How to Catch Spiritomb in Pokémon Diamond: A Comprehensive Guide

Spiritomb, the Forbidden Pokémon, is one of the most unique and notoriously challenging Pokémon to obtain in the Sinnoh region. Its unusual method of encounter sets it apart from almost every other Pokémon in the game. Unlike most legendaries that require a specific event or can be encountered in a specific place, Spiritomb demands a unique level of player interaction. This guide will walk you through every step necessary to catch Spiritomb in Pokémon Diamond, ensuring you can add this elusive Ghost/Dark-type to your collection. This process is identical in Pokémon Pearl as well, therefore, this guide is equally effective for both games.

Understanding the Challenge: The Odd Keystone and the Underground

Before we dive into the steps, it’s crucial to understand the core mechanics behind Spiritomb’s encounter. Spiritomb is tied directly to the Odd Keystone and the Underground, now called the Grand Underground. These elements create the special circumstances required for Spiritomb to appear. The game requires the player to interact with the Grand Underground via the online functionalities (local or online) a certain number of times before it spawns. If you are playing on an emulator or a physical copy without an internet connection, you can still obtain this Pokemon.

The Odd Keystone

The Odd Keystone is a key item necessary to trigger Spiritomb’s appearance. It’s a small, rock-like item with a distinctive swirled pattern. Without it, you cannot encounter Spiritomb. Fortunately, the Odd Keystone is fairly straightforward to obtain and you can do so in two different ways:

• Way 1: Hiker on Route 209: The most common method is to find a hiker standing near the Route 209’s eastern end and the Lost Tower. This hiker, is standing near the end of a small path where he will not move and give you the keystone.
• Way 2: Underground Discovery: If you missed the hiker or the Hiker does not give you one, you may find a rare random item as you excavate items from the wall. Keep mining in the walls of the grand underground, as this is not 100% that you will obtain the odd keystone this way. It is recommended that you try the Hiker Method.

The Grand Underground (Underground)

The Grand Underground is the subterranean network of tunnels beneath the Sinnoh region. Accessing it requires obtaining the Explorer Kit from the old man in Eterna City. Once you have the kit you may press the “Y” button anywhere on the overworld, not inside a building or caves, and you will be able to access the underground.

The Grand Underground is essential to Spiritomb’s encounter. You need to interact with other players, or the NPCs found down here, a certain number of times before Spiritomb spawns. The interactions can be either through online play with others or by speaking to the NPCs. This unique requirement is what makes Spiritomb one of the most intricate Pokémon to encounter in the game. The interaction number that this encounter requires is 32.

Step-by-Step Guide to Catching Spiritomb

Now, let’s break down the process into clear, actionable steps:

1. Obtain the Odd Keystone

   First things first, you need to acquire the Odd Keystone. Head to Route 209. There is a short path to the right of the lost tower. The hiker that we are talking about is located on that path. Speak to the hiker to obtain the Odd Keystone.

   If you somehow missed the hiker or he does not give it to you for any reason, then enter the grand underground. Start mining the walls. Sometimes items, including the odd keystone, will be found as you mine for items. This will be random however so we do recommend that you try the hiker method first.

2. Head to Route 209 Well

   With the Odd Keystone in your possession, proceed to Route 209 and head back to the same path as you found the Hiker. There is a well here where you will place the odd keystone. Interact with the well and you will place the Odd Keystone inside.

3. Enter the Grand Underground

   Equip your Explorer Kit from your Key Items pocket of your bag, then use it to enter the Grand Underground. Go to the central part of any area where you can see the other players and NPCs moving about.

4. Interact with Other Players or NPCs

   Here is the most crucial part and probably where most get stuck. You must speak to 32 different people within the Grand Underground. These interactions may be with other players online via the Nintendo WiFi connection, and/or the NPCs roaming about the underground. If you do not have anyone to interact with you can go to different areas of the underground to find different NPCs to talk to.

   Important Notes on Interactions:

   • The game tracks interactions separately for each day and if you are using NPCs, they will not refresh until a day passes. If you are using NPCs you must change the day in order to find the same NPC again. The number of times you spoke to that same NPC will not count towards the 32 needed.
   • To ensure that an interaction counts, move one overworld tile or go into the room before speaking to another NPC. If you go into a room, you can then go back to the same room as the NPCs respawn.
   • Each interaction with a different player counts once. There is no difference between local play and online play for counting purposes.
   • It is highly recommended that you keep track of the number of interactions because the game will not show how many times you interacted. Once you go back to the Well on Route 209, you will not be able to know if you need more interactions or not.

5. Return to the Route 209 Well

   After confirming that you have talked to at least 32 different players or NPCs, exit the Grand Underground and return to Route 209. Head back to the well. If you have successfully met the requirements, a battle with Spiritomb will initiate. If you do not battle Spiritomb, this means you did not have 32 interactions. Repeat the steps involving the Underground until the battle starts.

6. Prepare for the Battle

   Spiritomb is a Ghost/Dark-type, which means it has no weaknesses. It has a high defense and special defense stat making it very difficult to defeat. The best way to defeat Spiritomb is to use very strong Pokemon. It is recommended that your Pokemon are level 40 or higher, and have high Attack or Special attack. If you are using an emulator, you may adjust the speed of the emulator to give you an advantage during the battle.

   Recommended Pokémon and Moves:

   • Strong Fighting Types: Since Spiritomb lacks weaknesses, Pokémon with high Attack and Fighting-type moves like Machamp, or Lucario can be very useful.
   • High-Level Pokemon: Any Pokemon that are level 40 or higher are also helpful.

7. Catch Spiritomb

   Spiritomb will be at level 25, so weakening it to a low health value will be very important. Once Spiritomb is at low HP it is advised to throw Pokeballs until it is captured. Bring plenty of Pokeballs to increase your odds of capture. The best pokeballs to use for this encounter would be Ultra Balls, Dusk Balls, or Timer Balls.

Troubleshooting and Tips

• Number of Interactions: Keep track of your interactions to avoid going back and forth unnecessarily. The game does not give a counter of your interactions.
• NPC Refresh: Remember that the same NPC will not count towards the number unless a day has passed.
• Underground Areas: The grand underground is divided by several areas. If you cannot find NPCs in one area, go to another area.
• Patience: This process can take some time, especially if you are relying on NPCs. The only solution is patience.
• Weaknesses: Remember that the battle will start only when you have talked to at least 32 different NPCs or players, which is very important. If you go to the well and battle does not start, you have not met the requirements.

Conclusion

Catching Spiritomb is undoubtedly a complex endeavor in Pokémon Diamond, but it’s a very rewarding achievement once you succeed. By following these detailed steps and utilizing the tips provided, you’ll be well on your way to adding this powerful and mysterious Pokémon to your team. It may take a while, especially if you are relying on the NPCs within the Grand Underground. However, with enough patience and diligence, you can obtain this rare and special Pokémon!

Good luck, trainers, and happy Spiritomb hunting!