BEST PLATINUM POKEMON
Game Notes
Platinum fixes the biggest problems with Diamond and Pearl's original Sinnoh dex. The Fire-type drought is less severe with Houndoom and Flareon now available before the postgame. Garchomp is still the best non-legendary at 600 BST, and Giratina is the box legendary caught in the Distortion World before the Elite Four. More Pokemon in the regional dex means more team options across the board.
Pokemon Spotlight
Garchomp
Available before the fourth gym and stays dominant through the entire game. 130 Attack with Earthquake and Outrage covers everything at 102 Speed. Swords Dance doubles the damage. Garchomp defines Platinum team building.
View page detailsGarchomp — S Tier, 600 BST
Available before the fourth gym and stays dominant through the entire game. 130 Attack with Earthquake and Outrage covers everything at 102 Speed. Swords Dance doubles the damage. Garchomp defines Platinum team building.
Dialga
Steel/Dragon with 10 resistances and only two weaknesses. 150 Sp. Atk fires Draco Meteor and Flash Cannon off the same massive stat. Platinum's signature legendary tanks hits and trades favorably against everything except dedicated Fighting or Ground types.
View page detailsDialga — S Tier, 680 BST
Steel/Dragon with 10 resistances and only two weaknesses. 150 Sp. Atk fires Draco Meteor and Flash Cannon off the same massive stat. Platinum's signature legendary tanks hits and trades favorably against everything except dedicated Fighting or Ground types.
Infernape
Platinum's expanded movepool gives Infernape even more coverage to pair with 104 Attack and 104 Sp. Atk. Fire/Fighting handles the Steel and Ice types that dominate Sinnoh's postgame. Close Combat and Flare Blitz provide raw power, while 108 Speed lets it strike first against most threats.
View page detailsInfernape — A Tier, 534 BST
Platinum's expanded movepool gives Infernape even more coverage to pair with 104 Attack and 104 Sp. Atk. Fire/Fighting handles the Steel and Ice types that dominate Sinnoh's postgame. Close Combat and Flare Blitz provide raw power, while 108 Speed lets it strike first against most threats.
ArceusNormalMIXEDHP120Atk120Def120SpA120SpD120Spe120AbilityMultitypeNatureAdamantItemLife OrbExtreme Speed80Swords Dance–Shadow Claw70Recover–HP120Atk120Def120SpA120SpD120Spe120
MewtwoPsychicSPECIALHP106Atk110Def90SpA154SpD90Spe130AbilityPressureNatureNaiveItemLife OrbIce Beam90Aura Sphere80Calm Mind–Fire Blast110HP106Atk110Def90SpA154SpD90Spe130
LugiaPsychicMIXEDHP106Atk90Def130SpA90SpD154Spe110AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfRoost–Ice Beam90Whirlwind–Calm Mind–HP106Atk90Def130SpA90SpD154Spe110
Ho ohFirePHYSICALHP106Atk130Def90SpA110SpD154Spe90AbilityPressureNatureAdamantItemChoice BandSacred Fire100Earthquake100Roost–Recover–HP106Atk130Def90SpA110SpD154Spe90
RayquazaDragonMIXEDHP105Atk150Def90SpA150SpD90Spe95AbilityAir LockNatureJollyItemLife OrbExtreme Speed80Outrage120Earthquake100Dragon Dance–HP105Atk150Def90SpA150SpD90Spe95- #1DialgaSteelDragonSPECIALHP100Atk120Def120SpA150SpD100Spe90AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfDraco Meteor130Thunder110Dragon Pulse85Stealth Rock–HP100Atk120Def120SpA150SpD100Spe90
- #2
PalkiaWaterDragonSPECIALHP90Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe100AbilityPressureNatureHastyItemChoice ScarfSpacial Rend100Thunder110Surf90Fire Blast110HP90Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe100 - #3
GiratinaGhostDragonMIXEDHP150Atk100Def120SpA100SpD120Spe90AbilityPressureNatureBoldItemChoice ScarfRest–Sleep Talk–Will-O-Wisp–Roar–HP150Atk100Def120SpA100SpD120Spe90 
KyogreWaterSPECIALHP100Atk100Def90SpA150SpD140Spe90AbilityDrizzleNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfIce Beam90Thunder110Surf90Water Spout150HP100Atk100Def90SpA150SpD140Spe90
GroudonGroundPHYSICALHP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90AbilityDroughtNatureAdamantItemLife OrbEarthquake100Dragon Claw80Stealth Rock–Stone Edge100HP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90
TyranitarRockDarkPHYSICALHP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61AbilitySand StreamNatureJollyItemLum BerryCrunch80Pursuit40Stone Edge100Earthquake100HP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61
LatiasDragonPsychicSPECIALHP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110AbilityLevitateNatureTimidItemChoice SpecsDraco Meteor130Surf90Trick–Dragon Pulse85HP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110
DragoniteDragonPHYSICALHP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80AbilityInner FocusNatureAdamantItemLife OrbOutrage120Dragon Dance–Fire Punch75Earthquake100HP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80
MetagrossSteelPsychicPHYSICALHP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70AbilityClear BodyNatureAdamantItemLum BerryMeteor Mash90Earthquake100Explosion250Stealth Rock–HP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70
DeoxysPsychicMIXEDHP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150AbilityPressureNatureNaiveItemFocus SashShadow Ball80Extreme Speed80Spikes–Taunt–HP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150
ZapdosElectricSPECIALHP90Atk90Def85SpA125SpD90Spe100AbilityPressureNatureBoldItemLife OrbThunderbolt90Roost–Hidden Power Ice60Heat Wave95HP90Atk90Def85SpA125SpD90Spe100
SuicuneWaterMIXEDHP100Atk75Def115SpA90SpD115Spe85AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemLum BerryCalm Mind–Ice Beam90Surf90Hidden Power Electric60HP100Atk75Def115SpA90SpD115Spe85- #6
AzelfPsychicMIXEDHP75Atk125Def70SpA125SpD70Spe115AbilityLevitateNatureJollyItemFocus SashExplosion250Stealth Rock–Taunt–U-turn70HP75Atk125Def70SpA125SpD70Spe115 - #7
MagnezoneElectricSteelSPECIALHP70Atk70Def115SpA130SpD90Spe60AbilityMagnet PullNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfThunderbolt90Hidden Power Fire60Thunder Wave–Explosion250HP70Atk70Def115SpA130SpD90Spe60 - #8InfernapeFireFightingMIXEDHP76Atk104Def71SpA104SpD71Spe108AbilityBlazeNatureJollyItemExpert BeltClose Combat120U-turn70Grass Knot–Fire Blast110HP76Atk104Def71SpA104SpD71Spe108
- #9
LucarioFightingSteelMIXEDHP70Atk110Def70SpA115SpD70Spe90AbilityInner FocusNatureAdamantItemLife OrbClose Combat120Extreme Speed80Swords Dance–Bullet Punch40HP70Atk110Def70SpA115SpD70Spe90 
FlygonGroundDragonPHYSICALHP80Atk100Def80SpA80SpD80Spe100AbilityLevitateNatureJollyItemChoice ScarfEarthquake100Outrage120U-turn70Thunder Punch75HP80Atk100Def80SpA80SpD80Spe100- #10
GengarGhostPoisonSPECIALHP60Atk65Def60SpA130SpD75Spe110AbilityLevitateNatureTimidItemLife OrbShadow Ball80Focus Blast120Substitute–Explosion250HP60Atk65Def60SpA130SpD75Spe110 - #11
ScizorBugSteelPHYSICALHP70Atk130Def100SpA55SpD80Spe65AbilityTechnicianNatureAdamantItemChoice BandBullet Punch40Superpower120U-turn70Pursuit40HP70Atk130Def100SpA55SpD80Spe65
SlakingNormalPHYSICALHP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100AbilityTruantNatureJollyItemChoice BandEarthquake100Sucker Punch70Giga Impact150Return–HP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100
RegigigasNormalPHYSICALHP110Atk160Def110SpA80SpD110Spe100AbilitySlow StartNatureAdamantItemLeftoversThunder Wave–Return–Substitute–Earthquake100HP110Atk160Def110SpA80SpD110Spe100
MewPsychicMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilitySynchronizeNatureCalmItemLum BerryTaunt–Explosion250U-turn70Stealth Rock–HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
CelebiPsychicGrassMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityNatural CureNatureBoldItemChoice ScarfRecover–Thunder Wave–Grass Knot–Hidden Power Fire60HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
SalamenceDragonPHYSICALHP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100AbilityIntimidateNatureJollyItemLife OrbDragon Dance–Outrage120Earthquake100Fire Blast110HP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100- #12
ManaphyWaterMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityHydrationNatureTimidItemLife OrbSurf90Rest–Ice Beam90Calm Mind–HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100 
ShayminGrassMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityNatural CureNatureTimidItemLife OrbSeed Flare120Earth Power90Hidden Power Fire60Rest–HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
MoltresFireSPECIALHP90Atk100Def90SpA125SpD85Spe90AbilityPressureNatureBoldItemFlame PlateFlamethrower90Roost–Toxic–Substitute–HP90Atk100Def90SpA125SpD85Spe90
RaikouElectricSPECIALHP90Atk85Def75SpA115SpD100Spe115AbilityPressureNatureRashItemLife OrbThunderbolt90Hidden Power Ice60Calm Mind–Shadow Ball80HP90Atk85Def75SpA115SpD100Spe115
EnteiFirePHYSICALHP115Atk115Def85SpA90SpD75Spe100AbilityPressureNatureAdamantItemLife OrbStone Edge100Hidden Power Grass60Iron Head80HP115Atk115Def85SpA90SpD75Spe100
RegirockRockPHYSICALHP80Atk100Def200SpA50SpD100Spe50AbilityClear BodyNatureAdamantItemLum BerryExplosion250Earthquake100Stone Edge100Fire Punch75HP80Atk100Def200SpA50SpD100Spe50
RegiceIceSPECIALHP80Atk50Def100SpA100SpD200Spe50AbilityClear BodyNatureCalmItemLife OrbIce Beam90Thunderbolt90Charge Beam50Thunder Wave–HP80Atk50Def100SpA100SpD200Spe50
ArticunoIceMIXEDHP90Atk85Def100SpA95SpD125Spe85AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemExpert BeltRoost–Ice Beam90Toxic–Substitute–HP90Atk85Def100SpA95SpD125Spe85- #45
MespritPsychicMIXEDHP80Atk105Def105SpA105SpD105Spe80AbilityLevitateNatureRelaxedItemChoice ScarfPsychic90U-turn70Thunderbolt90Stealth Rock–HP80Atk105Def105SpA105SpD105Spe80 - #46
MagmortarFireSPECIALHP75Atk95Def67SpA125SpD95Spe83AbilityFlame BodyNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfThunderbolt90Focus Blast120Hidden Power Grass60Fire Blast110HP75Atk95Def67SpA125SpD95Spe83 
LaprasWaterIceMIXEDHP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60AbilityWater AbsorbNatureQuietItemZoom LensIce Beam90Ice Shard40Hydro Pump110Thunderbolt90HP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60- #47
TangrowthGrassMIXEDHP100Atk100Def125SpA110SpD50Spe50AbilityChlorophyllNatureCarefulItemLife OrbEarthquake100Power Whip120Leech Seed–Sleep Powder–HP100Atk100Def125SpA110SpD50Spe50 
CharizardFireSPECIALHP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100AbilityBlazeNatureTimidItemLife OrbAir Slash75Flamethrower90Solar Beam120Hidden Power Grass60HP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100
TyphlosionFireSPECIALHP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100AbilityBlazeNatureTimidItemChoice SpecsEruption150Focus Blast120Flamethrower90Hidden Power Grass60HP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100
BlastoiseWaterMIXEDHP79Atk83Def100SpA85SpD105Spe78AbilityTorrentNatureBoldItemChoice SpecsRapid Spin50Ice Beam90Surf90Hydro Pump110HP79Atk83Def100SpA85SpD105Spe78
ExeggutorGrassPsychicSPECIALHP95Atk95Def85SpA125SpD75Spe55AbilityChlorophyllNatureRashItemLife OrbLeaf Storm130Explosion250Sleep Powder–Psychic90HP95Atk95Def85SpA125SpD75Spe55
FeraligatrWaterPHYSICALHP85Atk105Def100SpA79SpD83Spe78AbilityTorrentNatureAdamantItemLum BerryWaterfall80Ice Punch75Swords Dance–Dragon Dance–HP85Atk105Def100SpA79SpD83Spe78
BlazikenFireFightingMIXEDHP80Atk120Def70SpA110SpD70Spe80AbilityBlazeNatureJollyItemChoice ScarfThunder Punch75Flare Blitz120Superpower120Fire Blast110HP80Atk120Def70SpA110SpD70Spe80
WalreinIceWaterMIXEDHP110Atk80Def90SpA95SpD90Spe65AbilityIce BodyNatureBoldItemSitrus BerrySurf90Protect–Substitute–Toxic–HP110Atk80Def90SpA95SpD90Spe65
CastformNormalMIXEDHP70Atk70Def70SpA70SpD70Spe70AbilityForecastNatureQuietItemLife OrbWeather Ball50Flamethrower90Hidden Power Psychic60Substitute–HP70Atk70Def70SpA70SpD70Spe70
NidorinaPoisonUTILITYHP70Atk62Def67SpA55SpD55Spe56Sludge Bomb90Rest–Poison Jab80Poison Fang50HP70Atk62Def67SpA55SpD55Spe56
NidorinoPoisonPHYSICALHP61Atk72Def57SpA55SpD55Spe65AbilityPoison PointNatureJollyItemChesto BerryPoison Jab80Rest–Sucker Punch70Return–HP61Atk72Def57SpA55SpD55Spe65
SpindaNormalUTILITYHP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60AbilityOwn TempoNatureAdamantItemChoice BandDig80Return–Zen Headbutt80HP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60
PidgeottoNormalUTILITYHP63Atk60Def55SpA50SpD50Spe71U-turn70Brave Bird120Roost–Return–HP63Atk60Def55SpA50SpD50Spe71
LombreWaterGrassUTILITYHP60Atk50Def50SpA60SpD70Spe50Surf90Giga Drain75Ice Beam90Solar Beam120HP60Atk50Def50SpA60SpD70Spe50- #103
UnownPsychicMIXEDHP48Atk72Def48SpA72SpD48Spe48Hidden Power60HP48Atk72Def48SpA72SpD48Spe48 
SnoverGrassIceUTILITYHP60Atk62Def50SpA62SpD60Spe40AbilitySnow WarningNatureCalmItemChoice ScarfBlizzard110Leech Seed–Energy Ball90Toxic–HP60Atk62Def50SpA62SpD60Spe40
DelibirdIceUTILITYHP45Atk55Def45SpA65SpD45Spe75AbilityVital SpiritNatureHardyItemFocus SashRapid Spin50Brick Break75Ice Beam90Bounce85HP45Atk55Def45SpA65SpD45Spe75
FinneonWaterUTILITYHP49Atk49Def56SpA49SpD61Spe66AbilitySwift SwimNatureModestItemLife OrbU-turn70Surf90Ice Beam90Return–HP49Atk49Def56SpA49SpD61Spe66
PsyduckWaterUTILITYHP50Atk52Def48SpA65SpD50Spe55AbilityCloud NineNatureNaiveItemChoice ScarfHydro Pump110Hidden Power Grass60Cross Chop100Ice Beam90HP50Atk52Def48SpA65SpD50Spe55
BulbasaurGrassPoisonUTILITYHP45Atk49Def49SpA65SpD65Spe45AbilityOvergrowNatureModestItemFocus SashGiga Drain75Sludge Bomb90Energy Ball90Solar Beam120HP45Atk49Def49SpA65SpD65Spe45
Pokemon Comparison
FAQ
The expanded Pokedex is the biggest fix. Pokemon like Houndoom, Eevee, and Gligar are available before the postgame now, so you're not stuck with two Fire-type lines. The Distortion World adds a Giratina encounter before the Elite Four. Surfing and battle animations are faster. Gym leader teams are adjusted, and the Battle Frontier replaces the Battle Tower for post-game.
Chimchar is still the best even though Platinum adds more Fire options. Infernape's speed (108) and mixed offense (104 Atk, 104 Sp. Atk) are too good to pass up. Piplup is a stronger second choice in Platinum than in DP since you have Fire alternatives now. Turtwig remains the hardest start with Torterra's quad Ice weakness and slow Speed.
Partially. Diamond and Pearl only had Chimchar's line and Ponyta as Fire types before the postgame. Platinum adds Houndoom and Flareon (from Bebe's free Eevee in Hearthome City) to the pre-E4 pool. Still limited compared to other regions, but at least you have real alternatives to Chimchar and Rapidash now.
Giratina is 680 BST and caught in the Distortion World at Level 47, before the Elite Four. Its Ghost/Dragon typing has great offensive coverage and it tanks hits. If you're okay using a box legendary, it's one of the strongest Pokemon available during the main game. The game is beatable without it, but it makes Cynthia a lot easier.
Staraptor has 120 Attack, Intimidate, and Close Combat for Rock and Steel coverage. You get Starly on Route 201 within minutes of starting. It evolves fast and stays useful the entire game. Most early-route birds fall off by the midgame, but Staraptor never does. It's the best regional bird in the series up to Gen 4.
GAME AVAILABILITY
- Gen IY
Yellow151 Pokemon - Gen IRB
Red & Blue151 Pokemon - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver251 Pokemon - Gen IIC
Crystal251 Pokemon - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire202 Pokemon - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen151 Pokemon - Gen IIIE
Emerald202 Pokemon - Gen IVPt
Platinum210 Pokemon - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver256 Pokemon - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl151 Pokemon - Gen VBW
Black & White156 Pokemon - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2301 Pokemon - Gen VIXY
X & Y457 Pokemon - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire211 Pokemon - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon403 Pokemon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon302 Pokemon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee153 Pokemon - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield400 Pokemon - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus242 Pokemon - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl151 Pokemon - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet400 Pokemon - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A364 Pokemon - Gen XWW
Winds & Waves51 Pokemon