Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl have finally been released worldwide. These games are taking Trainers back to the mystical region of Sinnoh, albeit in a slightly more ‘chibi’ style than many were expecting. But just as in the original versions (and all other Pokemon games), building a team is the central focus, and just as fun as ever.
Pokemon with a high base Speed stat are an essential part of any competitive Pokemon line-up. These Pokemon can turn the tides of battle by taking out their opponents before they can land a blow. If players want to add a speedster to their team in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, these Pokemon are top picks. This list will not include Legendary Pokemon that require a mystery event, such as Darkrai, Cresselia, and Shaymin, as these cannot yet be obtained within the game. All those below, on the other hand, are easy to find and would be an asset to any team.
5 Ninjask
Ninjask is the fastest non-Legendary Pokemon in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. With an extraordinary base Speed stat of 160, this dual Bug/Flying-type Pokemon is perfect for anyone looking for a speedster to join their team. In addition to this massive base stat, its Speed Boost ability causes its Speed stat to increase by one stage every turn. It is only outsped by Speed Forme Deoxys, which cannot be accessed through official means at time of writing. Granted, it is a bit fragile — this Pokemon's x4 Rock-type weakness makes some trainers wary, but as this type is not too common, it's not usually that big of a problem.
Ninjask's pre-evolution, Nincada, can be found in Sunlit Cavern, Still-Water Cavern, Grass Water Cave, and Grass Cave. It can also be found in Eterna Forest using the PokeRadar method after unlocking the National Dex. Players can evolve Nincada into Ninjask at Level 20 to get this speedy bug.
4 Electrode
This Generation 1 Pokemon cannot be found in the wild in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Instead, players must first catch a Voltorb, and level it up to 30 to evolve it into Electrode.
Players can find a Voltorb in the Grand Underground, although it cannot be registered in the Pokedex until the National Dex is unlocked upon completing the main game. If Trainers want to add this Electric-type Pokemon with a base speed stat of 140 to their team, they must head over to either Stargleam Cavern or Dazzling Cave to catch the pre-evolution.
3 Jolteon
Known as the "evolution Pokemon", Eevee has garnered a huge fan base over the years due to its adorable design and amazing potential. Jolteon is its Electric-type evolution and it is as zippy as it is zappy.
There are two options for Trainers looking to add this Pokemon to their team. The first option is to head over to Hearthome City and check out the house next door to the Pokemon Center. Bebe, the developer of the local Pokemon Storage System, will give players an Eevee after they have obtained the National Dex. The second option is to head over to the Trophy Garden just behind the Pokemon Mansion on Route 212. A level 16 Eevee has a 20% chance of appearing here.
After, the player will need a Thunderstone to evolve their Eevee. All Evolution stones have a chance of spawning in the mining minigame in the Grand Underground. There are also two separate Thunder Stones in the Sinnoh overworld. One can be found on Route 229, and another is in Sunyshore City.
2 Aerodactyl
Aerodactyl is a Generation 1 Rock/Flying Fossil Pokemon that has been praised since the release of Pokemon Red/Blue for its base 130 Speed stat. In Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, players must dig up an Old Amber in the Grand Underground. This fossil will only become available once the National Dex has been unlocked.
Where gold sparkles appear on the walls in the Grand Underground, players will be able to mine for fossils. Once the minigame is complete and the correct fossil has been found, head to Oreburgh and enter the Mining Museum. By speaking to the man at the counter, Trainers will be able to revive Aerodactyl and add it to their party once leaving and re-entering the building.
1 Crobat
The friendship mechanic has been a key aspect of Pokemon since the early days of Pokemon Yellow.
Crobat has a base Speed stat of 130, making it one of the fastest Pokemon in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. If players want to add this Pokemon to their team, they must first catch Zubat. This is a fairly common Generation 1 Pokemon that can be found as early as the Oreburgh Gate and Mine, which players can enter without beating the first gym. Zubat can also be found in the following locations:
- Wayward Cave
- Acuity Lakefront
- Route 211
- Route 216-217
- Ravaged Path
- Mt Coronet
- Lost Tower,
- Iron Island
- Turnback Cave
- Victory Road
It can also be found in the Grand Underground locations as follows:
- Sunlit Cavern
- Bogsunk Cavern
- Sand Cave
- Marsh Cave
- Grass Cave
Zubat will evolve into Golbat at level 22, who will evolve into Crobat once friendship is high enough. Players can increase their Pokemon's friendship by feeding it rare candies, walking with it, feeding it vitamins and giving it a Soothe Bell. Feeding a Pokemon herbs or letting it faint in battle will have a negative impact on its friendship level.
If players would prefer to catch Golbat, it can be found on:
- Route 227
- Stark Mountain
- Mt. Coronet
- Snowpoint Temple
- Snowpoint Temple
- Oreburgh Gate/Mine
- Ravaged Path
- Lost Tower
- Iron Island
It can also be found in the Grand Underground in:
- Marsh Cave
- Grass Cave
- Sand Cave
- Bogsunk Cavern
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are currently available to play on the Nintendo Switch.