2. Professor Oak is waiting at the lab and upgrades your Pokédex to the National Pokédex, and Rowan gives you the Poké Radar.
  3. Pal Park on Route 221 now opens, so you can bring over Pokémon from the Game Boy Advance games.
  4. Talk to Professor Oak in the house in the south of Eterna City, and Moltres, Zapdos and Articuno (all Lv60) begin roaming Sinnoh.
  5. Use the Marking Map Pokétch app to track the roamers, including Mesprit if you haven't caught it yet.
  6. In Canalave City, a sailor's son is trapped in a nightmare; take the boat to Fullmoon Island, where Cresselia (Lv50) flees and starts roaming, and bring the Lunar Wing it leaves behind back to the boy.
  7. In the north-east house in Veilstone City, a scientist gives you a Porygon (Lv25).
  8. Examine the TV in the back room of the Old Chateau at night (20:00–3:59) to battle Rotom (Lv20).
  9. Talk to Mr. Backlot in the Pokémon Mansion each day to find out which extra Pokémon is in the Trophy Garden, and check the Great Marsh, whose daily Pokémon now include National Pokédex species.

Worth catching: Moltres Zapdos Articuno Cresselia Rotom

Roaming legendaries flee on their first turn, so lead with a Pokémon that can trap or put them to sleep, or use your Master Ball.

Part 20 Dialga, Palkia, Giratina and Regigigas

Mt. Coronet Spear Pillar Spring Path Sendoff Spring Turnback Cave Snowpoint Temple Regi chambers Route 209

Sinnoh's biggest legends become available in the post-game. Two orbs hidden in Mt. Coronet open the way to Dialga and Palkia, Turnback Cave hides Giratina if you missed it during the story, and the bottom of Snowpoint Temple holds the sleeping Regigigas.

  1. Search Mt. Coronet's 4F rooms for the Adamant Orb and the Lustrous Orb.
  2. Take the Adamant Orb to Spear Pillar to battle Dialga (Lv70), and take the Lustrous Orb there to battle Palkia (Lv70).
  3. If you didn't catch Giratina in the Distortion World, take the Spring Path from Route 214 to Sendoff Spring and enter Turnback Cave.
  4. Find your way through Turnback Cave's maze of pillar rooms to its end, where Giratina (Lv47, Altered Forme) is waiting.
  5. With the National Pokédex and the Hall of Fame behind you, Candice lets you into Snowpoint Temple.
  6. Work your way down to B5F, where Jynx and Sneasel lurk on the lower floors.
  7. Regigigas (Lv1) only wakes if Regirock, Regice and Registeel are all in your party, so you'll usually need to bring them over through Pal Park.
  8. With Regigigas in your party, the doors of the Iron Ruins on Iron Island, the Iceberg Ruins on Route 217 and the Rock Peak Ruins on Route 228 open, and each holds a Lv30 Regi.
  9. If you placed the Odd Keystone in the Hallowed Tower on Route 209, talk to 32 people in the Underground and then examine the tower to battle Spiritomb (Lv25).

Worth catching: Dialga Palkia Giratina Regigigas Spiritomb

Regigigas is only Lv1, so don't attack it; just throw a Poké Ball straight away.

Part 21 The Battle Zone and Stark Mountain

Snowpoint City Fight Area Route 225 Survival Area Route 226 Route 227 Stark Mountain

Cynthia sends you by boat from Snowpoint to the Battle Zone, a group of islands built for strong Trainers. You team up with Barry against Flint and Volkner, help Buck stop the last of Team Galactic at Stark Mountain, and finally get your chance to catch Heatran.

  1. After the Hall of Fame, Cynthia meets you in Snowpoint City, and the sailor at the harbour can take you to the Battle Zone.
  2. In the Fight Area, Barry asks you to join him in a Multi Battle against Flint and Volkner, after which his father Palmer, the Tower Tycoon, introduces himself and Buck invites you to the Survival Area.
  3. Before you move on, a Fisherman by the north exit gives you the Super Rod and a Socialite in the Poké Mart gives you the Scope Lens.
  4. The road north is blocked until you have the National Pokédex; then Route 225 leads to the Survival Area, with trainers around Lv51–56.
  5. Barry hangs around the Survival Area for regular battles, starting with Snorlax Lv63 and his starter's final form at Lv65; later his whole team climbs into the Lv79–85 range.
  6. On Route 227, Buck asks you to patrol Stark Mountain because he's heard Team Galactic are after the Magma Stone.
  7. Inside Stark Mountain, Mars (Bronzong Lv58, Golbat Lv58, Purugly Lv60) and then Jupiter (Bronzong Lv58, Golbat Lv58, Skuntank Lv60) battle you in the first cave before both quit Team Galactic; further in, Buck catches up, joins you and keeps your team healed.
  8. In the deepest room, Charon tries to take the Magma Stone and Looker arrests him; outside, Buck takes the stone back to its place.
  9. Talk to Buck at his Battleground in the Survival Area, then return to the deepest room of Stark Mountain to find Heatran (Lv50) awake.
  10. With Charon arrested, the Elite Four and Cynthia use stronger rematch teams (Cynthia's Garchomp is Lv78), and the Gym Leaders turn up at the Battleground with teams around Lv61–65.

Worth catching: Heatran Skarmory Banette Magcargo

Heatran takes four times damage from Ground moves, so weaken it carefully and bring Dusk Balls for the dark volcano.

Part 22 The Resort Area and the Battle Frontier

Route 228 Route 229 Resort Area Route 230 Fight Area Battle Frontier

The sandstorm-swept Route 228 and the forests of Route 229 lead to the quiet Resort Area before Route 230 carries you back to the Fight Area. Next door, the Battle Frontier is Platinum's ultimate test: five facilities, each with its own rules and a Frontier Brain waiting at the end of a long winning streak. Wins earn Battle Points that you can trade for valuable items.

  1. From Route 226, continue into the sandstorm on Route 228, where the Rock Peak Ruins stand and trainers such as Pokémon Ranger Kyler (Exeggcute Lv55, Zangoose Lv55, Empoleon Lv58) wait.
  2. A move tutor in a house on Route 228 teaches Frenzy Plant, Blast Burn or Hydro Cannon to a fully evolved starter that is very friendly with you.
  3. Route 229 leads to the Resort Area, home of the Ribbon Syndicate, and a man on Route 229 hands out a Nugget.
  4. Surf along Route 230 to get back to the Fight Area.
  5. The Battle Frontier is right next to the Fight Area and opens once you've helped Barry against Flint and Volkner.
  6. The Battle Tower is a straight test of consecutive wins, and its Frontier Brain is Palmer, the Tower Tycoon and Barry's father.
  7. At the Battle Factory you battle with rental Pokémon and can swap one after each win; Thorton is the Factory Head.
  8. In the Battle Hall you take a single Pokémon through a long series of battles against opponents of type after type; Argenta is the Hall Matron.
  9. The Battle Castle charges Castle Points for healing, items and information about your opponents; Darach is the Castle Valet.
  10. At the Battle Arcade, a roulette board decides events that can help or hurt either side before each battle; Dahlia is the Arcade Star.
  11. Winning earns Battle Points (BP), which you can trade at the Exchange Service Corner for prizes.
  12. Powerful legendaries such as Dialga, Palkia and Giratina aren't allowed, and you can't bring two of the same Pokémon.
  13. Cheryl, Mira, Riley, Marley and Buck, the partners you met on your travels, can be found in the Battle Tower's salon to team up for Multi Battles.

Worth catching: Hippowdon Cacnea Sealeo Volbeat Illumise

Breed and train a dedicated team rather than bringing your story Pokémon, because Frontier opponents use carefully built sets.

FAQ

What is the Gym order in Pokémon Platinum?

Roark (Oreburgh City), Gardenia (Eterna City), Fantina (Hearthome City), Maylene (Veilstone City), Crasher Wake (Pastoria City), Byron (Canalave City), Candice (Snowpoint City), Volkner (Sunyshore City).

Which starter should I pick in Platinum?

Chimchar is the popular choice: Infernape’s Fighting moves handle Roark, Maylene’s partners, Byron and Candice, and Fire types are rare in Sinnoh. Turtwig is strong early against Roark and Crasher Wake but weak to the Ice-heavy late game; Piplup’s Empoleon gains a Steel type with very few weaknesses.

What is different in Platinum from Diamond and Pearl?

Fantina becomes the third Gym Leader, Giratina and the Distortion World are at the centre of the story, the Sinnoh Pokédex grows to 210 Pokémon, the Battle Frontier replaces the old Battle Tower area, and many wild Pokémon, trainers and Gym teams changed.

Sources & picture credits

Guide text is original retrogameindex writing, checked against Bulbapedia and the game data. Wild Pokémon and encounter chances, items, trainers, rematch teams, gifts, trades and shops come from the pret/pokeplatinum decompilation, and the Pokémon and trainer sprites are drawn from the game’s own graphics in it. Location pictures © Nintendo / Creatures / GAME FREAK, archived from the Pokémon Wiki on Fandom (listed on the image gallery).