Unearthing the Past: Can You Get All Fossils in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl?
Yes, absolutely! In Pokémon Brilliant Diamond (BD) and Pokémon Shining Pearl (SP), you can obtain all the fossils available in the game. While each version has a higher spawn rate for certain fossils, all of them are attainable in both versions. You’ll just need to dedicate some time to mining in the Grand Underground. Prepare for an archaeological adventure, because the pursuit of rare fossils will test your patience and luck!
Fossil Hunting 101: Digging into the Details
The primary method for acquiring fossils in BDSP involves venturing into the Grand Underground. After obtaining the Explorer Kit from the old man in Eterna City, you’ll be able to dig in the various walls throughout the underground areas. These walls will occasionally contain items, including the coveted fossils.
The spawn rates for fossils are skewed depending on which version you are playing. In Brilliant Diamond, the Skull Fossil has a higher chance of appearing, while in Shining Pearl, the Armor Fossil is more common. However, all the other fossils, including the Helix Fossil and Dome Fossil (tied to Omanyte and Kabuto, respectively), can be found in both games.
Expanding Your Collection: Post-Game Fossil Frenzy
Once you have defeated the Elite Four, obtained the National Pokédex, and unlocked the post-game content, you’ll be able to find fossils from the Kanto and Hoenn regions in the Grand Underground. This greatly expands the list of fossils you can discover and the Pokémon you can revive. Keep digging; you never know what ancient treasures await!
Fossil Pokémon List in BDSP
Here is the complete list of fossil Pokémon available in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and the fossils needed to revive them:
- Cranidos (Revived from Skull Fossil)
- Shieldon (Revived from Armor Fossil)
- Omanyte (Revived from Helix Fossil)
- Kabuto (Revived from Dome Fossil)
- Aerodactyl (Revived from Old Amber)
- Lileep (Revived from Root Fossil)
- Anorith (Revived from Claw Fossil)
Restoring Your Fossils: The Oreburgh City Museum
Once you’ve unearthed your prehistoric prizes, head to the Oreburgh City Mining Museum. Speak to the scientist at the counter, and he will restore your fossils into the corresponding Pokémon. Be mindful that you can only restore one fossil at a time, so plan your trip accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fossils in BDSP
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions related to fossils in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl:
1. What is the difference between Skull Fossil and Armor Fossil in BDSP?
The Skull Fossil revives into Cranidos, a Rock-type Pokémon known for its powerful attack. The Armor Fossil revives into Shieldon, a Rock/Steel-type Pokémon with high defense. While both fossils can be found in both games, the Skull Fossil is more common in Brilliant Diamond and the Armor Fossil is more common in Shining Pearl.
2. Can you get multiple fossils in Brilliant Diamond?
Yes, you can get multiple fossils in Brilliant Diamond. You can repeatedly dig in the Grand Underground to find more fossils after obtaining the Explorer Kit.
3. Can you get multiple fossils in Shining Pearl?
Yes, just like in Brilliant Diamond, you can get multiple fossils in Shining Pearl. The method is the same: dig frequently in the Grand Underground to find more fossils.
4. Are there any version exclusives regarding fossil Pokémon?
While all fossils can be found in both versions, the Skull Fossil is significantly more common in Brilliant Diamond, and the Armor Fossil is significantly more common in Shining Pearl. These represent the version-exclusive fossil Pokémon Cranidos and Shieldon, respectively.
5. What affects the fossil spawn rates in the Grand Underground?
The most important factor affecting fossil spawn rates is which version of the game you are playing, as Brilliant Diamond has a higher rate for Skull Fossils and Shining Pearl has a higher rate for Armor Fossils.
6. Is it possible to get shiny fossil Pokémon in BDSP?
Yes, it is possible to get shiny versions of fossil Pokémon in BDSP. However, the process requires patience. You must save your game before restoring the fossil at the Oreburgh City museum. If the Pokémon is not shiny upon revival, soft reset (press L+R+Start+Select) and try again. Be aware that the Shiny Charm does not affect fossil Pokémon.
7. Can fossil Pokémon breed in BDSP?
No, fossil Pokémon are not able to breed in BDSP. They belong to the “undiscovered” egg group, which prevents them from breeding, even with Ditto.
8. What is the best strategy for farming fossils in BDSP?
The most efficient strategy is to focus on digging in areas of the Grand Underground that have multiple dig sites close together. Make sure you have plenty of digging kits and are prepared to spend time searching. The more often you dig, the higher the chance you have of finding the fossil that you need.
9. Is there a difference between the fossil rates before and after the Elite Four?
Yes, there is a difference. After defeating the Elite Four and obtaining the National Pokédex, you unlock the ability to find fossils from Kanto and Hoenn in the Grand Underground. This significantly expands the pool of fossils you can find.
10. How rare are fossils in the Grand Underground?
The rarity of fossils varies. Skull Fossils and Armor Fossils are generally more common than the other fossils available in BDSP. Furthermore, the rarer fossils, such as the Helix Fossil or Dome Fossil, will take longer to acquire. The exact spawn rates are undisclosed, but they are generally considered to be on the low side.
11. What is the Odd Keystone used for in BDSP?
The Odd Keystone is used to summon Spiritomb at the Hallowed Tower on Route 209. You must first obtain the Odd Keystone, place it in the Hallowed Tower, and then speak to 32 unique NPCs in the Grand Underground.
12. Which fossil Pokémon is the strongest in BDSP?
This is subjective and depends on your team composition and strategy. Rampardos, the evolution of Cranidos, boasts an incredibly high attack stat, making it a powerful offensive choice. Bastiodon, the evolution of Shieldon, has exceptional defensive capabilities, making it a resilient tank.
13. Can Eevee breed with Ditto in BDSP?
Yes, Eevee can breed with Ditto in BDSP. This is a common method for obtaining multiple Eevees for evolving into different forms. Simply place Eevee and Ditto in the daycare or have a picnic together.
14. Are Gift Pokémon affected by Shiny Charm in BDSP?
No, Gift Pokémon are not affected by the Shiny Charm in BDSP. Fossil Pokémon are considered gift Pokémon, meaning the Shiny Charm will not increase the chances of them being shiny.
15. Where do I get the Explorer Kit in BDSP?
You can obtain the Explorer Kit from an old man who lives in a house next to the Pokémon Center in Eterna City. He will give you the kit after you complete a simple task for him.
Conclusion: Embracing the Hunt
Acquiring all the fossils in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl requires dedication and a willingness to delve into the depths of the Grand Underground. While version exclusives slightly skew the odds, all fossils are obtainable in both games. So grab your digging kit, prepare for a grind, and get ready to add these ancient Pokémon to your team.
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