BEST DIAMOND & PEARL POKEMON
Game Notes
The physical/special split is the single biggest mechanic change in Pokemon history, and it landed in Diamond and Pearl. Gyarados can finally use physical Water moves instead of being stuck with its weak Sp. Atk. Garchomp at 600 BST is available from Gible in Wayward Cave before the fourth gym. The biggest problem in Sinnoh is Fire coverage — Infernape and Rapidash are basically your only options. These rankings reflect Diamond and Pearl's Sinnoh, where that limited roster shapes every team.
Pokemon Spotlight
Garchomp
130 Attack at 102 Speed with Dragon/Ground coverage. Earthquake and Outrage hit nearly everything, and Swords Dance doubles the already high Attack. Garchomp in Diamond and Pearl is available from Wayward Cave before the fourth gym, making it dominant the entire game.
View page detailsGarchomp — S Tier, 600 BST
130 Attack at 102 Speed with Dragon/Ground coverage. Earthquake and Outrage hit nearly everything, and Swords Dance doubles the already high Attack. Garchomp in Diamond and Pearl is available from Wayward Cave before the fourth gym, making it dominant the entire game.
Dialga
Steel/Dragon resists 10 types and is only weak to Fighting and Ground. 150 Sp. Atk with Draco Meteor and Flash Cannon hits hard from both types. Dialga in Diamond and Pearl tanks hits that would flatten other Dragons thanks to its Steel half.
View page detailsDialga — S Tier, 680 BST
Steel/Dragon resists 10 types and is only weak to Fighting and Ground. 150 Sp. Atk with Draco Meteor and Flash Cannon hits hard from both types. Dialga in Diamond and Pearl tanks hits that would flatten other Dragons thanks to its Steel half.
Infernape
104 Attack and 104 Sp. Atk let Infernape threaten from both sides in Diamond and Pearl. Fire/Fighting STAB covers Steel, Ice, and Rock types that crowd Sinnoh. 108 Speed outpaces most of the region, and Blaze powers up Fire moves in a pinch for clutch KOs.
View page detailsInfernape — A Tier, 534 BST
104 Attack and 104 Sp. Atk let Infernape threaten from both sides in Diamond and Pearl. Fire/Fighting STAB covers Steel, Ice, and Rock types that crowd Sinnoh. 108 Speed outpaces most of the region, and Blaze powers up Fire moves in a pinch for clutch KOs.
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 
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 Meteor130Surf90Dragon Pulse85Thunderbolt90HP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110
DragoniteDragonPHYSICALHP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80AbilityInner FocusNatureAdamantItemLife OrbOutrage120Dragon Dance–Fire Punch75Earthquake100HP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80
MetagrossSteelPsychicPHYSICALHP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70AbilityClear BodyNatureAdamantItemLum BerryMeteor Mash90Earthquake100Explosion250Stealth Rock–HP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70
DeoxysPsychicMIXEDHP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150AbilityPressureNatureNaiveItemFocus SashShadow Ball80Extreme Speed80Spikes–Taunt–HP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150
ZapdosElectricSPECIALHP90Atk90Def85SpA125SpD90Spe100AbilityPressureNatureBoldItemLife OrbThunderbolt90Roost–Hidden Power Ice60U-turn70HP90Atk90Def85SpA125SpD90Spe100
SuicuneWaterMIXEDHP100Atk75Def115SpA90SpD115Spe85AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemLum BerryCalm Mind–Ice Beam90Surf90Hidden Power Electric60HP100Atk75Def115SpA90SpD115Spe85- #5
AzelfPsychicMIXEDHP75Atk125Def70SpA125SpD70Spe115AbilityLevitateNatureJollyItemFocus SashExplosion250Stealth Rock–Taunt–U-turn70HP75Atk125Def70SpA125SpD70Spe115 
MagnezoneElectricSteelSPECIALHP70Atk70Def115SpA130SpD90Spe60AbilityMagnet PullNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfThunderbolt90Hidden Power Fire60Thunder Wave–Explosion250HP70Atk70Def115SpA130SpD90Spe60- #6InfernapeFireFightingMIXEDHP76Atk104Def71SpA104SpD71Spe108AbilityBlazeNatureJollyItemExpert BeltClose Combat120U-turn70Grass Knot–Fire Blast110HP76Atk104Def71SpA104SpD71Spe108
- #7
LucarioFightingSteelMIXEDHP70Atk110Def70SpA115SpD70Spe90AbilityInner FocusNatureAdamantItemLife OrbClose Combat120Extreme Speed80Swords Dance–Bullet Punch40HP70Atk110Def70SpA115SpD70Spe90 
FlygonGroundDragonPHYSICALHP80Atk100Def80SpA80SpD80Spe100AbilityLevitateNatureJollyItemChoice ScarfEarthquake100U-turn70Fire Blast110Draco Meteor130HP80Atk100Def80SpA80SpD80Spe100- #8
GengarGhostPoisonSPECIALHP60Atk65Def60SpA130SpD75Spe110AbilityLevitateNatureTimidItemLife OrbShadow Ball80Focus Blast120Substitute–Explosion250HP60Atk65Def60SpA130SpD75Spe110 
ScizorBugSteelPHYSICALHP70Atk130Def100SpA55SpD80Spe65AbilityTechnicianNatureAdamantItemChoice BandU-turn70Pursuit40Swords Dance–HP70Atk130Def100SpA55SpD80Spe65
SlakingNormalPHYSICALHP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100AbilityTruantNatureJollyItemChoice BandEarthquake100Giga Impact150Double-Edge120Return–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–Earthquake100Fire Blast110Draco Meteor130HP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100- #9
ManaphyWaterMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityHydrationNatureTimidItemLife OrbSurf90Rest–Ice Beam90Calm Mind–HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100 
ShayminGrassMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityNatural CureNatureTimidItemLife OrbSeed Flare120Hidden Power Fire60Rest–Hidden Power Ice60HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
MoltresFireSPECIALHP90Atk100Def90SpA125SpD85Spe90AbilityPressureNatureBoldItemFlame PlateFlamethrower90Roost–Toxic–Substitute–HP90Atk100Def90SpA125SpD85Spe90
RaikouElectricSPECIALHP90Atk85Def75SpA115SpD100Spe115AbilityPressureNatureRashItemLife OrbThunderbolt90Hidden Power Ice60Aura Sphere80Calm Mind–HP90Atk85Def75SpA115SpD100Spe115
EnteiFirePHYSICALHP115Atk115Def85SpA90SpD75Spe100AbilityPressureNatureAdamantItemLife OrbFlare Blitz120Extreme Speed80Stone Edge100Hidden Power Grass60HP115Atk115Def85SpA90SpD75Spe100
RegirockRockPHYSICALHP80Atk100Def200SpA50SpD100Spe50AbilityClear BodyNatureAdamantItemLum BerryExplosion250Earthquake100Stone Edge100Rock Slide75HP80Atk100Def200SpA50SpD100Spe50
RegiceIceSPECIALHP80Atk50Def100SpA100SpD200Spe50AbilityClear BodyNatureCalmItemLife OrbIce Beam90Thunderbolt90Charge Beam50Thunder Wave–HP80Atk50Def100SpA100SpD200Spe50
ArticunoIceMIXEDHP90Atk85Def100SpA95SpD125Spe85AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemExpert BeltRoost–Ice Beam90Toxic–Substitute–HP90Atk85Def100SpA95SpD125Spe85- #28
MespritPsychicMIXEDHP80Atk105Def105SpA105SpD105Spe80AbilityLevitateNatureRelaxedItemChoice ScarfPsychic90U-turn70Thunderbolt90Stealth Rock–HP80Atk105Def105SpA105SpD105Spe80 
MagmortarFireSPECIALHP75Atk95Def67SpA125SpD95Spe83AbilityFlame BodyNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfThunderbolt90Focus Blast120Hidden Power Grass60Fire Blast110HP75Atk95Def67SpA125SpD95Spe83
LaprasWaterIceMIXEDHP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60AbilityWater AbsorbNatureQuietItemZoom LensIce Beam90Ice Shard40Hydro Pump110Thunderbolt90HP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60
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 ScarfFlare Blitz120Fire Blast110Brave Bird120Hidden Power Electric60HP80Atk120Def70SpA110SpD70Spe80
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–HP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60
PidgeottoNormalUTILITYHP63Atk60Def55SpA50SpD50Spe71U-turn70Brave Bird120Roost–Return–HP63Atk60Def55SpA50SpD50Spe71
LombreWaterGrassUTILITYHP60Atk50Def50SpA60SpD70Spe50Surf90Giga Drain75Ice Beam90Solar Beam120HP60Atk50Def50SpA60SpD70Spe50- #72
UnownPsychicMIXEDHP48Atk72Def48SpA72SpD48Spe48Hidden Power60HP48Atk72Def48SpA72SpD48Spe48 
SnoverGrassIceUTILITYHP60Atk62Def50SpA62SpD60Spe40AbilitySnow WarningNatureCalmItemChoice ScarfBlizzard110Leech Seed–Energy Ball90Toxic–HP60Atk62Def50SpA62SpD60Spe40
DelibirdIceUTILITYHP45Atk55Def45SpA65SpD45Spe75AbilityVital SpiritNatureHardyItemFocus SashRapid Spin50Brick Break75Ice Beam90HP45Atk55Def45SpA65SpD45Spe75
FinneonWaterUTILITYHP49Atk49Def56SpA49SpD61Spe66AbilitySwift SwimNatureModestItemLife OrbU-turn70Surf90Ice Beam90Return–HP49Atk49Def56SpA49SpD61Spe66
PsyduckWaterUTILITYHP50Atk52Def48SpA65SpD50Spe55AbilityCloud NineNatureNaiveItemChoice ScarfHydro Pump110Hidden Power Grass60Cross Chop100Ice Beam90HP50Atk52Def48SpA65SpD50Spe55
BulbasaurGrassPoisonUTILITYHP45Atk49Def49SpA65SpD65Spe45AbilityOvergrowNatureModestItemFocus SashGiga Drain75Sludge Bomb90Energy Ball90Solar Beam120HP45Atk49Def49SpA65SpD65Spe45
Pokemon Comparison
FAQ
Garchomp. 600 BST with Dragon/Ground typing, 130 Attack, and 102 Speed. You can catch Gible in Wayward Cave before the fourth gym, which is absurdly early for a pseudo-legendary. It sweeps most of the game once it evolves. Infernape is a close second since it's the only fast Fire-type in Sinnoh, and Fire coverage is critical here.
Chimchar. Infernape's Fire/Fighting typing is almost mandatory because Sinnoh has so few Fire-type options. The only alternative is Ponyta, and Rapidash doesn't compare. Piplup evolves into the bulky Empoleon (Water/Steel) which is solid defensively. Turtwig into Torterra (Grass/Ground) is the hardest start — quad Ice weakness and slow Speed.
Before Gen 4, all moves of a certain type were either physical or special. Every Water move was special, every Fighting move was physical, regardless of the move itself. Diamond and Pearl changed this so each move has its own category. That means Gyarados (125 Attack, 60 Sp. Atk) can finally use physical Water moves like Waterfall instead of being stuck with its terrible special stat. It reshuffled the entire tier list.
Sinnoh's regional dex only has two Fire-type lines: Chimchar's evolution line and Ponyta/Rapidash. If you don't pick Chimchar, Ponyta is your only Fire option until the postgame National Dex opens up. This forces most DP teams to run Infernape. It's one of the most common complaints about the original games, and Platinum partially fixes it.
Diamond gets Dialga (Steel/Dragon, resists 10 types) and Pearl gets Palkia (Water/Dragon, strong STAB combo). Dialga has the better defensive typing in Gen 4 since Fairy doesn't exist yet to threaten Palkia's Dragon. For regular exclusives, Diamond has Cranidos (strong Attack) while Pearl has Shieldon (defensive). Both box legendaries are S-Tier.
Honestly, kind of. Garchomp at 600 BST sweeps through most trainer battles and gym leaders without much effort. Some players skip it for a more challenging run. But if you're trying to beat the game efficiently, there's nothing wrong with using the best tool available. Catch Gible in Wayward Cave and it carries you to the Champion.
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