Become a Pokémon Contest Master: A Diamond, Pearl & Platinum Guide

Pokémon Contests in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum offer a delightful alternative to the usual battling-focused gameplay. They’re a test of your Pokémon’s charm, grace, and performance ability. Winning these contests requires careful planning, strategic moves, and a good understanding of the different categories. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of becoming a Pokémon Contest master in the Sinnoh region.

## Understanding Pokémon Contests

Before diving into the strategies, it’s crucial to understand the fundamentals of Pokémon Contests. Unlike battles, contests are judged based on your Pokémon’s attributes and performance moves. There are five contest categories:

* **Cool:** Emphasizes strength, power, and confidence.
* **Beautiful:** Focuses on elegance, grace, and sophistication.
* **Cute:** Showcases charm, adorableness, and playfulness.
* **Smart:** Highlights intelligence, knowledge, and wit.
* **Tough:** Celebrates resilience, endurance, and determination.

Each Pokémon has a natural predisposition towards certain contest categories, determined by their nature. However, you can significantly enhance their attributes through Pokéblocks, which we’ll cover later.

Each contest consists of three rounds:

1. **Visual Competition:** This round assesses your Pokémon’s Condition stats (Coolness, Beauty, Cuteness, Smartness, and Toughness) based on the accessories you equip them with.
2. **Dance Competition (Diamond & Pearl only):** In Diamond and Pearl, this is a rhythm-based mini-game where you and your Pokémon dance together. Platinum replaces this with the Acting Competition.
3. **Acting Competition (Platinum only):** In Platinum, you select moves to appeal to the judges and earn points. This replaces the Dance Competition.
4. **Move Performance:** This is the final round, where your Pokémon uses moves to impress the judges. Moves have appeal and jam values, influencing the overall score and the reactions of other contestants.

## Preparing Your Pokémon

Preparation is key to success in Pokémon Contests. This involves boosting your Pokémon’s Condition stats, selecting appropriate moves, and choosing the right accessories.

### 1. Maximize Condition Stats with Pokéblocks

Pokéblocks are essential for increasing your Pokémon’s Coolness, Beauty, Cuteness, Smartness, and Toughness. You create Pokéblocks by blending berries at the Berry Blender in Contest Halls or by using the Berry Blender in your Amity Square (if available). The quality of the Pokéblocks depends on the berries you use and how well you blend them.

* **Berry Selection:** Different berries raise different Condition stats. Refer to the following list for optimal berry selection. Remember that using berries of the same flavor will give diminishing returns on the stat gains, so use a variety of berries.
* **Coolness:** Spicy berries like Razz Berry, Bluk Berry, and Wiki Berry.
* **Beauty:** Dry berries like Chesto Berry, Nanab Berry, and Aguav Berry.
* **Cuteness:** Sweet berries like Pecha Berry, Wepear Berry, and Iapapa Berry.
* **Smartness:** Bitter berries like Rawst Berry, Pinap Berry, and Figy Berry.
* **Toughness:** Sour berries like Aspear Berry, Cornn Berry, and Mago Berry.
* **Blending Process:** When blending berries, aim for perfect synchronization. This requires timing your button presses accurately as the blender spins. The faster you blend, the better the Pokéblocks you’ll create.
* **Feeding Pokéblocks:** Feed your Pokémon Pokéblocks until they can’t eat any more. A Pokémon’s Sheen stat determines how many Pokéblocks they can consume. Sheen increases slightly each time a Pokémon eats a Pokéblock, but too much Sheen can prevent them from eating any more. Plan your Pokéblock feeding carefully.
* **High-Quality Pokéblocks:** Aim for Pokéblocks with higher levels, indicated by their color. These provide larger stat boosts. Golden Pokéblocks, made with rare berries or perfect blends, are the most effective.
* **Location for Blending:** Jubilife TV station gives you a free Berry Blender in the lobby if you talk to the person on the left side of the room. This Blender is very slow and may not provide enough RPM to make consistently good Pokéblocks. The Berry Blender at Hearthome City Contest Hall is far faster, but you need at least one other player to help you blend. The best place to blend berries is in Amity Square since this will allow you to do it solo, provided you have a compatible Pokémon.

### 2. Select Appropriate Moves

Choosing the right moves is critical for the Move Performance round. Each move has an appeal and jam value, and some moves combo well with others. Understanding these values is essential for maximizing your score.

* **Appeal:** The appeal value determines how much the move impresses the judges. Moves with higher appeal values generally score better.
* **Jam:** The jam value indicates how much the move disrupts the other contestants. High jam values can negatively impact other Pokémon’s performances, but overuse can also backfire.
* **Move Categories:** Each move belongs to a specific category (Cool, Beautiful, Cute, Smart, or Tough). Using moves that match the contest category will generally yield better results.
* **Move Combos:** Certain moves combo well together. For example, using a move that excites the audience, followed by a move with a high appeal value, can create a powerful effect. Experiment with different move combinations to discover what works best for your Pokémon.

Here’s a list of some recommended moves for each category:

* **Cool:**
* **Blaze Kick:** High appeal, good for Cool Contests.
* **Dragon Claw:** Strong appeal, can intimidate opponents.
* **Fire Punch:** Reliable appeal, part of a good type-coverage move set.
* **Rock Slide:** Good appeal and jam, can disrupt other contestants.
* **Strength:** Great appeal if you are going early in the turn order.
* **Beautiful:**
* **Aromatherapy:** High appeal, soothes the judges.
* **Hydro Pump:** Impressive visual appeal, high base score.
* **Mirror Coat:** Reflects appeal back on opponents.
* **Rain Dance:** Sets the stage for Water-type moves, increases appeal.
* **Sweet Kiss:** Charms the judges.
* **Cute:**
* **Charm:** Lowers opponent’s attack, pleases the judges.
* **Covet:** Steals an item and appeals to the judges.
* **Disarming Voice:** Reliable appeal, good for Cute Contests.
* **Play Rough:** High appeal, can charm the judges.
* **Wish:** Heals and appeals to the judges.
* **Smart:**
* **Calm Mind:** Boosts stats and impresses the judges.
* **Detect:** Avoids damage and surprises the judges.
* **Flash:** Lowers accuracy and appeals to the judges.
* **Psychic:** High appeal, demonstrates intelligence.
* **Trick Room:** Alters turn order, showing strategic thinking.
* **Tough:**
* **Bulk Up:** Boosts stats and impresses the judges.
* **Earthquake:** Powerful, impactful move.
* **Iron Defense:** Raises defense, demonstrating resilience.
* **Protect:** Shields the Pokémon, showing endurance.
* **Rock Tomb:** Reduces speed and disrupts opponents.

### 3. Choose the Right Accessories

Accessories enhance your Pokémon’s appearance during the Visual Competition. Selecting accessories that complement your Pokémon’s Condition stats and the contest category is essential.

* **Accessory Placement:** You can place accessories on different parts of your Pokémon’s body: head, face, body, and background. Experiment with different placements to find what looks best.
* **Accessory Themes:** Accessories come in various themes, such as flowers, ribbons, masks, and musical instruments. Choose accessories that align with the contest category.
* **Obtaining Accessories:** You can obtain accessories by talking to NPCs in various locations, winning contests, and trading with other players. The Veilstone City Department Store has a wide selection.
* **Visual Appeal:** Ultimately, the Visual Competition is subjective. Choose accessories that you think look good on your Pokémon and that enhance their overall appearance.

Here are some tips for choosing accessories:

* **Cool:** Use accessories that convey strength and confidence, such as flames, sharp objects, and bold colors.
* **Beautiful:** Opt for elegant and graceful accessories, such as flowers, ribbons, and shimmering objects.
* **Cute:** Choose accessories that emphasize charm and adorableness, such as hearts, stars, and pastel colors.
* **Smart:** Select accessories that suggest intelligence and sophistication, such as glasses, books, and scientific instruments.
* **Tough:** Use accessories that convey resilience and determination, such as armor, rocks, and earthy colors.

## Contest Strategies

Once your Pokémon is prepared, it’s time to develop a winning contest strategy.

### 1. Visual Competition Strategy

In the Visual Competition, focus on maximizing your Pokémon’s Condition stats through accessory selection. Experiment with different combinations to find the best look for each contest category.

* **Stat Prioritization:** Prioritize the Condition stat that corresponds to the contest category. For example, in a Cool Contest, focus on maximizing Coolness.
* **Balance:** While prioritizing the main stat, don’t neglect the other stats entirely. A well-rounded appearance can impress the judges.
* **Theme Coherence:** Ensure that your accessories complement each other and create a cohesive theme. Avoid mixing clashing styles.
* **Originality:** Try to create a unique look that stands out from the other contestants. Use rare or unusual accessories.

### 2. Dance Competition (Diamond & Pearl) / Acting Competition (Platinum) Strategies

#### Diamond & Pearl: Dance Competition

The Dance Competition requires rhythm and coordination. You and your Pokémon must perform synchronized dance moves to earn points.

* **Timing:** Pay close attention to the rhythm of the music. Press the buttons at the correct time to execute perfect moves.
* **Synchronization:** Coordinate your moves with your Pokémon. Use the directional buttons to match their movements.
* **Special Moves:** Use special moves to earn bonus points. These moves require precise timing and coordination.
* **Practice:** Practice makes perfect. Spend time honing your skills in the Dance Competition to improve your score.

Tips for the Dance Competition:

* Listen carefully to the music and anticipate the beat.
* Watch your Pokémon’s movements and try to match them.
* Don’t be afraid to experiment with different moves.
* Stay calm and focused during the competition.

#### Platinum: Acting Competition

The Acting Competition replaces the Dance Competition in Platinum. Here, you select moves to appeal to the judges and earn points.

* **Move Selection:** Choose moves that match the contest category and your Pokémon’s Condition stats.
* **Combo Potential:** Look for moves that combo well together. Using a move that excites the audience, followed by a move with a high appeal value, can create a powerful effect.
* **Judge Appeal:** Pay attention to the judges’ preferences. Each judge has different tastes, so choose moves that will appeal to them.
* **Turn Order:** The order in which you perform moves can affect your score. Experiment with different turn orders to find what works best.

Tips for the Acting Competition:

* Study the move descriptions carefully.
* Observe the other contestants’ moves.
* Adapt your strategy based on the judges’ reactions.
* Don’t be afraid to take risks.

### 3. Move Performance Strategy

The Move Performance round is the culmination of your preparation. Here, you use your Pokémon’s moves to impress the judges and earn points.

* **Move Order:** Plan your move order carefully. Consider the appeal and jam values of each move, as well as the reactions of the other contestants.
* **Move Combinations:** Use move combinations to maximize your score. Certain moves combo well together, creating a more impactful performance.
* **Jam Management:** Be mindful of the jam value of your moves. Overusing moves with high jam values can backfire, but strategic use can disrupt your opponents.
* **Judge Appeal:** Pay attention to the judges’ reactions. Choose moves that appeal to their individual preferences.
* **Turn Awareness:** Be aware of your turn order. Going early in the round allows you to set the stage for later moves, while going later allows you to react to the other contestants’ performances.

Here’s a basic strategy for the Move Performance round:

1. **Set the Stage:** Start with a move that excites the audience or creates a positive effect.
2. **Build Momentum:** Use moves with high appeal values to impress the judges.
3. **Disrupt Opponents:** Use moves with moderate jam values to disrupt your opponents’ performances, but avoid overdoing it.
4. **Finish Strong:** End with a powerful move that leaves a lasting impression.

## Contest Hall Tiers and Rewards

Pokémon Contests in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum have four tiers: Normal Rank, Great Rank, Ultra Rank, and Master Rank. Progressing through these ranks requires winning contests in each category.

* **Normal Rank:** The starting rank. Winning here unlocks Great Rank.
* **Great Rank:** The second tier. Winning here unlocks Ultra Rank.
* **Ultra Rank:** The third tier. Winning here unlocks Master Rank.
* **Master Rank:** The highest tier. Winning here signifies mastery of Pokémon Contests.

Winning contests in each rank earns you rewards, including:

* **Ribbons:** Ribbons are awarded for winning contests and are displayed on your Pokémon’s summary screen. These ribbons are unique identifiers of your Pokémon’s contest achievements.
* **Accessories:** Some contests award accessories as prizes, allowing you to further customize your Pokémon’s appearance.
* **Paint Master Unlocks:** By winning the Master Rank in all 5 categories, the player unlocks the ability to add a background to their Trainer Card.

## Tips for Success

Here are some additional tips for maximizing your chances of winning Pokémon Contests:

* **Choose the Right Pokémon:** Select a Pokémon with a nature that aligns with the contest category. For example, a Modest nature is good for Smart Contests, while an Adamant nature is good for Cool Contests. Certain Pokémon also have naturally higher stats in certain categories, such as Milotic for Beauty and Drifloon for Cute.
* **Train Your Pokémon:** Leveling up your Pokémon increases their overall stats, which can indirectly affect their performance in contests.
* **Use Held Items:** Some held items can boost your Pokémon’s Condition stats during the Visual Competition. The Scarf items (e.g., the Red Scarf for Coolness, Blue Scarf for Beauty) are particularly useful. These can be purchased from the Veilstone Department Store.
* **Study the Judges:** Pay attention to the judges’ preferences and adapt your strategy accordingly. Some judges prefer bold moves, while others prefer subtle ones.
* **Practice Regularly:** The more you practice, the better you’ll become at timing your moves, selecting accessories, and understanding the nuances of each contest category.
* **Watch Other Contestants:** Observe other contestants’ performances to learn new strategies and identify common mistakes.
* **Have Fun:** Ultimately, Pokémon Contests are about having fun. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t win every time. Keep practicing and experimenting, and you’ll eventually become a Pokémon Contest master.

By following these strategies and tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Pokémon Contest master in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. Good luck, and have fun showing off your Pokémon’s charm and talent!