Sinnoh team and progression basics
A starter guide to Pokémon Platinum: choose your starter, check the move category, prepare for the league, plan your postgame.
Original Nintendo DS release; not Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl.
Choose your starter
Turtwig, Chimchar and Piplup begin different team paths. Choose the one you enjoy, then add partners that cover its weaknesses rather than filling your party with similar types.
Check the move category
Platinum separates physical and special attacks by move, not just by type. Compare a move’s category with your Pokémon’s Attack and Special Attack before deciding which move to replace.
Prepare for the League
Carry healing items and status cures, and train several party members rather than relying on one attacker. Before a difficult battle, check your team for shared weaknesses and unused held-item slots.
Plan your postgame
The Battle Frontier offers a different challenge from the story. Treat competitive team building as a separate goal after the League; a story team does not need perfect breeding to finish the campaign.
This is a starter reference, not a complete walkthrough or item database. Use the linked game reference for detailed routes and collection lists.