Can You Still Catch Shaymin and Darkrai in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl? The Definitive Guide

The short answer is: it’s complicated. Officially, the event distributions for Shaymin and Darkrai in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (BDSP) have ended. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re completely unobtainable. Let’s dive deep into the details, exploring every possible avenue for adding these mythical Pokémon to your BDSP team.

The Current Status of Shaymin and Darkrai in BDSP

The initial methods for obtaining Shaymin and Darkrai in BDSP involved limited-time Mystery Gift distributions.

• Shaymin: Oak’s Letter was distributed via Mystery Gift between February 27th, 2022, and March 27th, 2022. This item triggered an in-game event that allowed players to catch Shaymin at the end of Route 224.

• Darkrai: The Member Card was available via Mystery Gift from April 1st, 2022, to April 30th, 2022. This item unlocked the inn in Canalave City, leading players to Newmoon Island where Darkrai could be found.

Since these distribution periods have ended, directly obtaining Shaymin and Darkrai via these methods is no longer possible. The Mystery Gift distributions are now inactive. However, hope is not entirely lost.

Alternative Methods and Save Data Bonuses

While the direct event distributions are over, there’s a critical factor to consider: save data from other Pokémon games.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus (PLA) is the key. Having save data from PLA unlocks special requests in that game, allowing you to catch both Shaymin and Darkrai in PLA, independent of BDSP events.

• Shaymin: With PLA save data, you’ll unlock a Research Request to catch Shaymin in its Land Forme in the post-game of PLA.

• Darkrai: Similarly, PLA save data grants you a Research Request to catch Darkrai in the post-game.

Once you have caught Shaymin and Darkrai in PLA, you can then trade them to BDSP. This is the only currently legitimate method to obtain these mythical Pokémon in BDSP, now that the original events have passed.

The Surf Glitch: A Word of Caution

You might find references to a “Surf Glitch” that supposedly allows you to access areas related to Shaymin and Darkrai in BDSP without the Mystery Gift items. While this glitch may exist, using it comes with significant risks.

• Game Instability: Glitches can cause crashes, freezes, and other unexpected problems.
• Save Data Corruption: In extreme cases, using glitches can corrupt your save data, leading to the loss of your entire game progress.
• Legitimacy Concerns: Pokémon obtained through glitches are generally considered illegitimate by the Pokémon community and may not be accepted in online battles or trades.

Therefore, we strongly advise against using the Surf Glitch or any other exploit to obtain Shaymin or Darkrai in BDSP. The risks far outweigh the potential rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shaymin and Darkrai in BDSP

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the situation regarding Shaymin and Darkrai in BDSP:

1. Are Shaymin and Darkrai still available in BDSP through Mystery Gift?

No, the official Mystery Gift distribution periods for Oak’s Letter (Shaymin) and the Member Card (Darkrai) have ended. They are no longer available through this method.

2. Can I get Shaymin and Darkrai in BDSP if I missed the original events?

Yes, but only if you own Pokémon Legends: Arceus (PLA). Having PLA save data allows you to catch them in PLA and then trade them to BDSP.

3. Do I need to complete Pokémon Legends: Arceus to get Shaymin and Darkrai?

No, you don’t need to complete the entire game. You only need to progress far enough in PLA to unlock the post-game requests that trigger the encounters with Shaymin and Darkrai.

4. Is the Surf Glitch a reliable way to get Shaymin and Darkrai in BDSP?

No. Using glitches can lead to game instability, save data corruption, and legitimacy issues. We strongly advise against it.

5. Are Shaymin and Darkrai required to complete the BDSP Pokédex?

No, mythical Pokémon like Shaymin and Darkrai are not required to complete the BDSP Pokédex and obtain the Shiny Charm.

6. Will the Shaymin and Darkrai events ever be re-released in BDSP?

It’s possible, but unlikely. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have not announced any plans to re-release these events. It’s best to assume they won’t be available again through Mystery Gift.

7. Can I trade for Shaymin and Darkrai in BDSP if I don’t have Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

Yes, you can trade with other players who have caught Shaymin and Darkrai in PLA and transferred them to BDSP. However, be cautious of trades offering suspiciously obtained Pokémon.

8. Are Shaymin and Darkrai shiny locked in BDSP?

No, Shaymin and Darkrai are not shiny locked in BDSP, meaning they can be obtained in their shiny forms, although the odds are very low without methods such as the shiny charm. The same cannot be said for all Pokémon in BDSP.

9. Does Oak’s Letter still work in BDSP if I already have it in my Bag?

If you downloaded Oak’s Letter during the distribution period, it will still work, allowing you to trigger the Shaymin event.

10. How long does it take to unlock Shaymin and Darkrai in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

It depends on your play style. It takes time and effort to play through the game. However, you can get them very quickly once you have access to the post-game content.

11. What level are Shaymin and Darkrai when you catch them in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

Shaymin is caught at level 70 in the post-game of PLA. Darkrai is also at level 70 in the post-game of PLA.

12. Can I transfer Shaymin and Darkrai from Pokémon GO to BDSP?

No, you cannot directly transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to BDSP. They can only be transfered to Pokemon Home and then to Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield.

13. Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to trade for Shaymin and Darkrai in BDSP?

Yes, you need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to trade with other players online in BDSP.

14. Is there any other way to get Mythical Pokémon in BDSP besides trading or save data bonuses?

There are no other legitimate ways to obtain Mythical Pokémon in BDSP at this time. Relying on third-party devices or save editors is generally discouraged due to potential risks.

15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon game mechanics and strategies?

You can explore resources like Serebii.net, Bulbapedia, and the Games Learning Society website (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) to delve deeper into Pokémon game mechanics, strategies, and community discussions.

Conclusion: Planning Your Mythical Pokémon Hunt

While the original event distributions for Shaymin and Darkrai in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are over, all is not lost! By leveraging save data from Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you can still legitimately add these mythical Pokémon to your BDSP collection. Remember to avoid using glitches, as they pose significant risks to your game. Good luck on your quest to catch ’em all!