Shaymin, the Gratitude Pokémon, is a mythical Pokémon that was initially unavailable through normal gameplay in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Catching Shaymin requires specific items and actions, making it a sought-after achievement for dedicated players. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps needed to acquire Shaymin in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, assuming you have access to the necessary event items. Please be aware that obtaining these items may involve using Action Replay, hacking methods, or participating in specific distribution events that may no longer be active.
Understanding the Requirements
Before you begin the hunt for Shaymin, it’s essential to understand the necessary prerequisites. Originally, Shaymin could only be obtained through a special event item called Oak’s Letter. This item was distributed via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for a limited time. Without Oak’s Letter, accessing Shaymin is impossible through legitimate means within the original game.
However, with the closure of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service for Nintendo DS games, obtaining Oak’s Letter through official means is no longer possible. Therefore, you may need to resort to alternative methods like using Action Replay devices or ROM hacks to acquire the item. This guide will outline the steps assuming you have Oak’s Letter through one of these methods. Be aware of the risks associated with these methods, as they can potentially corrupt your save data.
Step-by-Step Guide to Catching Shaymin
Assuming you possess Oak’s Letter, follow these steps to catch Shaymin:
1. Obtain Oak’s Letter
This is the most crucial step. As mentioned earlier, Oak’s Letter was originally distributed via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. If you don’t have it, you’ll need to use an Action Replay device or a ROM hack to add it to your inventory. Here’s how you might do it with Action Replay (consult your Action Replay device’s manual for precise instructions):
- Power on your Nintendo DS/DSi/DS Lite with the Action Replay device inserted.
- Navigate to the codes section for Pokémon Diamond or Pearl.
- Find and enable the code that grants you Oak’s Letter (this code will vary depending on your Action Replay device and version).
- Start the game. The Oak’s Letter should now be in your Key Items pocket.
Disclaimer: Using Action Replay or ROM hacks can have unintended consequences, including corrupting your game save. Proceed with caution and back up your save data if possible.
2. Head to Route 224
Once you have Oak’s Letter, the next step is to head to Route 224. However, to access Route 224, you first need to become the Champion by defeating the Elite Four and the Champion Cynthia.
Here’s how to get to Route 224 after becoming the Champion:
- Go to Victory Road: Fly to the Pokémon League and enter Victory Road.
- Navigate Victory Road: Traverse through Victory Road until you reach the exit on the other side. This will require solving some puzzles and battling trainers.
- Enter the Seaside Cave: After exiting Victory Road, you’ll find yourself in an area with a cave. Enter the Seaside Cave.
- Proceed Through Seaside Cave: Go through Seaside Cave. It’s a relatively straightforward path.
- Reach Route 224: After exiting the Seaside Cave, you’ll finally arrive on Route 224.
3. Find Professor Oak
On Route 224, you will see a white rock slab and Professor Oak standing nearby. He will be waiting near the northern part of the route.
4. Talk to Professor Oak
Speak to Professor Oak. He will talk to you about gratitude and ask you to write the name of someone or something you are grateful for on the white rock slab. Any name you enter will work; it doesn’t affect the outcome of the event.
5. The Sea of Flowers Appears
After you write on the rock, Professor Oak will be surprised, and a long path of flowers will appear leading north. This path is called the Sea of Flowers. This path did not previously exist in the game before you interacted with Professor Oak with the Oak’s Letter in your inventory.
6. Traverse the Sea of Flowers
Follow the path through the Sea of Flowers. As you walk, the scenery will be filled with beautiful flowers and unique music. The path is linear, so there is no risk of getting lost.
7. Reach Shaymin
At the end of the Sea of Flowers, you will find Shaymin standing in a field of flowers. This is your chance to battle and catch it.
8. Save Before Battling
Before interacting with Shaymin, save your game. This is crucial because if you accidentally defeat Shaymin or run out of Poké Balls, you can simply reset your game and try again. Shaymin is a one-time encounter, so you don’t want to miss your chance.
9. Battle and Catch Shaymin
Interact with Shaymin to initiate the battle. Shaymin is a Grass-type Pokémon, so be prepared with Pokémon that have type advantages. Here are some tips for catching Shaymin:
- Use Status Conditions: Inflict a status condition like Sleep or Paralysis on Shaymin. This will greatly increase your chances of catching it. Sleep is generally more effective than Paralysis.
- Lower Shaymin’s HP: Reduce Shaymin’s HP as much as possible without knocking it out. Getting it down to the red portion of its HP bar is ideal.
- Use Appropriate Poké Balls: Use Ultra Balls or Timer Balls. Ultra Balls are generally the most reliable for catching rare Pokémon. Timer Balls become more effective the longer the battle lasts, so they can be useful if the battle goes on for several turns. Dusk Balls are effective if battling at night or in a cave.
- Be Patient: Catching Shaymin may take several attempts. Don’t get discouraged if it breaks out of multiple Poké Balls. Keep trying, and eventually, you will succeed.
Shaymin is at Level 30, so plan accordingly. Bring Pokémon in the level 40-60 range, with moves that can inflict status conditions and lower HP without causing a knockout.
10. Nickname Shaymin (Optional)
After successfully catching Shaymin, you’ll be given the option to give it a nickname. This is entirely optional, but you can choose a name that you like if you prefer.
Tips and Strategies for Catching Shaymin
Here are some additional tips and strategies to help you catch Shaymin more effectively:
- Bring a Pokémon with False Swipe: False Swipe is a move that always leaves the opponent with at least 1 HP, making it perfect for safely lowering Shaymin’s HP without risking a knockout. A Pokémon like Scizor or Gallade can learn False Swipe.
- Use a Pokémon with a Status-Inducing Move: Pokémon with moves like Sleep Powder, Hypnosis, or Thunder Wave are invaluable for inflicting status conditions.
- Stock Up on Poké Balls: Make sure you have plenty of Ultra Balls and Timer Balls before starting the encounter. It’s better to have too many than not enough.
- Turn Off Autosave: While generally a good feature, autosave can be a hindrance when catching rare Pokémon. If you accidentally knock out Shaymin, autosave will prevent you from resetting to try again. Turn off autosave in the game’s options menu before the encounter.
- Be Aware of Shaymin’s Moves: Shaymin knows the moves Growth, Magical Leaf, Leech Seed, and Synthesis. Leech Seed can be annoying, as it will gradually heal Shaymin while damaging your Pokémon. Synthesis can heal Shaymin directly.
- Check Shaymin’s Nature and IVs (Optional): If you are concerned about competitive battling, you can check Shaymin’s Nature and Individual Values (IVs) after catching it. If you are not satisfied with the results, you can reset your game and try again. However, this is a time-consuming process.
Shaymin’s Land Forme and Sky Forme
Shaymin has two different formes: Land Forme and Sky Forme. In Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Shaymin is initially in its Land Forme. To change Shaymin to its Sky Forme, you need to use a special item called the Gracidea Flower.
Obtaining the Gracidea Flower
The Gracidea Flower is obtained by taking Shaymin to a specific NPC in Floaroma Town. Go to the house located in the upper-left corner of Floaroma Town. Inside, speak to the woman standing near the flowers. If you have Shaymin in your party, she will give you the Gracidea Flower.
Using the Gracidea Flower
To use the Gracidea Flower, select it from your Key Items pocket and use it on Shaymin. Shaymin will transform into its Sky Forme. The Sky Forme is a Grass/Flying-type Pokémon with different stats and a different appearance.
Sky Forme Reversion
Shaymin will revert to its Land Forme under the following conditions:
- It is night time (8 PM to 4 AM in-game time).
- It is frozen.
- It is placed in the Pokémon Storage System (PC).
To keep Shaymin in its Sky Forme, make sure to use the Gracidea Flower during the daytime and avoid freezing it or storing it in the PC.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common issues you might encounter while trying to catch Shaymin and how to resolve them:
- Oak’s Letter Not Appearing: If you used an Action Replay and Oak’s Letter is not appearing in your Key Items pocket, double-check that you entered the correct code and that the code is enabled. Also, ensure that your Action Replay device is compatible with your game.
- Route 224 is Inaccessible: Make sure you have defeated the Elite Four and the Champion Cynthia. Route 224 is only accessible after becoming the Champion.
- Professor Oak Not Appearing: Ensure that you have Oak’s Letter in your Key Items pocket. Professor Oak will only appear on Route 224 if you have the necessary item.
- Sea of Flowers Not Appearing: After talking to Professor Oak, make sure you wrote something on the white rock slab. The Sea of Flowers will only appear after this step.
- Shaymin is Too Strong: If you are struggling to defeat Shaymin, try leveling up your Pokémon further or using different strategies. Bringing Pokémon with type advantages and status-inducing moves is crucial.
- Accidentally Knocked Out Shaymin: If you accidentally knocked out Shaymin, reset your game and try again. This is why it’s important to save before the encounter.
Is it Worth the Effort?
Catching Shaymin in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl can be a challenging and time-consuming process, especially given the need for external devices or ROM hacks to obtain Oak’s Letter. However, for many Pokémon enthusiasts, the satisfaction of adding this rare and mythical Pokémon to their collection is well worth the effort. Shaymin is a unique and powerful Pokémon with two different formes, making it a valuable addition to any team.
Conclusion
Catching Shaymin in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl requires patience, preparation, and, often, the use of external devices or ROM hacks. By following the steps outlined in this guide and utilizing the tips and strategies provided, you can successfully add Shaymin to your Pokémon collection. Remember to save before battling Shaymin, stock up on Poké Balls, and bring Pokémon with type advantages and status-inducing moves. Good luck, and happy catching!