Chasing the Classics: Finding Johto Starters in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
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So, you’re itching to add those beloved Gen 2 starters to your Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl team? You’re in the right place. Here’s the definitive answer: You can find the Johto starters – Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile – in the Grand Underground after you’ve unlocked the National Pokédex.
That’s the short and sweet of it, but getting there requires a bit of effort. Let’s break down the process and dive into everything you need to know about acquiring these nostalgic powerhouses.
The Grand Underground: Your Portal to Johto
The Grand Underground is a vast network of tunnels beneath the Sinnoh region. Within these tunnels lie Pokémon Hideaways, special areas that house a variety of Pokémon, including starters from different generations. The catch is that the selection of Pokémon available in these hideaways changes based on the items you have placed in your Secret Base.
Unlocking the National Pokédex
Before you can even think about catching a Totodile or a Chikorita, you absolutely must acquire the National Pokédex. Here’s how:
- Defeat the Elite Four and Champion: This is the first major hurdle. Become the champion of the Sinnoh region to unlock the next steps.
- Complete the Sinnoh Pokédex: You need to see all 150 Pokémon in the Sinnoh Pokédex. This doesn’t mean you need to catch them all, but you need to encounter them in battle or through other means.
- Visit Professor Rowan: Once you’ve seen all 150 Sinnoh Pokémon, head back to Professor Rowan’s lab. He’ll upgrade your Pokédex to the National Pokédex.
Setting Up Your Secret Base
Now that you have the National Pokédex, it’s time to focus on your Secret Base. You can create one anywhere in the Grand Underground using a Digger Drill, purchased from the vendors found within. The items you decorate your Secret Base with directly affect which Pokémon appear in the Pokémon Hideaways. In order to increase the spawn rate of johto starters it is essential that you place johto statues in your secret base.
Finding the Johto Starters in Hideaways
With the National Pokédex in hand and a Secret Base ready, you’ll start seeing a wider variety of Pokémon in the Hideaways. The Johto starters can be found in the following biomes:
- Grassland Cave: This is the best bet for Chikorita.
- Volcanic Cave: Head here if you’re after Cyndaquil.
- Fountainspring Cave: Your best chance to snag Totodile is here.
- Riverbank Cave: Totodile has a chance to spawn here.
- Still-Water Cavern: Totodile has a chance to spawn here.
Important Considerations:
- Rarity: The Johto starters are not common spawns. Be prepared to spend some time searching and resetting the Hideaways.
- Statues: Placing Johto Pokémon statues in your Secret Base significantly increases the chances of those starters appearing in the Hideaways. Statues can be obtained by digging up crates within the Grand Underground.
- Resetting Hideaways: If you don’t see the starter you’re looking for, leave the Hideaway and re-enter. This will reset the Pokémon spawns inside.
- Levels: Expect the starters to be at a relatively high level (around level 58-63), so bring a team that’s up for the challenge.
Mastering the Johto Starter Hunt
Patience is key. Don’t expect to find a Cyndaquil the first time you enter a Volcanic Cave. Keep digging for statues, decorating your base, and exploring different Hideaways. The reward of adding those classic Pokémon to your team is well worth the effort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need both Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl to get all the Johto starters?
No, you can get all three Johto starters in either Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl through the Grand Underground. Version exclusives don’t apply to Pokémon found there.
2. Can I get the Johto starters before beating the Elite Four?
No, you must defeat the Elite Four and Champion, and then acquire the National Pokédex before the Johto starters can appear in the Grand Underground.
3. How do I get statues for my Secret Base?
Statues are obtained by digging up crates within the Grand Underground. Use your pickaxe and hammer to excavate the walls. You’ll find various treasures, including Pokémon statues.
4. Does the time of day affect the spawn rate of the Johto starters?
No, the time of day does not influence the spawn rate of starters in the Grand Underground.
5. Are the Johto starters shiny locked in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl?
No, the Johto starters are not shiny locked in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. You can encounter them in their shiny forms in the Grand Underground.
6. What’s the best way to farm statues for my Secret Base?
The best method is to repeatedly enter and exit the Grand Underground and dig at different locations. Bring a Pokémon with the ability Frisk to identify held items on wild Pokémon, which can sometimes include valuable treasures you can sell for Pokédollars to buy more digging supplies.
7. Can I breed the Johto starters to get more?
Yes, once you’ve caught a Johto starter, you can breed it at the Pokémon Nursery in Solaceon Town to get more.
8. What are the best natures for the Johto starters?
- Chikorita (Meganium): Bold (Defensive), Calm (Special Defensive)
- Cyndaquil (Typhlosion): Modest (Special Attack), Timid (Speed)
- Totodile (Feraligatr): Adamant (Attack), Jolly (Speed)
9. Are there any other ways to get the Johto starters besides the Grand Underground?
No, the Grand Underground is the only way to obtain the Johto starters in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl without trading with other players.
10. What level are the Johto starters when you find them in the Grand Underground?
The Johto starters typically spawn around levels 58-63 in the Grand Underground after unlocking the National Pokédex.
11. Do weather conditions in the overworld affect the Pokémon spawns in the Grand Underground?
No, weather conditions in the overworld do not affect the Pokémon spawns in the Grand Underground. The spawns are primarily influenced by your progress in the game and the statues in your Secret Base.
12. Can I use the Poké Radar to find Johto starters?
No, the Poké Radar does not work for finding starter Pokémon in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. It’s primarily used for chaining wild Pokémon in the overworld.
13. Is it possible to encounter multiple shiny Johto starters in the same Hideaway?
It is theoretically possible, but extremely unlikely. Shiny encounters are determined individually for each Pokémon spawn, so the odds of finding two shiny starters simultaneously are very low.
14. What is the easiest way to level up my newly caught Johto starters?
Use the Elite Four rematch to level up your pokemon. You can also use rare candies.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon game design and educational applications?
For resources and insights into the educational aspects of gaming and game design, particularly as they relate to learning and engagement, you can visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org.
Hunting for those Johto starters is a rewarding experience in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. With patience, the right strategy, and a little bit of luck, you’ll be adding those nostalgic favorites to your team in no time! Happy hunting!