Completing the National Pokédex in Pokémon Platinum is a significant accomplishment, requiring dedication, strategic trading, and a bit of know-how. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, answering common questions and providing expert tips to help you achieve this coveted goal.
What is the National Dex?
The National Dex, short for National Pokédex, is a comprehensive registry of all Pokémon discovered in the Pokémon world. Unlike the regional Pokédex you initially use in Sinnoh, the National Dex includes every Pokémon from previous generations, expanding your collection significantly. Unlocking it opens up new possibilities, including accessing certain trainers and items.
How to Unlock the National Pokédex in Pokémon Platinum
To unlock the National Pokédex, you first need to complete the Sinnoh Pokédex. This means catching or seeing every Pokémon available in the Sinnoh region. Once this is done, you'll need to talk to Professor Rowan at his laboratory in Sandgem Town. He will give you the National Pokédex, officially upgrading your Pokédex and allowing you to register all Pokémon, not just those in Sinnoh.
What Pokémon are Needed for the National Dex?
This is where the challenge truly begins. The National Pokédex includes Pokémon from regions beyond Sinnoh. You'll need to obtain these via trading with other players or through special events (many of which are no longer active). There is no in-game method to catch all these Pokémon without trading. This often involves participating in online trading communities.
Where Can I Find Trading Partners?
Various online communities are dedicated to Pokémon trading. These forums and online groups are the best resources to find people willing to trade the Pokémon you need to complete the National Pokédex.
Which Pokémon are the Hardest to Obtain?
Some Pokémon are notoriously difficult to obtain for the National Dex in Pokémon Platinum. These often include legendary and mythical Pokémon that are usually only obtainable through specific events or trades. Event Pokémon are particularly challenging since past event distributions are no longer active. Careful research and trading are essential.
Do I Need to Catch Every Pokémon?
No, you don't need to catch every Pokémon to fill the National Dex. Simply seeing each Pokémon is enough to register it. This means you can trade for Pokémon, check their information, and register them without adding them to your party. This significantly simplifies the process.
How Many Pokémon are in the National Dex for Platinum?
The National Pokédex in Pokémon Platinum contains a total of 493 Pokémon. This includes all Pokémon from previous generations up to Generation IV.
Can I Transfer Pokémon from Other Games?
While you cannot directly transfer Pokémon from other games into Pokémon Platinum, the method for completing the National Dex relies heavily on trading with players who may have acquired Pokémon from other games.
Is it Worth Completing the National Dex?
Completing the National Dex is a significant achievement, requiring considerable time and effort. The satisfaction of completing this task and having access to every registered Pokémon is a reward in itself for many dedicated players. However, it is important to acknowledge that it is a very time consuming task which depends significantly on other players.
This guide provides a solid foundation for your journey to complete the National Pokédex in Pokémon Platinum. Remember to be patient, persistent, and engage with the online Pokémon community to successfully achieve this momentous goal! Happy hunting!
