Walking with Your Pokémon in Pokémon Platinum: A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can walk with your Pokémon in Pokémon Platinum! However, it’s not an immediately available feature right from the start of the game. You need to progress a bit to unlock the ability to have your Pokémon follow you. Specifically, you need to reach Hearthome City and visit Amity Square.
Unlocking the Walking Feature
Amity Square in Hearthome City is the key to unlocking the ability to have your Pokémon follow you outside of their Poké Balls.
How to Unlock Walking
- Reach Hearthome City: Progress through the main story until you arrive in Hearthome City, home of the third gym leader.
- Enter Amity Square: Head to Amity Square, located within the city.
- Choose a Pokémon: Inside Amity Square, you can select one Pokémon from your party that is eligible to walk with you.
- Enjoy the Stroll: Once you’ve selected your Pokémon, it will follow you around Amity Square. Leaving Amity Square will then allow that same Pokémon to follow you throughout most of the Sinnoh region (excluding inside buildings and caves).
It’s important to note that not all Pokémon can walk with you in Amity Square, and therefore, not all Pokémon can follow you.
Pokémon Eligibility
Only certain Pokémon deemed “cute” or “small” by the game’s standards are eligible for walks in Amity Square. The initial selection available to you will be limited to Pokémon in the Sinnoh Pokédex. After obtaining the National Pokédex by defeating the Elite Four and completing some other tasks, a wider variety of Pokémon will be eligible.
Amity Square Benefits
Walking your Pokémon in Amity Square has a couple of benefits:
- Increased Happiness: Walking your Pokémon in Amity Square raises their happiness (friendship) level. High happiness is required for certain evolutions, like Eevee evolving into Espeon or Umbreon in later games (although not in Platinum itself, as those evolutions are based on time of day and friendship).
- Items: Your Pokémon might find Berries, Accessories, or Stickers for you after taking a certain number of steps.
Limitations
- Location Restrictions: Your Pokémon will only follow you in outdoor areas. They will return to their Poké Balls when you enter buildings, caves, or other indoor locations.
- Pokémon Selection: You can only have one Pokémon following you at a time.
- Eligibility: Not every Pokémon can walk with you. Only Pokémon that meet the game’s criteria of being “cute” or “small” are eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which Pokémon can walk with me in Amity Square in Pokémon Platinum?
Initially, only a select few Pokémon from the Sinnoh Pokédex are eligible. This includes Pokémon like Pikachu, Clefairy, and Drifloon. After obtaining the National Pokédex, you can walk with a wider range of Pokémon, including Eevee and its evolutions.
2. How do I get the National Pokédex in Pokémon Platinum?
You need to defeat the Elite Four, become the Pokémon Champion, and see all 150 Pokémon in the Sinnoh Pokédex (you don’t need to catch them, just see them). After this, Professor Rowan will upgrade your Pokédex to the National Pokédex.
3. Does walking in Amity Square affect my Pokémon’s evolution?
While walking itself doesn’t directly trigger evolution in Pokémon Platinum, it does increase your Pokémon’s happiness. High happiness is a requirement for some evolutions in other games, such as Eevee evolving into Espeon or Umbreon.
4. Can I walk with Legendary Pokémon in Amity Square?
Generally, no. Most Legendary Pokémon are not eligible to walk in Amity Square due to their size and the game’s criteria for “cuteness.”
5. How do I increase my Pokémon’s happiness quickly?
Besides walking in Amity Square, you can increase happiness by giving your Pokémon Berries that reduce effort values (EVs), using them in battles, having them hold a Soothe Bell, and avoiding having them faint.
6. What happens if I talk to my Pokémon while walking?
When you talk to your Pokémon, a text box will appear displaying a short message about their current mood or how they feel about being with you. This provides a bit of added flavor to the experience.
7. Can I ride a bike while my Pokémon is walking with me?
No, when riding a bike, your Pokémon will automatically return to its Poké Ball. You can only have your Pokémon follow you while you are walking on foot.
8. Does walking in Amity Square affect my Pokémon’s stats?
Walking in Amity Square does not directly affect your Pokémon’s stats (Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, Speed). Its primary effect is on happiness, and finding the occasional item.
9. How do I get the Running Shoes in Pokémon Platinum?
You automatically receive the Running Shoes from your rival at the very beginning of the game in Twinleaf Town as you both are heading towards Lake Verity, making movement through the game world much faster. Holding the B button allows you to run.
10. What is the fastest way to earn money in Pokémon Platinum?
The VS Seeker is a key tool for rebattling trainers and earning money. Also, equipping an Amulet Coin to your lead Pokémon doubles the money earned in trainer battles.
11. What is the hardest Pokémon to catch in Pokémon Platinum?
Munchlax is notoriously difficult to catch due to its rare appearance at Honey Trees. Other difficult Pokémon to catch include Feebas, Mesprit, and Cresselia.
12. Why is my Pokémon disobeying me in Pokémon Platinum?
Pokémon will disobey if their level is too high for the number of badges you have obtained. Earning more gym badges will allow you to control higher-level Pokémon.
13. Can I play Pokémon Platinum without sound?
Yes, you can play Pokémon Platinum without sound, but you will miss out on the game’s music and sound effects, which are part of the overall experience.
14. What are some tips for beating the Elite Four in Pokémon Platinum?
- Train, train, train: Level up your Pokémon to at least level 60.
- Heal before entering: Make sure your team is fully healed and ready for battle.
- Stock up on healing items: Carry plenty of Potions, Revives, and other healing items.
- Create a balanced team: Have a team with diverse types to counter different opponents.
15. Are there any educational benefits to playing Pokémon games?
Yes! Playing Pokémon games can improve strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and even reading comprehension. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explores the educational potential of games like Pokémon, and how games can teach important skills. The Games Learning Society is dedicated to understanding how games can be used for education and learning.
Pokémon Platinum offers a rewarding experience for players of all ages, and the ability to walk with your Pokémon adds a layer of connection to the game world.