Learn how to complete the story with Game8's complete story walkthrough for Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (BDSP). Read on to know how to proceed through each area, learn which Pokemon the Gym Leaders have, as well as other helpful walkthrough information.

Tips for Your Journey

Aim for the National Dex

In order to reach the post-game contents of the game, you'll need to unlock the National Dex, which requires the player to encounter all 150 Pokemon on the native Sinnoh Dex. You don't need to capture every Pokemon to do this, as simply seeing the Pokemon in battle will fulfill the entry requirement. Battling every trainer in every area on your journey to becoming Champion should get you most of the Pokedex entries.

While it's tempting to blast through the main story and get to the post-game, if you do so without battling a variety of trainers, you'll have to spend time retracing your steps to encounter the Pokemon you missed.

How to Unlock the National Dex

Use TMs Wisely

Unlike in recent Pokemon games, TMs in the Sinnoh remakes are single use and break once they are used on a Pokemon. The good news is you usually get more than one copy of any TM, but it is still a good idea to save your TMs until needed.

All TM Locations

All Story Walkthrough Guides

All Story Walkthroughs
Getting the 1st Badge	Getting the 2nd Badge
Getting the 3rd Badge	Getting the 4th Badge
Getting the 5th Badge	Getting the 6th Badge
Getting the 7th Badge	Getting the 8th Badge
Becoming the Champion

Important Battles

All Important Battles
All Barry Rival Battles	All Gym Leader Types and Pokemon
All Elite Four Types and Pokemon	All Team Galactic Locations and Pokemon

Post Game Content

All Post Game Content
Post Game Content Guide	How to Unlock the National Dex
Ramanas Park Guide	How to Get to the Battle Zone
All Gym Leader Rematch Teams	All Elite Four Rematch Teams

Getting the 1st Badge Objectives

1	Head to your Rival's house.
2	Follow your Rival to Lake Verity.
3	Protect yourselves from the Starly by choosing a Starter Pokemon from the briefcase. ▶︎ Best Starter Pokemon to Choose
4	Get the Running Shoes from Mom back home at Twinleaf Town.
5	Go to the Prof. Rowan's Lab in Sandgem Town and receive the Pokedex.
6	Return to Twinleaf Town to get the Guidebook from Mom and the Parcel from your Rival's mom.
7	Let Lucas/Dawn teach you how to catch Pokemon on Route 202. Receive 20 Pokeballs. ▶︎ Best Team for the Story
8	Head to the Trainer School in Jubilife City. Deliver the Parcel to your rival. Receive a Town Map.
9	Collect the 3 Coupons to get the Poketch ▶︎ Poketch Clowns Locations
10	Proceed to Route 203. Have your first Rival Battle.
11	Pass through the Oreburgh Gate and obtain Rock Smash from the Hiker near the entrance.
12	Speak with Gym Leader Roark at the Oreburgh Mine.
13	Challenge the Oreburgh Gym. ▶︎ How to Beat Roark

Getting the 1st Badge: Walkthrough

First Rival Battle - Route 203

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Starly (Lvl. 7)		Keen Eye	・Tackle ・Quick Attack ・Growl

1st Gym Leader - Roark's Battle

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Geodude (Lvl. 12)		Rock Head	・Stealth Rock ・Defense Curl ・Rollout
Onix (Lvl. 12)		Sturdy	・Stealth Rock ・Rock Throw ・Bind
Cranidos (Lvl. 14)		Mold Breaker	・Headbutt ・Bulldoze ・Leer

Getting the 2nd Badge Objectives

1	Speak with your rival by Oreburgh Gate
2	Go through Oreburgh Gate and return to Jubilife City.
3	Join Lucas/Dawn in a double battle against the Team Galactic Grunts north of Jubilife. Bebe will appear and give you access to Ball Capsules. ▶︎ How to Use Ball Capsules
4	Head north through Route 204 and go through the Ravaged Path to reach Floaroma Town.
5	Battle the Team Galactic Grunt guarding the Valley Windworks.
6	Return to Floaroma Town and head to the northwest flower field.
7	Defeat both the Galactic Grunts here and defend the old man. Earn the Works Key and Honey.
8	Use the Works Key to enter the Power Plant at Valley Windworks. Defeat the Team Galactic Grunts found inside.
9	Face off against Commander Mars.
10	Head north into Eterna Forest. Accompany Cheryl to the end.
11	Challenge the Eterna Gym. ▶︎ How to Beat Gardenia

Getting the 2nd Badge: Walkthrough

Commander Mars Battle - Valley Windworks

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Zubat (Lvl. 14)		Inner Focus	・Absorb ・Supersonic ・Astonish ・U-turn
Purugly (Lvl. 16)		Thick Fat Oran Berry	・Fake Out ・Scratch ・Growl ・Thief

2nd Gym Leader: Gardenia's Pokemon

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Cherubi (Lvl. 19)		Chlorophyll	・Grass Knot ・Growth ・Dazzling Gleam ・Safeguard
Turtwig (Lvl. 19)		Shell Armor Miracle Seed	・Grass Knot ・Razor Leaf ・Reflect ・Work Up
Roserade (Lvl. 22)		Technician Sitrus Berry	・Grass Knot ・Petal Blizzard ・Poison Sting ・Stun Spore

Getting the 3rd Badge Objectives

1	Go through the path in front of the Team Galactic Eterna Building at the north side of town. Cynthia will give you access to the Cut Hidden Move.
2	Use Cut to get into the Galactic Building and face off against Commander Jupiter on the 4th floor.
3	Get a Bicycle from the Cycle Shop.
4	Head south and get the Vs. Seeker and Dowsing Machine from Dawn/Lucas at the entrance to Route 207, then continue to the bottom of the cycling road.
-	Use Cut on the tree at the end of the cycling road and continue north below the road to reach Wayward Cave. Find Mira and help her find her way out. (Note: This is an optional objective with no significant reward)
5	Travel through Mt. Coronet and Route 208 until you reach Hearthome City. After visiting the Contest Hall, fight your rival.
6	Travel east, then north along Route 209. Use your Bicycle to climb the slope.
-	Enter the Lost Tower building. Make your way up to the last floor of the building and talk to the old ladies to get the Strength Hidden Move. (It's possible to skip this for now and return any time before heading to the 7th badge)
7	Travel to Solaceon Town and make your way to Route 210.
8	Travel north. You'll find out that Psyducks are blocking the path. Travel through Route 215 to reach Veilstone City.
9	Challenge Gym Leader Maylene in the Veilstone City gym. ▶︎ How to Beat Maylene

Getting the 3rd Badge: Walkthrough

Hearthome City Rival Battle: Rival's Pokemon

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Starly (Lvl. 19)		Keen Eye	・Quick Attack ・Double Team ・Endeavor ・Pluck

Commander Jupiter Battle - Eterna Building

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Zubat (Lvl. 18)		Inner Focus	・Absorb ・Supersonic ・Mean Look ・Poison Fang
Skuntank (Lvl. 20)		Aftermath Sitrus Berry	・Flamethrower ・Poison Gas ・Acid Spray ・Snarl

3rd Gym Leader: Maylene's Pokemon

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Meditite (Lvl. 27)		Pure Power Light Clay	・Drain Punch ・Light Screen ・Flash ・Bulk Up
Machoke (Lvl. 27)		Guts Expert Belt	・Low Sweep ・Knock Off ・Rock Tomb ・Bulldoze
Lucario (Lvl. 30)		Steadfast Big Root	・Drain Punch ・Screech ・Metal Claw ・Bulk Up

Getting the 4th Badge Objectives

1	Find the Galactic Warehouse in the top-left corner of Veilstone City. Team up with Lucas/Dawn to fight the two Galactic Grunts.
2	Go inside the Galactic Warehouse, and get the Fly near the blue crate.
3	Head to Pastoria City either by going south from Hearthome to Route 212 or going south from Veilstone through Route 214 and Route 213.
4	Visit Pastoria Great Marsh on the north side of Pastoria City and pay the fee to play the Safari Game. Upon entering the Safari Zone, you'll find a girl on the east. Talk to her to receive Defog.
5	Enter the Pastoria Gym, and challenge Gym Leader Crasher Wake. ▶︎ How to Beat Crasher Wake

Getting the 4th Badge: Walkthrough

4th Gym Leader: Crasher Wake's Pokemon

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Gyarados (Lvl. 27)		Intimidate Wide Lens	・Brine ・Ice Fang ・Crunch ・Flail
Quagsire (Lvl. 27)		Damp Damp Rock	・Rain Dance ・Haze ・Mud Shot ・Scald
Floatzel (Lvl. 30)		Swift Swim Sitrus Berry	・Brine ・Ice Fang ・Bite ・Aqua Jet

Getting the 5th Badge Objectives

1	After defeating the 4th Gym Leader, talk to the Galactic Grunt outside the Great Marsh.
2	Battle your rival and travel to Route 213.
3	Go southeast. Then, talk to the Galactic Grunt, and follow him.
4	You'll find Galactic Grunt at Valor Lakefront. Continue following him each time he runs away.
5	Battle the Galactic Grunt and talk to Cynthia.
6	Travel back to Route 210, and use the Secret Potion on the Psyducks beside the Cafe Cabin.
7	Continue travelling through the route until you reach Celestic Town.
8	Head to the center of the town. Talk to the Galactic Grunt in front of the cave's entrance.
9	Enter the ruins, and examine the ancient cave paintings on the wall. Cynthia's Grandma will give you Surf after.
10	Return to Hearthome City and enter the gym.
-	Fight a Drifloon from one of the trainers in the second area of Fantina's gym. If you don't see a Drifloon here, there are no other places in the game to encounter one except on Fridays at Valley Windworks, and without it you won't be able to complete the Sinnoh Dex to access post-game content. ▶︎How to Complete the Sinnoh Dex
11	After seeing Drifloon, answer the quiz correctly for the rest of the rooms to reach Gym Leader Fantina's location. ▶︎ How to Beat Fantina

Getting the 5th Badge: Walkthrough

Pastoria City Rival Battle: Rival's Pokemon

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Starly (Lvl. 26)		Keen Eye Quick Claw	・Quick Attack ・Double Team ・Endeavor ・Pluck

5th Gym Leader: Fantina's Pokemon

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Drifblim (Lvl. 32)		Aftermath Zoom Lens	・Strength Sap ・Hex ・Fly ・Will-O-Wisp
Gengar (Lvl. 34)		Cursed Body Colbur Berry	・Shadow Claw ・Confuse Ray ・Sludge Bomb ・Dazzling Gleam
Mismagius (Lvl. 36)		Levitate Expert Belt	・Confuse Ray ・Phantom Force ・Magical Leaf ・Dazzling Gleam

Getting the 6th Badge Objectives

1	Upon exiting the Pokemon Gym, you'll encounter Cynthia. After the conversation, travel to Jubilife City.
2	Go west to Route 218. Use surf to cross the lake and travel west to reach Canalave City.
3	Challenge Gym Leader Byron at the Canalave City Pokemon Gym. ▶︎ How to Beat Byron

Getting the 6th Badge: Walkthrough

Canalave City Rival Battle: Rival's Pokemon

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Staravia (Lvl. 32)		Intimidate Quick Claw	・Quick Attack ・Double Team ・Endeavor ・Pluck
Heracross (Lvl. 32)		Swarm	・Leer ・Aerial Ace ・Brick Break ・Thief

6th Gym Leader: Byron's Pokemon

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Bronzor (Lvl. 36)		Levitate	・Confuse Ray ・Sandstorm ・Trick Room ・Flash Cannon
Steelix (Lvl. 36)		Sturdy Soft Sand	・Thunder Fang ・Earthquake ・Sandstorm ・Gyro Ball
Bastiodon (Lvl. 39)		Sturdy Sitrus Berry	・Iron Defense ・Thunderbolt ・Stone Edge ・Flash Cannon

Getting the 7th Badge Objectives

1	Exit the Pokemon Gym, and visit the 3rd floor of Canalave Library. Then, visit Lake Valor, which is now unblocked.
2	Go to the center of the empty lake. Then, go inside the Valor Cavern and battle with Commander Saturn.
3	Fly to Twinleaf Town, then go to Lake Verity. You'll battle with Commander Mars.
4	Fly to Celestic Town, then head west and enter Mt. Coronet North. Use Strength to continue north and use Defog to clear the fog in the next area.
5	Continue through Route 216, and enter the hiker's house in Route 217.
6	Find the TM for Rock Climb behind his house and return to the hiker for the reward. Do not use the TM until you talk to the hiker as this will trigger a glitch in the game.
7	Visit the Snowpoint City Pokemon Gym and challenge Gym Leader Candice. ▶︎ How to Beat Candice

Getting the 7th Badge: Walkthrough

Commander Saturn Battle - Lake Valor

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Kadabra (Lvl. 35)		Inner Focus Damp Rock	・Kinesis ・Reflect ・Psychic ・Rain Dance
Bronzor (Lvl. 35)		Levitate	・Confuse Ray ・Payback ・Gyro Ball ・Extrasensory
Toxicroak (Lvl. 37)		Dry Skin	・Mud-Slap ・Revenge ・Toxic ・Thief

Commander Mars Battle - Lake Verity

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Golbat (Lvl. 37)		Inner Focus	・Astonish ・Poison Fang ・Bite ・U-turn
Bronzor (Lvl. 37)		Levitate	・Confuse Ray ・Payback ・Gyro Ball ・Iron Defense
Purugly (Lvl. 39)		Thick Fat Sitrus Berry	・Growl ・Aerial Ace ・Slash ・U-turn

7th Gym Leader: Candice's Pokemon

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Snover (Lvl. 38)		Snow Warning Icy Rock	・Mist ・Razor Leaf ・Water Pulse ・Avalanche
Sneasel (Lvl. 38)		Pickpocket Chople Berry	・Metal Claw ・Hone Claws ・Dig ・Avalanche
Medicham (Lvl. 40)		Pure Power Expert Belt	・Ice Punch ・Bulk Up ・Brick Break ・Rock Slide
Abomasnow (Lvl. 42)		Snow Warning Sitrus Berry	・Aurora Veil ・Giga Drain ・Earthquake ・Blizzard

Getting the 8th Badge Objectives

1	From Snowpoint City, go west to Lake Acuity.
2	Fly to Veilstone City and visit the Galactic HQ, and talk to the Galactic Grunt near the satellite. Then, pick up the Storage Key.
3	Travel to the Galactic Warehouse, and use the Storage Key to unlock the rust-encrusted door.
4	Find the Galactic Key inside the warehouse. Then, use the Galactic Key to open the door at the end.
5	Travel back to Galactic HQ and defeat Cyrus and Commander Saturn.
6	Free the Pokemon, and leave the building. Next stop is Mt. Coronet. Fly to Oreburgh City and head east on Route 207, then use Surf and Rock Climb to go north into a new area.
7	Traverse through Mt. Coronet until you reach Commander Mars, Commander Jupiter, and Galactic Boss Cyrus at Spear Pillar at the summit.
8	Defeat Galactic Boss Cyrus.
9	Face the Legendary Pokemon. Even if you fail to catch it, it will reappear here after entering the Hall of Fame.
10	Travel to Sunyshore City, and go to the lighthouse, to talk to Volkner
11	Challenge Gym Leader Volkner at the Sunyshore City gym. ▶︎ How to Beat Volkner

Getting the 8th Badge: Walkthrough

Commander Mars & Commander Jupiter's Pokemon

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Bronzor (Lvl. 41)		Levitate	・Confuse Ray ・Payback ・Extrasensory ・Light Screen
Golbat (Lvl. 41)		Inner Focus	・Air Cutter ・Haze ・Giga Drain ・Sludge Bomb
Skuntank (Lvl. 46)		Aftermath Sitrus Berry	・Flamethrower ・Poison Gas ・Belch ・Snarl
Bronzor (Lvl. 41)		Levitate	・Confuse Ray ・Payback ・Gyro Ball ・Reflect
Golbat (Lvl. 42)		Inner Focus	・Poison Fang ・Bite ・Haze ・U-turn
Purugly (Lvl. 45)		Thick Fat Sitrus Berry	・Aerial Ace ・Body Slam ・Dig ・U-turn

Galactic Boss Cyrus' Pokemon

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Murkrow (Lvl. 40)		Insomnia	・Wing Attack ・Night Shade ・Assurance ・Taunt
Golbat (Lvl. 40)		Inner Focus	・Screech ・Poison Fang ・Air Cutter ・Bite
Sneasel (Lvl. 43)		Keen Eye Sitrus Berry	・Metal Claw ・Icy Wind ・Hone Claws ・Beat Up

8th Gym Leader: Volkner's Pokemon

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Raichu (Lvl. 46)		Static Shuca Berry	・Nuzzle ・Volt Switch ・Surf ・Charge Beam
Ambipom (Lvl. 47)		Technician Chople Berry	・Fake Out ・Thunderbolt ・Double Hit ・Last Resort
Octillery (Lvl. 47)		Sniper Expert Belt	・Octazooka ・Focus Energy ・Aurora Beam ・Charge Beam
Luxray (Lvl. 49)		Intimidate Sitrus Berry	・Thunder Fang ・Ice Fang ・Crunch ・Iron Tail

Becoming the Champion

1	Go north of the city to meet Jasmine of the Johto Region. She will give you Waterfall.
2	Use Waterfall to travel to the Pokemon League South and enter Victory Road.
3	Travel through Victory Road until you reach the Pokemon League.
4	Before you enter the builiding, your rival will arrive and battle you.
5	Challenge the Elite Four. ▶︎ All Elite Four Types and Pokemon
6	You are now in the Hall of Fame. Congratulations!

Becoming the Champion: Walkthrough

Pokemon League Rival Battle: Rival's Pokemon

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Staraptor (Lvl. 49)		Intimidate Focus Sash	・Close Combat ・Pluck ・Sunny Day ・U-turn
Heracross (Lvl. 51)		Swarm	・Pin Missile ・Swords Dance ・Rock Slide ・Thief
Snorlax (Lvl. 52)		Thick Fat	・Covet ・Yawn ・Crunch ・High Horsepower

Elite Four: Aaron's Pokemon

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Dustox (Lvl. 53)		Shield Dust Black Sludge	・Toxic ・Bug Buzz ・Moonlight ・Light Screen
Beautifly (Lvl. 53)		Swarm Wise Glasses	・Bug Buzz ・Shadow Ball ・Psychic ・Quiver Dance
Vespiquen (Lvl. 54)		Unnerve Sitrus Berry	・Acrobatics ・Attack Order ・Aerial Ace ・Defend Order
Heracross (Lvl. 54)		Guts Flame Orb	・Earthquake ・Rock Slide ・Facade ・Brick Break
Drapion (Lvl. 57)		Sniper Scope Lens	・Cross Poison ・Night Slash ・Earthquake ・X-Scissor

Elite Four: Bertha's Pokemon

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Quagsire (Lvl. 55)		Water Absorb Leftovers	・Recover ・Toxic ・Earthquake ・Surf
Sudowoodo (Lvl. 56)		Rock Head Sitrus Berry	・Double-Edge ・Head Smash ・Sucker Punch ・Low Kick
Golem (Lvl. 56)		Sturdy Soft Sand	・Rock Polish ・Heavy Slam ・Earthquake ・Stone Edge
Whiscash (Lvl. 55)		Hydration Rindo Berry	・Bulldoze ・Ice Beam ・Belch ・Hydro Pump
Hippowdon (Lvl. 59)		Sand Stream Chesto Berry	・Ice Fang ・Earthquake ・Crunch ・Rest

Elite Four: Flint's Pokemon

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Rapidash (Lvl. 58)		Flame Body Wide Lens	・Flame Charge ・Iron Tail ・Poison Jab ・Hypnosis
Steelix (Lvl. 57)		Sheer Force Life Orb	・Thunder Fang ・Fire Fang ・Iron Tail ・Crunch
Drifblim (Lvl. 58)		Unburden Sitrus Berry	・Strength Sap ・Minimize ・Baton Pass ・Will-O-Wisp
Lopunny (Lvl. 57)		Cute Charm Leftovers	・Mirror Coat ・High Jump Kick ・Quick Attack ・Fire Punch
Infernape (Lvl. 61)		Iron Fist Focus Sash	・Fire Punch ・Thunder Punch ・Close Combat ・Mach Punch

Elite Four: Lucian's Pokemon

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Mr. Mime (Lvl. 59)		Filter Light Clay	・Light Screen ・Reflect ・Psychic ・Dazzling Gleam
Girafarig (Lvl. 59)		Sap Sipper Mental Herb	・Light Screen ・Psychic ・Thunderbolt ・Trick Room
Medicham (Lvl. 60)		Pure Power Muscle Band	・Zen Headbutt ・High Jump Kick ・Thunder Punch ・Ice Punch
Alakazam (Lvl. 60)		Magic Guard Life Orb	・Nasty Plot ・Psychic ・Future Sight ・Shock Wave
Bronzong (Lvl. 63)		Levitate Sitrus Berry	・Gyro Ball ・Earthquake ・Payback ・Trick Room

Elite Four: Champion Chamption Cynthia's Pokemon

Pokemon	Type	Ability / Item	Moves
Spiritomb (Lvl. 61)		Pressure Sitrus Berry	・Shadow Ball ・Dark Pulse ・Psychic ・Sucker Punch
Roserade (Lvl. 60)		Poison Point Expert Belt	・Dazzling Gleam ・Shadow Ball ・Sludge Bomb ・Energy Ball
Gastrodon (Lvl. 60)		Storm Drain Leftovers	・Scald ・Earthquake ・Sludge Bomb ・Rock Tomb
Lucario (Lvl. 63)		Inner Focus Wise Glasses	・Aura Sphere ・Dragon Pulse ・Flash Cannon ・Nasty Plot
Milotic (Lvl. 63)		Marvel Scale Flame Orb	・Recover ・Mirror Coat ・Ice Beam ・Scald
Garchomp (Lvl. 66)		Rough Skin Yache Berry	・Dragon Claw ・Earthquake ・Swords Dance ・Poison Jab

After Becoming the Champion

Completing the Sinnoh Dex

1	From Snowpoint City, take a boat to the Fight Area. However, you won't be able to proceed until you see every Pokemon in the Sinnoh Dex. ▶︎ How to Complete the Sinnoh Dex
2	See Palkia (BD) / Dialga (SP) by going to Celestic Town and visiting the town elder.
3	Find and battle Mesprit, Azelf, and Uxie. Seeing the Pokemon is enough, so you don't need to catch Mesprit if it runs away.
4	See the rest of the Pokemon which you do not already have registered.
5	Go to Sandgem Town and show Professor Rowan your completed Pokedex.

Post Game Content and 100 Percent Guide

Pokemon BDSP Related Links

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Wiki

Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Guides
Pokedex	Story Walkthrough
Maps and Locations	Grand Underground
Moves	Items
Abilities	Beginner's Tips & Guides
Training and Breeding	Battle Tower
Tier List & Movesets	Message Boards
News and Game Info	Characters