Can You Dig It? Exploring the Depths of Digging in Pokémon Platinum
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Yes, you absolutely can dig in Pokémon Platinum! Digging is a core mechanic within the game, opening up a world of exploration, item discovery, and even the chance to unearth ancient Pokémon. This feature is primarily accessible through the Grand Underground, a vast network of tunnels beneath the Sinnoh region. Let’s delve into the specifics of how digging works and what treasures await you below the surface.
Unearthing Adventure: The Grand Underground
The Grand Underground is where the magic happens. To access it, you’ll need the Explorer Kit, given to you by the Underground Man in the house next to the Pokémon Center in Eterna City. Once you have this kit, you can use it anywhere outside in the Sinnoh region to dive underground.
How to Dig
Once in the Grand Underground, you’ll notice yellow sparkles on your minimap. These indicate digging locations embedded within the walls. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Locate a Dig Spot: Look for the yellow dots on your minimap. These represent areas where you can dig.
- Interact with the Wall: Approach the wall with the yellow sparkle and press the A button. This will initiate the digging mini-game.
- The Mini-Game: The touch screen will display a grid with a rock wall. You’ll use your Pickaxe and Hammer to chip away at the rock and uncover hidden treasures.
- Pickaxe vs. Hammer: The Pickaxe removes larger chunks of rock but can cause the wall to collapse faster. The Hammer is more precise but removes smaller pieces. Strategically use both to maximize your digging efficiency.
- Avoid Collapse: A gauge at the top of the screen indicates the wall’s stability. Over-tapping or using the Pickaxe too aggressively can cause the wall to crumble, ending the mini-game prematurely.
- Claim Your Rewards: Unearth items like spheres, shards, fossils, and even TMs! Be quick, as the wall will eventually collapse.
The Rewards of a Diligent Digger
The Grand Underground holds a treasure trove of items essential to your Pokémon Platinum adventure:
- Spheres: These are used to purchase items from vendors in the Grand Underground, including decorations for your Secret Base.
- Shards: These can be traded for TMs in certain locations within the game.
- Fossils: Perhaps the most exciting find, Fossils can be resurrected into ancient Pokémon at the Oreburgh Mining Museum. Specific fossils like the Skull Fossil (exclusive to trainers with an odd Trainer ID) and the Armor Fossil (exclusive to trainers with an even Trainer ID) are highly sought after for obtaining Pokémon like Cranidos and Shieldon. After obtaining the National Dex you can find all fossils in the Grand Underground.
- TMs: Powerful moves can be learned by your Pokémon, giving you a competitive edge. TM28 Dig itself can be found early in the Ruin Maniac Cave, but other valuable TMs are hidden within the walls of the Grand Underground.
Digger Drills and Secret Bases
The Digger Drill is a valuable tool in the Grand Underground. It’s primarily used to relocate your Secret Base.
- Obtaining a Digger Drill: The first Digger Drill can be obtained from the Underground Man in Eterna City after completing his third task involving treasure hunting in the Grand Underground. Subsequent drills can be obtained through trading with vendors inside the Grand Underground using spheres.
- Relocating Your Base: Using a Digger Drill allows you to create a new Secret Base location. However, be warned, using the drill destroys your previous base and any decorations stored inside. Plan your move carefully!
FAQs: Digging Deeper into Pokémon Platinum’s Underground
1. Where can I buy Dig in Pokémon Platinum?
You can’t buy the TM for Dig (TM28). However, you can find it behind some small rocks in the Ruin Maniac Cave.
2. How do you dig up fossils in Pokémon Platinum?
Fossils are found by digging in the Grand Underground. Look for the yellow sparkle spots on the wall and use your Pickaxe and Hammer in the digging mini-game. Remember that some fossils are version-exclusive before getting the National Dex (Skull Fossil for Odd Trainer IDs, Armor Fossil for Even Trainer IDs).
3. How do you get a Digger Drill in Pokémon Platinum?
The first Digger Drill is given to you by the Underground Man in Eterna City after completing his third mission in the Grand Underground. You can acquire additional drills by trading spheres with vendors within the Grand Underground.
4. How do you dig spheres in Pokémon Platinum?
Spheres are unearthed by digging in the Grand Underground. Target yellow sparkle locations on the wall and carefully use your Pickaxe and Hammer to extract them during the digging mini-game.
5. Where do I get Cranidos in Pokemon Platinum?
Cranidos is obtained by reviving a Skull Fossil at the Oreburgh Mining Museum in Oreburgh City. Skull Fossils are found by digging in the Grand Underground but are more common for players with odd Trainer IDs.
6. How rare are fossils in Platinum?
Fossils are relatively uncommon, especially the version-exclusive ones (Skull and Armor Fossils) before obtaining the National Dex. After unlocking the National Dex, you can find all fossil types, but they are still considered rare finds in the Grand Underground.
7. Can you get all fossils in Platinum?
Yes, after you obtain the National Dex, you can find all the fossils (Dome, Helix, Old Amber, Claw, Root, Armor, and Skull) in the Grand Underground.
8. How do you dig for Heart Scales in Platinum?
While digging in the Grand Underground can sometimes yield Heart Scales, they are more commonly found using the Dowsing Machine Pokétch app near beaches or by fishing for Luvdisc with a Super Rod and using the moves Thief or Covet.
9. What is the best fossil Pokémon in Platinum?
This is subjective, but many players consider Aerodactyl to be the best fossil Pokémon in Platinum due to its speed and attack power.
10. How do I buy my first drill?
In Pokémon Platinum, you don’t buy a drill in the traditional sense. You receive your first Digger Drill from the Underground Man in Eterna City after completing his early Grand Underground quests.
11. Is Cranidos a rare Pokémon?
Yes, Cranidos is a rare Pokémon in Platinum because it can only be obtained by reviving a Skull Fossil, which is an uncommon find during digging, especially before obtaining the National Dex.
12. How do you evolve Cranidos to Rampardos?
Cranidos evolves into Rampardos simply by leveling up to level 30.
13. Is Dig a good move in Pokemon Platinum?
Dig can be a situational good move. It can protect the user for one turn, but the opponent can use moves like earthquake and will do double damage.
14. Is Rock Climb necessary in Pokemon Platinum?
Rock Climb is required to get to the Survival Area and complete other areas in the post-game of Pokemon Platinum.
15. Who can learn Defog platinum?
Pokemon like Butterfree, Beedrill, Pidgey, Pidgeotto, Pidgeot, Spearow, Fearow, and Zubat can learn the move Defog in Pokemon Platinum.
The Grand Underground and the ability to dig are essential features of Pokémon Platinum. Digging provides access to rare items, valuable resources, and even the opportunity to revive extinct Pokémon. So, grab your Explorer Kit, hone your digging skills, and prepare to unearth the secrets hidden beneath the Sinnoh region!
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