The original Pokemon Diamond & Pokemon Pearl gave the Pokemon Roselia a pre-evolution and an evolved form. Therefore, it's only natural for the Roselia-line to make a reappearance in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Pokemon Shining Pearl.
Players who chose Turtwig as their Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl starter may not have a need for the Grass/Poison-type Roselia. Unlike Turtwig and its evolutions, Roselia's line excels in Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. However, getting Budew or Roselia and then evolving it to Roserade can be quite a process. Of course, it's worth it in the end.
Updated March 13, 2022, by Kirkland Fortner: It's no secret that Pokemon fans love Roselia and Roserade! In a short period of time, these flowery creatures have become fan favorites. But the question is, "Why?" The fact is that with their secondary Poison typing, they have some significant advantages over most Grass-types that players love, and those wonderful designs certainly don't hurt. With that in mind, this guide has been updated to add a section on exactly what makes Roserade so great, and why players might want them on their team.
Why Roserade?
Stats
Roserade is noteworthy for its great stat distribution. It isn't just a one-stat Pokemon, like some are. Roserade has high Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. Looking at that, it is easy to see how Roserade leans more into being a fast offensive Pokemon. This is an interesting role for a Grass-type to have, as the type generally is slow and supportive. So, Roserade really stands out, and serves as a great offensive choice for types like Water and Ground.
Typing
Roserade is also a part Poison-type. Poison is far from the best type in the game, but this addition to the Grass Typing gives Roserade an unusual advantage. Poison is one of only two types that can deal super-effective damage to Fairy, and Fairy is a tough type to go up against in battle.
Abilities and Moves
Roserade's Abilities, Natural Cure and Poison Point, also have their uses. A Roserade with Natural Cure will have its status conditions healed whenever that Pokemon is switched out. Alternatively, a Roserade with Poison Point has a 30% chance to Poison an attacker if it uses a move that makes contact.
Lastly, Roserade has a good movepool. It can learn great attacking moves such as Energy Ball, Shadow Ball, Dazzling Gleam, and Sludge Bomb. These moves cover a wide range of types, giving Roserade great offensive coverage.
Getting Roselia
Trainers have two ways of getting a Roselia in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl:
- Find it in the wild
- Catch and evolve Budew
Roselia can be found in the Trophy Garden, Route 212, Route 221, Route 224-225, and Route 229. On Routes 224, 225, and 229, its level will be much higher, thus it won't be available until near or after the Elite Four. Those looking to catch Roselia early should search the Trophy Garden and Route 212. Roselia found in these areas will be around level 17.
If players feel confident in their ability to build up their Pokemon's friendship, they can catch Budew as early as Route 204. Those that missed Budew can get it in Eterna Forest or, like Roselia, on Route 212. Budew will evolve into Roselia during the day when its friendship is high enough. Raise Friendship by feeding Budew Poffins, walking together, or participating in contests.
In addition, both Budew and Roselia can be found in the Grand Underground. They are one of the many Pokemon available before trainers get the National Dex.
Evolving Roselia
To evolve Roselia into its final evolution, Roserade, players need a Shiny Stone. There are various places to get this item, but they won't come until much later in the game. Players can find a Shiny Stone at the following locations:
- Iron Island
- Route 228
- Grand Underground
Iron Island will not be available until players have reached Canalace City. Speak to a sailor to set out for Iron Island (and don't miss out on the chance to get a Riolu Egg). The Shiny Stone is in a Poke Ball Item to the right near the exit.
For the Shiny Stone on Route 228, take the bike and go north, up the second cliff, and across the wooden bridge. Keep in mind that Route 228 won't be available until after the Elite Four.
Finally, players can try their luck in the Grand Underground for a Shiny Stone. Like other Evolution Stones, it has a low chance of appearing, but it's the final option if the player has already snagged the ones on Route 228 and Iron Island — or if they want to try and get the Shiny Stone before reaching Canalave City.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are available now on Nintendo Switch.