Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Best Ground-Type Pokemon

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are set in the expansive Sinnoh region. Players were first introduced to this region and its iconic Pokemon in Generation 4's Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, and now players can visit it again in the remakes. Throughout their journey, players will be on the hunt for powerful Pokemon to add to their team, and Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl have many options to choose from.

Ground-type Pokemon are among the strongest in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, with high physical stats and immunity to Electric-type moves. With the game's addition of the Grand Underground, players have even more opportunity to hunt for these Pokemon. Here are some of the best for aficionados of this type.

Updated March 28th, 2022 by Russ Boswell: There are a lot of amazing ground-type Pokemon for trainers to catch throughout Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Thanks to access to the Grand Underground and a healthy post-game with the release of the National Pokedex, players have many choices when it comes to filling a ground-type slot on their team. But with so many to choose from what are the best ground-type Pokemon in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl? To better answer that question, the following list has been updated to include even more entries, stats, and locations for the best ground-types in the game.

12 Golem

Those looking for a punishing Ground-type that's capable of dominating the opposition (or at the very least taking them down in a blaze of glory) should definitely consider Golem. The dual-type Ground and Rock Pokemon is the final stage evolution of the Geodude line, one of the most common creatures that players will come across during their journey through Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

Players that want to get their hands on a Golem to rain rocky fury down on their opponents will first need to find a Geodude or a Graveler. Geodude can be found in a wide array of areas all over Sinnoh, as early as Route 206. Graveler is similar, showing up in areas all across Sinnoh but is most prominent in the cave at the top of Mt. Coronet. After players acquire a Graveler (or evolve a Geodude into one) they'll need to trade it to another player to evolve it into Golem.

Golem's Stats:

HP: 80
Attack: 120
Special Attack: 55
Defense: 130
Special Defense: 65
Speed: 45
Total: 495

11 Nidoqueen

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Nidoqueen is a dual-type Poison/Ground Pokemon. Like all Ground-types, Nidoqueen's typing gives it a useful immunity to Electric-type moves, and with decent Attack and Special Attack stats, it can hold its own in battle. Nidoqueen is a more well-rounded Pokemon compared to its male counterpart, Nidoking, making it slightly more useful throughout the game.

Nidoqueen's base evolution is Nidoran (F), which evolves into Nidorina. Both of these Pokemon can be caught in the Grand Underground once players have obtained the National Dex. Nidoran (F) and Nidorina can also both be found using the Poke Radar at Valor Lakefront, Route 221, and Route 201. Nidoran (F) will evolve into Nidorina at level 16, and then Nidoqueen using a Moon Stone. It is important to note that players will need a female Nidoran to obtain Nidoqueen.

Nidoqueen's Stats:

HP: 90
Attack: 92
Special Attack: 75
Defense: 87
Special Defense: 85
Speed: 76
Total: 505

10 Steelix

Steelix is a strange Pokemon. Its stat makeup is both an advantage and disadvantage to the Pokemon in battle. While it has a ridiculously high Defense stat, its other stats suffer as a result. In particular, its low Special Defense and Speed stats can be a hindrance. However, Steelix's typing makes it quite resistant, giving it immunity not only to Electric but to Poison-type damage as well.

Steelix evolves from Onix. Onix can be found very early in the game, in the Oreburgh Mine, Stark Mountain, Snowpoint Temple, Iron Island, and Victory Road. Onix is also common in the Grand Underground. Onix will evolve into Steelix when traded holding a Metal Coat.

Steelix's Stats:

HP: 75
Attack: 85
Special Attack: 55
Defense: 200
Special Defense: 65
Speed: 30
Total: 510

9 Gliscor (Brilliant Diamond Exclusive)

Gliscor is a solid Pokemon, with above-average Defense and Attack stats. Gliscor does have an immunity to Ground-type moves in addition to Electric, but that may be overshadowed by its 4x weakness to Ice-type damage. This can get Gliscor into trouble later in the game, especially during the gym battle against Candice.

Gliscor and its predecessor Gligar, are exclusive to Brilliant Diamond. Gligar can be found early in adventures through the Grand Underground, and will evolve into Gliscor when leveled up while holding a Razor Fang at night.

Gliscor's Stats:

HP: 75
Attack: 95
Special Attack: 45
Defense: 125
Special Defense: 75
Speed: 95
Total: 510

8 Flygon

Flygon is a Ground/Dragon-type Pokemon, and with great stats, it is a useful Pokemon to pick up. Flygon is also plagued by the 4x weakness to Ice-type damage; however, it has a great move pool, filled with strong Dragon, Ground, and even Fighting-type moves.

Flygon evolves from Vibrava, which evolves from Trapinch. Both Pokemon can be found in the Grand Underground once players have obtained the National Dex, or on Route 228 once players have the ability to use the Poke Radar. Trapinch will evolve into Vibrava at level 35 and Flygon at level 45. These are high-level evolutions, but players can take advantage of Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl's Exp. Share to level up their Pokemon quickly.

Flygon's Stats:

HP: 80
Attack: 100
Special Attack: 80
Defense: 80
Special Defense: 80
Speed: 100
Total: 520

7 Hippowdon

Hippowdon is the pure Ground-type "Heavyweight Pokemon." Hippowdon has no 4x weaknesses, which greatly aids it in combat. With great Attack, Defense, and HP stats, Hippowdon is a safe choice for players looking for a Ground-type Pokemon.

Hippowdon evolves from Hippopotas. Hippopotas can be found in Maniac Tunnel, or in the Grand Underground once players have the Defog ability. Hippowdon can also be found in the wild on Route 228. Hippopotas will evolve into Hippowdon at level 34.

Hippowdon's Stats:

HP: 108
Attack: 112
Special Attack: 68
Defense: 118
Special Defense: 72
Speed: 47
Total: 525

6 Rhyperior

If used strategically, Rhyperior can be an amazing Pokemon. With an Attack stat that can rival even legendary Pokemon in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and a Defense stat that can help it tank massive damage, Rhyperior is a beast in combat. Unfortunately, Rhyperior's Rock/Ground typing gives it two 4x weaknesses, so watch out for the extremely common Water and Grass-types.

Rhyperior evolves from Rhydon, which evolves from Rhyhorn. Rhyhorn can be found on Route 227 and Stark Mountain, as well as the Grand Underground. An evolved Rhydon can be caught on Route 228, Route 227, Stark Mountain, or in the Grand Underground once players have obtained the National Dex. Rhyhorn will evolve into Rhydon at level 42, and will need to be traded while holding a Protector to evolve into Rhyperior.

Rhyperior's Stats:

HP: 115
Attack: 140
Special Attack: 55
Defense: 130
Special Defense: 55
Speed: 40
Total: 535

5 Torterra

Torterra is the Sinnoh region's iconic Grass-type starter. Torterra's Grass/Ground-typing gives it a 4x weakness to Ice-type moves; however, Torterra has decent stats, with its high Attack and Defense coming in especially handy.

For players who did not choose Turtwig as their starter Pokemon, it can be found later in the game in the Grand Underground once players have obtained the National Dex. Turtwig will evolve into Grotle at level 18 and Torterra at level 32.

Torterra's Stats:

HP: 95
Attack: 109
Special Attack: 75
Defense: 105
Special Defense: 85
Speed: 56
Total: 525

4 Mamoswine

Mamoswine is an Ice/Ground-type Pokemon. With a massive Attack stat and powerful Ice-type moves at its disposal, Mamoswine is a real threat to opponents in combat and can take out many foes in just a few hits.

Mamoswine's base form is Swinub, which can be found in the Grand Underground early in the game or in tall grass on Route 217. Swinub will evolve into Piloswine at level 33, and into Mamoswine once it has learned the move Ancient Power.

Mamoswine's Stats:

HP: 110
Attack: 130
Special Attack: 70
Defense: 80
Special Defense: 60
Speed: 80
Total: 530

3 Swampert

Swampert is a dual-type Water/Ground Pokemon. This typing unfortunately gives it a 4x damage weakness to Grass-type moves — however, this is the only weakness it has. Swampert has a great move pool and a nice Attack stat to back it up.

Swampert evolves from the Generation 3 Water-type starter Mudkip. Mudkip can be found in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl's Grand Underground once players have obtained the National Dex. Mudkip will evolve into Marshtomp at level 16 and Swampert at level 36.

Swampert's Stats:

HP: 100
Attack: 110
Special Attack: 85
Defense: 90
Special Defense: 90
Speed: 60
Total: 535

2 Garchomp

Garchomp's stats make is a powerhouse of a Pokemon. With its Dragon/Ground-typing, it has a dreaded 4x weakness to Ice-type moves, but Garchomp's stats set it apart from other Ground-type options. With massive Attack and a high Speed stat to back it up, Garchomp is a menace to take on in battle.

Garchomp evolves from Gible, which can be found in Wayward Cave and in the Grand Underground once players have obtained their 7th gym badge. Gabite can be caught in the Grand Underground as well, once players have the Waterfall ability. Gible will evolve into Gabite at level 24, and Garchomp at level 48.

Garchomp's Stats:

HP: 108
Attack: 130
Special Attack: 80
Defense: 95
Special Defense: 85
Speed: 102
Total: 600

1 Groudon

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Those looking for a Ground-type with Legendary status will want to shift their attention to Groudon. The pure Ground-type boasts an impressive 670 total stats and comes with the Drought ability, which will destroy weather effects and cause the battleground to emit a harsh sunlight. It's capable of learning a wide array of punishing Ground-type moves. It does have a 2x weakness to three types (Water, Grass, and Ice), but players can plan according to sure up its defenses.

Groudon is found in Ramanas Park within the Tectonic Room. Players will need to use the Tectonic Slate to initiate battle with Groudon, which they can snag by trading Mysterious Shards to the vendor in Ramanas Park.