Conquering Commander Mars: Your Next Steps in Pokémon Platinum
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So, you’ve just vanquished Commander Mars at Lake Verity in Pokémon Platinum? Congratulations, Trainer! You’ve proven your mettle, but your adventure is far from over. The world of Sinnoh still holds many mysteries, challenges, and Pokémon waiting to be discovered. Here’s your definitive guide on what to do after this significant victory.
The Road to Lake Acuity
The immediate aftermath of your triumph over Mars dictates your next destination: Lake Acuity. Team Galactic’s sinister plot involves capturing the legendary Pokémon Uxie, Azelf, and Mesprit, and you must investigate their activities at each of Sinnoh’s lakes.
Navigating Mt. Coronet
Reaching Lake Acuity requires traversing the formidable Mt. Coronet. This mountainous region is riddled with winding paths, puzzles, and Team Galactic grunts eager to test your skills.
- Essential HMs: Before venturing into Mt. Coronet, ensure your party includes Pokémon that know Strength and Defog. Strength will be vital for moving boulders blocking your path, and Defog is necessary to clear the thick fog that obscures visibility in certain areas.
- Entrance Points: You can access Mt. Coronet from either Route 211 (via Eterna City or Celestic Town) or Route 207 (near Oreburgh City). The Route 211 entrance is the more direct path to Snowpoint City and, ultimately, Lake Acuity.
- Exploration is Key: Mt. Coronet is brimming with valuable items and hidden areas. Take your time to thoroughly explore each level, battling trainers and collecting items like TMs and evolution stones.
- Galactic Grunts: Prepare for multiple encounters with Team Galactic grunts throughout Mt. Coronet. These battles will test your team’s strength and strategy.
Preparing for Lake Acuity
Once you’ve navigated Mt. Coronet, you’ll emerge near Snowpoint City.
- Snowpoint City’s Gym: Consider challenging the Snowpoint City Gym Leader, Candice, before proceeding to Lake Acuity. This Ice-type gym will provide a formidable challenge and offer valuable experience for your team.
- Lake Acuity’s Investigation: Upon arriving at Lake Acuity, you’ll find Barry, your rival, already investigating the situation. Prepare for a battle with him.
- Encounter with Commander Jupiter: After defeating Barry, you’ll confront Commander Jupiter at Lake Acuity. Prepare for a challenging battle against her Poison-type Pokémon.
Beyond Lake Acuity: Unraveling Team Galactic’s Plot
After your encounter at Lake Acuity, the narrative shifts, and you’ll need to follow Team Galactic’s movements closely to thwart their plans.
Veilstione City: Infiltrating Galactic HQ
Your next destination is Veilstone City, where Team Galactic has established its headquarters.
- Galactic Warehouse: Start by heading to the Galactic Warehouse, located near the northern exit of Veilstone City. Looker, the International Police agent, will assist you in gaining access to the warehouse.
- Galactic HQ Infiltration: Inside the warehouse, you’ll find a warp panel that transports you to Galactic HQ. Prepare for a complex maze filled with puzzles, trainers, and Team Galactic executives.
- Saving the Lake Guardians: Your ultimate goal within Galactic HQ is to rescue Uxie, Azelf, and Mesprit from Team Galactic’s captivity. This involves solving puzzles, battling admins, and ultimately confronting Cyrus, the leader of Team Galactic.
The Spear Pillar and the Distortion World
After confronting Cyrus at Galactic HQ, he will proceed to Mt. Coronet’s summit, known as Spear Pillar, to summon legendary Pokémon and reshape the world according to his vision.
- Heading to Spear Pillar: Make your way back to Mt. Coronet and ascend to Spear Pillar. This will require further exploration and overcoming obstacles within the mountain.
- Confronting Cyrus: At Spear Pillar, you’ll face Cyrus in a final, climactic battle. His team will be powerful, so ensure your Pokémon are well-trained and equipped.
- The Distortion World: Following your battle with Cyrus, you’ll be transported to the Distortion World, a bizarre dimension ruled by the legendary Pokémon Giratina. Here, gravity is distorted, and the laws of physics are bent.
- Capturing (or Defeating) Giratina: Your ultimate goal in the Distortion World is to either capture or defeat Giratina. This powerful Pokémon is a crucial part of stopping Cyrus’s plan.
Post-Giratina and Beyond
Once you’ve dealt with Giratina, you’ll return to the Sinnoh region and can continue your Pokémon journey.
- Sendoff Spring: After leaving the Distortion World, you’ll find yourself at Sendoff Spring, a location connected to Route 214.
- Champion Cynthia: Prepare to challenge the Pokémon League and become the Champion. You’ll need a well-balanced team and strategic battling skills to defeat the Elite Four and Champion Cynthia.
- Post-Game Content: After becoming the Champion, a wealth of post-game content awaits, including completing the National Pokédex, exploring new areas, and battling powerful trainers.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What level should my Pokémon be when facing Commander Mars at Lake Verity?
Aim for your Pokémon to be around level 25-28 to comfortably handle Mars’s team.
2. What Pokémon are effective against Commander Mars?
Rock, Ground, and Electric type moves are highly effective against her Poison-type Pokémon. A strong Ground-type Pokémon can sweep her team.
3. Where can I find Defog in Pokémon Platinum?
You receive Defog as a reward after completing a side quest in the Great Marsh located in Pastoria City.
4. Can I skip Lake Acuity and go straight to Galactic HQ?
No, progressing through the story requires you to investigate Lake Acuity after Lake Verity. Skipping this step will halt your progress.
5. What is the best way to navigate Mt. Coronet?
Use a map, carefully read in-game directions, and ensure you have the necessary HMs (Strength, Defog, Rock Smash, Rock Climb, Surf) to overcome obstacles.
6. What level should my Pokémon be for the Elite Four?
Aim for your Pokémon to be around level 58-62 before challenging the Elite Four.
7. Where can I find rare Pokémon after beating the Elite Four?
The Great Marsh, Safari Zone, and various routes throughout Sinnoh are home to rare Pokémon. Also explore the post-game areas that open up like Fight Area.
8. How do I get the National Pokédex?
After defeating the Elite Four and seeing all 150 Pokémon in the Sinnoh Pokédex, talk to Professor Rowan in his lab. He’ll upgrade your Pokédex to the National Pokédex.
9. Is it worth catching Giratina in Platinum?
Yes! Giratina is a powerful legendary Pokémon and a valuable addition to your team. Its Origin Forme is exclusive to Pokémon Platinum.
10. Where is the Bike Shop in Eterna City?
The Bike Shop is located just south of the Pokémon Center in Eterna City.
11. What is the egg that Cynthia gives you?
After rescuing the Pokémon from Team Galactic in Eterna City, Cynthia gives you a Togepi egg.
12. How do I evolve Togepi?
Togepi evolves into Togetic when it has high friendship. Togetic evolves into Togekiss using a Shiny Stone.
13. What are some good Pokémon to use against the Elite Four?
A balanced team with types like Fire, Water, Electric, Grass, Ground, and Psychic is recommended. Powerful Pokémon like Garchomp, Lucario, and Rotom are excellent choices.
14. Can I rebattle the Gym Leaders after beating the Elite Four?
Yes, after becoming Champion, you can rebattle the Gym Leaders in their Gyms. They will have stronger teams.
15. Where do I go after beating the Elite Four 100 times?
Beating the Elite Four 100 times doesn’t trigger a unique event in the game. It simply allows you to re-enter the Hall of Fame and record your team’s progress. Keep having fun with the game!