How to Master the Poké Radar Reset in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The Poké Radar is a crucial tool for shiny hunting and completing your Pokédex in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (BDSP). A key aspect of utilizing the Poké Radar effectively is understanding how to reset it. Simply put, to reset the Poké Radar in BDSP, you must walk 50 steps. This action recharges the radar’s battery and generates a new set of shaking grass patches without breaking your current chain. This mechanic is essential for finding the ideal shaking patches, allowing you to target specific Pokémon or, most importantly, a shiny variant.
Understanding the Poké Radar Mechanic
The Poké Radar, once activated in tall grass, will generate a pattern of shaking grass patches. These patches indicate where a Pokémon encounter might occur. When you enter one of these patches, you have an encounter with a Pokemon and your chain either continues or breaks. The magic of the reset function is its ability to refresh these patches, showing a fresh layout of potential Pokémon encounters, without losing your current chain counter. Instead of relying on your current four patches, you can reset and receive a completely different four patch configuration, and still continue your chain.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Your Poké Radar
Initial Activation
- Find Tall Grass: Ensure you’re in an area with tall grass. The Poké Radar won’t function outside of these areas.
- Activate the Poké Radar: Select the Poké Radar from your Key Items pocket and use it. This will generate the initial four shaking grass patches.
The 50-Step Reset
- Walk Away: Once the initial patches appear, if you are not satisfied with the four initial shaking patches, or if you failed to find a shaking patch in the fourth box away, you’ll need to walk 50 steps.
- Walking, Not Skating or Biking: Make sure you are walking, not using your roller skates or bike, as those don’t recharge the Poké Radar. This is a common mistake made by new users.
- Reactivation: After taking 50 steps, press the Poké Radar button again. This will generate four new shaking patches, while maintaining your chain count.
Important Considerations
- Repels are Crucial: Always use repels while using the Poké Radar. This prevents wild Pokémon encounters from breaking your chain outside of the intended patches.
- Centre the Patches: Start your chain in the centre-most area of the grass patches, and ensure the fourth grass box away is inside of the same patch of grass. This increases your likelihood of chaining effectively.
- Don’t Rollerskate: Do not accidentally roller skate into the grass before using the Poke Radar. Roller skating will prevent the Poke Radar from activating. Walk one square with the directional pad to remove roller skates.
Why Reset the Poké Radar?
Targeting Specific Pokémon
Resetting the Poké Radar is often necessary to find specific Pokémon. By resetting, you get a new layout of patches, potentially revealing the Pokémon you’re looking for. This method is especially useful when you’re trying to find rare Pokémon.
Shiny Hunting Optimization
The most common use of the reset is for shiny hunting. By resetting after reaching a chain of 40, you significantly increase the likelihood of a shiny grass patch appearing. This allows you to target the shiny version of the desired Pokemon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly does a “reset” do to my Poké Radar chain?
Resetting your Poké Radar by walking 50 steps does not break your chain. It simply recharges the radar and spawns a new set of four shaking grass patches for you to encounter. The chain will still be intact, assuming you do not encounter other non-patched Pokémon, or fail to find a shaking patch after encountering in the fourth box.
2. How do I know I’ve walked 50 steps?
There is no in-game counter. However, walking a straight path for around 50 squares is generally enough. It’s better to slightly overdo it than to not walk enough.
3. Can I use my bike or roller skates when recharging the Poké Radar?
No. You must walk, using the D-pad, for the Poké Radar to recharge. Roller skates and the bike will not recharge the battery of the Poké Radar.
4. What is a shiny grass patch?
A shiny grass patch is a very rare, special type of grass patch that appears when chaining with the Poké Radar. It glows white twice before your Pokemon encounter, and guarantees a shiny Pokémon encounter.
5. What are the odds of finding a shiny Pokémon with the Poké Radar?
The odds improve with a longer chain. After reaching a chain of 40, the odds are significantly increased, but start at 1 in 4,096 at chain level 0. You have a 1 in 99 chance of finding a shiny patch at a chain of 40.
6. Does the Shiny Charm affect Poké Radar odds?
Yes, the Shiny Charm slightly increases the odds of a shiny patch appearing when using the Poke Radar. At chain level 38, the shiny odds go from 1/800 to 3/800. However, the difference is minimal.
7. How do I get the Shiny Charm in BDSP?
To get the Shiny Charm, you must complete the Sinnoh Pokédex.
8. What is the best chain length for shiny hunting?
The recommended chain length for shiny hunting is 40. This is when the odds of a shiny patch appearing are significantly increased.
9. Can I use the Poké Radar in any area with grass?
The Poké Radar only works in tall grass areas. It will not work on sand, in caves, or in any other terrain.
10. What happens if I encounter a Pokémon outside of a shaking patch?
Encountering a Pokémon outside a shaking patch will break your chain. You will have to start over if this happens. Always use repels to avoid this situation.
11. Do I need to catch or faint Pokémon to continue the chain?
Yes, to continue the chain you must encounter and either catch or faint the Pokemon in the shaking patch. If you run away or fail to catch/defeat, the chain will break.
12. How do I know my chain has continued after an encounter?
After an encounter, listen carefully. If the chain continues, the Poké Radar music will restart, and new shaking patches will appear. If you do not hear the music, your chain broke.
13. Can the Poké Radar be used to find any Pokémon?
The Poké Radar is only useful to find Pokémon in the same area. You cannot use it to find Pokemon in areas you aren’t currently in.
14. What happens if no patches of grass shake after using the Poké Radar?
Sometimes you’ll need to reset. If there is no shaking patch in the fourth box, walk 50 steps to recharge your radar, and attempt to find a suitable shaking patch again.
15. Is the Poké Radar available from the beginning of the game?
No, you obtain the Poké Radar much later in the game, after you have become the Champion, completed the Sinnoh Pokédex and met Professor Oak in Sandgem Town.
Conclusion
Mastering the Poké Radar reset is crucial for efficient shiny hunting and Pokémon collecting in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. By walking 50 steps, you effectively refresh the grass patches, giving you new opportunities for encounters and bringing you one step closer to that elusive shiny. Remember to always use repels, avoid roller skating or using your bike, and chain in the centre of the grass areas to maximize the results of your efforts. Good luck, and happy hunting!