Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (BDSP) bring the beloved Sinnoh region to the Nintendo Switch with faithful remakes of the original Diamond and Pearl games. One of the most exciting aspects of BDSP is the extensive roster of legendary Pokémon available to catch. From the box legendaries Dialga and Palkia to the mysterious Mythicals and roaming trios, this guide covers every legendary Pokémon location and how to catch them in BDSP.
Prerequisite: Becoming Champion
Before you can catch most legendary Pokémon in BDSP, you must first become the Sinnoh Champion by defeating the Elite Four and Cynthia. You also need the National Pokédex, which you receive after seeing all 151 Pokémon in the Sinnoh Regional Pokédex. Once you have the National Pokédex, Ramanas Park opens up, and you can access post-game legendary encounters.
Box Legendaries: Dialga and Palkia
Dialga appears in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond at the Spear Pillar as part of the main story. You encounter Dialga at the summit of Mount Coronet after defeating Team Galactic’s Cyrus. Save before the encounter and bring plenty of Ultra Balls and Timer Balls. Palkia appears in Shining Pearl in the same location. Both are level 47 and can be caught with standard Poké Balls — use False Swipe to lower HP without knocking them out.
Ramanas Park Legendaries
Ramanas Park is the primary post-game location for catching legendary Pokémon in BDSP. Located on Route 221, this area replaces the original games’ Pal Park. You need specific Slates to encounter each legendary Pokémon. Slates are purchased with Mysterious Shards found in the Grand Underground.
| Legendary Pokémon | Slate Required | Room | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mewtwo | Armor Slate | Kanto Room | Psychic |
| Articuno | Kanto Slate | Kanto Room | Ice/Flying |
| Zapdos | Kanto Slate | Kanto Room | Electric/Flying |
| Moltres | Kanto Slate | Kanto Room | Fire/Flying |
| Raikou | Johto Slate | Johto Room | Electric |
| Entei | Johto Slate | Johto Room | Fire |
| Suicune | Johto Slate | Johto Room | Water |
| Ho-Oh | Rainbow Slate | Johto Room | Fire/Flying |
| Lugia | Silver Slate | Johto Room | Psychic/Flying |
| Groudon | Continent Slate | Sinnoh Room | Ground |
| Kyogre | Oceanic Slate | Sinnoh Room | Water |
| Rayquaza | Sky Slate | Sinnoh Room | Dragon/Flying |
Post-Game Legendary Trios and Mythicals
BDSP also features the legendary lake guardians: Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf. Uxie is in Acuity Cavern (Lake Acuity), Mesprit roams the entire region after you encounter it at Lake Verity, and Azelf is in Valor Cavern (Lake Valor). All three are level 50.
Heatran appears in Stark Mountain after completing the main story. Regigigas can be found in Snowpoint Temple if you have the three Regi Pokémon from Pokémon HOME. Cresselia roams Sinnoh after you receive the Lunar Wing from Fullmoon Island. For tips on catching roaming Pokémon, see our legendary catching guide for general strategy advice.
Mythical Pokémon Events and Availability
Several Mythical Pokémon are available in BDSP through special events or distribution:
- Mew: Available to players who own Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee! save data on the same Switch. For full details, see our Mew in BDSP guide.
- Jirachi: Available to players with Pokémon Sword or Shield save data
- Darkrai: Distributed via Mystery Gift during limited-time events
- Shaymin: Available through the Oak’s Letter item (distributed via events)
- Arceus: Requires save data from Pokémon Legends: Arceus; found at the Hall of Origin
Preparation Tips for Legendary Catching
To maximize your success catching legendary Pokémon in BDSP:
- Stock up on Ultra Balls and Timer Balls: Timer Balls become more effective the longer the battle goes on
- Use a Pokémon with False Swipe: Moves like False Swipe leave the target at 1 HP without fainting it
- Bring status-inducing moves: Sleep (Hypnosis, Spore) and Paralysis (Thunder Wave) significantly increase catch rates
- Save before each encounter: Legendary battles have fixed stats, but you can reset if you accidentally knock out the Pokémon
- Use Quick Balls on turn 1: Quick Balls have a 4x catch rate multiplier on the first turn only
Final Tips for Completing Your Legendary Collection
BDSP offers one of the most generous legendary lineups in any Pokémon game, with over 20 legendary and mythical Pokémon available between the main story, Ramanas Park, and events. Focus on gathering Mysterious Shards from the Grand Underground early to unlock Ramanas Park rooms. For competitive players, many of these legendaries have excellent stats and movepools. After you finish catching them all, challenge the Battle Tower with your new legendary team.
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