Gen 4 Move Database

Pokémon Diamond & Pearl Moves

The physical/special split per move changes everything. Close Combat is now Physical. Fire Punch is now Physical. Hundreds of Pokémon become viable overnight with this single change.

DIAMOND & PEARL MOVE LIST

Move Spotlight

Close Combat

120

#1 PickPhysical

Close Combat

FightingPhysical

Power120

Accuracy100%

PP5

Used by

Gen 4's physical/special split meant Fighting-types finally got a physical move worthy of their Attack stats. Close Combat delivered 120 base power at the cost of lowered defenses. Lucario and Infernape used it to tear through teams, and it became the standard for every physical Fighting-type after.

Close Combat (Fighting / Physical)

Gen 4's physical/special split meant Fighting-types finally got a physical move worthy of their Attack stats. Close Combat delivered 120 base power at the cost of lowered defenses. Lucario and Infernape used it to tear through teams, and it became the standard for every physical Fighting-type after.

U-turn

#2 PickPhysical

U-turn

BugPhysical

Power70

Accuracy100%

PP20

Used by

Scizor turned U-turn into a competitive staple after Diamond & Pearl introduced the physical/special split. With Technician boosting it to 90 effective base power, Scizor would hit hard and swap out in one motion. The hit-and-switch style this created still defines teambuilding today.

U-turn (Bug / Physical)

Scizor turned U-turn into a competitive staple after Diamond & Pearl introduced the physical/special split. With Technician boosting it to 90 effective base power, Scizor would hit hard and swap out in one motion. The hit-and-switch style this created still defines teambuilding today.

Stealth Rock

—

#3 PickStatus

Stealth Rock

RockStatus

Power—

Accuracy—

PP20

Used by

Stealth Rock is the single most format-defining move in competitive Pokemon history. Introduced in Diamond & Pearl, it punished every switch with Rock-type damage. Pokemon with a 4x Rock weakness like Charizard and Moltres became borderline unusable. One move reshaped teambuilding across every generation that followed.

Stealth Rock (Rock / Status)

Stealth Rock is the single most format-defining move in competitive Pokemon history. Introduced in Diamond & Pearl, it punished every switch with Rock-type damage. Pokemon with a 4x Rock weakness like Charizard and Moltres became borderline unusable. One move reshaped teambuilding across every generation that followed.

466moves3 categories

No active filters

Game Rules

How Moves Work in Diamond & Pearl

Re-audit every old attacker

The physical/special split frees moves from their type. Gyarados finally gets Water attacks that scale from its huge Attack stat, special attackers stop wasting power on badly matched types, and half the roster deserves a fresh evaluation.

Entry hazards raise the price of switching

Stealth Rock debuts in Gen 4 and grows into one of the most influential moves ever printed. Once rocks are on the field, every switch-in costs HP scaled by type matchup. Fire and Flying Pokémon feel it worst.

Debuts

New in Diamond & Pearl

113 moves introduced in Generation 4

Gen 4 debuts were designed hand in hand with the physical/special split, which is why so many of them stuck. This is the class that finally gave old types the right kind of attack, and a striking share of these moves still anchor sets today.

Questions

Pokémon Moves: Frequently Asked

What is the physical/special split in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl?

Gen 4 introduced the individual physical/special split, the biggest move mechanic change in the series. Each move is now classified as physical or special based on the move itself, not its type. This means moves like Crunch are now physical and Shadow Ball is special.

Are TMs reusable in Diamond and Pearl?

No. TMs remain single-use in Gen 4. However, many important TMs can be found in multiple locations or purchased. The physical/special split makes TM decisions more strategic since you need to match the move category to your Pokémon attacking stat.

What new moves were added in Generation 4?

Gen 4 added many new moves including Close Combat, Flare Blitz, Aqua Jet, Brave Bird, and U-turn. Priority moves like Aqua Jet and Bullet Punch gave slower Pokémon a way to strike first, and these moves became competitive staples.

What are the key HM requirements in Diamond and Pearl?

Rock Smash, Cut, Surf, Strength, Rock Climb, and Waterfall are all needed at various points. Defog is useful for removing fog in certain routes. HMs still cannot be forgotten without the Move Deleter, located in Canalave City.

Does Diamond and Pearl have Move Tutors?

Diamond and Pearl have very limited Move Tutors compared to Emerald. The Draco Meteor tutor on Route 210 teaches Draco Meteor to any Dragon-type with high friendship. Platinum significantly expanded the Move Tutor options available in the Sinnoh region.