How to Get Oak’s Letter in 2023: A Trainer’s Guide
Sadly, you cannot get Oak’s Letter in 2023 through legitimate in-game means. The event that distributed Oak’s Letter via the Mystery Gift function in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl ended on March 27th, 2022. This letter was crucial for triggering the in-game event that allowed you to encounter and catch the mythical Shaymin. Don’t fret though! While the official event is over, let’s explore the situation surrounding Oak’s Letter and Shaymin, and discuss the possibilities for those still seeking to add this elusive Pokémon to their collection, as well as related details regarding other Mythical Pokémon in the games.
Understanding the Oak’s Letter Event
The Purpose of Oak’s Letter
Oak’s Letter was a special in-game item distributed as part of a limited-time event to celebrate Pokémon Day. Upon receiving the letter through the Mystery Gift feature, players could travel to Route 224 and trigger a sequence of events leading to an encounter with Shaymin on Flower Paradise. This made Shaymin accessible without relying on trades or potentially dubious methods.
Why the Event Ended
These kinds of limited-time events are common practice in Pokémon games to create a sense of urgency and excitement. They encourage players to actively engage with the game during specific periods and foster a sense of community as trainers share their experiences of obtaining the rare Pokémon. The expiration of the Oak’s Letter event was deliberate and followed the announced schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I still get Shaymin in BDSP if I missed the Oak’s Letter event?
Unfortunately, without the Oak’s Letter, you cannot trigger the Shaymin event in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl through legitimate gameplay. You’ll need to explore alternative options like trading with other players or waiting for a potential re-release of the event in the future (though this is not guaranteed).
2. Is there any way to get Oak’s Letter now?
As of today, there is no official way to obtain Oak’s Letter if you missed the distribution period. Be wary of websites or individuals claiming to offer illegitimate copies or hacks, as these could potentially harm your game save or violate the game’s terms of service.
3. Will the Shaymin event ever return?
It’s impossible to say for certain whether the Shaymin event, or Oak’s Letter distribution, will ever return to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company occasionally re-release events or distribute rare Pokémon, but there’s no guarantee. Keep an eye on official Pokémon news channels for any potential announcements.
4. What about other Mythical Pokémon events, like the Darkrai event?
Similar to the Shaymin event, the Darkrai event, which required the Member Card, has also ended. The distribution period for the Member Card was also a limited-time offering, and the event can no longer be triggered in the game legitimately. This event allowed players to catch Darkrai in Newmoon Island.
5. Can I still get Arceus in BDSP?
Acquiring Arceus in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl requires a two-step process. First, you need to have a save file of Pokémon Legends: Arceus on your Nintendo Switch with all the main story missions completed. Second, in BDSP, you must have entered the Hall of Fame and obtained the National Pokédex. After meeting these requirements, you can find the Azure Flute in your room in Twinleaf Town, which will allow you to encounter Arceus atop Mount Coronet.
6. What is the Azure Flute and how do I use it?
The Azure Flute is a key item required to encounter Arceus in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl. After meeting the prerequisites (having a completed Pokémon Legends: Arceus save file and completing the main story and obtaining the National Pokédex in BDSP), the Azure Flute will appear in your room. Then, returning to Spear Pillar on Mount Coronet and interacting with the glowing spot will allow you to use the flute and trigger the Arceus encounter.
7. Can I get a Shiny Arceus in BDSP or Legends: Arceus?
In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Shiny Arceus is locked and cannot be obtained through normal gameplay. As for BDSP, while the encounter is possible, the chances are incredibly low.
8. Can I transfer Shaymin from Pokémon GO to BDSP?
Unfortunately, you cannot directly transfer Shaymin from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond or Pokémon Shining Pearl. Pokémon GO connectivity to the main series games is primarily through Pokémon HOME. However, Mythical Pokémon such as Shaymin often have specific transfer restrictions or may not be transferable at all.
9. What are the requirements to transfer Pokémon between games using Pokémon HOME?
To transfer Pokémon using Pokémon HOME, you need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription (for transferring between Switch games), a Pokémon HOME account, and compatible games. Keep in mind that some Pokémon may have restrictions on where they can be transferred, based on game compatibility and event flags. Also note that certain species might not be transferable between specific titles.
10. Can Hisuian Pokémon be transferred to BDSP?
Only Pokémon from Generation 1 (Kanto) to Generation 4 (Sinnoh) can be moved to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl. While some Pokémon in Legends: Arceus are compatible with BDSP, Hisuian forms of Pokémon that existed before Gen 4 (like Hisuian Typhlosion) cannot be transferred.
11. What Pokémon cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME?
Certain Pokémon cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME, including Spinda, favorited Pokémon, Buddy Pokémon in Pokémon GO, Pokémon defending Gyms in Pokémon GO, costumed Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, and Mega-Evolved Pokémon. These restrictions are usually in place for technical or gameplay balance reasons.
12. How rare is a Shiny Pokémon in BDSP?
The base shiny rate in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl is 1 in 4096. However, this rate can be improved by using the Shiny Charm, which is obtained by completing the National Pokédex. The Shiny Charm reduces the odds to approximately 1 in 1365.
13. What happens if I accidentally knock out a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon in BDSP?
Thankfully, most Legendary and Mythical Pokémon in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl will respawn if you accidentally knock them out. You typically need to leave the area (either by exiting the cave or building, or by returning to a town) and then return to the location where the Pokémon appears. They will then reappear, allowing you to battle them again.
14. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Sword or Shield to BDSP?
Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl through the Pokémon HOME application. This allows you to move Pokémon between different generations of games, expanding your team and completing your Pokédex.
15. Where can I find more information about Pokémon events and game mechanics?
Stay updated on the latest Pokémon news, events, and game mechanics by visiting official Pokémon websites, such as the official Pokémon website and Serebii.net. You can also find valuable resources and insights from the community, contributing to the exploration of game-based learning, at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Conclusion
While obtaining Oak’s Letter for the Shaymin event in 2023 is no longer possible through the original method, understanding the game mechanics and staying informed about potential future events is crucial. Keep exploring the world of Pokémon, and who knows what opportunities might arise!