Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum - Various Notes

These are various notes regarding the generation 4 versions Diamond, HeartGold, Pearl, Platinum, and SoulSilver.

Personality ID

Each Pokémon comes with an unsigned 32-bit integer ID, generated at random, which determines significant information about the uniqueness of the Pokémon. (This ID is sometimes called "Personality Value" or "Personality ID". It is not to be confused with a Pokémon's Trainer ID.)

Nature

The remainder of a Pokémon's personality ID divided by 25 identifies the nature of that Pokémon. Most natures raise one stat by 10% and lower another stat by 10%. Most natures also make Pokémon like or dislike certain kinds of food. Shown here are the food preferences of Pokémon with those natures (what Poffins they like), and the stats to increase and decrease.

A Pokémon with a Bashful, Docile, Hardy, Quirky, or Serious nature doesn't like or dislike any particular kinds of food and doesn't experience any special increase or decrease in a particular stat.

Ability

A Pokémon's initial ability is determined by whether the personality ID is odd or even. If it's even, it has the first ability, and if odd, the second ability.

If a Pokémon is migrated from a GBA game to a generation 4 game, it keeps its ability, even if its personality ID states that it would have a different ability in the generation 4 game. (Also, a migrated Pokémon is not considered to be caught with a Park Ball.) If a Pokémon evolves in a generation 4 game, it receives the ability conforming to its personality ID.

Gender

• 12.5% female - If gender value is 0 through 30, the Pokémon is female; otherwise, male.
• 25% female - If gender value is 0 through 63, the Pokémon is female; otherwise, male.
• 50% female - If gender value is 0 through 126, the Pokémon is female; otherwise, male.
• 75% female - If gender value is 0 through 190, the Pokémon is female; otherwise, male.
• Always male - Always male regardless of gender value.
• Always female - Always female regardless of gender value.
• Gender-unknown - Unknown gender, regardless of gender value.

Unown form

1. Set Y to the personality ID.
2. Set A to the remainder of Y divided by 4.
3. Divide Y by 256 and round down.
4. Set B to the remainder of Y divided by 4, then multiply B by 4.
5. Divide Y by 256 and round down.
6. Set C to the remainder of Y divided by 4, then multiply C by 16.
7. Divide Y by 256 and round down.
8. Set D to the remainder of Y divided by 4, then multiply D by 64.
9. Set X to A plus B plus C plus D.
10. Set X to the remainder of X divided by 28.

Wurmple

For a given Wurmple, if the remainder of the personality ID's high 16 bits divided by 10 is less than 5, it will evolve into Silcoon; else Cascoon.

Trainer ID

The Trainer ID is 32 bits long. The player as well as each Pokémon can have a 32-bit Trainer ID. A Pokémon's 32-bit Trainer ID is set to the player's as the Pokémon is created, if it's owned by that player. A player's 32-bit Trainer ID is set when a new game is started. However, the game only displays the lower 16 bits of a Trainer ID (here called called "public ID").

Many other Web sites use the term "ID number" or "Trainer ID" to mean the portion of the number visible on the Trainer Card, even though the Trainer ID, as used on this site, is 32 bits long. The "ID number" term used by those sites is 16 bits long and takes the lower 16 bits of the 32-bit ID number. These sites also use another term, "secret ID", which is the portion not shown of the ID and consists of the high 16 bits of the 32-bit ID number.

Each Pokémon also comes with an Original Trainer name ("OT name") and OT gender. (The OT gender is used primarily to color the OT name's text blue (male) or red (female).) These two values, like the Trainer ID, are set to those of the player as a Pokémon owned by that player is created.

The way each game checks "ownership" of a Pokémon, however, can vary depending on the game and on the specific case, as detailed below.

To rename a Pokémon using the Name Rater in Eterna City, Goldenrod City, or Lavender Town, a Pokémon's public ID must match that of the player.

If a Pokémon's 32-bit Trainer ID, OT name, or both (but not necessarily OT gender) are different from those of the player, it can disobey unless the player has the appropriate badges, and it will gain extra Exp. Points (see below).

Generation 4 games say that a Pokémon was "apparently" met, "apparently" hatched from an egg, or "apparently" had a fateful encounter (as the case may be) if its 32-bit Trainer ID, OT name, OT gender, any two, or all three are different from those of the player. This doesn't apply if the Pokémon "arrived" from a different region not in the game.

Shiny Pokémon

There is a 1/8192 chance that a Pokémon generated by the game will be shiny. Shiny Pokémon will have a different color from normal Pokémon.

To determine whether a Pokémon is shiny, the game splits the personality ID and 32-bit Trainer ID each into two 16-bit halves, resulting in four numbers, A, B, C, and D. Then the game calculates "A xor B xor C xor D", resulting in another number, E. ("Xor" is an "exclusive or" operation; see "Size Calculation" below.) If E is less than 8, the Pokémon is shiny.

Stats, Individual Values, and Base Stats

Kinds of Stats

There are six different kinds of stats:

HP (Hit Points)

A Pokémon with high HP is expected to last longer during battle. When a Pokémon's HP reaches 0, the Pokémon faints and can't fight until it is revived.

Attack

The Attack stat affects the damage inflicted by physical attacks. If Attack is greater than the target's Defense, the physical attack's power is boosted. An attack is generally physical if either it involves physical contact with the target (such as tackles, punches, or kicks) or the attack's execution follows a law of physics (such as throwing objects, triggering a waterfall, and so on).

Defense

The Defense stat affects the damage received from physical attacks. If Defense is greater than the attacker's Attack, the physical attack's power is reduced.

Special Attack

The Special Attack stat affects the damage inflicted by special attacks. If Special Attack is greater than the target's Special Defense, the special attack's power is boosted. An attack is generally special if either it involves elemental magic such as fire, water, wind, and electricity, or the attack's execution doesn't necessarily follow a law of physics, such as psychic power, powerful beams, and so on.

Special Defense

The Special Defense stat affects the damage received from special attacks. If Special Defense is greater than the attacker's Special Attack, the special attack's power is reduced.

Speed

The Speed stat determines which Pokémon will strike first. In battle, in general, the Pokémon with the highest Speed attacks first in a particular turn.

Stat Formulas

The game uses these formulas to find a Pokémon's stats.

HP = floor((A*2+B+floor(C/4))*D/100)+D+10
Other Stats =floor((floor((A*2+B+floor(C/4))*D/100)+5)*E)

where:

• A = Pokémon's Race Value
• B = Pokémon's Individual Value
• C = Pokémon's Base Stat
• D = Pokémon's Level
• E = 1.1 if the Pokémon's nature raises the stat; otherwise, 0.9 if the nature lowers the stat; otherwise, 1.
• floor(X) means "turn X down to the nearest integer."

As an exception, Shedinja's maximum HP is always 1 (its HP race value is 1).

A Pokémon's stats are calculated upon creation. A Pokémon's stats are recalculated when Rare Candy or a stat enhancer is used on that Pokémon and takes effect, when a stat-reducing Berry reduces its Base Stats, when that Pokémon is placed in the PC storage system, or when that Pokémon evolves or levels up. Its stats are also recalculated when it changes to a form with different race values within the same game (this includes if Deoxys changes to the same form). A Pokémon's stats are not recalculated when it's traded.

Race Values

Race values are values that specify the stat potential of all Pokémon of the same Pokémon species and distinguish that species's stat potential from those of other species. There are six inherent Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, Speed, and Stats for HP. Each race value ranges from 0 through 255. Race values are what most people call base stats.

View race values for all Pokémon.

Individual Values

Individual Values, or IVs, range from 0 through 31. These values can differ between two Pokémon of the same species and define a particular Pokémon's stat potential rather than the stat potential of its species. There are six Individual Values for Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, Speed, and HP. A Pokémon begins with randomly determined Individual Values.

For a level 100 Pokémon, each Individual Value contributes that many stat points to the corresponding stat.

Base Stats (Effort Values)

Base Stats, commonly known as Effort Values, indicate the amount of training that a Pokémon has made. Here are the basics on base stats.

• How base stats are raised - Whenever a Pokémon earns Exp. Points in battle, usually by defeating foe Pokémon, it also earns a number of base stat points depending on the species of the Pokémon defeated. A Pokémon doesn't earn base stat points in battle if its level is 100 (since it doesn't earn Exp. Points at that level). A Pokémon's base stats are not raised while it's deposited in the Day-Care or when a Rare Candy is used on it.
• Limits - Each base stat ranges from 0 to 255. A Pokémon starts with base stats of 0 for all stats, and its base stat total can't exceed 510. (The six stats are HP, Attack, Defense, Speed, Special Attack, and Special Defense. Base stat points are also earned in that order.) A Pokémon with 510 base stat points can receive an Effort Ribbon in Sunyshore City or in Blackthorn City.
• Base stats and stats - For a level 100 Pokémon, every 4 base stat points correspond to 1 stat point. Because of this, only 508 base stat points overall and 252 base stat points in a certain stat (for a stat increase of 63) are required to raise a Pokémon's stats as much as possible.
• The "box trick" - When a Pokémon is placed in a PC storage box, the game stores, among other things, its Exp. Points (to calculate its level), its individual values, and its base stats. When the Pokémon is removed from the storage system, its stats are recalculated based on its base stats, without actually gaining a level. This effect is sometimes called the "box trick."

Some kinds of items can affect base stats:

• Stat enhancers - Stat enhancers, also known as "vitamins", increase the base stat of the corresponding stat by 10, but not to more than 100. Each stat enhancer only takes effect if the base stat for that stat is less than 100. After a stat enhancer is used and takes effect, all the Pokémon's stats are recalculated.
  • HP - HP Up (won't have any effect on a Shedinja, however)
  • Attack - Protein
  • Defense - Iron
  • Speed - Carbos
  • Special Attack - Calcium
  • Special Defense - Zinc
• Stat-reducing Berries - Certain kinds of Berries decrease the base stat of the corresponding stat by 10. If such a Berry reduces the base stat this way, all the Pokémon's stats are recalculated. These berries reduce the base stat to 100 (instead of by 10) if it's greater than 110.
  • HP - Pomeg Berry (Won't have any effect at all on a Shedinja, not even friendship gain.)
  • Attack - Kelpsy Berry
  • Defense - Qualot Berry
  • Speed - Tamato Berry
  • Special Attack - Hondew Berry
  • Special Defense - Grepa Berry
• "Power items" - Certain items commonly known as "Power items" will add 4 base stat points of the appropriate stat to Pokémon that hold them whenever they earn base stat points (of any kind) in battle. The additional base stat points are added before they're doubled by Pokérus (see below).
  • HP - Power Weight
  • Attack - Power Bracer
  • Defense - Power Belt
  • Speed - Power Anklet
  • Special Attack - Power Lens
  • Special Defense - Power Band
• Macho Brace - The Macho Brace will double the base stat points that a Pokémon holding it will earn in battle.
• Pokérus - Although Pokérus is not an item, it too will double the base stat points that a Pokémon infected with it will earn in battle, even after it's cured of Pokérus.

Exp. Points

Whenever a Pokémon on the opposite side of the player faints in a battle against a wild Pokémon or an in-game Trainer, each Pokémon that participated in the battle against it gains Exp. Points (or experience points). The number of Exp. Points a Pokémon gains this way is based on a formula shown below. Each multiplication and division given is rounded down.

Formula used if no unfainted Pokémon controlled by the player is holding an Exp. Share:

Exp. Points = (max(1,(L*G/7)/E))*X*Y*Z

Formula used if at least one unfainted Pokémon controlled by the player is holding an Exp. Share:

Exp. Points = (max(1,int(M/E))*A+max(1,(M/F))*B)*X*Y*Z

where:

• L = Defeated Pokémon's level
• G = Base Experience for the defeated Pokémon's current species
• X = If the battle is a Trainer battle, X=1.5; else 1.
• Y = If the participating Pokémon's 32-bit Trainer ID, OT name, or both are different from the player's, Y=1.5; else 1 ("[name] gained a boosted [value] Exp. Points!")
• Z = If the participating Pokémon is holding a Lucky Egg, Z=1.5; else 1.
• M = ((L*G/7)/2)
• E = Number of unfainted Pokémon that participated in the battle against the defeated Pokémon
• F = Number of unfainted Pokémon that are holding an Exp. Share
• A = If the Pokémon participated in the battle against the defeated Pokémon, A=1; else 0.
• B = If the Pokémon is holding an Exp. Share, B=1; else 0.

A "participant" means each unfainted Pokémon (other than an egg) that is controlled by the player and that had seen the opposing Pokémon since the last time the opposing Pokémon entered the battle. A participant need not have used an attack against the Pokémon, but must merely have seen it. If a Pokémon faints at the same time as the opposing Pokémon, it doesn't count as a participant. (In battles in which Exp. Points can be gained, if both sides have no Pokémon at the same time, it is considered a loss for the player.)

When a Pokémon gains a level, its current HP is its new HP minus the HP lost before the level gain. A Pokémon gains levels one at a time, in case it earns so much experience at once that it gains more than one level.

While a Pokémon is in the Day-Care, it will earn 1 Exp. Point for each step the player walks and will learn new moves as it gains levels; such moves, if the list is full, will overwrite older moves, starting from the top of the list. (Even HM moves will be overwritten this way.)

If a Pokémon's 32-bit Trainer ID, OT name, or both are different from the player's and comes from a different language version from the player's, the Pokémon earns 1.7 times more Exp. Points than normal rather than 1.5 times more.

Growth Rates

Each Pokémon species belongs in one of six growth rates. Each growth rate determines the number of Exp. Points required to level up, from level 1 through 100.

The Exp. Points table shows the number of Exp. Points for each growth rate and level.

The Growth Rates list shows which Pokémon species belong in which growth rates.

Here are the six growth rates:

• Erratic - Max: 600,000 Exp. Points
  • Formula for levels 1-50: Level*Level*Level*(100-Level)/50
  • Formula for levels 51-68: Level*Level*Level*(150-Level)/100
  • Formula for levels 69-97: Level*Level*Level*(N+(10*(Level-68)/3)-(Level*10))/1000 where N is 1501 if Level is divisible by 3, and 1500 otherwise
  • Formula for levels 98-100: Level*Level*Level*(160-Level)/100
• Fast - Max: 800,000 Exp. Points
  • Formula: (Level*Level*Level*4/5)
• Medium - Max: 1,000,000 Exp. Points
  • Formula: (Level*Level*Level)
• Parabolic - Max: 1,059,860 Exp. Points
  • Formula: (Level*Level*Level*6/5)-15*Level*Level+100*Level-140
• Slow - Max: 1,250,000 Exp. Points
  • Formula: (Level*Level*Level*5/4)
• Fluctuating - Max: 1,640,000 Exp. Points
  • Formula for levels 1-15: Level*Level*Level*(24+((Level+1)/3))/50
  • Formula for levels 16-35: Level*Level*Level*(14+Level)/50
  • Formula for levels 36-100: Level*Level*Level*(31+Level/2)/50

A Pokémon at level 1 starts with 0 Exp. Points, despite the formulas given above.

Size Calculation

The size of a Magikarp, Heracross, Barboach, and so on is calculated in two steps.

First, the game calculates the value of S with the formula below.

S = (((AT xor DF)*HP) xor M) * 256 + (((SA xor SD)*SP) xor N)

where:

• HP is the remainder of the HP individual value (IV) divided by 16.
• AT is the remainder of the Attack IV divided by 16.
• DF is the remainder of the Defense IV divided by 16.
• SP is the remainder of the Speed IV divided by 16.
• SA is the remainder of the Special Attack IV divided by 16.
• SD is the remainder of the Special Defense IV divided by 16.
• M is the remainder of the personality ID divided by 256 (the lowest byte of the ID).
• N is the remainder of (personality ID / 256) divided by 256 (the second lowest byte of the ID).
• Each division above is rounded down.
• "xor" represents an "exclusive or" operation:
  1. Let A and B be the two numbers on either side of the "xor", let C be 1, and let R be 0.
  2. If A is odd and B is even, or vice versa, add C to R.
  3. Multiply C by 2, and divide A and B each by 2, rounding down.
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until A and B are both 0.
  5. The result of the "exclusive or" operation is R.

Then the game calculates the size of the Pokémon, in millimeters, using this formula:

Size = int(int((S-Z)/Y+X)*C/10)

where:

• C is the height of the Pokémon in tenths of a meter, as shown on the Pokédex.
• X, Y, and Z are based on the value of S as follows:
  • If S is from 0 through 9, then X=290, Y=1, Z=0.
  • If S is from 10 through 109, then X=300, Y=1, Z=10.
  • If S is from 110 through 309, then X=400, Y=2, Z=110.
  • If S is from 310 through 709, then X=500, Y=4, Z=310.
  • If S is from 710 through 2709, then X=600, Y=20, Z=710.
  • If S is from 2710 through 7709, then X=700, Y=50, Z=2710.
  • If S is from 7710 through 17709, then X=800, Y=100, Z=7710.
  • If S is from 17710 through 32709, then X=900, Y=150, Z=17710.
  • If S is from 32710 through 47709, then X=1000, Y=150, Z=32710.
  • If S is from 47710 through 57709, then X=1100, Y=100, Z=47710.
  • If S is from 57710 through 62709, then X=1200, Y=50, Z=57710.
  • If S is from 62710 through 64709, then X=1300, Y=20, Z=62710.
  • If S is from 64710 through 65209, then X=1400, Y=5, Z=64710.
  • If S is from 65210 through 65409, then X=1500, Y=2, Z=65210.
  • If S is from 65410 through 65535, then X=1700, Y=1, Z=65510.

Because of this formula, a Pokémon's actual size can range from 29% to 172.6% of its Pokédex height. The distribution is similar to a normal distribution, with a mean of about 100% and a standard deviation of about 17.9%. When converting to inches (1 inch = 25.4 mm), the game turns down to the nearest tenth of an inch.

Markings

Each Pokémon includes a set of markings, which can be either on or off. Markings can be set in the Pokémon Storage System and will appear in the Storage System and in a Pokémon's Summary screen, among other places. Markings have no effect on game play. A Pokémon starts with all markings off. Generation 4 includes the markings circle, square, triangle, heart, star, and diamond.

Pokérus

Pokérus is a virus that infects Pokémon. There is a 3/65536 chance that a Pokémon will become infected with Pokérus at the end of a battle in which Exp. Points can be gained. (Even eggs can be infected this way.) A Pokémon infected with or cured of Pokérus will earn twice as much Base Stats (Base stats) as normal in battle (see the "Base Stats" section).

Whenever a battle ends, for each party Pokémon infected with Pokérus, there is a 1/3 chance that both the Pokémon before and after that Pokémon are also infected with Pokérus if not already infected. (Even eggs can be infected this way. The game checks whether this condition will apply for each Pokémon already infected before infecting others if necessary.) Walking with an infected Pokémon in the party or placing an infected Pokémon in a PC storage box won't infect other Pokémon.

A Pokémon with Pokérus will remain infected from 1 to 4 days. After that time, at midnight, the Pokémon, if it's in the party, is cured of Pokérus. Once a Pokémon is cured of Pokérus, it will never get it again (in the summary screen of such a Pokémon, a black dot in the GBA games, or a smiley face in the DS games, will appear). However, a Pokémon kept in a PC storage box will remain infected; such a Pokémon's infection won't progress as days pass.

Evolution

Some Pokémon can evolve:

1. At the end of any battle (except battles the player lost) in which the Pokémon levels up or after a Rare Candy is used on it and takes effect;
2. When a certain item is used on it; or
3. When the Pokémon is traded to another game.

Those are the three basic ways that Pokémon can evolve. Here is a more detailed list.

• Case 1 (The Pokémon levels up). The evolution can be canceled by pressing B while the Pokémon evolves.
  • The Pokémon is at or above a certain level (most Pokémon)
    • And the Pokémon is male (example: Mothim), or female (example: Wormadam).
    • And Attack is greater than Defense (Hitmonlee), or Attack is less than Defense (Hitmonchan), or Attack is equal to Defense (Hitmontop).
  • The Pokémon's friendship is 220 or more (example: Chansey)
    • And it's day (example: Espeon, Roselia), or night (example: Umbreon). Day is from 4:00 a.m. through 7:59 p.m., and night is from 8:00 p.m. through 3:59 a.m.
  • A certain Pokémon is in the player's party (Mantine). If a Pokémon evolves this way, the Pokémon that must be present is not removed from the party.
  • The Pokémon is at a certain place (example: Nosepass, Glaceon, Leafeon)
  • The Pokémon has a certain move (example: Mr. Mime).
  • The Pokémon is holding a certain item and it's day (Happiny)
  • The Pokémon is holding a certain item and it's night (example: Gligar)
  • The Pokémon's Beauty is at or higher than a certain amount (Feebas)
• Case 2 (The Pokémon is traded). The evolution can't be canceled.
  • The Pokémon is traded to another game (example: Machoke).
  • The Pokémon is traded to another game while holding a certain item (example: Scizor). If the Pokémon evolves this way, that item is removed from it.
• Case 3 (A certain item is used on the Pokémon). The evolution can't be canceled.
  • A certain item is used on the Pokémon (example: Pikachu).
  • A certain item is used on the Pokémon and it's male (Gallade).
  • A certain item is used on the Pokémon and it's female (Froslass).

Special notes:

• Shedinja: Shedinja will appear in the player's party when Nincada evolves into Ninjask, if the player has an item named "Poké Ball" in the Bag and has a free space in the party. The Shedinja will essentially be a clone of the evolved Ninjask, except that it's a Shedinja named "SHEDINJA" rather than a Ninjask, has no ribbons, items, markings, or status problems, and appears in a Poké Ball. Therefore, among other things, Shedinja has the same Individual Values, Base Stats, Exp. Points, personality ID, moves, 32-bit Trainer ID, OT name, and so on of the evolved Ninjask, but its stats are calculated according to Shedinja's race values. Furthermore, the Poké Ball is used up. (Shedinja is created after Ninjask tries to learn any moves it would have upon evolution.)
• Glaceon/Leafeon: An Eevee that is friendly enough and evolves in Ice Rock or Moss Rock will evolve into Glaceon or Leafeon, respectively, not Espeon or Umbreon.
• Silcoon/Cascoon: For a given Wurmple, if the remainder of the personality ID's high 16 bits divided by 10 is less than 5, it will evolve into Silcoon; otherwise, it will evolve into Cascoon.
• Day-Care: A Pokémon placed in the Day-Care won't evolve, even if it gains enough Exp. Points for its level to go up.
• Everstone: In general, a Pokémon holding Everstone won't evolve. If it evolves using an item, though, it will still evolve even if it holds Everstone. Also, in the generation 4 games, a Kadabra holding Everstone (but not Graveler, Haunter, or Machoke) will still evolve when it's traded.
• Double Evolution: A Pokémon gets only one opportunity to evolve when it levels up, even if it meets one or more conditions to evolve. For example, if a Swinub with AncientPower reaches level 33, it evolves into Piloswine, but not into Mamoswine afterward. It must wait until the next time it levels up to evolve into Mamoswine.
• Name Change: If a Pokémon whose nickname is the same as its old species's name in a game in a certain language evolves in that game, or is traded to another game and evolves in that game, then the Pokémon's nickname changes to the name of the new species in the language of the game where the Pokémon evolves. (Full-width characters are distinct from half-width characters. Pokémon names are in upper-case letters in the generation 4 games, so upper-case letters are distinct from lower-case letters.) No other case can make a Pokémon's name change upon evolution.
• Pokwalker: A Pokémon can't evolve or learn moves while it's out on a stroll.
• Spiky-Eared Pichu: A Spiky-Eared Pichu can't evolve in the HeartGold and SoulSilver versions.

Trainer Memo Message

The Trainer Memo Message is based on a Pokémon's Individual Values (IVs.) The highest IV is chosen for the message, as shown on this table.

If more than one Individual Value is the highest, the game chooses the first Individual Value among them in a particular order. This order depends on the remainder of the Pokémon's personality ID divided by 6, as shown below:

• 0 - HP, Attack, Defense, Speed, Special Attack, Special Defense
• 1 - Attack, Defense, Speed, Special Attack, Special Defense, HP
• 2 - Defense, Speed, Special Attack, Special Defense, HP, Attack
• 3 - Speed, Special Attack, Special Defense, HP, Attack, Defense
• 4 - Special Attack, Special Defense, HP, Attack, Defense, Speed
• 5 - Special Defense, HP, Attack, Defense, Speed, Special Attack

Note that the order doesn't depend on the Pokémon's nature.

Stat Potential Judge

The man near the PC in the Battle Frontier's Battle Tower will "judge" Pokémon based on their Individual Values, as shown here:

Sum of all Individual Values

• 0-90: This Pokémon's potential is decent all around.
• 91-120: This Pokémon's potential is above average overall.
• 121-150: This Pokémon has relatively superior potential overall.
• 151-186: This Pokémon has outstanding potential overall.

Highest Individual Value

"Incidentally, I would say the best potential lies in its [stat] stat."

• 0-15: It's rather decent in that regard. That's how I judged it.
• 16-25: It's very good in that regard. That's how I judged it.
• 26-30: It's fantastic in that regard. That's how I judged it.
• 31: It can't be better in that regard. That's how I judged it.

If more than one Individual Value is the highest, in the Platinum version one of them is chosen at random, or in the HeartGold and SoulSilver versions, each of those Individual Values is mentioned in the order of HP, Attack, Defense, Speed, Special Attack, and Special Defense each time the player talks to the Judge with the same Pokémon, but only one such value each time.

This man will appear only in the HeartGold, Platinum, and SoulSilver versions.

Breeding

These are notes related to discovering Pokémon Eggs, commonly known as "breeding", in generation 4.

Egg Waiting Time

The waiting time depends on the species and 32-bit Trainer ID of the Pokémon (the OT names and OT genders of each Pokémon are not considered). The species and ID will set a value, called X, as follows:

• Same species, different ID: X=70% ("The two seem to get along very well.")
• Same species, same ID: X=50% ("The two seem to get along.")
• Different species, different ID: X=50% ("The two seem to get along.")
• Different species, same ID: X=20% ("The two don't seem to like each other much.")

However, if the Pokémon are incompatible, X will be 0% instead. This will happen if:

• Both Pokémon are male or both are female.
• Both Pokémon are Ditto.
• One or both of the Pokémon are gender-unknown, unless either Pokémon is a Ditto.
• The two Pokémon don't have an Egg group in common, unless either Pokémon is a Ditto.
• One or both of the Pokémon are in the "undiscovered" Egg group, even if either Pokémon is a Ditto.

If the Pokémon are incompatible, the message shown is, "The two play with other Pokémon rather than with each other...", or alternatively, "The two prefer to play separately more than with each other...", when the player calls the Day-Care Man by phone.

If the Pokémon are compatible, then every 256 steps after the two Pokémon are placed in the Day-Care, an Egg will be ready at the percent chance given by X. An initial personality ID will be generated at that time (see below). However, the Egg itself will be calculated as soon as the Egg is received.

After an Egg is received, an "Egg counter" for that Egg is set to the "steps to hatch Egg" divided by 256. Every 255 steps after an Egg is taken or rejected from the Day-Care Man, the game reduces the "Egg counter" of each Egg in the player's party by 1, or if a Pokémon with Magma Armor or Flame Body is in the player's party, by 2. If an Egg's "Egg counter" reaches 0 or less, it hatches, and the "Egg counters" of Eggs that follow it in order in the player's party are not reduced. When an Egg hatches, its 32-bit Trainer ID, OT name, and OT gender change to those of the player, and the player will be allowed to nickname the newly hatched Pokémon.

The Trainer Memo gives an estimate of how long before a given Egg hatches:

• Egg counter is 41 or greater: "'The Egg Watch' It looks like this Egg will take a long time to hatch."
• Egg counter is 11-40: "'The Egg Watch' What will hatch from this? It doesn't seem close to hatching."
• Egg counter is 6-10: "'The Egg Watch' It appears to move occasionally. It may be close to hatching."
• Egg counter is 5 or less: "'The Egg Watch' Sounds can be heard coming from inside! It will hatch soon!"

Species

1. One of the Pokémon can be a Ditto, but not both. In that case, the Egg will be the species that isn't the Ditto, in the lowest evolutionary stage.
2. If the Egg's species would be Nidoran female, instead it's either Nidoran male or Nidoran female.
3. If the Egg's species would be Illumise, instead it's either Illumise or Volbeat.
4. If neither Pokémon in the pair is holding a Lax Incense and the Egg's species would be Wynaut, the Egg's species is Wobbuffet instead.
5. If neither Pokémon in the pair is holding a Sea Incense and the Egg's species would be Azurill, the Egg's species is Marill instead.
6. If neither Pokémon in the pair is holding a Rose Incense and the Egg's species would be Budew, the Egg's species is Roselia instead.
7. If neither Pokémon in the pair is holding a Pure Incense and the Egg's species would be Chingling, the Egg's species is Chimecho instead.
8. If neither Pokémon in the pair is holding a Rock Incense and the Egg's species would be Bonsly, the Egg's species is Sudowoodo instead.
9. If neither Pokémon in the pair is holding an Odd Incense and the Egg's species would be Mime Jr., the Egg's species is Mr. Mime instead.
10. If neither Pokémon in the pair is holding a Luck Incense and the Egg's species would be Happiny, the Egg's species is Chansey instead.
11. If neither Pokémon in the pair is holding a Wave Incense and the Egg's species would be Mantyke, the Egg's species is Mantine instead.
12. If neither Pokémon in the pair is holding a Full Incense and the Egg's species would be Munchlax, the Egg's species is Snorlax instead.
13. If the Egg's species would be Manaphy, the Egg's species is Phione instead.

If the Egg's species is Burmy or Shellos, the Egg inherits its alternate form from the female Pokémon in the pair, if one exists, or Ditto otherwise. (For Ditto, the Egg will be Burmy Plant Cloak or west sea (pink) Shellos, respectively, since Ditto doesn't come in different forms.)

Moves

The Egg begins at level 1 (with 0 Exp. Points) and initially has all moves it would have at level 1. The Egg can inherit other moves from the Pokémon left in the Day-Care, in this order:

1. The Egg will inherit all moves that the male Pokémon* knows and that are Egg moves for the Egg's species.
2. The Egg will inherit all moves that the male Pokémon* knows and that can be taught to the Egg's species through a TM or HM.
3. The Egg will inherit all moves that both Pokémon left in the Day-Care know and that the Egg's species could learn by leveling up.
4. If either Pokémon in the pair is a Pikachu or Raichu and holds a Light Ball and the Egg is a Pichu, the Egg will learn Volt Tackle.

If the Egg would have more than four moves this way, moves from the top of the list are deleted and all duplicates except the last are removed until four moves remain.

*In these two cases, if one of the Pokémon in the pair is a Ditto, moves will be inherited by the Pokémon that isn't Ditto, but only if it's male or gender-unknown.

Personality ID

A Pokémon's personality ID, including nature, is generated as soon as an Egg is ready, and not when the Egg is received. The game treats a nonzero personality ID as a sign that an Egg is ready. (Note that it is possible for the game to generate an ID of 0.)

When the Egg is received, if both Pokémon in the pair originate from different language versions and a Shiny Egg would not be created, the game tries four additional times to generate a new personality ID until a Shiny Egg would be created. This is known as the "Masuda method."

As a Manaphy Egg hatches, if it would be a Shiny Pokémon, the game generates a new personality ID until it would not be a Shiny Pokémon. This occurs before its Trainer ID changes to the Trainer ID of the player who caused the Egg to hatch.

Individual Values

In the Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum versions, the Egg receives random IVs, then it inherits a random IV from either Pokémon in the pair, then a random IV other than HP from either Pokémon in the pair, then a random IV other than HP or Defense from either Pokémon in the pair.

In the HeartGold and SoulSilver versions, the Egg receives random IVs, then it inherits a random IV for a random stat and from a random Pokémon in the pair. If either or both Pokémon in the pair each hold a Power Weight, Power Bracer, Power Belt, Power Lens, Power Band, or Power Anklet, the game chooses one of those Pokémon at random, and the Egg inherits the IV for HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, or Speed, respectively, from that Pokémon instead. Then the Egg inherits a random IV from a random Pokémon in the pair, but the stat can't be the same as that of the first IV inherited. Then the Egg inherits another random IV from a random Pokémon in the pair, but the stat can't be the same as that of the first or second IV inherited.

Nature

A random nature is chosen for the Egg, indirectly through generation of a personality ID.

In the Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum versions, there is a (32767/65536) chance that the Egg will gain the nature of the holder of Everstone if that holder is a Ditto, if one exists, or the female Pokémon if neither Pokémon is a Ditto. (The chance is instead 32769/65536 if Ditto is the first Pokémon left at the Day Care.)

In the HeartGold and SoulSilver versions, there is a (32767/65536) chance that the Egg will gain the nature of one of the holders of Everstone.

When a nature is gained with Everstone, the game tries up to 2,400 times to generate a personality ID that isn't 0 and that has the given nature. This is determined as soon as the Egg is ready, not when it's received. (However, because of the way the "Masuda method" (see above) is applied, the Everstone effect will fail to work properly if both Pokémon come from different language versions.)

Friendship

Friendship is a measure of a particular Pokémon's attachment to the player. Friendship ranges from 0 through 255.

When a Pokémon is created or traded from another player, it starts with its base friendship (normally 70 but depends on the species). A Pokémon hatched from an egg starts with a friendship of 120 instead.

Here are the ways to raise or lower friendship.

The friendship loss from Energy Root, EnergyPowder, Heal Powder, and Revival Herb doesn't change depending on the Pokémon's nature, even though these items are described as having a bitter taste. For example, the Pokémon doesn't lose more friendship if it dislikes bitter foods or lose less friendship if it likes bitter foods.

If the Pokémon is holding a Soothe Bell, each friendship gain is multiplied by 1.5. Then, if the Pokémon was caught in a Luxury Ball, each friendship gain is raised by 1. (Friendship doesn't increase further even if it was gained in the place where the Pokémon was caught.)

A Pokémon that evolves through friendship will do so the next time it levels up and its friendship is 220 or more (after the battle ends, if any, and after adding friendship gain from leveling up).

Blast Burn, Draco Meteor, Frenzy Plant, and Hydro Cannon can be taught by a Move Tutor only if the Pokémon has a friendship of 255.

Friendship can be approximated by talking to the lady in the northwest corner of the Pokémon Fan Club in Hearthome City:

• 0: "Oh, my... I think this one really hasn't taken too kindly to you."
• 1-49: "Hmm... It seems to dislike you a little."
• 50-99: "It's feeling neutral toward you. It's up to you to change that."
• 100-149: "It's warming up to you. That's my impression."
• 150-199: "It's quite friendly to you. It must be happy being with you."
• 200-254: "It's very friendly toward you. I can tell you treat it kindly."
• 255: "It simply adores you! Why, I feel like I'm intruding!"

Or by visiting the woman in the house on east-central Goldenrod City:

• 0-49: "It doesn't seem to like you at all. It looks mean."
• 50-99: "You should treat it better. It's not used to you."
• 100-149: "It's quite cute."
• 150-199: "It's friendly toward you. It looks sort of happy."
• 200-249: "I get the feeling that it really trusts you."
• 250-255: "It looks really happy! It must love you a lot."

Alternatively, open the Pokétch's Friendship Checker (app no. 6) and tap and hold the Pokémon:

• 0-149 - Nothing
• 150-199 - One heart over the Pokémon
• 200-254 - Two hearts over the Pokémon
• 255 - Two big hearts over the Pokémon

To get the Friendship Checker, talk to the woman inside Eterna City's Pokémon Center, near the entrance. This same woman will say:

• 0-69: "Hmm... It needs to get used to you more."
• 70-119: "It's becoming comfortable around you, I think."
• 120-255: "It seems to like you. It must be happy being with you."

Language Versions

Each Pokémon as well as the player has a value called "language version." A Pokémon comes from a particular language version if it was generated in a game whose text is in that language, regardless of what country the game was sold in. For example, in an English language game, every Pokémon generated in that game will come from an English "language version". The player's language version is set to the game's language when a new game begins. In generation 4, there are seven possible language versions: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

Migrating Pokémon requires a GBA game with the same language as the DS game. (The exception is Korean language games, which accept Japanese language GBA games, since no GBA Pokémon games were in Korean. However, the migrated Pokémon will come from a Korean language version.)

In Japanese and Korean language games, the player can input up to five characters for both Pokémon nicknames and Trainer names (including OT names). In other language games, the player can input up to ten characters for Pokémon nicknames and up to seven characters for Trainer names (including OT names).

A Pokémon's language version is never displayed directly, but here are some hints for determining language version.

• Some Pokémon have different names in French and German. For example, a Froslass named "FROSDEDJE" or an Infernape named "PANFERNO" is likely to come from a German language version. (However, Spanish and Italian language games use the English names for Pokémon.)
• The presence of hangul or up to five question marks makes it extremely likely that a Pokémon comes from a Korean language version. (Non-Korean language versions don't include Korean characters, so they display them as question marks instead.)
• The presence of hiragana and katakana makes it extremely likely that a Pokémon comes from a Japanese language version.
• A traded Pokémon from a different language version will earn slightly more Exp. Points than a traded Pokémon from the same language version (see "Experience", above).

Encounters

In the methods below, the "first Pokémon in party" means the Pokémon or egg on the top of the player's Pokémon party. An egg is treated as having no ability or item for the purposes of these methods.

Each area has a probability of Pokémon appearing, such as 30. Whenever the player takes a step in which Pokémon could appear, the game does the following:

1. X begins at the map's encounter rate.
2. If the first Pokémon in party:
   • has Arena Trap, Illuminate, or No Guard, X is doubled.
   • has Sand Veil and sand is blowing, X is halved.
   • has Snow Cloak and snow is falling, X is halved.
   • has Quick Feet, Stench, or White Smoke, X is halved.
3. X is set to 100 if it's greater than 100.
4. If the Black Flute had been used, X is halved. If the White Flute had been used, X is multiplied by 1.5.
5. If the first Pokémon in party is holding a Cleanse Tag or Pure Incense, X is multiplied by 2/3.
6. C is set to the number of steps in which a Pokémon could appear which were taken by the player since a battle ended or the current map was entered.
7. If 8 minus one tenth X (rounded down) is less than C, then at a 95% chance no Pokémon will be encountered.
8. Z begins with 40, or the player is on a Bicycle, 30.
9. If a random number from 0 through 99 is less than X, and another is less than Z, a Pokémon will be encountered.

If a Pokémon is encountered, after choosing the Pokémon to appear, the game resets C to 0 and then does the following:

1. If the first Pokémon in party has Magnet Pull or Static, at a 50% chance, if some but not all Pokémon in each encounter slot are Steel-type or Electric-type Pokémon, respectively, one encounter slot from among all slots with Pokémon of the respective type is chosen at random with an equal probability.
2. If the first Pokémon in party has Hustle, Pressure, or Vital Spirit, at a 50% chance the encounter slot with the highest maximum level of the same Pokémon species is chosen, or if there is more than one such slot, the first such slot (or in water, the maximum level for the current encounter slot is used).
3. If the first Pokémon in party has Intimidate or Keen Eye, at a 50% chance the encountered Pokémon won't appear if its level is equal to or less than the first Pokémon's level minus 5.
4. If a Repel is in effect, the encountered Pokémon won't appear if its level is equal to or less than the level of the first Pokémon in the player's party that hasn't fainted and isn't an egg. (Repel lasts for 100 steps after use; Super Repel for 200 steps; and Max Repel for 250 steps.)
5. If the first Pokémon in party has Cute Charm, the encountered Pokémon's gender is changed to match that of the first Pokémon (if possible) at a 2/3 chance. If the first Pokémon has Synchronize, the encountered Pokémon's nature is changed to match that of the first Pokémon at a 50% chance.

Honey Trees

There are 21 so-called "honey trees" with a yellowish tone. When the player slathers any one of them with Honey, a Pokémon can appear eventually. These are the trees:

0. South Route 205
1. North Route 205
2. Route 206
3. Route 207
4. Route 208
5. Route 209
6. South Route 210
7. North Route 210
8. Route 211
9. Northwest Route 212
10. Southeast Route 212
11. Route 213
12. Route 214
13. Route 215
14. Route 218
15. Route 221
16. Route 222
17. Valley Windworks
18. Southeast Eterna Forest
19. Fuego Ironworks
20. Floaroma Meadow

When the player slathers a "honey tree" with Honey:

• If this tree is different from the last tree slathered or no trees were slathered yet this game, a group is chosen and a Pokémon species from that group is chosen.
• If this tree is the same as the last tree slathered (whether the tree has Honey on it or not), at a 90% chance a Pokémon species from the last chosen group for that tree is chosen, or at a 10% chance a group is chosen and a Pokémon species from that group is chosen.

360 minutes after the player slathers a tree with Honey (whether the tree has Honey on it or not), a Pokémon of the species determined previously, at a level from 5 through 15, will appear on that tree. The Pokémon will remain on the tree until the player encounters it or until 1080 minutes have passed.

Using Honey at a place where a wild Pokémon could appear is the same as having a Pokémon use the move Sweet Scent.

Encountered Pokémon

The game uses the following list to determine which Pokémon will appear:

Diamond/Pearl Version

• Group 1 (20%) - Wurmple 5%, Silcoon/Cascoon* 5%, Combee 10%, Burmy 20%, Cherubi 20%, Aipom 40%
• Group 2 (70%) - Combee 5%, Burmy 5%, Cherubi 10%, Aipom 20%, Heracross 20%, Wumple 40%
• Group 3 (1%/0%) - Munchlax 100%
• Group 4 (9%/10%) - No Pokémon will be encountered. In this case, the Honey is still used up, the tree is still considered the "last tree slathered", the last group chosen for that tree is considered to be group 1, and the message "There is a sweet scent in the air..." is shown when the tree is checked again.

*Silcoon in Diamond version, and Cascoon in Pearl version.

Platinum Version

• Group 1 (20%) - Combee 5%, Wurmple 5%, Burmy 10%, Cherubi 20%, Aipom 20%, Aipom 20%
• Group 2 (70%) - Burmy 5%, Cherubi 5%, Combee 10%, Aipom 20%, Aipom 20%, Heracross 20%
• Group 3 (1%/0%) - Munchlax 100%
• Group 4 (9%/10%) - No Pokémon will be encountered.

"Munchlax Trees"

Four of the 21 trees are so-called Munchlax trees. For these trees, there is a 1% chance that a Munchlax will appear on them, and Munchlax won't appear at all for the other trees. Whether a tree is a Munchlax tree depends on the player's 32-bit Trainer ID:

1. ID is set to the player's 32-bit Trainer ID.
2. D is set to (ID mod 256) mod 21.
3. ID is divided by 256 and rounded down.
4. C is set to (ID mod 256) mod 21.
5. ID is divided by 256 and rounded down.
6. B is set to (ID mod 256) mod 21.
7. ID is divided by 256 and rounded down.
8. A is set to (ID mod 256) mod 21.
9. If A and B are the same, B is raised by 1, then set to 0 if the result is 21.
10. If A and C are the same, C is raised by 1, then set to 0 if the result is 21.
11. If B and C are the same, C is raised by 1, then set to 0 if the result is 21.
12. If A and D are the same, D is raised by 1, then set to 0 if the result is 21.
13. If B and D are the same, D is raised by 1, then set to 0 if the result is 21.
14. If C and D are the same, D is raised by 1, then set to 0 if the result is 21.
15. The Munchlax trees will have IDs of A, B, C, and D.
16. In the steps above, "X mod Y" means "the remainder of X divided by Y."

Great Marsh

When a new game starts and whenever the current day changes, one Pokémon is randomly chosen from the following list for each of the six areas in the Great Marsh. (Actually, a random number from 0 through 31 is chosen for each area and the Pokémon at the corresponding position is used.) The chosen Pokémon will use the two 5% slots in the encounter data.

• Diamond/Pearl with National Pokédex - CROAGUNK, SKORUPI, CARNIVINE, CROAGUNK, SKORUPI, CARNIVINE, GOLDUCK, CROAGUNK, SKORUPI, CARNIVINE, ROSELIA, STARAVIA, TOXICROAK, DRAPION, EXEGGCUTE, GOLDUCK, STARAVIA, CROAGUNK, SKORUPI, CARNIVINE, YANMA, SHROOMISH, PARAS, KANGASKHAN, GULPIN, ROSELIA, STARAVIA, CROAGUNK, SKORUPI, CARNIVINE, ROSELIA, GOLDUCK
• Diamond/Pearl without National Pokédex - CROAGUNK, SKORUPI, CARNIVINE, CROAGUNK, SKORUPI, CARNIVINE, GOLDUCK, CROAGUNK, SKORUPI, CARNIVINE, ROSELIA, STARAVIA, MARILL, AZURILL, WOOPER, GOLDUCK, STARAVIA, CROAGUNK, SKORUPI, CARNIVINE, QUAGSIRE, BIDOOF, BIBAREL, WOOPER, AZURILL, ROSELIA, STARAVIA, CROAGUNK, SKORUPI, CARNIVINE, ROSELIA, GOLDUCK
• Platinum with National Pokédex - TOXICROAK, KECLEON, KECLEON, CARNIVINE, SKORUPI, CROAGUNK, QUAGSIRE, DRAPION, SKORUPI, CROAGUNK, QUAGSIRE, KANGASKHAN, PARAS, DRAPION, EXEGGCUTE, EXEGGCUTE, SKORUPI, CROAGUNK, SKORUPI, CARNIVINE, YANMA, SHROOMISH, PARAS, KANGASKHAN, GULPIN, TROPIUS, GULPIN, SHROOMISH, SKORUPI, CARNIVINE, CROAGUNK, TANGELA
• Platinum without National Pokédex - WOOPER, WOOPER, WOOPER, CARNIVINE, SKORUPI, CROAGUNK, QUAGSIRE, WOOPER, SKORUPI, CROAGUNK, QUAGSIRE, WOOPER, WOOPER, WOOPER, WOOPER, WOOPER, SKORUPI, CROAGUNK, SKORUPI, CARNIVINE, YANMA, WOOPER, WOOPER, WOOPER, WOOPER, TROPIUS, WOOPER, WOOPER, SKORUPI, CARNIVINE, CROAGUNK, TANGELA

Bug-Catching Contest

The game uses the following formula to calculate the number of points a bug Pokémon will earn in the Bug-Catching Contest (in HeartGold and SoulSilver):

Score = int(L * 100 / M) + int((A + B + C + D + E + F) * 100 / 186) + int(H * 100 / T) + G

where:

• L = Pokémon's Level
• M = Highest possible level for a wild Pokémon of this Pokémon's species in the Bug Catching Contest. For example, if the Pokémon is a Paras, this value is 17 or 34, as the case may be.
• A, B, C, D, E, F = Pokémon's Individual Values
• H = Pokémon's current HP
• T = Pokémon's maximum HP
• G = 60 if the Pokémon is Cascoon, Caterpie, Kakuna, Kricketot, Metapod, Silcoon, Weedle, or Wurmple; 80 if it's a Beautifly, Beedrill, Butterfree, Combee, Dustox, Illumise, Kricketune, Nincada, Paras, Venonat, or Volbeat; or 100 if the Pokémon is Scyther or Pinsir.

The score is not affected by whether the player uses a Shiny Pokémon in the contest, despite a rumor mentioned by a contestant in the game.

Below are the levels and chances for each Pokémon in the Bug Catching Contest.

Without the National Pokédex.

• 20% - L7-18 Caterpie
• 20% - L7-18 Weedle
• 10% - L9-18 Metapod
• 10% - L9-18 Kakuna
• 10% - L12-15 Butterfree
• 10% - L12-15 Beedrill
• 5% - L10-16 Venonat
• 5% - L10-17 Paras
• 5% - L13-14 Scyther
• 5% - L13-14 Pinsir

With the National Pokédex. The first Pokémon given applies on Tuesdays; the second Pokémon given applies on Thursdays; and the third Pokémon given applies on Saturdays.

• 20% - L24-36 Caterpie/Wurmple/Wurmple
• 20% - L24-36 Weedle/Silcoon/Cascoon
• 10% - L26-36 Metapod/Nincada/Nincada
• 10% - L26-36 Kakuna/Volbeat/Illumise
• 10% - L27-30 Butterfree/Kricketot/Kricketot
• 10% - L27-30 Beedrill/Kricketune/Kricketune
• 5% - L25-32 Venonat/Dustox/Beautifly
• 5% - L27-34 Paras/Combee/Combee
• 5% - L27-28 Scyther/Scyther/Scyther
• 5% - L27-28 Pinsir/Pinsir/Pinsir

The Contest is held in the National Park every Saturday, Thursday, and Tuesday, but only once on each of those days. The player brings the first Pokémon in the party, has 20 minutes and 20 Sport Balls, can't use any items other than Sport Balls during the Contest, and can keep only one Pokémon caught. Prizes:

• First Prize - Dawn Stone, Dusk Stone, Fire Stone, Leaf Stone, Moon Stone, Moon Stone (just, Oval Stone, Shiny Stone, Sun Stone, Thunderstone, or Water Stone the Sun Stone if without National Pokédex)
• Second Prize - Everstone
• Third Prize - Sitrus Berry
• Consolation Prize - Shed Shell

Poké Balls

The following Poké Balls were introduced in the Diamond and Pearl versions:

• Dusk Ball - Catch rate is multiplied by 3.5 if it was night (8:00 p.m. to 3:59 a.m.) as the battle began or if the encounter occurred in a cave.
• Quick Ball - Catch rate is multiplied by 4 if used at the first turn of the battle.
• Heal Ball - Catch rate multiplier is 1. When caught, the Pokémon recovers all HP (but not PP too) and is cured of all status problems.
• Cherish Ball - Catch rate multiplier is 1. Some event Pokémon may appear in this ball.
• Park Ball - Always succeeds. Used in the Pal Park. (Not to be confused with the "Park Ball" in the Gold and Silver versions.)

The following Poké Balls were reintroduced in the HeartGold and SoulSilver versions. A Pokémon caught in such versions with such Balls will have such Balls show in their Summary screen in such versions.

• Fast Ball - Catch rate is multiplied by 4.0 if the base Speed of the wild Pokémon's current species is 100 or greater.
• Level Ball - Catch rate is multiplied by 8.0 if 1/4 the attacker's level is higher than the wild Pokémon's, else 4.0 if half the attacker's level is higher, else 2.0 if the attacker's level is higher, else 1.0.
• Moon Ball - Catch rate is multiplied by 4.0 if the wild Pokémon's current species is Clefable, Clefairy, Cleffa, Delcatty, Igglybuff, Jigglypuff, Nidoking, Nidoqueen, Nidoran female, Nidoran male, Nidorina, Nidorino, Skitty, or Wigglytuff; else 1.0.
• Heavy Ball - Catch rate is raised by 40 if the weight of the wild Pokémon's current species is 409.6 kg or greater; else by 30 if the weight is 307.2 kg or greater; else by 20 if the weight is 204.8 kg or greater; else lowered by 20 if the weight is less than 102.4 kg; else remains unchanged.
• Lure Ball - Catch rate is multiplied by 3.0 if the wild Pokémon was fished.
• Love Ball - Catch rate is multiplied by 8.0 if the current species of both the attacker and the wild Pokémon are the same and their gender is different.
• Friend Ball - Normal catch rate. When caught with this Ball, the wild Pokémon's friendship becomes 200.
• Sport Ball - Catch rate is multiplied by 1.5. Used in the Bug-Catching Contest. (Called "Park Ball" in the Gold and Silver versions.)

Generation 4 uses the same catch rate formula as generation 3.

Move Tutors

Pokémon Platinum includes three so-called Move Tutors throughout Sinnoh. In exchange for a certain number of colored Shards, each one will teach a move to Pokémon that can learn it. As shown below, the number of Shards required will vary with the move, and the variety of moves that can be taught will vary with the Move Tutor.

• Dive - 2 red, 4 blue, 2 yellow - Route 212
• Mud-Slap - 4 red, 4 blue - Survival Area
• Fury Cutter - 8 blue - Route 212
• Icy Wind - 6 blue, 2 green - Route 212
• Rollout - 4 red, 2 blue, 2 green - Survival Area
• ThunderPunch - 2 red, 6 blue - Route 212
• Fire Punch - 2 red, 6 blue - Route 212
• Superpower - 8 red - Survival Area
• Ice Punch - 2 red, 6 blue - Route 212
• Iron Head - 6 red, 2 yellow - Survival Area
• Aqua Tail - 6 red, 2 green - Survival Area
• Ominous Wind - 6 blue, 2 green - Route 212
• Gastro Acid - 4 red, 2 yellow, 2 green - Survival Area
• Snore - 2 red, 4 yellow, 2 green - Snowpoint City
• Spite - 8 yellow - Snowpoint City
• Air Cutter - 2 red, 4 blue, 2 green - Route 212
• Helping Hand - 2 red, 4 yellow, 2 green - Snowpoint City
• Endeavor - 4 red, 4 yellow - Survival Area
• Outrage - 6 red, 2 yellow - Survival Area
• AncientPower - 6 red, 2 green - Survival Area
• Synthesis - 2 yellow, 6 green - Snowpoint City
• Signal Beam - 2 red, 2 blue, 2 yellow, 2 green - Survival Area
• Zen Headbutt - 4 blue, 4 yellow - Route 212
• Vacuum Wave - 2 red, 4 blue, 2 green - Route 212
• Earth Power - 6 red, 2 green - Survival Area
• Gunk Shot - 4 red, 2 blue, 2 green - Survival Area
• Twister - 6 red, 2 green - Survival Area
• Seed Bomb - 4 red, 4 green - Survival Area
• Iron Defense - 4 red, 2 blue, 2 yellow - Survival Area
• Magnet Rise - 2 blue, 4 yellow, 2 green - Snowpoint City
• Last Resort - 8 green - Snowpoint City
• Bounce - 4 red, 2 yellow, 2 green - Survival Area
• Trick - 4 blue, 4 yellow - Route 212
• Heat Wave - 4 red, 2 blue, 2 green - Survival Area
• Knock Off - 4 red, 4 blue - Route 212
• Sucker Punch - 6 blue, 2 yellow - Route 212
• Swift - 2 blue, 2 yellow, 4 green - Snowpoint City
• Uproar - 6 yellow, 2 green - Snowpoint City

Battle Rules

In the generation 4 games, the following battle modes are supported.

• Single Battle - Two players with one to six Pokémon each. Each side has a single Pokémon.
• Double Battle - Two players with two to six Pokémon each. Each side has up to two Pokémon. Introduced in the Ruby and Sapphire version.
• Multi Battle - Four players with one to three Pokémon each. Each side has up to two Pokémon, each controlled by a different player. Introduced in the Ruby and Sapphire version.
• Mix Battle - Two players with three Pokémon each. Before battle begins, each player chooses one of the Pokémon the other player has and adds it to his or her team for the battle. Each side has a single Pokémon, like a Single Battle. Introduced in the Diamond and Pearl version.
• Flat Battle - Like Double Battle, except that for each Pokémon over level 50, its level is adjusted to level 50. Introduced in the HeartGold and SoulSilver version.

Also, the Union Room uses a mode that allows Pokémon up to level 30.

The Wi-Fi Club uses two battle modes--Single Battle and Double Battle--and three level modes for each battle mode: Level 50, Level 100 (both of which adjust all Pokémon's levels to 50 or 100, respectively), and Free (which does no level adjustment).

In the generation 4 games, the following rules are supported:

• Standard Cup -- 3 Pokémon, no banned or restricted species, species and items can't be the same.
• Light Cup -- 3 Pokémon, weight less than 99 kg, no banned or restricted species, no species that evolve from other species, species and items can't be the same.
• Fancy Cup -- 3 Pokémon, max. level 30, max. total level 80, max. height 2 m, max. weight 20 kg, no banned or restricted species, no species that evolve from other species, species and items can't be the same.
• Little Cup -- 3 Pokémon, max. level 5, no banned or restricted species, no species that evolve from other species, species and items can't be the same.
• Double Cup -- 4 Pokémon, no banned or restricted species, species and items can't be the same.
• GS Cup -- 4 Pokémon, no banned species, up to 2 restricted species, species and items can't be the same. (HeartGold/SoulSilver only. Soul Dew is allowed, but won't have any effect.)

Banned and Restricted Species:

• Banned species: Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Manaphy, Phione, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus
• Restricted species: Mewtwo, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina

Battle Frontier Rules

In a Battle Frontier challenge, unless noted otherwise, each Pokémon entered must be of a different species and no more than one Pokémon entered can hold the same item. Mew, Mewtwo, Ho-Oh, Lugia, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Manaphy, Phione, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, and eggs are not allowed to enter. The number of Pokémon that must be entered varies as follows:

• Battle Arcade: 3 for Single Battles, 3 for Double Battles, 2 for Multi Battles. More than one entered Pokémon is allowed to hold the same item.
• Battle Factory: no need to enter Pokémon. Supports Double Battles, Multi Battles, and Single Battles. Each Single Battle and Double Battle uses 3 Pokémon. Each Multi Battle uses 2 Pokémon for each player. Supports Level 50/Open Level.
• Battle Tower: 3 for Single Battles, 4 for Double Battles, 2 for Multi Battles, 3 for Wi-Fi battles (which are Single Battles).
• Battle Hall: 1 for Single Battles, 2 for Double Battles, 1 for Multi Battles. Each entered Pokémon must be level 30 or higher. For Double Battles and Multi Battles, both Pokémon entered must be the same species and are allowed to hold the same item.
• Battle Castle: 3 for Single Battles, 3 for Double Battles, 2 for Multi Battles. More than one entered Pokémon is allowed to hold the same item.

The Battle Factory offers the choice between Level 50 and Open Level. All rental Pokémon are level 50, with weaker moves to start, for the level 50 option, and they are level 100 for the Open Level option. In the Battle Hall, levels of entered Pokémon aren't adjusted and the Pokémon levels of opposing Pokémon are set as described later. In other Battle Frontier challenges, all entered Pokémon over level 50 are set to level 50 and all opposing Pokémon are level 50.

In the Battle Hall, the opposing Trainer's Pokémon level is set as follows:

• The opposing Trainer's level equals (X - (unrounded square root of X) * 3), not rounded. X is the highest level among Pokémon entered in the challenge.
• If X is less than 25, add the rank number minus 1 to the opposing Trainer's level. (Rank can range from 1 through 10. After beating rank 10 for a given type, that type becomes unavailable.)
• If X is 25 or greater, add (X * (rank number - 1)) / ((unrounded square root of X) * 5) to the opposing Trainer's level. The division given is not rounded.
• The opposing Trainer's level is rounded up to the nearest integer and is adjusted so it isn't less than 1 or greater than 100.

Form Differences

A few Pokémon species have different forms with different charactistics in their race values, types, moves, and abilities. (Only the different forms of Deoxys, Shaymin, Giratina, and sometimes Rotom use the special term "Forme", which was introduced in the Platinum version.)

Moves Learned

Deoxys Normal Forme

All versions: Leer (1), Wrap (1), Night Shade (9), Teleport (17), Knock Off (25), Pursuit (33), Psychic (41), Snatch (49), Psycho Shift (57), Zen Headbutt (65), Cosmic Power (73), Recover (81), Psycho Boost (89), Hyper Beam (97)

Deoxys Attack Forme

All versions: Leer (1), Wrap (1), Night Shade (9), Teleport (17), Taunt (25), Pursuit (33), Psychic (41), Superpower (49), Psycho Shift (57), Zen Headbutt (65), Cosmic Power (73), Zap Cannon (81), Psycho Boost (89), Hyper Beam (97)

Deoxys Defense Forme

All versions: Leer (1), Wrap (1), Night Shade (9), Teleport (17), Knock Off (25), Spikes (33), Psychic (41), Snatch (49), Psycho Shift (57), Zen Headbutt (65), Iron Defense (73), Amnesia (73), Recover (81), Psycho Boost (89), Counter (97), Mirror Coat (97)

Deoxys Speed Forme

All versions: Leer (1), Wrap (1), Night Shade (9), Double Team (17), Knock Off (25), Pursuit (33), Psychic (41), Swift (49), Psycho Shift (57), Zen Headbutt (65), Agility (73), Recover (81), Psycho Boost (89), ExtremeSpeed (97)

Wormadam Plant Cloak

Diamond/Pearl: Tackle (1), Protect (10), Hidden Power (20), Confusion (23), Razor Leaf (26), Growth (29), Psybeam (32), Captivate (35), Flail (38), Attract (41), Psychic (44), Leaf Storm (47)

Platinum/HeartGold/SoulSilver: Tackle (1), Protect (10), Bug Bite (15), Hidden Power (20), Confusion (23), Razor Leaf (26), Growth (29), Psybeam (32), Captivate (35), Flail (38), Attract (41), Psychic (44), Leaf Storm (47)

Wormadam Sandy Cloak

Diamond/Pearl: Tackle (1), Protect (10), Hidden Power (20), Confusion (23), Rock Blast (26), Harden (29), Psybeam (32), Captivate (35), Flail (38), Attract (41), Psychic (44), Fissure (47)

Platinum/HeartGold/SoulSilver: Tackle (1), Protect (10), Bug Bite (15), Hidden Power (20), Confusion (23), Rock Blast (26), Harden (29), Psybeam (32), Captivate (35), Flail (38), Attract (41), Psychic (44), Fissure (47)

Wormadam Trash Cloak

Diamond/Pearl: Tackle (1), Protect (10), Hidden Power (20), Confusion (23), Mirror Shot (26), Metal Sound (29), Psybeam (32), Captivate (35), Flail (38), Attract (41), Psychic (44), Iron Head (47)

Platinum/HeartGold/SoulSilver: Tackle (1), Protect (10), Bug Bite (15), Hidden Power (20), Confusion (23), Mirror Shot (26), Metal Sound (29), Psybeam (32), Captivate (35), Flail (38), Attract (41), Psychic (44), Iron Head (47)

Giratina (Altered Forme and Origin Forme)

Diamond/Pearl/Platinum: DragonBreath (1), Scary Face (1), Ominous Wind (10), AncientPower (20), Dragon Claw (30), Shadow Force (40), Heal Block (50), Earth Power (60), Slash (70), Shadow Claw (80), Aura Sphere (90)

HeartGold/SoulSilver: DragonBreath (1), Scary Face (1), Ominous Wind (6), AncientPower (10), Slash (15), Shadow Sneak (19), Destiny Bond (24), Dragon Claw (28), Earth Power (33), Aura Sphere (37), Shadow Claw (42), Shadow Force (46)

Shaymin Land Forme

Diamond/Pearl: Defense Curl (1), Magical Leaf (10), Leech Seed (19), Synthesis (28), Sweet Scent (37), Natural Gift (46), Worry Seed (55), Aromatherapy (64), Energy Ball (73), GrassWhistle (82), Lucky Chant (91), Seed Flare (100)

Platinum/HeartGold/SoulSilver: Growth (1), Magical Leaf (10), Leech Seed (19), Synthesis (28), Sweet Scent (37), Natural Gift (46), Worry Seed (55), Aromatherapy (64), Energy Ball (73), Sweet Kiss (82), Healing Wish (91), Seed Flare (100)

Shaymin Sky Forme

Platinum/HeartGold/SoulSilver: Growth (1), Magical Leaf (10), Leech Seed (19), Quick Attack (28), Sweet Scent (37), Natural Gift (46), Worry Seed (55), Air Slash (64), Energy Ball (73), Sweet Kiss (82), Leaf Storm (91), Seed Flare (100)

Rotom (all forms)

All versions: Trick (1), Astonish (1), Thunder Wave (1), ThunderShock (1), Confuse Ray (1), Uproar (8), Double Team (15), Shock Wave (22), Ominous Wind (29), Substitute (36), Charge (43), Discharge (50)

Move Tutors Platinum Version

Only cases where the variety of moves differs between forms of the same species are shown.

• Deoxys Normal Forme - Mud-Slap, Icy Wind, ThunderPunch, Fire Punch, Ice Punch, Snore, Signal Beam, Zen Headbutt, Trick, Knock Off, Swift
• Deoxys Attack Forme - Mud-Slap, Superpower, Snore, Signal Beam, Zen Headbutt, Trick
• Deoxys Defense Forme - Mud-Slap, Snore, Signal Beam, Zen Headbutt, Iron Defense, Trick, Knock Off
• Deoxys Speed Forme - Mud-Slap, Snore, Signal Beam, Zen Headbutt, Trick, Knock Off, Swift
• Wormadam Plant Cloak - Snore, Endeavor, Synthesis, Signal Beam, Seed Bomb, Sucker Punch, Uproar
• Wormadam Sandy Cloak - Mud-Slap, Rollout, Snore, Endeavor, Signal Beam, Earth Power, Sucker Punch, Uproar
• Wormadam Trash Cloak - Iron Head, Snore, Endeavor, Signal Beam, Gunk Shot, Iron Defense, Magnet Rise, Sucker Punch, Uproar
• Giratina Altered Forme - Mud-Slap, Fury Cutter, Icy Wind, Iron Head, Aqua Tail, Ominous Wind, Snore, Spite, Air Cutter, Outrage, AncientPower, Earth Power, Twister, Swift
• Giratina Origin Forme - Mud-Slap, Fury Cutter, Icy Wind, Iron Head, Aqua Tail, Ominous Wind, Snore, Spite, Air Cutter, Outrage, AncientPower, Earth Power, Twister, Swift
• Shaymin Land Forme - Mud-Slap, Snore, Endeavor, Synthesis, Zen Headbutt, Earth Power, Seed Bomb, Last Resort, Swift
• Shaymin Sky Forme - Mud-Slap, Ominous Wind, Snore, Air Cutter, Synthesis, Zen Headbutt, Seed Bomb, Last Resort, Swift

Move Tutors HeartGold/SoulSilver Version

• Deoxys Normal Forme - Mud-Slap, Icy Wind, ThunderPunch, Fire Punch, Ice Punch, Snore, Signal Beam, Zen Headbutt, Trick, Knock Off, Swift, Gravity, Magic Coat, Role Play, Low Kick, Headbutt
• Deoxys Attack Forme - Mud-Slap, Superpower, Snore, Signal Beam, Zen Headbutt, Trick, Gravity, Magic Coat, Role Play, Low Kick, Headbutt
• Deoxys Defense Forme - Mud-Slap, Snore, Signal Beam, Zen Headbutt, Iron Defense, Trick, Knock Off, Gravity, Magic Coat, Role Play, Low Kick, Headbutt
• Deoxys Speed Forme - Mud-Slap, Snore, Signal Beam, Zen Headbutt, Trick, Knock Off, Swift, Gravity, Magic Coat, Role Play, Low Kick, Headbutt
• Wormadam Plant Cloak - Snore, Endeavor, Synthesis, Signal Beam, Seed Bomb, Sucker Punch, Uproar, String Shot, Worry Seed, Bug Bite
• Wormadam Sandy Cloak - Mud-Slap, Rollout, Snore, Endeavor, Signal Beam, Earth Power, Sucker Punch, Uproar, String Shot, Bug Bite
• Wormadam Trash Cloak - Iron Head, Snore, Endeavor, Signal Beam, Gunk Shot, Iron Defense, Magnet Rise, Sucker Punch, Uproar, String Shot, Bug Bite
• Giratina Altered Forme - Mud-Slap, Fury Cutter, Icy Wind, Iron Head, Aqua Tail, Ominous Wind, Snore, Spite, Air Cutter, Outrage, AncientPower, Earth Power, Twister, Swift, Pain Split, Gravity, Headbutt
• Giratina Origin Forme - Mud-Slap, Fury Cutter, Icy Wind, Iron Head, Aqua Tail, Ominous Wind, Snore, Spite, Air Cutter, Outrage, AncientPower, Earth Power, Twister, Swift, Tailwind, Gravity, Magic Coat, Headbutt
• Shaymin Land Forme - Mud-Slap, Snore, Endeavor, Synthesis, Zen Headbutt, Earth Power, Seed Bomb, Last Resort, Swift, Worry Seed, Headbutt
• Shaymin Sky Forme - Mud-Slap, Ominous Wind, Snore, Air Cutter, Synthesis, Zen Headbutt, Seed Bomb, Last Resort, Swift, Tailwind, Worry Seed, Headbutt

TMs Learned

This differs slightly for the different forms of Wormadam:

• Plant Cloak: Toxic (TM06), Bullet Seed (TM09), Hidden Power (TM10), Sunny Day (TM11), Hyper Beam (TM15), Protect (TM17), Rain Dance (TM18), Giga Drain (TM19), Safeguard (TM20), Frustration (TM21), SolarBeam (TM22), Return (TM27), Psychic (TM29), Shadow Ball (TM30), Double Team (TM32), Facade (TM42), Secret Power (TM43), Rest (TM44), Attract (TM45), Thief (TM46), Skill Swap (TM48), Energy Ball (TM53), Endure (TM58), Giga Impact (TM68), Flash (TM70), Psych Up (TM77), Captivate (TM78), Sleep Talk (TM82), Natural Gift (TM83), Dream Eater (TM85), Grass Knot (TM86), Swagger (TM87), Substitute (TM90)
• Sandy Cloak: Toxic (TM06), Hidden Power (TM10), Sunny Day (TM11), Hyper Beam (TM15), Protect (TM17), Rain Dance (TM18), Safeguard (TM20), Frustration (TM21), Earthquake (TM26), Return (TM27), Dig (TM28), Psychic (TM29), Shadow Ball (TM30), Double Team (TM32), Sandstorm (TM37), Rock Tomb (TM39), Facade (TM42), Secret Power (TM43), Rest (TM44), Attract (TM45), Thief (TM46), Skill Swap (TM48), Endure (TM58), Giga Impact (TM68), Flash (TM70), Psych Up (TM77), Captivate (TM78), Sleep Talk (TM82), Natural Gift (TM83), Dream Eater (TM85), Swagger (TM87), Substitute (TM90)
• Trash Cloak: Toxic (TM06), Hidden Power (TM10), Sunny Day (TM11), Hyper Beam (TM15), Protect (TM17), Rain Dance (TM18), Safeguard (TM20), Frustration (TM21), Return (TM27), Psychic (TM29), Shadow Ball (TM30), Double Team (TM32), Facade (TM42), Secret Power (TM43), Rest (TM44), Attract (TM45), Thief (TM46), Skill Swap (TM48), Endure (TM58), Giga Impact (TM68), Flash (TM70), Gyro Ball (TM74), Stealth Rock (TM76), Psych Up (TM77), Captivate (TM78), Sleep Talk (TM82), Natural Gift (TM83), Dream Eater (TM85), Swagger (TM87), Substitute (TM90), Flash Cannon (TM91)

Base Stats Given

Only values that differ between forms of the same species are shown.

• Deoxys Normal Forme - 1 Attack, 1 Speed, 1 Special Attack
• Deoxys Attack Forme - 2 Attack, 1 Special Attack
• Deoxys Defense Forme - 2 Defense, 1 Special Defense
• Deoxys Speed Forme - 3 Speed
• Wormadam Plant Cloak - 2 Special Defense
• Wormadam Sandy Cloak - 2 Defense
• Wormadam Trash Cloak - 1 Defense, 1 Special Defense
• Shaymin Land Forme - 3 HP
• Shaymin Sky Forme - 3 Speed

The form a Pokémon had when it fainted is used for the purpose of determining base stats given.

Other Notes

When a battle ends, if a Burmy participated in that battle (even if it's now fainted), it assumes a Plant Cloak if the battle was on water, snow, ice, mud, puddles, tall grass, or very tall grass, a Sandy Cloak if the battle was in caves, on rocky ground, on sand, or on other outdoor ground, or a Trash Cloak if the battle occurred elsewhere. (This happens before evolution, if any.) When Burmy evolves into Wormadam, the evolved Wormadam inherits the current form of Burmy, but it can't be changed further. (The evolved form Mothim has no special forms. Nevertheless, it will have the same form identifier as Burmy upon evolution.)

In the Sinnoh region, Shellos and Gastrodon come in two forms: the pink (west sea) form, and the blue (east sea) form. The west sea form is found in areas near Eterna City, Floaroma Town, and Jubilife City, whereas the east sea form is found in areas near Pastoria City, Sunyshore City, and the Pokémon League. There is no difference between the two forms in gameplay or in battle, except that each form will be added to the Pokédex once it's encountered. Moreover, a Shellos or Gastrodon's form can't be changed, not even when it evolves.

Rotom can take on one of several forms depending on the motor it has entered. When Rotom enters a motor, it learns a move depending on the motor it entered. If there is no room for the move and the player chooses not to delete another move, Rotom doesn't enter the motor. (However, the move can later be deleted without losing the new form.)

• Microwave oven - Heat Rotom - Overheat
• Electric fan - Fan Rotom - Air Slash
• Refrigerator - Frost Rotom - Blizzard
• Washing machine - Wash Rotom - Hydro Pump
• Lawnmower - Mow Rotom - Leaf Storm

Rotom will revert to its normal form, or "emerge from its motor", when the player goes back to the spot where Rotom's motor used to be and inspects that spot (which puts the motor back there). However, Rotom will also revert to normal as soon as it is placed in a Day Care, when it enters a Battle Arcade ch, Battle Castle, Battle Hall, or Battle Towerallenge, or when the player enters a Union Room or a Wi-Fi Club. (If any of these cases happens, the motor is put back automatically.) When Rotom reverts to its normal form, it forgets the move associated with its previous form, then if it has no moves, it learns ThunderShock.

Rotom's special forms were introduced in the Platinum version. The motors that allow Rotom to change form can be found in a special room, which depends on the version. When playing the Platinum version, after receiving the Secret Key, enter the Team Galactic Eterna Building and inspect the upper left corner of the first floor. When playing the HeartGold or SoulSilver versions, have a Rotom as the first Pokémon in the party and inspect the elevator at Silph Co. in Saffron City; no Secret Key is necessary here.

Deoxys can change its form if the player inspects one of the meteorites in southeastern Veilstone City. The top meteorite changes Deoxys into its Speed Forme, the middle meteorite into its Normal Forme, the bottom left into its Defense Forme, and the bottom right into its Attack Forme. (In Route 3 in HeartGold and SoulSilver versions, the top left meteorite changes Deoxys into its Normal Forme, the top right into Attack Forme, the bottom left into Defense and the bottom right into Speed.) Inspecting a meteorite changes all Deoxys in the party to the corresponding form.

Giratina is in its Origin Forme if it's holding Griseous Orb or is currently in the Distortion World, and in its Altered Forme otherwise.

Shaymin's form change is perhaps the most unusual. It changes into Sky Forme only if it had a fateful encounter, it isn't night (8 p.m. through 3:59 a.m.), it is in Land Forme, and a Gracidea is used on it. (The Sky Forme has a unique cry.) It changes into Land Forme when it's placed in a Storage System box, when it becomes frozen in battle (see the notes on attacks), or when the current day changes (usually at midnight).

If it has Multitype, Arceus can change its type and its colors depending on the Plate it's holding (see the notes on attacks). If it isn't holding a Plate or doesn't have Multitype, its type is Normal instead (its colors still depend on the Plate).

Spinda's Spots

Four extra spots are drawn on Spinda's front. Their location depends on the Spinda's personality ID.

Here is where each spot is drawn on the 80x80 sprite. In the description below, "PID" means the Spinda's personality ID, and "X mod Y" means "the remainder of X divided by Y." Each division is rounded down. The top left corner of the drawn sprite's bounding rectangle appear on the given X and Y coordinates.

• Spot A's X coordinate = 17 + (PID mod 16)
• Spot A's Y coordinate = 7 + ((PID/16) mod 16)
• Spot B's X coordinate = 41 + ((PID/256) mod 16)
• Spot B's Y coordinate = 9 + ((PID/4096) mod 16)
• Spot C's X coordinate = 20 + ((PID/65536) mod 16)
• Spot C's Y coordinate = 25 + ((PID/1048576) mod 16)
• Spot D's X coordinate = 32 + ((PID/16777216) mod 16)
• Spot D's Y coordinate = 25 + ((PID/268435456) mod 16)

For the secondary sprite in Spinda's animation, each spot is moved 14 pixels to the left before being drawn.

Spots A 
and B        Spot C       Spot D    
 
  ****         ***          ***         
 ******       *****       *******       
********     *******     *********     
********     *******     *********    
********     *******     *********   
********     *******     *********  
 ******      *******     *********  
  ****        *****      *********  
               ***        *******
                            ***

Trade and Migration Notes

For compatibility reasons, a Shaymin in the Sky Forme, a Giratina in the Origin Forme, a Spiky-Eared Pichu, a Rotom not in its normal form, and a Pokémon holding a Griseous Orb can't be traded. In addition, a Pokémon with a Classic Ribbon can't be deposited to the Global Trade Station, nor can Eggs.

A Pokémon from a Korean language version can't be traded via the Union Room from a Korean-language game to a non-Korean language game. This is because non-Korean language games don't include Korean characters. This restriction is most relevant for Pokémon with a Classic Ribbon.

A Pokémon with one or more of the moves Cut, Dive, Flash, Fly, Rock Smash, Strength, Surf, and Waterfall can't migrate.

A Pokémon migrated from a GBA game retains its base stats and stats, and is not considered to be caught with a Park Ball.

Daily Drawing Corner

In the Goldenrod City Department Store's sixth floor, the player can pay 300 to win a prize. If the prize can't be added then the player's money is refunded. There is a 60% chance to win the no. 3 prize, 36% to win the no. 2 prize, and 4% to win the no. 1 prize. The no. 3 prize is always Aspear Berry, Cheri Berry, Chesto Berry, Oran Berry, Pecha Berry, Persim Berry, or Rawst Berry, chosen at random. The no. 1 and no. 2 prizes vary by day:

• Sunday - No. 1: TM02; No. 2: Luxury Ball
• Monday - No. 1: TM65; No. 2: Nest Ball
• Tuesday - No. 1: TM91; No. 2: Repeat Ball
• Wednesday - No. 1: TM57; No. 2: Net Ball
• Thursday - No. 1: TM60; No. 2: Quick Ball
• Friday - No. 1: TM42; No. 2: Dusk Ball
• Saturday - No. 1: TM62; No. 2: Timer Ball

Times of Day

Morning is from 4:00 a.m. through 9:59 a.m. Day is from 10:00 a.m. through 7:59 p.m. Night is from 8:00 p.m. through 3:59 a.m.

Fishing

Each area has a specific fishing success rate for each rod, for example, 50%. Once the player has the rod ready, the game waits about 3 and a half seconds. At the chance given by the success rate, an exclamation point appears over the player, at which point the player must press the A button within the next second to land the Pokémon, or the Pokémon will get away. The fishing attempt will also fail if the player presses the A button too soon while fishing.

Because of a bug, the Sticky Hold and Suction Cups abilities have no effect during the fishing process in the Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum versions. In the HeartGold and SoulSilver versions, both abilities double the fishing success rate if the first Pokémon in the party isn't an egg and has either ability.

Exotic Ribbons

• National Ribbon - Awarded to former Shadow Pokémon that were purified.
• Earth Ribbon - Awarded to Pokémon that cleared all areas in Mt. Battle.
• Legend Ribbon - Awarded to Pokémon that were in party when Red was defeated.
• Classic Ribbon - Found in some promotional Pokémon. A Pokémon with this ribbon can't be deposited to the Global Trade Station.

Dr. Footstep

Talking to Dr. Footstep, located on Route 213 east of Pastoria City, will give an approximate friendship of the Pokémon, depending on its species:

DIGLETT, DUGTRIO, GEODUDE, EXEGGCUTE, HORSEA, GOLDEEN, JYNX, LAPRAS, DRATINI, BELLOSSOM, SUNKERN, WAILMER, SPOINK, BARBOACH, CASTFORM, CHIMECHO, SPHEAL, CLAMPERL, GOREBYSS, LUVDISC, BURMY, WORMADAM, COMBEE, VESPIQUEN, FINNEON, MANTYKE, FROSLASS, PHIONE, MANAPHY

These species don't leave footprints and will receive a Footprint Ribbon if their friendship is 255.

• 0-69: [Pokémon] is bored... Play with me more, more... [Pokémon] and [Trainer], let’s play nicer...
• 70-149: Gonna go with [Trainer] all over the place... Be nice to [Pokémon]... Warm and cuddly...
• 150-199: [Pokémon] get strong, make [Trainer] happy. Round ones, square ones, triangle ones, wobbly ones... [Pokémon] wants to see different kinds of Pokémon...
• 200-254: [Pokémon] and [Trainer] make a friendly combo. [Trainer]’s feelings, [Pokémon] can understand. [Pokémon]’s feelings, [Trainer] understands!
• 255: [Trainer] makes [Pokémon] very proud! [Species] boasts to friends about [Trainer]! [Trainer] and [Pokémon] are best of friends!

BULBASAUR, IVYSAUR, CHARMANDER, SQUIRTLE, WARTORTLE, CATERPIE, BUTTERFREE, WEEDLE, PIDGEY, PIDGEOTTO, RATTATA, PIKACHU, RAICHU, SANDSHREW, SANDSLASH, NIDORANf, NIDORINA, NIDORANm, CLEFAIRY, CLEFABLE, VULPIX, JIGGLYPUFF, WIGGLYTUFF, ODDISH, GLOOM, VILEPLUME, VENONAT, MEOWTH, GROWLITHE, POLIWAG, POLIWHIRL, ABRA, MACHOP, BELLSPROUT, PONYTA, DODUO, KRABBY, CUBONE, CHANSEY, TANGELA, MR. MIME, EEVEE, OMANYTE, MEW, CHIKORITA, BAYLEEF, CYNDAQUIL, TOTODILE, SENTRET, FURRET, HOOTHOOT, LEDYBA, PICHU, CLEFFA, IGGLYBUFF, TOGEPI, TOGETIC, NATU, MAREEP, FLAAFFY, AMPHAROS, MARILL, AZUMARILL, POLITOED, HOPPIP, SKIPLOOM, JUMPLUFF, AIPOM, SUNFLORA, YANMA, WOOPER, GIRAFARIG, SNUBBULL, GRANBULL, SHUCKLE, TEDDIURSA, SWINUB, CORSOLA, DELIBIRD, PHANPY, TYROGUE, SMOOCHUM, ELEKID, MAGBY, MILTANK, BLISSEY, LARVITAR, CELEBI, TREECKO, TORCHIC, MUDKIP, MARSHTOMP, POOCHYENA, WURMPLE, BEAUTIFLY, LOTAD, TAILLOW, WINGULL, PELIPPER, RALTS, KIRLIA, GARDEVOIR, SURSKIT, SHROOMISH, MAKUHITA, AZURILL, SKITTY, DELCATTY, MAWILE, ARON, MEDITITE, ELECTRIKE, PLUSLE, MINUN, ILLUMISE, ROSELIA, CACNEA, SWABLU, ALTARIA, KECLEON, SNORUNT, BAGON, LATIAS, JIRACHI, TURTWIG, GROTLE, CHIMCHAR, PIPLUP, STARLY, STARAVIA, KRICKETOT, SHINX, LUXIO, BUDEW, PACHIRISU, BUIZEL, CHERUBI, CHERRIM, SHELLOS, AMBIPOM, BUNEARY, LOPUNNY, GLAMEOW, PURUGLY, CHINGLING, MIME JR., HAPPINY, GIBLE, RIOLU, SNOVER, UXIE, MESPRIT, AZELF, SHAYMIN

These species leave footprints and will receive a Footprint Ribbon if their friendship is 255.

• 0-69: Aww... [Trainer] only plays with other Pokémon... [Pokémon] feels neglected... Maybe [Trainer] doesn’t like [Pokémon] very much? [Pokémon] will try harder for [Trainer]. Please be nicer to me!
• 70-149: Others say there are people who aren’t very nice to Pokémon. I wonder about [Trainer]... Will [Trainer] look after [Pokémon] nicely? Will I get to go all over with this Trainer? Can we be... Friends?
• 150-199: This adventure with [Trainer] is lots of fun. [Pokémon] gets to go places where I can’t go by myself. I get to battle Pokémon I’ve never ever seen before. I’m gonna get stronger and stronger for [Trainer]!
• 200-254: [Pokémon] and [Trainer] make a perfectly matched combo! I’ve seen all sorts of people so far... But [Trainer] understands [Pokémon]’s feelings most! I’m a little hungry... You can tell, right?
• 255: If I said there can be friendship between Pokémon and people, will[Species]’s friends understand? But if you see [Trainer] and [Pokémon], you will understand. Because [Trainer] and [Pokémon] are friends!

TENTACOOL, TENTACRUEL, CLOYSTER, ONIX, VOLTORB, ELECTRODE, SEADRA, SEAKING, DRAGONAIR, LANTURN, STEELIX, QWILFISH, MANTINE, KINGDRA, MASQUERAIN, WAILORD, MILOTIC, GLALIE, SEALEO, WALREIN, HUNTAIL, RAYQUAZA, LUMINEON, ROTOM, CRESSELIA, GIRATINA Origin Forme

These species don't leave footprints and will receive a Footprint Ribbon if their friendship is 255.

• 0-69: Does [Trainer] intend to ignore me forever? Give me more opportunities for me to shine...
• 70-149: If a Pokémon is treated as a friend, it will return the sentiments. We grow fonder of humans that treat us with kindness... Does [Trainer] even like [Pokémon]?
• 150-199: Did [Pokémon] get stronger? Who is responsible for making me so? Is it [Trainer]’s doing? Is the Trainer owed my thanks?
• 200-254: [Trainer] and [Pokémon] are alike in some ways. In humanspeak, we match up well. Does [Trainer] think so, too?
• 255: [Trainer] is very impressive, especially for a human. The Trainer lets [Pokémon] use every bit of power properly. It is a shame that [Trainer] is only a human...

VENUSAUR, CHARMELEON, CHARIZARD, BLASTOISE, BEEDRILL, PIDGEOT, RATICATE, SPEAROW, FEAROW, NIDOQUEEN, NIDORINO, NIDOKING, NINETALES, PERSIAN, GOLDUCK, MANKEY, PRIMEAPE, ARCANINE, POLIWRATH, KADABRA, ALAKAZAM, MACHOKE, MACHAMP, GRAVELER, GOLEM, RAPIDASH, FARFETCH'D, DODRIO, KINGLER, MAROWAK, HITMONLEE, HITMONCHAN, RHYHORN, RHYDON, KANGASKHAN, SCYTHER, ELECTABUZZ, MAGMAR, PINSIR, TAUROS, VAPOREON, JOLTEON, FLAREON, OMASTAR, KABUTOPS, AERODACTYL, ARTICUNO, ZAPDOS, MOLTRES, DRAGONITE, MEWTWO, MEGANIUM, QUILAVA, TYPHLOSION, CROCONAW, FERALIGATR, NOCTOWL, LEDIAN, ESPEON, UMBREON, SCIZOR, HERACROSS, SNEASEL, URSARING, SKARMORY, DONPHAN, STANTLER, HITMONTOP, RAIKOU, ENTEI, SUICUNE, LUGIA, HO-OH, GROVYLE, SCEPTILE, COMBUSKEN, BLAZIKEN, SWAMPERT, MIGHTYENA, DUSTOX, NUZLEAF, SWELLOW, BRELOOM, VIGOROTH, NINJASK, EXPLOUD, HARIYAMA, LAIRON, AGGRON, MEDICHAM, MANECTRIC, VOLBEAT, GRUMPIG, VIBRAVA, FLYGON, ZANGOOSE, CORPHISH, ARMALDO, TROPIUS, SALAMENCE, METAGROSS, LATIOS, KYOGRE, GROUDON, DEOXYS, TORTERRA, MONFERNO, INFERNAPE, PRINPLUP, EMPOLEON, STARAPTOR, KRICKETUNE, LUXRAY, ROSERADE, CRANIDOS, RAMPARDOS, SHIELDON, BASTIODON, MOTHIM, FLOATZEL, GABITE, GARCHOMP, LUCARIO, HIPPOWDON, ABOMASNOW, WEAVILE, RHYPERIOR, ELECTIVIRE, MAGMORTAR, TOGEKISS, YANMEGA, LEAFEON, GLACEON, GLISCOR, GALLADE, DIALGA, PALKIA, HEATRAN, GIRATINA Altered Forme, ARCEUS

These species leave footprints and will receive a Footprint Ribbon if their friendship is 255.

• 0-69: Why does [Trainer] use only other Pokémon? Am I not needed much? Would I have been better off if I remained in the wild? No, I should give this Trainer a little more of a chance...
• 70-149: Humans can’t understand the cries of Pokémon, nor our feelings. However, there are some among us that understand human speech... Hehehe, [Trainer], you’re not bad for a human.
• 150-199: If a Pokémon were to travel along, it would be limited as to where it could go. But traveling with a human, a Pokémon would be able to travel farther afield to more distant cities and lands. Traveling with [Trainer] has been rewarding and reassuring. And very entertaining...
• 200-254: Some wild Pokémon frown upon others for traveling with humans. They jeer that the caught Pokémon have “forgotten the wild.” But that view is mistaken. They have just never met a Trainer who could be a great partner. A great partner like [Trainer], in other words...
• 255: [Trainer] is... A remarkable human and Trainer. That I can always perform the best any [Species] possibly can... I attribute that entirely to my partner [Trainer]. When we travel, I can see wild Pokémon eyeing us enviously...

EKANS, ARBOK, ZUBAT, GRIMER, MUK, GASTLY, HAUNTER, KOFFING, WEEZING, GYARADOS, CROBAT, MISDREAVUS, CARVANHA, SHARPEDO, SEVIPER, SHUPPET, DUSKULL, DRIFLOON, DRIFBLIM, MISMAGIUS, DUSKNOIR

These species don't leave footprints and will receive a Footprint Ribbon if their friendship is 255.

• 0-69: Wooooooh... [Pokémon] has nothing to do... Keep me too bored, and I’m liable to sneak up and bite...
• 70-149: Is there any human that would grow to like us [Species]? Well? Does [Trainer] like [Pokémon]? [Pokémon] doesn’t like... Well, no, maybe not...
• 150-199: [Trainer] treats me, [Pokémon], nicely without being scared. But [Pokémon] will be even scarier from now on. That’s what we [Species] do...
• 200-254: [Pokémon] is starting to forget a little about being in the wild... But [Pokémon] isn’t feeling sad. It’s never boring with [Trainer]...
• 255: There are no Pokémon that dislike humans... Only humans that dislike Pokémon... We [Species] are especially shunned... But [Trainer] always treats me as a friend and partner...

GOLBAT, GENGAR, DROWZEE, HYPNO, SPINARAK, ARIADOS, MURKROW, HOUNDOUR, HOUNDOOM, TYRANITAR, SHIFTRY, SABLEYE, CACTURNE, CRAWDAUNT, BANETTE, DUSCLOPS, ABSOL, GASTRODON, HONCHKROW, STUNKY, SKUNTANK, SPIRITOMB, SKORUPI, DRAPION, CROAGUNK, TOXICROAK, DARKRAI

These species leave footprints and will receive a Footprint Ribbon if their friendship is 255.

• 0-69: That [Trainer]... What is that Trainer thinking? Why make me join the team, then call upon me for nothing? Am I considered useless? Is the Trainer regretting having me? Does the Trainer dare disrespect this [Species] so easily?
• 70-149: I have little understanding of [Trainer] as a human... [Trainer] may not be too bad, considering that I, an oft-shunned [Species], am one of the team... That said, I don’t intend to be all cheerful around [Trainer]...
• 150-199: Our kind prefers to lurk in dark and dank places... But being with [Trainer], even bright and festive places seem lessthreatening... [Trainer] has a strange charisma...
• 200-254: Not for a moment did I think I would be traveling with a human... If my [Species] friends were to see me now, they would be shocked. Or would they be envious of me...?
• 255: That [Trainer] is the most impressive of humans. It takes a lot to make me, [Pokémon], sunny and cheerful! As a show of affection, I should chomp down on the Trainer’s neck... Hahaha... Have no fear... I was merely joking...

WEEPINBELL, VICTREEBEL, SEEL, DEWGONG, SHELLDER, MAGIKARP, DITTO, CHINCHOU, DUNSPARCE, SLUGMA, MAGCARGO, GULPIN, SWALOT, WHISCASH, FEEBAS, RELICANTH, CARNIVINE

These species don't leave footprints and will receive a Footprint Ribbon if their friendship is 255.

• 0-69: Hnurrr... I didn't know that? I really don’t? What is this? I don’t know what to say? Hnurrr...
• 70-149: Hnurrr... Well, I... I think I’m motivated.As motivated as the average.But it’s not so simple as that. Hnurrr...
• 150-199: Hnurrr... How should I say this? We both look out for each other.That’s what we try to do, I think.That is for the best. Hnurrrr...
• 200-254: Hnurrr... How do I say? How should I describe us? We are the sound of both hands clapping. [Trainer] and I are together in synchronicity like twins. Hnurrr...
• 255: Hnurrr... What is left to say, I say? We have come so far now, where can we go but to see this through? Hall of Fame... Words so sweet fall from my mouth. Hnurrr...

PSYDUCK, SLOWPok, SLOWBRO, EXEGGUTOR, LICKITUNG, SNORLAX, SUDOWOODO, QUAGSIRE, SLOWKING, WOBBUFFET, GLIGAR, PILOSWINE, OCTILLERY, SMEARGLE, ZIGZAGOON, LINOONE, LOMBRE, LUDICOLO, SLAKOTH, SLAKING, SHEDINJA, WHISMUR, LOUDRED, NUMEL, CAMERUPT, TORKOAL, SPINDA, TRAPINCH, WYNAUT, BIDOOF, BIBAREL, BONSLY, CHATOT, MUNCHLAX, HIPPOPOTAS, LICKILICKY, TANGROWTH, MAMOSWINE

These species leave footprints and will receive a Footprint Ribbon if their friendship is 255.

• 0-69: Hnurrrr... Hunh? This is... Where? [Trainer]’s house, is this? It’s not? Hnurrr... If you don’t need me for anything, can I go back to my Ball? Hnurrr...
• 70-149: Hnurrr... Me? Uhm... I like to sleep most the time. Oh, I like to eat, too. That’s next. But what I really like is to think. I’m a very deep thinker. When I think about the future of the [Species] species......Hnurrr...hunh? Oh, I forget where the time goes. Hnurrrr...
• 150-199: Hnurrr... Me? Uhm... There are lots of kinds of moves. I like those Dark-type moves, oh, and Dragon-type moves, too... How would they be for this [Species]? Will they be for me? Or a no, no, no sort of thing? Hnurrr...
• 200-254: Hnurrr... I don’t know how to begin saying this... I liked living quietly before I met [Trainer]. Sssh. But I’m getting to like traveling with [Trainer]. I think I’m getting sort of funky. Do you think I’m sort of funky? No? No funk for me? Hnurrr...
• 255: Hnurrr... Me? Uhm... Other Pokémon, they say to me... “You’re not thinking, are you?” How insulting they should say so. It isn’t true what they say. Think, think, think, I do that. All the time, I think hard how to help [Trainer]. I concentrate! Hnurrr...

METAPOD, KAKUNA, UNOWN, PINECO, FORRETRESS, REMORAID, PUPITAR, SILCOON, CASCOON, LUNATONE, SOLROCK, ANORITH, BRONZOR, BRONZONG, MAGNEZONE

These species leave no footprints, but always say "Sssshhnnn... ......Ssshhhnnn......Ssshhhnnn......" Nevertheless, they can receive a Footprint Ribbon if their friendship is 255.

PARAS, PARASECT, VENOMOTH, MAGNEMITE, MAGNETON, STARYU, STARMIE, PORYGON, KABUTO, XATU, PORYGON2, SEEDOT, NINCADA, NOSEPASS, BALTOY, CLAYDOL, LILEEP, CRADILY, SHELGON, BELDUM, METANG, REGIROCK, REGICE, REGISTEEL, PORYGON-Z, PROBOPASS, REGIGIGAS

These species leave footprints, but always say "Sssshhnnn... ......Ssshhhnnn......Ssshhhnnn......" Nevertheless, they can receive a Footprint Ribbon if their friendship is 255.