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Over the years, Pokemon has made it easier for players to level up their team. With the permanent Exp. Share introduced in generation 6, Pokemon will gain full Experience even if they're not in battle. Since Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Pokemon Shining Pearl are remakes that retain elements from generation 8, Pokemon level up quicker than they would in Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum.
Despite this, the original methods of leveling up faster in Diamond/Pearl have stayed the same for Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Since Sinnoh is home to a difficult Elite Four and Champion, it's best for trainers to level up fast and have a solid team before they hit Victory Road.
Raise Friendship
The bond between trainers and Pokemon will grow stronger so long as they are in the party and don't faint in battle. Pokemon that have their friendship raised to 230+ will gain an extra 20% Experience in battle. To check a Pokemon's friendship level, players can use the Poketch Friendship Checker, or they can speak to the Happiness Checker in Hearthome Center.
If the Happiness Check says the following statements about the player's Pokemon, then their Pokemon should gain extra Experience:
- It's very friendly toward you. I can tell you treat it kindly. (230-254)
- It simply adores you! Why, I feel like I'm intruding! (255)
For reference, the max friendship level of any Pokemon is 255.
Find the Lucky Egg
Equipping a Pokemon with the Lucky Egg will give it 1.5x more experience in battle. Furthermore, a Pokemon equipped with the Lucky Egg will also stack Experience from the Exp Share.
There are two ways to get Lucky Eggs in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl:
- A Lucky Egg can be found in the Grand Underground's Icy Cave room, which is accessed through Acuity Lakefront. It is the top leftmost room on the map.
- For players who've defeated the Elite Four and have visited the Battle Tower, Lucky Eggs can be purchased for 77 BP (Battle Points).
Defeat Hideaway Pokemon
Fully evolved Pokemon or Pokemon in their second evolution stage will give more Experience when defeated. Each species of Pokemon has a different amount of Experience Yield with the evolved Pokemon having more Experience to give than its pre-evolved form. However, there are a few exceptions. One example is Chansey, which has a base experience yield of 395.
Pokemon in Hideaways are generally stronger than Pokemon that can be found in the wild. Some Hideaways worth checking out are:
- Glacial Cavern
- Bigbluff Cavern
- Fountainspring Cave
Challenge Trainers to a Rematch
Once players obtain the Vs. Seeker, they will be able to challenge trainers to a rematch. Certain trainers are worth battling over others, such as Ace Trainers or Veterans. These NPCs will have higher-leveled Pokemon and more money to hand out upon being defeated.
For those in the postgame, Gym Leaders and the Elite Four can be challenged for a rematch. Be warned that they will be at a much higher level than their initial battle. However, the struggle will be worth it.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Pokemon Shining Pearl are available now on Nintendo Switch.