One of the main challenges of the Pokemon franchise is catching every single pocket monster in the series, especially since each game has its own selection of new and old creatures. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are no exception to this rule, and to make things even more complicated, these titles also have Mythical Pokemon to deal with. Today is the last day for Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl players to get Shaymin as part of a real-life event period.

Legendary and Mythical Pokemon are both well known for being incredibly powerful and incredibly rare, but Mythical Pokemon are a step above. Gamers can catch Legendary Pokemon at certain in-game events and story-critical moments, but Mythical Pokemon can only be encountered and captured during real-life events. In other words, there's an entirely different set of stakes around catching a Mythical Pokemon.

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It's the last day for Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl players to take advantage of the Pokemon Day February 27, 2022 to March 26, 2022 distribution period for the Mythical Pokemon Shaymin. Like many other Mythical Pokemon such as Mew and Manaphy, Shaymin appears to have been designed as a cute Pokemon rather than an intimidating one like most Legendaries. However, Shaymin possesses the ability to change its form, turning it from a Grass-type Pokemon to a Grass/Flying-type Pokemon. This form change comes with an entirely new design that--while still cute--gives Shaymin slightly more of a feral edge.

shaymin surprise

To catch Shaymin, players must unlock and use the Mystery Gift function in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. It can be unlocked after gamers beat Gym Leader Roark, complete a story-related double battle on Route 204, and then go to the third floor of the TV Station tower in Jubilife City. Once Mystery Gift is unlocked, players can use it to access the Oak's Letter Gift, which will allow them to encounter Shaymin.

Once the Oak's Letter Gift has been claimed, players can keep it in their inventory as a key item indefinitely. When they are ready to capture Shaymin, they should meet Professor Oak on Route 224 and prepare to encounter Shaymin along Seabreak Path at the Flower Paradise. However, interested gamers must have unlocked the National Pokedex and possess the HM Strength. The hidden path requires gamers to use the back entrance of Victory Road and face down a secret path full of double battles. Shaymin will be encountered in its Grass-type Land Forme. Speaking to the blonde woman in purple above the Pokemon Center in Floaroma Town with Shaymin in one's party will get players the Gracidea item needed to transform Shaymin into Sky Forme.

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

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Source: IGN