Since Pokemon X/Y, the Fairy-type has proven to be very useful against the mighty Dragon-type. Some Pokemon that existed prior to Generation 6 have been given dual-typing or had their mono-typing changed entirely. Although Fairy-type Pokemon that first appeared in Generation 6-8 don't appear in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, previous existing Pokemon such as Ralts do.

In the original Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, players had to combat Dragon-types such as Garchomp with Ice-types or Dragon-types. Thanks to Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl keeping the Fairy-typing, trainers now have an extra trump card. This means catching the Psychic/Fairy-type Ralts and evolving it can prove beneficial in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl's main story.

Updated on February 14, 2022 by Renri Seong: Ralts has been a popular Pokemon to add to the team since its debut in Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire. By Pokemon Diamond/Pearl, the Pokemon world expanded on the Ralts-line by giving it a branching evolution between Gardevoir and Gallade. To make Gardevoir even more powerful, the sixth generation of Pokemon changed its singular Psychic-typing to Psychic/Fairy-type, making it capable of taking on Dragon-type Pokemon and dealing super-effective damage. Luckily, players can catch Ralts in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl before the postgame and evolve it into Gardevoir and Gallade. However, some trainers may have a hard time deciding between these two Pokemon. This guide has been updated to include more information to compare and contrast Ralts' final evolutions.

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Catching Ralts

Players weren't able to catch Ralts in the original Diamond/Pearl until after receiving the National Dex from Professor Rowan. This was changed in Pokemon Platinum, where Ralts and Kirlia (its second-evolved form) could be caught in the wild. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are heavily based on the original Diamond/Pearl, meaning Ralts can't be found in the wild.

However, with the new Grand Underground feature, players can catch more Pokemon pre-National Dex than they could in Diamond/Pearl. Until trainers receive the PokeRadar, hunting for Ralts in the Grand Underground is the only way to catch it. Once players have the PokeRadar, Ralts can be found on Route 203 and (south) Route 204.

Ralts can be found in the following hideaways as a rare encounter:

• Fountainspring Cave
• Dazzling Cave
• Stargleam Cavern

Kirlia can also be found at Dazzling Cavern, but not until the player has the National Dex. Thankfully, Ralts is available in these hideaways at the start.

The earliest level Ralts can be found at is around level 16. As a Psychic/Fairy-type, Ralts is weak to Poison, Steel, and Dark-types. Wittle down its health with Pokemon that won't target its weakness. Paralyze or put it to Sleep, but be warned that a Ralts with Synchronize will pass on the Paralysis-ailment to the player's Pokemon.

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Evolving Ralts

Ralts will evolve into Kirlia at level 20. With the permanent EXP Share, it shouldn't be too hard for trainers to level it up. However, depending on Kirlia's gender, it can either evolve into Gallade or Gardevoir. Both evolutions have a base stat total of 518, but Gallade has high Attack while Gardevoir has high Special Attack.

A Kirlia that reaches level 30 will evolve into Gardevoir, a Psychic/Fairy-type. However, if a male Kirlia is given a Dawn Stone, it will instead evolve into the Psychic/Fighting-type Gallade. There is a Dawn Stone on Route 225 and another in Mt. Coronet, but they can also be found in the Grand Underground.

More Information About Gardevoir & Gallade

Gardevoir and Gallade are powerful Pokemon, but their different Typings are something players should keep in mind before evolving their Kirlia. Players who want a Special Attacker should choose Gardevoir, while players who need a Physical Attacker should go with Gallade. Thanks to their Psychic-typing, both Pokemon have moves that are super effective against Poison and Fighting-type Pokemon.

Gardevoir and Gallade have the following Type-effectiveness:

Those that are worried about Cynthia and her Garchomp in the Elite Four may want to go with Gardevoir. Its Fairy-type moves will be enough to dish out super effective damage on Garchomp. However, players should be wary of Garchomp's Poison Jab move. Coupled with Garchomp's high Speed and Attack, Gardevoir can very easily be taken out in one hit. Give Gardevoir a Quick Claw or hope that the Friendship perks kick in so that it doesn't struggle too much against Garchomp.

Gallade is a good Pokemon to have if players need a Psychic or a Fighting-type to their team. Unlike Gardevoir, it isn't weak to Poison Jab, but it can be defeated by Pokemon like Togekiss (Fairy/Flying-type). To make matter worse, neither Gardevoir nor Gallade have impressive Speed stats.

While they should be able to move before most Pokemon, they're not too difficult to outspeed either. Regardless, setting up Gallade and Gardevoir with the right Moveset that gives them coverage and STAB will make them a powerful addition to the team.

Lastly, players should consider the Natures of their Gardevoir and/or Gallade. A perfect Nature for Gardevoir is Modest (+Sp. Attk, -Attk) while Gallade fairs better with a Nature like Adamant (+Attk, -Sp.Attk).

Trainers will want to avoid Natures that slow their Speed growth since their base Speed stat is 80. While their Defense isn't too impressive either, having a Nature that decreases any of their Defense/Special Defense growth makes them unable to withstand super-effective moves from their opponents.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Pokemon Shining Pearl are available now on Nintendo Switch.

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