Pokémon Platinum: Complete Guide
Platinum Pokédex →Pokémon Platinum is the enhanced version of Diamond and Pearl, released for the Nintendo DS in 2008. It follows the same journey through Sinnoh but reworks the story, adds new areas and improves the post-game.
Where Diamond and Pearl centered on Dialga and Palkia, Platinum puts a different legendary in the spotlight and sends you to an unsettling parallel world. It also reorders the Gym lineup, reorganizes the Pokédex and makes the region feel more complete.
It suits players who want the definitive version of fourth-generation Sinnoh, with extra challenges and a bigger post-game.
Platinum quick facts
| Release date | September 13, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Platform | Nintendo DS |
| Region | Sinnoh |
| Generation | Generation IV |
| Versions | Pokémon Platinum |
| New Pokémon | None (no new species) |
| Starters | Turtwig, Chimchar and Piplup |
| Legendary and Mythical | Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Dialga, Palkia, Heatran, Regigigas, Giratina and Cresselia |
Story and structure
This section avoids spoilers and focuses on what changed in the structure.
The start is the same as in Diamond and Pearl: a trip to Professor Rowan's lab, a rival, and a journey across Sinnoh. The differences show up later, as Team Galactic's plan takes a new shape and a different legendary Pokémon becomes the focus of the adventure.
The world is also more connected. Wild Pokémon appear in more places, and several early areas have new encounters or reworked stories.
Gyms and the Pokémon League
The Gym order is slightly different from Diamond and Pearl, and the Gyms are harder. The Elite Four and Champion follow the same pattern as before.
A parallel world
A strange, upside-down dimension called the Distortion World plays a central role. It has its own rules, such as walls you can walk along and platforms that change gravity.
After the League, new post-game areas open, including a large facility built for continuous battling.
New mechanics explained
The Distortion World
This alternate dimension has paths that bend and walls that act as floors. Movement is a puzzle in itself, and the world is home to a legendary Pokémon unique to this version.
Tip: Take your time and look at where the paths connect before you move. Rushing leads to dead ends.
The Battle Frontier
A post-game complex with several facilities, each with its own rules and a Frontier Brain to defeat. It is built for players who want a long-term challenge.
Tip: Build a team for the Frontier separately from your story team, since its rules reward specific strategies.
Giratina's Origin Forme
The cover legendary has a second form that appears when it holds a special item. The change makes it a different kind of battler.
Tip: Hold the right item before entering a key battle, as the form changes the stats and moves it uses.
Starter Pokémon
The starters are the same as in Diamond and Pearl: three Pokémon that evolve twice and gain a second type.
| Starter | Final form | Final typing | Evolves at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turtwig | Torterra | GrassGround | Levels 18 and 32 |
| Chimchar | Infernape | FireFighting | Levels 14 and 36 |
| Piplup | Empoleon | WaterSteel | Levels 16 and 36 |
Turtwig line
Chimchar line
Piplup line
Our recommendation
For a first playthrough, we recommend Chimchar for its speed and coverage. Piplup suits defensive teams, and Turtwig is a solid, patient choice.
About this release
Platinum is a single-version release, so there is nothing to choose between.
- It features Giratina on the cover and is built around it, with a separate Origin Forme.
- It brings the Pokémon from both Diamond and Pearl, which removes much of the need to trade for version-exclusive species.
Keep exploring
Tips for new players
- Visit the Distortion World when you reach it, as it is one of the series' most memorable areas.
- Do the post-game Frontier challenges after you finish the story.
- Platinum has more wild Pokémon variety than Diamond and Pearl, so check routes you have already visited.
- Mind the Gym order. It is a little different from Diamond and Pearl.
- Carry Hidden Machine users, as they are required for several routes.
- Use the improved Poketch apps to track berries and friend codes.
- Save before the Champion, whose team is strong.
Frequently asked questions
How is Platinum different from Diamond and Pearl?
Platinum reworks the story around Giratina, adds new areas and a Battle Frontier, and improves the Pokédex and the Gym lineup.
Is Platinum better than Diamond and Pearl?
Most players consider it the definitive version of Sinnoh because it contains the content of both and more.
Do I need Diamond or Pearl to play Platinum?
No. Platinum is a complete standalone game.
Is there a remake of Platinum?
No direct remake exists. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl remade Diamond and Pearl for the Nintendo Switch.