Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl return players to Generation 4's Sinnoh region. With many iconic and Pokemon introduced in the original Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, players have some tough choices to make when it comes to which Pokemon to catch and take with them on their journey.
Whether players are exploring the Sinnoh region for the first time or returning after many years away, the choice of Pokemon can be overwhelming. Rock-type Pokemon are a safe bet for players looking for strong Pokemon in Sinnoh, and with Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl's inclusion of the Grand Underground players have even more chances to catch these Pokemon.
10 Golem
Golem is a Rock and Ground dual-type Pokemon which means it has a 4X weakness to damage from both Grass and Water-type moves. This can put Golem in some real trouble throughout the game. Golem also comes with immunity to Electric-type damage however and has a great 120 Attack and 130 Defense stat to cover its major Grass and Water weaknesses.
Golem evolves from Geodude and Graveler. Geodude can be found throughout the Grand Underground and will most likely be encountered first by players on Route 206, Route 207, or in the Oreburgh Mine but can be found in many other places throughout the game. An evolved Graveler can be found in the Grand Underground once players have the Defog ability and in the wild on Route 211, Route 216, and in Mt. Coronet and other places around Sinnoh. Geodude will evolve into Graveler at level 25 and Golem once traded with another trainer.
Golem's Stats:
HP: 80
Attack: 120
Special Attack: 55
Defense: 130
Special Defense: 65
Speed: 45
Total: 495
9 Cradily
Cradily is a Grass and Rock-type Pokemon. Its dual-typing gives it few weaknesses and only two resistances (Normal and Electric-type). Cradily has decent stats across the board, with a 97 Defense, 107 Special Defense, and 81 Attack and Special Attack.
Cradily evolves from Lileep. Lileep can be obtained once players find its fossil in the Grand Underground. Players will have to find the Root Fossil after they have obtained the National Dex and then take it to the Mining Museum to obtain Lileep. Lileep evolves into Cradily at level 40.
Cradily's Stats:
HP: 86
Attack: 81
Special Attack: 81
Defense: 97
Special Defense: 107
Speed: 43
Total: 495
8 Kabutops
Kabutops is a Water and Rock Pokemon, resulting in a 4X damage weakness to Grass-type moves. Kabutops covers for its major weakness by having a great Attack stat, coming in at 115. Kabutops can do some real damage in the right circumstances.
Kabutops evolves from Kabuto. Kabuto can be obtained once players find the Dome Fossil in the Grand Underground. Players will need to have the National Dex in order to find the Dome Fossil and then take it to the Mining Museum to obtain Kabuto. Kabuto will evolve into Kabutops at level 40.
Kabutops' Stats:
HP: 60
Attack: 115
Special Attack: 65
Defense: 105
Special Defense: 70
Speed: 80
Total: 495
7 Omastar
Omastar is a Water and Rock dual-type Pokemon. This typing combination results in 4X weakness to damage received from Grass-type moves. Omastar has a great move pool of powerful Water-type moves and a 115 Special Attack to back it up.
Omastar comes from Omanyte, which can be obtained by finding the Helix Fossil in the Grand Underground. Players will need to obtain the National Dex in order to find the Helix Fossil, and then take it to the Mining Museum to obtain Omanyte. Omanyte will evolve into Omastar at level 40.
Omastar's Stats:
HP: 70
Attack: 60
Special Attack: 115
Defense: 125
Special Defense: 70
Speed: 55
Total: 495
6 Shuckle
Shuckle is a novelty Pokemon for players to catch. It has an astounding 230 Defense and Special Defense, which is among the highest in the game, even rivaling the defense of many of the legendary Pokemon available in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. It has atrocious stats to follow this up, with 20 HP, 10 Attack, and 10 Special Attack. Shuckle's appeal is mostly in its ability to soak up most hits thrown its way. With Bug and Rock dual-typing, it also avoids any major weaknesses.
Shuckle can be found in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl's Grand Underground, but only when players have obtained the National Dex. Shuckle has no pre-evolutions and doesn't evolve itself, so once it has been caught by players, that's it.
Shuckle's Stats:
HP: 20
Attack: 10
Special Attack: 10
Defense: 230
Special Defense: 230
Speed: 5
Total: 505
5 Aerodactyl
Aerodactyl has decent stats overall, with its 105 Attack and 130 Speed coming in handy during battle. Aerodactyl is a Flying and Rock-type Pokemon, which means it has no major 4X weaknesses and also an immunity to Ground-type damage. Aerodactyl has a decent move pool, but Normal-type moves are among its strongest which can be a setback at times due to Normal-type's moderate effectiveness against most Pokemon.
Players will need to find Old Amber fossil in the Grand Underground and then take it to the Mining Museum to obtain Aerodactyl. Old Amber can be found once players have obtained the National Dex. Aerodactyl does not evolve or have any prior evolutions.
Aerodactyl's Stats:
HP: 80
Attack: 105
Special Attack: 60
Defense: 65
Special Defense: 75
Speed: 130
Total: 515
4 Rhyperior
Rhyperior is a Rock and Ground-type Pokemon, which gives it a crippling 4X weakness to damage received from both Water and Grass-type moves. With Water and Grass being common typings in the Sinnoh region, Rhyperior can have many struggles. It does have an immunity to Electric-type damage and great stats to go along with it. 140 Attack and 130 Defense give it the ability to take out most opponents in only a few turns as well as tank any major damage it should take while in battle.
Rhyperior evolves from Rhyhorn and Rhydon. Rhyhorn can be found in the Grand Underground and on Route 227, Stark Mountain, and Route 228. An already evolved Rhydon can be found in the Grand Underground once players have obtained the National Dex. Rhyhorn will evolve into Rhydon at level 42 and into Rhyperior once traded while holding Protector.
Rhyperior's Stats:
HP: 115
Attack: 140
Special Attack: 55
Defense: 130
Special Defense: 55
Speed: 40
Total: 535
3 Probopass
Probopass is a defense-heavy Pokemon, and with a massive 150 Special Defense and 145 Defense stat it can take most hits thrown its way. Probopass' major downside is its 4X damage weakness to Fighting and Ground-type moves which are a consistent threat throughout the game. Probopass has a great move pool with strong Electric, Rock, Ground, and Fighting-type moves represented.
Probopass evolves from Nosepass. Nosepass can be found rarely on Route 206 and will evolve into Probopass once it has been leveled up in a Magnetic Field area.
Probopass' Stats:
HP: 60
Attack: 55
Special Attack: 75
Defense: 145
Special Defense: 150
Speed: 40
Total: 525
2 Aggron
Aggron is a Steel and Rock-type Pokemon, meaning it is hindered by a 4X weakness to damage taken from Fighting or Ground-type moves. The effects of its weaknesses are somewhat lessened by Aggron's massive 180 Defense stat, and with a 110 Attack stat, it can hold its own in combat, even against strong opponents. Aggron's dual-typing also gives it an immunity to Poison-type damage, which comes in handy.
Aggron evolves from Aron and Lairon. Both Pokemon can be found in the Grand Underground once players have obtained the National Dex, and also at Fuego Ironworks once players have the ability to use the Poke Radar. Aron will evolve into Lairon at level 32 and Aggron at level 42. This is a high-level evolution, but players can take advantage of Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl's Exp. Share mechanic being constantly turned on to level up their Pokemon quickly.
Aggron's Stats:
HP: 70
Attack: 110
Special Attack: 60
Defense: 180
Special Defense: 60
Speed: 50
Total: 530
1 Tyranitar (Pokemon Brilliant Diamond Exclusive)
Tyranitar is a Rock and Dark dual-type Pokemon. Tyranitar has great stats, with 100 Special Defense, 110 Defense, and a massive 134 Attack stat. Tyranitar's typing gives it a 4X damage weakness to Fighting-type moves but also a complete immunity to Psychic-type damage. Tyranitar is a fantastic Pokemon, though it is exclusive to Pokemon Brilliant Diamond.
Tyranitar evolves from Larvitar and Pupitar. Both Pokemon can be found in the Grand Underground once players have obtained the National Dex, and Larvitar can be found on Route 207 once players have the ability to use the Poke Radar. Larvitar and Pupitar can only be caught in the wild in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond. Larvitar evolves into Pupitar at level 30 and into Tyranitar at level 55.
Tyranitar's Stats:
HP: 100
Attack: 134
Special Attack: 95
Defense: 110
Special Defense: 100
Speed: 61
Total: 600
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are available for the Nintendo Switch.