What is a good in-game team for Diamond and Pearl?

Question

Share your best in-game teams for Pokemon Diamond and Pearl on this thread! Teams should be aimed toward making casual runs of the game efficient, enjoyable and hassle-free.

Please follow these guidelines regarding detail in your post:

1. For every Pokemon on the team, give recommended moves for use throughout the playthrough. Ideally, comment on more than just the four moves you'll finish with post-game.
2. You can include items, abilities, etc. but they are not necessary.
3. Provide explanation and detail. Justify your Pokemon and moveset choices; possible discussion points include ease-of-use, team synergy, and coverage for key battles.

Please also follow these guidelines regarding the contents of your team:

1. If you recommend a Pokemon that is restricted by version exclusivity, trade evolution or events, please mention alternatives for people who cannot get the Pokemon. Do the same if you recommend moves, etc. that are only available by breeding or grinding.
2. There are some unspoken rules of in-game teams, such as to keep the starter on the team and avoid legendaries. It's kind to give other options if you break these rules.
3. Do not recommend Pokemon, moves, etc. that are only available through glitches and cheats. Please also avoid Pokemon etc. that are only available through trade or transfer.
4. Original content only. You may use ideas you found elsewhere, but do not steal written content.

Submit your team as an answer, not a comment. To keep things tidy, we will remove any teams posted as comments in this thread. If you want to update your post, use the 'edit' button.

Please be sparing with images and formatting.

Please use the Platinum thread to share teams for Platinum. Please use the BD/SP thread to share teams for BD/SP.

Answer 1

With Turtwig as the starter: Torterra, Staraptor, Gengar, Rapidash, Floatzel, Lucario

Torterra
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Razor Leaf
- Rock Climb / Cut

Your starter. Earthquake is STAB and it is excellent at that. Rock Slide is coverage. Razor Leaf is Grass type STAB. Rock Climb is an HM attack, as is Cut. Rock Climb is the better attack but I think Cut is more useful ingame.

Staraptor
- Fly
- Return
- Close Combat
- Aerial Ace

Your Flying type. Needs to have Fly, which is one of the most useful utilities in-game. Aerial Ace provides more reliable STAB though. So does Return, although Return doesn't have SE coverage. Close Combat does though. Having high attack, high Speed, and the excellent Intimidate makes this thing more usable than past Flying types. This thing is BL, which is pretty much OU.

Haunter / Gengar
- Shadow Ball
- Thunderbolt
- Energy Ball
- Sludge Bomb

Shadow Ball and Sludge Bomb are STAB while Thunderbolt and Energy Ball are coverage. Haunter and Gengar are great because that they have excellent typing (immunities are even more amazing in-game than in competitive, as many foes won't have coverage attacks) and excellent Special Attack and Speed.

Rapidash
- Flamethrower
- Strength
- Megahorn
- Iron Tail

Pretty much the only Fire type you can get in-game, at least before the E4. It has decent offenses, and nice Speed. An immunity with Flash Fire isn't the greatest in DP in-game, but it doesn't hurt. Flamethrower is STAB. Megahorn and Iron Tail are coverage, and Strength is a helpful HM.

Floatzel
- Surf
- Waterfall
- Crunch
- Rock Smash

Every in-game team needs a Water type, if only for the fact that Surf is the most important move in the game. Like everything else on the team, Floatzel has good offenses and good Speed. It can be obtained early, again like most everything on the team (the entire team can be obtained before the 7th Gym, and five can be obtained before the 3rd Gym). Floatzel is an HM slave, as it has Surf, Waterfall, and Rock Smash. Crunch is coverage.

Lucario
- Aura Sphere
- Flash Cannon
- Dark Pulse
- Dragon Pulse

Everybody wants a Lucario. An awesome Pokemon with the coveted Steel typing, plus the lovely Fighting type. Excellent offenses and solid Speed makes this Pokemon a keeper for in-game. Flash Cannon and Aura Sphere are STAB, while Dark Pulse and Dragon Pulse are coverage.

Comments

what move can u use instead of return for staraptor?? doesn’t seem to be in game anywhere that i can find??

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Hi disclosur, Return can be purchased in the Veilstone Game corner in Diamond and Pearl, and in Platinum, you receive Return soon after you receive your starter. Good substitutes for return are Double Edge(Pairs well with Reckless, however it is an egg move and it does recoil), Facade(For me, this is probably the best substitute if you don’t have Reckless. Facade is 70 base power, but that power doubles when burned, poisoned or paralyzed.) I personally wouldn’t recommend this move, but Frustration is obtained much earlier in Diamond and Pearl(I believe) and is essentially the opposite of Return. However, not only would it be hard to keep Staraptor at a low happiness, but would you really want to have a pokemon on your team that hates you?

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Egg moves are almost never worth your time when playing through the main campaign, Staraptor can't have reckless in this game, and facade is post-game. You can get a free TM27 return in the Lost Tower. Just use that

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yeah that’s what i thought i just can’t seem to find it, i’m playing brilliant diamond, is that making a difference?

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This is the team thread for BDSP: https://pokemondb.net/pokebase/399646/what-good-game-team-for-brilliant-diamond-and-shining-pearl
Return doesn't exist in that game, so Staraptor can't learn any good normal moves by level up or TM. I think the best alternatives are fly and roost.

Answer 2

Let me provide a team for each starter.

Infernape team: [Infernape, Floatzel, Staraptor, Luxray, Hippowdon / Garchomp, Roserade]
Empoleon team: [Empoleon, Staraptor, Rapidash, Raichu, Hippowdon / Garchomp, Weavile]
Torterra team: [Torterra, Floatzel, Staraptor, Rapidash, Raichu, Weavile]

[The options for ground types depending upon the availability of Earthquake TM, i.e. if you can gain momentum and jump off the particular ledge in Wayward Cave]

Fire types:

Infernape
Ability: Blaze
- Flare Blitz / Fire Blast / Flamethrower
- Close Combat / Focus Blast
- Grass Knot
- Shadow Claw

Infernape is a starter. Pick Chimchar from Rowan's suitcase if you want Infernape. It can learn Close Combat and Flare Blitz by Level up (41 and 57 Respectively). Fire Blast and Flamethrower are TMs which can be used until he learns Flare Blitz. Use focus Blast if you want a Special Alternative, but it has low accuracy. Grass knot and Shadow Claw are coverages and are TMs.

Rapidash
Ability: Run Away / Flash Fire
- Flare Blitz / Fire Blast / Flamethrower
- Bounce
- Sunny Day
- Solar Beam

I wouldn't recommend you to use this 'mon. Since there are only two Fire types in DP, you might need him. Flare Blitz and Bounce are learnt by level up (level 58 and 49 respectively). Fire Blast and Flamethrower are TMs which can be used until he learns Flare Blitz. Sunny Day is just a filler and Solar Beam is for coverages (and are TMs).

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Water types:

Empoleon
Ability: Torrent
- Surf
- Waterfall
- Drill Peck
- Flash Cannon

Surf and Waterfall are useful HMs. Drill Peck for Coverage and is learnt at level 52. Flash Cannon is TM.

Floatzel
Ability: Swift Swim
- Surf
- Waterfall
- Ice Beam / Ice Punch
- Crunch

Surf and Waterfall are HMs. Ice Beam is TM and Ice Punch is from Move Tutor, choose whichever is easy to obtain, it is for coverage. Crunch is neutral Coverage and is learnt at level 26.

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Grass types:

Torterra
Ability: Overgrow
- Wood Hammer
- Earthquake
- Crunch
- Leech Seed

Wood Hammer is STAB and requires Heart Scale to obtain it. Crunch is neutral coverage and is learnt at level 45. Earthquake is Stab and is learnt at level 32 and Leech Seed for Bulky 'mons and is learnt at level 33.

Roserade
Ability: Nature Cure
- Petal Dance / Grass Knot
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Leech Seed / Giga Drain

Petal Dance, Sludge Bomb and grass knot are Stab. Petal Dance learnt at lvl 40 as Roselia. Shadow Ball is for Coverage. Leech Seed is for Bulky 'mons and Giga Drain heals you often.

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Flyer:

Staraptor @ Shell Bell
Ability: Intimidate
- Brave Bird
- Close Combat
- Roost / Defog
- Fly

Brave Bird and Close Combat are mandatory for this beast, learnt at level 49 and 34 respectively. Fly and Defog are HMs, and Roost is to heal you often. Shell Bell is located in Hearthome City.

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Electric types:

Luxray
Ability: Intimidate / Rivalry
- Charge
- Spark / Thunder Fang
- Crunch
- Thunderbolt / Scary Face

Charge is to raise SpD and double the damage of Electric moves, learnt at level 9. Crunch is neutral coverage, learnt at level 35. Spark and Thunder Fang are good physical electric moves, learnt at level 18 and 42 respectively. Thunderbolt if you want high power electric move and Scary Face to help its poor Speed.

Raichu
Ability: Static
- Thunderbolt
- Strength
- Grass Knot
- Whatever TM

Thunderbolt is Stab and learnt at level 26. Strength is a HM. Grass Knot is Ground coverage. The last slot is of your choice.

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Ground types:

Hippowdon
Ability: Sand Stream
- Crunch
- Earthquake
- Yawn
- Fire Fang / Rock Slide / Rock Tomb / Stone Edge

Crunch, again, is neutral coverage move. Earthquake is STAB and is learnt at level 40. Yawn puts the foe to sleep, learnt at level 13. Fire Fang requires Heart Scale, and the rest are TMs, which are coverage.

Garchomp
Ability: Sand Veil
- Crunch
- Earthquake
- Rock Climb
- Dragon Claw -> Dragon Rush

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Weavile

Ability: Pressure
- Ice Shard
- Night Slash / Thief
- Slash / X-Scissor
- Brick Break

Ice Shard is Priority (doesn't matter since he is already fast), and the only Ice stab, learnt at level 49 as Sneasel. Night Slash is Stab, learnt at level 35 as Weavile. Thief is 60 base power TM which you can use. Slash is high crit hit, is neutral coverage, learnt at level 35. X Scissor is just neutral coverage and is a TM. Brick Break is for coverage and is a TM.

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Roark (Rock): Handled by the starters.
Gardenia (Grass): Handled by Monferno and Staravia
Maylene (Fighting): Handled by Monferno and Staravia
Crasher Wake (Water): Handled by Luxray, Roselia and Raichu
Fantina (Ghost): Handled by Floatzel and Luxray
Byron (Steel): Handled by Infernape, Staraptor, Torterra, Gabite, Hippowdon and Rapidash
Candice (Ice): Handled by Infernape, Staraptor and Rapidash
Volkner (Electric): Handled by Torterra, Gabite and Hippowdon

Aaron (Bug): Handled by Staraptor, Infernape, Rapidash and Weavile
Bertha (Ground): Grass Knot Sweep
Flint (Fire): Handled by Hippowdon, Floatzel, Rapidash or Infernape and Empoleon, Garchomp
Lucian (Psychic): Handled by Infernape, Rapidash, Floatzel, Luxray, Torterra, Hippowdon, Garchomp and Weavile.

Cynthia:
Spiritomb: Staraptor
Gastrodon: Grass Knot
Roserade: Rapidash / Infernape / Staraptor / Weavile
Milotic: Grass Knot / Thunderbolt
Lucario: Infernape / Staraptor / Garchomp
Garchomp: Weavile / Floatzel

You see, how many times Infernape has repeated, clearly stating that it is a suitable starter.

The ground Types I have mentioned can learn Earthquake by level up, where it is difficult to obtain a TM.

These items make the sweeping gyms and E4 easy (Optional)

Dread Plate (Dark) - Fantina and Lucian
Location: Old Chateau

Earth Plate (Ground) - Byron, Volkner and Flint
Location: Oreburg Gate

Fist Plate (Fighting) - Byron and Candice
Location: Route 215

Icicle Plate (Ice) - Cynthia
Location: Route 217

Miracle Seed (Grass) - Crasher Wake, Bertha
Location: Floaroma Meadows

Mystic Water / Splash Plate (Water) - Flint
Location: Pastoria City / Route 219

TM Locations
Hope this helps :)

Comments

This is so good, I don't know why this team didn't get more upvotes

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Lol 2 is more i think lol, when compared to other answers.

Answer 3

Empoleon/Drifblim/Rapidash/Lucario/Raichu/Hippowdon

Empoleon
Ability: Torrent
- Surf
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Drill Peck

Surf is STAB and and an HM.
Waterfall is STAB, can flinch (but Empoleon has low speed), and is an HM.
Earthquake for covering its Electric weakness.
Drill Peck for covering its Fighting weakness.

Drifblim
Ability: Aftermath / Unburden
- Shadow Ball
- Fly
- Hidden Power [Fighting]
- Cut

Shadow Ball is STAB and can lower Special Defense.
Fly is STAB and an HM.
Hidden Power [Fighting] for covering Dark, Rock and Ice.
Cut is an HM.

Rapidash
Ability: Flash Fire
- Flare Blitz
- Flamethrower
- Solar Beam
- Sunny Day

Flare Blitz is STAB and will usually be the strongest move.
Flamethrower is STAB with a chance to burn.
Solar Beam is for Rapidash's weaknesses to Water, Ground, and Rock.
Sunny Day is for support: use Solar Beam in one turn, and power up Flamethrower and Flare Blitz.

Lucario
Ability: Steadfast / Inner Focus
- Aura Sphere
- Flash Cannon
- Water Pulse
- Rock Climb

Aura Sphere never misses and has 90 base power, so it's one of the strongest Fighting move.
Flash Cannon is STAB and can lower the opponent's Special Defense.
Water Pulse is to cover Lucario's Ground and Fire weaknesses, and can confuse the target.
Rock Climb is an HM and can confuse the target.

Raichu
Ability: Static
- Thunderbolt
- Grass Knot
- Volt Tackle
- Rock Smash

Thunderbolt is STAB and can paralyze.
Grass Knot for Ground types.
Volt Tackle is STAB, but takes recoil and can paralyze.
Rock Smash is an HM that can lower the target's Defense.

Hippowdon
Ability: Sand Stream
- Earthquake
- Strength
- Thunder Fang
- Fire Fang

Earthquake is a STAB move, deals high damage, and can hit all Pokemon in Double Battles.
Strength is a strong HM move.
Thunder Fang for Water Pokemon.
Fire Fang for Ice and Grass Pokemon.

No need for HM05 - Defog won't make much of a difference.
Comment if this helped you, and I will try to make more good teams =)

Comments

can you tell me the strategie of how you will &when you will get the pokemon

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Surely drifbloom is weak to electric which means most electric moves will be a ohko which means dig should have been on drifbloom

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I know I am late, but Hidden Abilities doesn't exist in Gen-4

Answer 4

This was my team as I played through Diamond. They were amazing. Keep in mind that Honchkrow is exclusive to Diamond and is not available in Pearl. There are many other Pokemon you can substitute as a Flying type in Pearl though. Also, I feel items are preference, whether you like berries, or items to boost a Pokemon's stat, it is up to you.

Empoleon
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Drill Peck
- Aqua Ring

Empoleon is a special attacker. Surf is a STAB. Ice Beam is for coverage. Drill Peck... because why not. Aqua Ring is an Egg Move though, so it is up to you. If you don't want to go through the trouble of breeding, use another move to your preference.

Raichu
- Thunderbolt
- Brick Break
- Agility
- Attract

Thunderbolt is a great STAB move. Brick Break is good because we are not going to be really dedicating one Pokemon to fighting. Agility to make it fast. For Raichu, Attract is preference. I personally love it on Raichu, very effective. Keep in mind that Raichu is both a special and physical attacker.

Rapidash
- Flamethrower
- Flare Blitz
- Iron Tail
- Double Team

Rapidash is pretty much the only Fire type you can use if you don't pick Chimchar as your starter. Flamethrower is your STAB. Flare Blitz is very good on Rapidash because her physical attack is higher then her special. Iron Tail is also good as it is also a physical attack. The last move is up to you. I put on Double Team because I thought it fit nicely.

Roserade
- Magical Leaf
- Toxic
- Synthesis
- Sludge Bomb / Solar Beam

Roserade is huge on Special Attack. Magical Leaf = STAB. Synthesis because recovery is nice. Toxic is perfect for long battles, as it increases in damage over time. Use Sludge Bomb if you want a good Poison type move on your Roserade, but Solar Beam if you wanna be cool.

Honchkrow
- Fly
- Dark Pulse
- Shadow Ball
- Nasty Plot

Honchkrow is by far one of my favorite Pokemon. Fly, Dark Pulse, and Shadow Ball are all amazing moves. Nasty Plot boosts your Special Attack by two stages, helping out the damage your Dark Pulse and Shadow Ball do. You may also use Perish Song, which is a very fun move to use. It is an Egg Move though.

Garchomp
- Earthquake
- Dragon Claw
- Crunch
- Swords Dance

Garchomp is another great one. Earthquake + Dragon Claw + Crunch = <3. And all Swords Dance does is just make all those moves better. So yeah.

Hope I helped! :)

Answer 5

Infernape
- Flamethrower
- Flare Blitz / Fire Blast / Blast Burn
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge

• Flamethrower is a good Fire type move: good accuracy, STAB, and with no side effects.
• The powerful Fire attacks are for hard hits, to make sure the opponent takes serious damage.
• Close Combat is a good Fighting type move. Just be careful about the defense drops, because Infernape's defenses aren't good anyway.
• Stone Edge counters Flying types. It's a good move in general, but it has low accuracy, so don't rely on it.

Staraptor
- Fly
- Brave Bird
- Close Combat
- Hyper Beam / U-turn

• Fly is a good Flying move, and it's a HM.
• Brave Bird is a really powerful move, but watch out for the recoil.
• Close Combat counters Rock types, good move overall.
• Hyper Beam is powerful STAB, but watch out for the recharge turn. U-turn to get out of there quickly.

Luxray
- Thunderbolt
- Thunder
- Crunch
- Iron Tail

• Thunderbolt is STAB with good accuracy.
• Thunder is really powerful and it has 100% accuracy in rain.
• Crunch is just a good coverage move.
• Iron Tail is powerful but inaccurate.

Floatzel
- Surf
- Waterfall
- Ice Beam / Ice Punch
- Brick Break

• Surf is good, Floatzel's a better attacker than special attacker, but you need Surf to get through the game.
• Waterfall is good STAB too, and you need it to beat the game.
• Ice Beam is a nice Ice type move that a lot of Water types learn, but I would recommend Ice Punch.
• Brick Break is just a good coverage move.

Roserade
- Energy Ball
- Petal Dance
- Sludge Bomb
- Shadow Ball

• Energy Ball is a nice Grass type, and Roserade has way better Special Attack than Attack.
• Petal Dance is an awesome move. More PP than Energy Ball, but it has to repeat and you get confused at the end.
• Sludge Bomb is nice Poison STAB.
• Shadow Ball is a nice Ghost move for coverage.

Garchomp
- Dragon Claw
- Dragon Rush / Outrage
- Earthquake
- Crunch

• Dragon Claw is a decent Dragon move with nice accuracy.
• Dragon Rush is a high-power, inaccurate move. I would have Outrage but you have to breed to get it. If you do get Outrage be careful after some uses you get confused.
• Earthquake is great STAB.
• Crunch is a nice coverage move.

I would catch a random Bibarel or two and teach it some HMs, and use it when you need it. Also, if you don't like any of these movesets, just keep in mind the different Pokemon stats. DO NOT GIVE GARCHOMP SPECIAL ATTACKING MOVES, HE IS A PHYSICAL ATTACKER NO MATTER WHAT.

Comments

Pretty nice team but keep in mind luxray is not a sp. attacker so I would give him thunder fang or wild charge but you get wild charge on lvl 63 I think.  I know it is hard with a infernape as starter but there is not really a "tank" in this team who has very good def. and sp. def. stats.

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Very nice team . But dont think that Gyarados is better than floatzel?

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Great team! A lot of coverage

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"I would give him thunder fang or wild charge but you get wild charge on lvl 63" but wild charge doesn't exist in gen 4.

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I take back what i said earlier,  gabite learns Crunch upon evolution into garchomp

Answer 6

Torterra
- Earthquake
- Giga Drain
- Rock Smash
- Rock Climb

This Pokémon has a decent moveset, and can destroy Cynthia's Milotic, Lucario and Gastrodon, along with Roark, Byron, Volkner, Crasher Wake, and Maylene. It only has problems with Candice, Aaron, and Flint.

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Staraptor
- Fly
- Close Combat
- U-turn
- Steel Wing

This Pokémon can handle Aaron, Maylene, and Cynthia's Roserade. It also can destroy most of Flint's team.

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Luxray
- Strength
- Crunch
- Thunder
- Rain Dance

This Pokémon can easily beat Crasher Wake, and it has a good Attack stat, being able to OHKO most opponents.

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Drapion
- X-Scissor
- Cross Poison
- Rock Slide
- Fire Fang

This Pokémon is great for Fantina and Lucian. Since it has access to Fire Fang, it can destroy Bronzong and Aaron.

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Weavile
- Ice Beam
- Night Slash
- Metal Claw / Shadow Claw
- Surf

Due to Weavile's great Speed, it can take out Cynthia's Garchomp with an Ice Beam. It also can demolish Flint's Drifblim, Cynthia's Roserade and Lucian.

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Gyarados
- Flamethrower
- Waterfall
- Dragon Pulse
- Earthquake

Gyarados was chosen over the other Water types because its 4x weakness is rarely seen, and you should know by then that water doesn't like electricity. Rock is its 2x weakness, but a Waterfall or Earthquake should OHKO/2HKO most Rock types.

Comments

Two dark types, and two flying types.

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Gyarados+Staraptor is OK but why Drapion+Weavile?

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Ik I am late, but

"Due to Weavile's great speed, it can take out Cynthia's Garchomp with an Ice Beam"

Are you serious? Weavile has only 45 SpA stat when compared to massive 120 Atk stat. Give it Ice Shard (Sneasel can learn by level up) or Ice Punch (move tutor).

Also why did you give Flamethrower, a Special attack to Gyarados when its SpA stat is only 60?

Answer 7

The team I used for both Diamond and Pearl (not going to use version exclusives):

Infernape
- Flare Blitz
- Close Combat
- Grass Knot
- Stone Edge

Starter: Infernape is the best starter because it sweeps the first two Gyms and has great Attack and Speed. It also helps against the Steel Gym in Canalave City, the Ice Gym in Snowpoint City, Aaron, Lucian's Bronzong, and Cynthia's Roserade.

• Flare Blitz (STAB)
• Close Combat (STAB)
• Grass Knot (really useful against the second Elite Four member and the Water/Ground type Pokemon)
• Stone Edge (for Flying types)

Staraptor
- Brave Bird
- Close Combat
- Roost
- Return

Flyer: Staraptor is probably the best Flying sweeper you can ask for. You can get Starly really early game, and it destroys the Fighting and Grass Gyms. When you finally get Staraptor, it deals massive damage because of Close Combat and Brave Bird. Helpful against Flint and Cynthia's Roserade.

• Brave Bird (got rid of Fly in Canalave right before Elite Four, then retaught it after beating Elite Four)
• Close Combat (strong coverage)
• Roost (for Brave Bird recoil)
• Return (since you get it early game, Friendship will be high by late game)

Raichu
- Thunderbolt
- Brick Break
- Iron Tail
- Thunder Wave / Attract

Raichu: for the Water Gym. Didn't need a Grass type because of Grass Knot on Infernape, which wipes out Quagsire, so Electric would be best for Crasher Wake's Gyarados. You get Shinx early game, but Pikachu gets Thunderbolt early and Luxray has a bad movepool. The Light Ball is really rare, so I just got a Thunderstone by Sunyshore. Also good against the bird trainers, swimmers, and Cynthia's Milotic.

• Thunderbolt (obviously)
• Brick Break (coverage)
• Iron Tail (coverage)
• Thunder Wave / Attract (your preference, either is good)

Steelix
- Earthquake
- Double-Edge
- Gyro Ball
- Crunch

Steelix: For Volkner. With Earthquake, it can deal massive damage. The reason I used Steelix and not any other Ground type(s) that are a little better is because I'm lazy. You can literally pick it up at Iron Island at a decent level, and you can train it with Riley to earn more exp. It also destroyed the Ice gym with Gyro Ball (from Veilstone Game Corner prize) or Iron Tail (but it's low accuracy). It also helps against Flint. For Flint's Steelix and Lopunny, I used Infernape and Staraptor.

• Earthquake (you can get the TM after Canalave Gym in Wayward Cave under Cycling Road)
• Double-Edge (good with the Ability Rock Head)
• Gyro Ball (STAB for the Ice Gym)
• Crunch (helps against Lucian)

Weavile
- Night Slash
- Ice Punch / Avalanche
- Aerial Ace
- Dig

Weavile: Useful against the Elite Four, has great Attack and Speed, destroys Lucian and Cynthia's Garchomp. You can pick up the Razor Claw in Victory Road to evolve Sneasel. Ice moves are also good against Bertha.

• Night Slash (the move I used to demolish all of Lucian's Pokemon, except for Bronzong)
• Ice Punch (from Shard Collector near Pastoria City) / Avalanche (also good STAB)
• Aerial Ace (for Fighting types, you will most likely outspeed and hopefully OHKO)
• Dig (strong move against Fire, Rock, and Steel types)

Last slot: Your choice, but I only used five Pokemon because my last slot was my HM slave Bibarel. Not worth leveling up because of bad stats and not good in battle against Gyms or the Elite Four. Used Bibarel as my surfer, too.

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Hippowdon may be a better substitute for Steelix, due to stats, but I find the Steel typing more useful in-game. Also, I was too lazy to level up a Hippopotas at that point in the game. Same goes for Gible, it's obviously better, but training it to Garchomp is time consuming when Steelix can do the job just as well, without all that leveling up.

Answer 8

I plan on rerunning my Diamond game with my old team and I thought I would share it with you.

Empoleon
Ability: Torrent
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Grass Knot
- Stealth Rock

Explanation: Good Special Attack, resistances against common attacking types, coupled with Stealth Rock makes Empoleon a strong force in-game. Grass Knot and Stealth Rock are obtained early, and Surf is a useful HM. Empoleon is a reliable and bulky starter option for a Diamond run.

Rapidash
Ability: Flash Fire
- Megahorn
- Flare Blitz
- Poison Jab
- Strength

Explanation: My physical powerhouse, obtained early-midgame and one of the few Fire-types in Sinnoh besides Infernape and GBA insertion Pokémon. Strength is included as a convenient HM. The main drawback is that Ponyta evolves late at level 40, but it's worth the wait.

Roserade
Ability: Natural Cure
- Sludge Bomb
- Synthesis
- Energy Ball
- Facade

Explanation: I chose Facade since I planned on teaching Shadow Ball to another Pokémon. Combined with Natural Cure, you can absorb a status, hit hard with Facade, and switch out to heal. While Budew is available early, I usually catch a Roselia near Pastoria since it's more viable. The Shiny Stone needed for evolution can be found in the Underground.

Honchkrow
Ability: Super Luck
- Nasty Plot
- Dark Pulse
- Shadow Ball
- Roost

Explanation: I found it difficult to build a physical Honchkrow in Diamond without the move tutors from later games, so I went with a special attacker instead. Roost helps with its frail defenses. Murkrow is available early on, and the Dusk Stone for evolution can be found in the Underground.

Staraptor
Ability: Intimidate
- Close Combat
- Brave Bird
- Fly
- U-turn

Explanation: I know it’s not ideal to double up on Flying-types, but I liked both Staraptor and Honchkrow. Starly was the first Pokémon I caught, and it’s easy to train. Staraptor acts as my glass cannon: Close Combat and Brave Bird hit extremely hard, while Fly and U-turn offer utility.

Garchomp
Ability: Sand Veil
- Dragon Claw
- Brick Break
- Earthquake
- Crunch

Explanation: The last Pokémon I caught. It’s difficult to train at first, but once it evolves, Garchomp is a better physical attacker than both Staraptor and Rapidash. I often bring PP restoring items and spam Earthquake through most of the Elite Four.

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I hope you will use my team in future playthroughs, and I am happy to have been of anyone's assistance.

Comments

WHY IS EVERYONE FORGETTING BOUT HMS. THE ONLY HMS YOU HAVE ARE FLY AND SURF

Answer 9

This was my team back when I played Diamond:

Infernape
Ability: Blaze
- Flare Blitz
- Close Combat
- Grass Knot
- Shadow Claw (?) (Note: The answer originally had Metal Claw, which Infernape can’t learn. He said it covered Psychic, so I assume he meant Shadow Claw.)

Flare Blitz and Close Combat are STABs. Grass Knot covers rock. Shadow Claw covers Psychic.

Staraptor @ Quick Claw
Ability: Intimidate
- Fly
- Brave Bird
- Heat Wave
- Close Combat

Fly is STAB and is an HM. Brave Bird is STAB. Heat Wave and Close Combat are coverage against Ice and Rock, respectively.

Floatzel
Ability: Swift Swim
- Aqua Tail
- Brine
- Dig
- Ice Punch

Aqua Tail and Brine are STAB. Dig beats Electric. Ice Punch beats Grass.

Mismagius
Ability: Levitate
- Shadow Ball
- Nasty Plot
- Ominous Wind
- Toxic

Shadow Ball is STAB. Ominous Wind is STAB and can raise stats. Nasty Plot boosts SpA. Toxic is, well, Toxic.

Abomasnow
Ability: Snow Warning
- Wood Hammer
- Blizzard
- Water Pulse
- Brick Break

Wood Hammer and Blizzard are STABs. Water Pulse covers Fire. Brick Break covers Rock.

Garchomp
Ability: Sand Veil
- Dig
- Draco Meteor
- Flamethrower
- Dragon Rush

Dig, Draco Meteor, and Dragon Rush are STAB. Flamethrower covers Ice.

Comments

garchom(o) really????????????????????

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But Brick Break isn't good against Bug types...

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Heat Wave is post game, so include any other move (Close Combat also covers Ice Weakness, so leaving Heat Wave doesn't matter).

How can Metal Claw cover Infernape's Psychic Weakness? I think you meant Shadow Claw.

Floatzel doesn't learn Aqua Tail and Brine in DP. Replace it with Surf and Waterfall?

How can Brick Break cover Bug types? I think you meant Rock and steel types.

Answer 10

Okay, let's do this!

Torterra
Ability: Overgrow
- Wood Hammer
- Giga Drain / Leech Seed
- Earthquake
- Crunch

Torterra is very bulky and has great Attack. Its only downside is its low Speed stat of 50. Otherwise, it's incredibly reliable. Wood Hammer and Earthquake are powerful STAB moves, while Giga Drain or Leech Seed help with recovery. Crunch adds coverage.

Luxray
Ability: Rivalry / Intimidate
- Thunder
- Thunderbolt
- Crunch
- Scary Face

Luxray has solid stats across the board, with Attack being its best. Thunder and Thunderbolt are strong STAB options. Crunch helps cover Ghost types, and Scary Face lowers the opponent’s Speed.

Staraptor
Ability: Intimidate
- Fly
- Brave Bird
- Close Combat
- Aerial Ace

Staraptor’s Attack stat hits 125, making it a must-have. Fly is a great in-game HM, and Brave Bird is extremely powerful. As Clemont said, “Brave Bird is by far one of the strongest Flying-type moves!” Close Combat covers Rock-types, and Aerial Ace is useful for its guaranteed hit.

Garchomp
Ability: Sand Veil
- Earthquake / Dig
- Dragon Claw
- Dragon Rush
- Crunch

Garchomp is like Dragonite, but somehow even better. Earthquake/Dig are reliable Ground-type STAB moves. Dragon Claw and Dragon Rush give Dragon-type offense, and Crunch is just a powerful option.

Gyarados
Ability: Intimidate
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Hydro Pump
- Crunch

Most of you will hate me for this because Magikarp is VERY hard to train, but once you get that Magikarp to Level 20, your training days are OVER. Surf is a necessary HM that also serves as STAB. Ice Beam covers Dragon types. Hydro Pump is an even stronger STAB move than Surf. Crunch is here because I like its reliability.

Rapidash
Ability: Run Away / Flash Fire
- Megahorn
- Flare Blitz
- Stomp
- Bounce

The awesome Fire-type member! Rapidash has great Speed and Attack. Megahorn provides Bug type coverage, Flare Blitz is powerful STAB (ignore the recoil), Stomp has a flinch chance, and Bounce is kind of like Fly that adds versatility.

Comments

Crunch isn't STAB for Torterra and for Luxray I would say to put wild charge/ spark since it has higher attack. Also, aerial ace doesn't hit if protect is used, and megahorn, stomp, and if you put leech seed on torterra they would all not have STAB.

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@SantasLittleHelper, Wild Charge isn't in Gen-4. Thunder Fang is better, but it doesn't matter if you use a Special Attack since their BP is higher.

Answer 11

I'll try to keep it brief... and please note, there will not be a fire type but I don't think they're extremely helpful in this game besides infernape.

Torterra
Adamant / Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Wood Hammer
- Leech Seed
- Curse

Super reliable tanky starter of pure death. Try to make it a decent nature like Adamant or Impish. Despite its severe Ice weakness, it can take Ice Punch and Ice Shard like a champ. Just leech the opponent's life away while you set up Curse, then kill.

Machoke/Machamp
Ability: No Guard
- Dynamic Punch
- Stone Edge
- Strength
- Rock Climb

Machop is obtained early in the game by Oreburgh City, and is super reliable with No Guard as it kills things easily through the game. It is also a reliable option for Strength and Rock Climb. I used Machamp instead of the usual Rapidash because Machamp is more usable in game and Rapidash is kinda disappointing.

Staraptor
- Brave Bird
- Close Combat
- Fly
- Roost / U-turn

The most reliable Flying type in game. I like Honchkrow and Togekiss, but Staraptor is super easy to obtain, is your first encounter in the game, and learns amazing moves. Close Combat is always helpful, Fly is almost required, Brave Bird for an all-out attack in the hopes to kill, and Roost or U-turn to heal or switch from Brave Bird's recoil.

Garchomp

• Earthquake
• Dragon Claw
• Crunch
• Brick Break

Ok I'm not sure about this moveset, but you can change it if you need to. Gible can be obtained under the Cycling Road in a hidden cave, so look it up if you can't find him. Garchomp is a super reliable Pokemon that can do things quickly. These moves take care of most Ice types and provide good coverage and STAB like all of these other Pokemon.

Lucario
- Flash Cannon
- Aura Sphere
- Dragon Pulse
- Psychic / Shadow Ball

Wow I wish this thing could have 5 moves. Riolu is given to you on Iron Island in an Egg by Riley. Level it up with high Happiness in daytime and you now have a Lucario. This is just a hard-hitting coverage machine.

Gastrodon
- Recover
- Ice Beam
- Surf
- Earth Power

Again, this thing needs 5 moves. I want Waterfall, but it's a special attacker, so I'll just go with this. A super reliable tank given to you early on that is good at taking hits. I chose this rather than the more popular Floatzel, because Floatzel takes maybe one hit, then dies. At least Gastrodon can stomach a little damage.

Yes, I know there are 2 Fighting types and 3 Ground types, But this isn't the best competitive team. This is best in game team for Pokemon Diamond and Pearl. And besides Ice for Ground, this isn't a problem whatsoever really.

Hope this helped!

Answer 12

Empoleon
- Surf
- Flash Cannon
- Ice Beam
- Aqua Jet

Roserade
- Sludge Bomb
- Giga Drain
- SolarBeam
- Shadow Ball

Luxray
- Crunch
- Thuderbolt
- Iron Tail
- Thunder

Staraptor
- Fly
- Aerial Ace
- Close Combat
- U-turn

Rapidash
- Flamethrower
- Fire Blast
- Strength
- Megahorn

Lucario
- Close Combat
- Aura Sphere
- Dragon Pulse
- Rock Climb

All of these Pokemon are easily obtainable and are strong choices for every part of the game.

Answer 13

This was the team I used (Sorry Pearl users, this is a Diamond team because 2 version exclusives)

Torterra
- Wood Hammer (Move Reminder as Torterra)
- Earthquake (Learns as soon as evolving into Torterra)
- Rock Climb (HM08)
- Crunch (Level-up)

Turtwig is obtained as the starter. Wood Hammer is STAB. Watch out for recoil though. Earthquake is also STAB, and a really useful move to have. Rock Climb is filler, you can acctually replace it with whatever move you want, and Crunch is useful for Lucian and Fantina. You'll need him for Roark, Wake, Volkner, and Bertha.

Machamp
- Cross Chop (Level-up)
- Return (TM at Lost Tower)
- Brick Break (TM at Oreburgh Gate, unobtainable without Rock Smash and Bike)
- Fire Blast (TM at Veilstone Mart)

Machop can be caught on Route 207. Cross Chop and Brick Break are really good STAB. Return is for coverage, and Fire Blast is for other Pokemon. Not much to say here. If you cannot trade, Machoke should (hopefully) work. Super helpful for Roark, Byron, and Candice.

Honchkrow
- Aerial Ace (TM near Pastoria City)
- Dark Pulse / Night Slash (Level-up)
- Fly (HM at Veilstone City)
- Steel Wing (TM near Solaceon Town)

Murkrow can be caught in the Eterna Forest. Aerial Ace is STAB. Fly is for getting around easily, and also kinda useful in-battle. Dark Pulse/Night Slash is STAB, and Steel Wing is coverage. Will be helpful for Gardenia, Maylene, Fantina, Aaron, and Lucian.

Rampardos
- Rock Slide (TM at Mt. Coronet)
- Head Smash (Level-up)
- Zen Headbutt (Level-up)
- Strength (HM at Lost Tower)

The Skull Fossil can be dug up in the Underground. Rock Slide is STAB. Head Smash, while stronger, has MASSIVE recoil. Zen Headbutt is coverage, and Strength is for HM purposes. Nice to have for Candice, Aaron, and Flint.

Azumarill
- Surf (HM at Celestic Town)
- Waterfall (HM at Sunyshore City)
- Blizzard (TM at Veilstone Mart)
- Iron Tail (TM at Iron Island)

Marill is obtainable in the Great Marsh. Surf and Waterfall are STAB. Waterfall is the better of the two, ESPECIALLY if you have Huge Power. Seriously, if your Marill has Thick Fat, find a new one with Huge Power. Blizzard is for Garchomp. Iron Tail is for coverage and makes Huge Power more useful. Double-Edge and Aqua Tail are other options as well. Pretty good for Byron, Bertha, and Flint.

Garchomp
- Crunch (Learns as soon as evolving into Garchomp)
- Dragon Claw (Level Up)
- Dragon Rush (Level Up)
- Earthquake (TM in Wayward Cave)

Gible can be found in the Wayward Cave. Dragon Claw/Dragon Rush are both STAB, so take your pick. Earthquake is Ground STAB, and Crunch is for coverage. Helpful for Volkner and Flint.

I hope you enjoyed the team. If you are playing Pearl, you should do with Mismagius instead of Honchkrow, and Bastiodon or Golem instead of Rampardos. Anyways, toodles!

Answer 14

Alright. So I was looking through all the answers, but most of the suggested teams were only available post-game or through trading (which I don't have any friends to trade with). I needed good Pokémon that are available as you progress. So after looking through the teams, I picked out Pokémon suggested, tinkered with some moves here and there, and made a battle team. Note, you may need an HM slave outside of this team, which is really its biggest downfall. Also Ice Beam is a TM you can get at the Game Corner, but if you don't feel lucky or rich, you can replace any Ice Beam move with something else of your choosing, while using the one you can find enroute. So here's my suggested team for those reading in the future so you can beat down anyone in your way.

Empoleon
Ability: Torrent
- Surf (HM)
- Ice Beam (TM13)
- Drill Peck
- Hydro Pump

Empoleon makes for a reliable starter. Surf is a great in-game STAB move. Drill Peck is included due to the lack of better options, and Hydro Pump is a stronger STAB move.

Roserade
Ability: Natural Cure
- Energy Ball (TM53) / Magical Leaf
- Toxic (TM06 or Roselia at Level 40) / Toxic Spikes (Roselia Level 28) / Shadow Ball (TM30)
- Synthesis (Roselia Level 46)
- Sludge Bomb (TM36)

You can catch Budew early on Route 204, just north of Jubilife. Energy Ball offers high power, while Magical Leaf never misses. You have several support options (Toxic, Toxic Spikes, or Shadow Ball — choose based on your team needs). Synthesis helps with longevity, and Sludge Bomb is strong STAB.

Rapidash
Ability: Run Away / Flash Fire
- Flamethrower (TM35)
- Strength (HM)
- Megahorn (Evolution / Move Reminder)
- Iron Tail (TM23)

Catch Ponyta on Route 206, north of Oreburgh under the Cycling Road. Rapidash is a fast physical attacker. Flamethrower gives it reliable STAB and Strength is a necessary HM. Megahorn provides strong Bug type coverage, and Iron Tail rounds out the set.

Drifblim
Ability: Aftermath / Unburden
- Hidden Power [Fighting] (TM10)
- Shadow Ball
- Fly (HM)
- Psychic (TM29)

Drifloon appears on Fridays during the day outside Valley Windworks (after clearing Team Galactic). This Drifblim has a Fighting-type Hidden Power. Fly is convenient for in-game travel.

Lucario
Ability: Inner Focus
- Aura Sphere
- Flash Cannon (TM91)
- Dark Pulse (Evolution / Move Reminder)
- Bone Rush / Dragon Pulse (TM59)

You receive Riolu as an Egg on Iron Island. Aura Sphere is Lucario's signature STAB move. Flash Cannon gives Steel-type coverage, and Dark Pulse adds reliable neutral hits. Choose between Bone Rush for utility and type coverage or Dragon Pulse for raw power.

Weavile
Ability: Pressure
- Ice Beam (TM13)
- Night Slash
- Metal Claw
- Shadow Claw (TM65)

Catch Sneasel on the snowy routes around Mt. Coronet near Snowpoint City. Ice Beam is Weavile's best STAB move. Night Slash is a reliable Dark STAB move, while Metal Claw and Shadow Claw provide useful physical coverage.

And that's that. As far as items go, I feel that's a matter of perspective. For example, you may want Roserade to have a Miracle Seed, a Poison Barb, or even a berry. Any will impact how Roserade would play, so give each Pokemon an item that compliments your specific playstyle.

Answer 15

Mido the Roserade @ Big Root
Ability: Natural Cure
Naughty Nature
- Giga Drain
- Growth
- Sludge Bomb
- Protect

The main goal of Roserade is to get a Growth or two off and use your STAB moves to inflict damage. Protect is to stall with Toxic your team members will inflict.
Natural Cure is the preferred ability but Poison Point is solid too. For a Grass type, it doesn’t get much better than Roserade.

Flo the Floatzel @ Mystic Water
Ability: Swift Swim
Naughty Nature
- Crunch
- Ice Beam
- Protect / Aqua Jet
- Waterfall / Surf

Floatzel is a solid Water type. Physical and special moves both work well! Waterfall can be replaced with Surf. Protect is to stall but can be replaced with Aqua Jet for a pure attacking set. Ice Beam is GREAT for Cynthia’s Garchomp.

Daruk the Bastiodon @ Iron Ball
Ability: Sturdy
Impish Nature
- Roar
- Metal Burst
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic

Bastiodon is such a tank. Iron Ball is the item of choice to ensure you’re slower than the opponent, so Metal Burst will work 100% of the time. Bast’s main goal is to set up SR, Toxic, and Roar the opponents out and around.

Nox the Skuntank @ Silk Scarf
Ability: Stench
Adamant Nature
- Poison Jab
- Night Slash
- Shadow Claw
- Explosion

Skuntank is an...OK Pokemon. He lacks Speed and power. I ended up with Stench, but Aftermath is the preferred ability.
Poison Jab and Night Slash are solid STAB. Shadow Claw is for Lucian, and Explosion paired with Silk Scarf is the bread, butter, AND dessert of this set.

Ichi the Honchkrow @ Lum Berry
Ability: Insomnia
Quirky Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Dark Pulse
- Nasty Plot
- Substitute

Shadow Ball and Dark Pulse hit everything you need to. Honchkrow will be the main receiver of the Sub and Agility passed by Lopunny. Get as many Nasty Plots up as you need and sweep. Use Substitute when you need it.

Playboy the Lopunny @ No item
Ability: Klutz
Bashful Ntaure
- Substitute
- Baton Pass
- Agility
- Return

Lopunny is strictly used for passing Agility and Substitute to teammates. You won’t be attacking much with Lopunny. He will set up everyone. THIS is the way to use Lopunny.

Overall, I enjoyed this team. MVP was Lopunny/Honchkrow combo. Swept 4/6 of Cynthia’s pokes with Nasty Plot+6, Agility+6. Ended with a bang...Explosion vs Roserade. Loved it. Recommend

Answer 16

This team uses Turtwig as the starter. There will be no version exclusive Pokémon, no trade evolutions, and no Pokémon that are exclusive to the Great Marsh. Natures and hold items are included, but they're optional. Bold denotes STAB attacks.

Torterra @ Leftovers
Ability: Overgrow
Adamant / Impish / Careful Nature
- Wood Hammer / Razor Leaf
- Earthquake
- Crunch / Protect
- Rock Slide / Leech Seed / Curse

Turtwig is, of course, gifted to you by Professor Rowan. Torterra has high HP, attack, and defense, but its other stats range from subpar to abysmal. It has just base 56 speed, so it won't be outspeeding anything. Woodhammer should be the main grass type STAB, but it has recoil and requires a Heart Scale. If you don't like the recoil, then Razor Leaf is an option. However, it is not very powerful and it inaccurate. Earthquake is incredibly powerful ground type STAB that is learned at level 32. Crunch is coverage that is learned at level 45. Bite will serve you well before you get Crunch. The last slot is up to you and how you like to play. Rock Slide is good coverage, but it has 90% accuracy and its flinch chance in nullified by Torterra's low speed. The TM for it is found in Mt. Coronet, and it requires Surf and Rock Climb. Leech Seed can be used to recover some health every turn, and it can be learned at level 33. It can be used in conjunction with Protect if you don't want to use Crunch. Curse is good for raising attack and defense. The speed drop isn't that bad due to Torterra's already low speed. Curse is learned by Turtwig at level 17.

Staraptor @ Shell Bell (Soothe Bell until max happiness)
Ability: Intimidate
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Return
- Brave Bird
- Fly / Aerial Ace / Steel Wing
- Close Combat

Starly can be caught immediately after obtaining Poké Balls. Staraptor has great attack and speed. Return is very powerful normal type STAB when Staraptor is at max happiness. The TM for it is found in the Lost Tower. Brave Bird and Close Combat are learned by level up at levels 49 and 34 respectively. If you are not going to have an HM slave for Fly, then it will need to go on Staraptor. Otherwise, you can use Aerial Ace (level 28) or Steel Wing (Route 209, requires Cut). Aerial Ace gets STAB and never misses. It is more powerful than Steel Wing after STAB, but Steel Wing provide coverage and a chance to raise Staraptor's defense.

Luxray @ Magnet / BlackGlasses / Metal Coat
Ability: Intimidate
Lonely / Mild / Hasty / Adamant / Jolly / Neutral Nature
- Thunder Fang / Spark
- Thunderbolt / Discharge
- Crunch
- Iron Tail

Shinx, like Starly, can be caught immediately after obtaining Poké Balls. Luxray has great attack and special attack, but its other stats are just average. Thunder Fang or Spark can be used to take advantage of Luxray's high attack stat. Both are learned by level up, at levels 42 and 18 respectively. Thunder Fang is generally better due to its flinch chance, but this is only useful against oponents that Luxray can outspeed with its base 70 speed. Either Thunderbolt or Discharge are also good options for Luxray. Discharge is learned by level up at level 56, and Thunderbolt is learned by the TM in Valley Windworks. Crunch is good coverage that is learned at level 35. Iron Tail is also good coverage, albeit innaccurate. It's found on Iron Island.

Floatzel @ Mystic Water/NeverMeltIce
Ability: Swift Swim
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Waterfall
- Surf / Aqua Jet
- Crunch
- Ice Fang / Ice Beam

Buizel is found at Valley Windworks, which you can reach after obtaining the first badge. Floatzel has great speed and attack, but it has very bad defensive stats. In short, its a glass cannon. Waterfall and Surf are STAB attacks that double as HM moves. You could put Surf on a Bibarel and run Aqua Jet (level 21) on Floatzel, but Surf is generally better (even with an Adamant nature). Crunch (level 26) and Ice Fang (move relearner) are for coverage. Ice Fang is generally better because of its flinch chance, but Ice Beam is an option for those who can't/don't want to obtain a Heart Scale. Either way, Floatzel needs an Ice type move to KO Cynthia's Garchomp.

Rapidash @ Charcoal
Ability: Flash Fire
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Flamethrower / Fire Blast
- Megahorn
- Poison Jab / Bounce / Stomp

Ponyta can be found fairly early on. The earliest you can encounter one is on Route 206. Rapidash has great speed and attack, like Floatzel. However, Rapidash's defenses are much better than that of Floatzel. Flare Blitz is a powerful fire type STAB attack that is learned at level 58. Unfortunately, it is the only fire type move that takes advantage of Rapidash's high attack stat. Flamethrower and Fire Blast will be used as the main fire type attack until level 58. Fire Blast is learned at level 38 and Flamethrower is found in Fuego Ironworks. Megahorn and Poison Jab are learned via the move relearner and require a Heart Scale. Alternatively, you could use the TM for Poison Jab, which is found on Route 212. However, this will prevent you from using it on the next Pokémon on the team. Bounce is an alternative to Poison Jab, and it is learned at level 49. You may also choose to use Stomp, which is learned at level 19 (shortly after you catch Ponyta).

Weavile @ NeverMeltIce / BlackGlasses
Ability: Pressure
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Night Slash
- Avalanche / Ice Shard
- X-Scissor
- Aerial Ace / Poison Jab / Metal Claw

Sneasel is found rather late in the game on Route 216. It is the final member of the team. To evolve Sneasel, you will need to locate the Razor Claw on Route 224 (or Victory Road). Weavile has very good stats, but it has a poor movepool. Its only options for a physical ice type attack are Avalanche and Ice Shard. Avalanche has decreased priority, nullifying Weavile's high speed stat. Ice Shard has less power, but it has priority. However, Ice Shard is only learned by Sneasel at level 49. The TM for Avalanche is earned in the Snowpoint City Gym. Night Slash is great dark type STAB because of its base power and high critical hit ratio. Weavile learns this move at level 35. X-Scissor is learned by the TM found on Route 221. Aerial Ace is learned by the TM found on Route 213. Poison Jab is learned by the TM found on Route 212. Metal Claw is learned by Weavile at level 42.

Comments

I think a breeding snealsel with Ice Punch is better.

Answer 17

This team uses Chimchar as the starter. There will be no version exclusive Pokémon, no trade evolutions, and no Pokémon that are exclusive to the Great Marsh. Natures and hold items are included, but they're optional. Bold denotes STAB attacks.

Infernape @ Charcoal
Ability: Blaze
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Fire Blast / Flamethrower / Rock Slide
- Close Combat
- Brick Break / Rock Slide

Chimchar is, of course, gifted to you by Professor Rowan. Infernape has high attack, special attack, and speed. Flare Blitz and Close Combat, learned at levels 57 and 41 respectively, are powerful STAB attacks. They have detrimental secondary effects, so you will likely want to use Fire Blast/Flamethrower and Brick Break as secondary options. Both Fire Blast and Flamethrower are learned via TM. The TMs can be obtained at Lake Verity and Fuego Ironworks, respectively. Rock Slide (TM in Mt. Coronet) can be used in place of Fire Blast/Flamethrower or Brick Break for coverage.

Staraptor @ Shell Bell (Soothe Bell until max happiness)
Ability: Intimidate
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Return
- Brave Bird
- Fly / Aerial Ace / Steel Wing
- Close Combat

Starly can be caught immediately after obtaining Poké Balls. Staraptor has great attack and speed. Return is very powerful normal type STAB when Staraptor is at max happiness. The TM for it is found in the Lost Tower. Brave Bird and Close Combat are learned by level up at levels 49 and 34 respectively. If you are not going to have an HM slave for Fly, then it will need to go on Staraptor. Otherwise, you can use Aerial Ace (level 28) or Steel Wing (Route 209, requires Cut). Aerial Ace gets STAB and never misses. It is more powerful than Steel Wing after STAB, but Steel Wing provide coverage and a chance to raise Staraptor's defense.

Roserade @ Miracle Seed / Poison Barb / Leftovers / Shell Bell / Big Root
Ability: Poison Point / Natural Cure
Timid / Modest Nature
- Petal Dance / Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Shadow Ball / Giga Drain
- Stun Spore / Toxic / Toxic Spikes / Leech Seed / Synthesis / Growth

Budew can be found early on in the game, just north of Jubilife City. The Shiny Stone required for evolving Roselia into Roserade can be found on Iron Island. Roserade has excellent special attack and good special defence and speed. Much of Roserade's moveset is determined by how what role you want it to fill. Petal Dance is a powerful STAB attack. Roserade will become confused after a few turns, but this is easily remedied by switching out (which also pairs well with Natural Cure). Giga Drain can be used in place of Petal Dance or Shadow Ball for healing purposes (if you decide to use Giga Drain, remember to let Roserade hold a Big Root). Giga Drain is learned at level 25 by Roselia. Sludge Bomb is Roserade's only source of reliable poison type STAB, and it can be found in the Galactic Warehouse. Shadow Ball is a good coverage attack, and the TM for it is found on Route 210. The last slot is mostly up to you. Stun Spore is learned by Budew at level 10, and it is my personal favorite for this slot. It is useful for catching Pokémon. Toxic and Toxic Spikes (levels 37 and 28 on Roselia respectively) are useful for poisoning opponents, but pair better with Natural Cure than Poison Point. Leech Seed and Synthesis (levels 16 and 46 on Roselia respectively) are useful for healing. However, you will likely need a Heart Scale for Leech Seed (Budew usually evolves around levels 20-23) and Synthesis will likely come several levels after obtaining the Shiny Stone. Growth (learned by Budew when you catch it) is an option for those who want to raise Roserade's special attack, but that stat is already very high as it is. However, it is very useful early on for Budew.

Floatzel @ Mystic Water / NeverMeltIce
Ability: Swift Swim
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Waterfall
- Surf / Aqua Jet
- Crunch
- Ice Fang / Ice Beam

Buizel is found at Valley Windworks, which you can reach after obtaining the first badge. Floatzel has great speed and attack, but it has very bad defensive stats. In short, its a glass cannon. Waterfall and Surf are STAB attacks that double as HM moves. You could put Surf on a Bibarel and run Aqua Jet (level 21) on Floatzel, but Surf is generally better (even with an Adamant nature). Crunch (level 26) and Ice Fang (move relearner) are for coverage. Ice Fang is generally better because of its flinch chance, but Ice Beam is an option for those who can't/don't want to obtain a Heart Scale. Either way, Floatzel needs an Ice type move to KO Cynthia's Garchomp.

Garchomp @ Soft Sand
Ability: Sand Veil
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Dragon Claw / Dragon Rush
- Earthquake
- Crunch
- Sandstorm / Shadow Claw / Fire Fang

Gible can be obtained by going into the secret entrance to Wayward Cave. You'll need strength to get to the area with wild Gible. The TM for Earthquake can also be found via this secret entrance, and it can be put on Gible immediately. It will be Garchomp's main ground type STAB. Dragon Claw and Dragon Rush are learned by level up at levels 33 and 55 respectively. Dragon Rush is more powerful, but it's inaccurate. Crunch is also learned by level up at level 48. Sandstorm is on Gible when you catch it. Sandstorm is only necessary if you want to utilize Garchomp's ability, Sand Veil. Otherwise, go with Fire Fang (Heart Scale) or Shadow Claw (TM from gym leader Fantina).

Weavile @ NeverMeltIce / BlackGlasses
Ability: Pressure
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Night Slash
- Avalanche / Ice Shard
- X-Scissor
- Iron Tail / Poison Jab

Sneasel is found rather late in the game on Route 216. It is the final member of the team. To evolve Sneasel, you will need to locate the Razor Claw on Route 224 (or Victory Road). Weavile has very good stats, but it has a poor movepool. Its only options for a physical ice type attack are Avalanche and Ice Shard. Avalanche has decreased priority, nullifying Weavile's high speed stat. Ice Shard has less power, but it has priority. However, Ice Shard is only learned by Sneasel at level 49. The TM for Avalanche is earned in the Snowpoint City Gym. Night Slash is great dark type STAB because of its base power and high critical hit ratio. Weavile learns this move at level 35. X-Scissor is learned by the TM found on Route 221. Poison Jab is learned by the TM found on Route 212. Iron Tail is learned via TM, and it can be found on Iron Island.

Answer 18

This team uses Piplup as the starter. There will be no version exclusive Pokémon, no trade evolutions, and no Pokémon that are exclusive to the Great Marsh. Natures and hold items are included, but they're optional. Bold denotes STAB attacks.

Empoleon @ Mystic Water / Quick Claw
Ability: Torrent
Timid / Modest Nature
- Surf
- Flash Cannon
- Ice Beam
- Drill Peck / Grass Knot / Waterfall

Piplup is gifted to you by Professor Rowan. Empoleon has high special attack and special defense, but its other stats are just average. Surf is a powerful STAB move that doubles as an HM. Flash Cannon is powerful steel type STAB for Empoleon, and it can be taught to it via the TM earned at the Canalave City Gym. Ice Beam is a good coverage move, and the TM for it can be found on Route 216. Drill Peck (level 52) is another good coverage move, but it is a physical move that pairs poorly with a Timid or Modest Empoleon. Grass Knot is an alternative, and the TM for it can be earned at the Eterna City Gym. Waterfall is another option that also operates as an HM move. However, it is another physical move. Its flinch chance is also unhelpful due to Empoleon's low speed (although this is rectified by giving Empoleon a Quick Claw to hold).

Staraptor @ Shell Bell (Soothe Bell until max happiness)
Ability: Intimidate
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Return
- Brave Bird
- Fly / Aerial Ace / Steel Wing
- Close Combat

Starly can be caught immediately after obtaining Poké Balls. Staraptor has great attack and speed. Return is very powerful normal type STAB when Staraptor is at max happiness. The TM for it is found in the Lost Tower. Brave Bird and Close Combat are learned by level up at levels 49 and 34 respectively. Additionally, having Staraptor hold the Shell Bell will allow it to heal back about 1/3 of the Brave Bird recoil damage, making the move much more viable. If you are not going to have an HM slave for Fly, then it will need to go on Staraptor. Otherwise, you can use Aerial Ace (level 28) or Steel Wing (Route 209, requires Cut). Aerial Ace gets STAB and never misses. It is more powerful than Steel Wing after STAB, but Steel Wing provide coverage and a chance to raise Staraptor's defense.

Luxray @ Magnet / BlackGlasses / Metal Coat
Ability: Intimidate
Lonely / Mild / Hasty / Adamant / Jolly / Neutral Nature
- Thunder Fang / Spark
- Thunderbolt / Discharge
- Crunch
- Iron Tail

Shinx, like Starly, can be caught immediately after obtaining Poké Balls. Luxray has great attack and special attack, but its other stats are just average. Thunder Fang or Spark can be used to take advantage of Luxray's high attack stat. Both are learned by level up, at levels 42 and 18 respectively. Thunder Fang is generally better due to its flinch chance, but this is only useful against oponents that Luxray can outspeed with its base 70 speed. Either Thunderbolt or Discharge are also good options for Luxray. Discharge is learned by level up at level 56, and Thunderbolt is learned by the TM in Valley Windworks. Crunch is good coverage that is learned at level 35. Iron Tail is also good coverage, albeit innaccurate. It's found on Iron Island.

Roserade @ Miracle Seed / Poison Barb / Leftovers / Shell Bell / Big Root
Ability: Poison Point / Natural Cure
Timid / Modest Nature
- Petal Dance / Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Shadow Ball / Giga Drain
- Stun Spore / Toxic / Toxic Spikes / Leech Seed / Synthesis / Growth

Budew can be found early on in the game, just north of Jubilife City. The Shiny Stone required for evolving Roselia into Roserade can be found on Iron Island. Roserade has excellent special attack and good special defence and speed. Much of Roserade's moveset is determined by how what role you want it to fill. Petal Dance is a powerful STAB attack. Roserade will become confused after a few turns, but this is easily remedied by switching out (which also pairs well with Natural Cure). Giga Drain can be used in place of Petal Dance or Shadow Ball for healing purposes (if you decide to use Giga Drain, remember to let Roserade hold a Big Root). Giga Drain is learned at level 25 by Roselia. Sludge Bomb is Roserade's only source of reliable poison type STAB, and it can be found in the Galactic Warehouse. Shadow Ball is a good coverage attack, and the TM for it is found on Route 210. The last slot is mostly up to you. Stun Spore is learned by Budew at level 10, and it is my personal favorite for this slot. It is useful for catching Pokémon. Toxic and Toxic Spikes (levels 37 and 28 on Roselia respectively) are useful for poisoning opponents, but pair better with Natural Cure than Poison Point. Leech Seed and Synthesis (levels 16 and 46 on Roselia respectively) are useful for healing. However, you will likely need a Heart Scale for Leech Seed (Budew usually evolves around levels 20-23) and Synthesis will likely come several levels after obtaining the Shiny Stone. Growth (learned by Budew when you catch it) is an option for those who want to raise Roserade's special attack, but that stat is already very high as it is. However, it is very useful early on for Budew.

Garchomp @ Soft Sand
Ability: Sand Veil
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Dragon Claw / Dragon Rush
- Earthquake
- Crunch
- Sandstorm / Shadow Claw / Fire Fang

Gible can be obtained by going into the secret entrance to Wayward Cave. You'll need strength to get to the area with wild Gible. The TM for Earthquake can also be found via this secret entrance, and it can be put on Gible immediately. It will be Garchomp's main ground type STAB. Dragon Claw and Dragon Rush are learned by level up at levels 33 and 55 respectively. Dragon Rush is more powerful, but it's inaccurate. Crunch is also learned by level up at level 48. Sandstorm is on Gible when you catch it. Sandstorm is only necessary if you want to utilize Garchomp's ability, Sand Veil. Otherwise, go with Fire Fang (Heart Scale) or Shadow Claw (TM from gym leader Fantina).

Weavile @ NeverMeltIce / BlackGlasses
Ability: Pressure
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Night Slash
- Avalanche / Ice Shard
- X-Scissor
- Poison Jab

Sneasel is found rather late in the game on Route 216. It is the final member of the team. To evolve Sneasel, you will need to locate the Razor Claw on Route 224 (or Victory Road). Weavile has very good stats, but it has a poor movepool. Its only options for a physical ice type attack are Avalanche and Ice Shard. Avalanche has decreased priority, nullifying Weavile's high speed stat. Ice Shard has less power, but it has priority. However, Ice Shard is only learned by Sneasel at level 49. The TM for Avalanche is earned in the Snowpoint City Gym. Night Slash is great dark type STAB because of its base power and high critical hit ratio. Weavile learns this move at level 35. X-Scissor is learned by the TM found on Route 221. Poison Jab is learned by the TM found on Route 212.

Answer 19

This team has a version exclusive: Honchkrow. Alternatives for it are Staraptor or Crobat.

Diamond and Pearl are interesting when talking about team options. Having a more limited dex than Platinum makes you use mons you might not consider in other games.

My team is: Infernape, Roserade, Gastrodon, Ambipom, Honchkrow, Bronzong.

Infernape
- Flamethrower (TM in Fuego Ironworks)
- Brick Break (TM in Oreburgh Gate; requires Surf and Rock Smash)
- Shadow Claw (TM from Fantina)
- Rock Slide (TM in Mt. Coronet)

Flamethrower for Fire STAB.
Brick Break for Fighting STAB.
Shadow Claw for Psychic coverage.
Rock Slide for Flying coverage.

Infernape probably has the best performance out of the three Sinnoh starters as it has an advantage against Roark, Gardenia, Byron, and Candice, that's half of the leaders, it's insane. Infernape is also useful with Aaron in the league. The Fighting type just does well here and without Gallade (Ralts is Platinum only) it is probably the best one.

Roserade
- Giga Drain (Level 25 as Roselia)
- Sludge Bomb (TM in Team Galactic's HQ)
- Shadow Ball (TM on Route 210)
- Toxic (Level 37 as Roselia)

Giga Drain for Grass STAB and healing.
Sludge Bomb for Poison STAB.
Shadow Ball for Psychic coverage.
Toxic is always nice.

Roserade is the best Grass type in Sinnoh imo. It does great with Infernape, as it will cover its Water type weakness in the early game. Really useful against Roark if you haven't evolved Chimchar yet. It also does great against Crasher Wake, Volkner, and Bertha. Besides, Toxic is always useful.

Gastrodon
- Surf (HM in Celestic Town)
- Mud Bomb (Level 11)
- Ice Beam (TM on Route 216)
- Waterfall (HM from Jasmine)

Surf for STAB and it is an HM so it's a must have.
Mud Bomb for Ground STAB.
Ice Beam for Grass coverage.
Waterfall useless in battle because it's physical, but it's an HM so that's another must have.

Gastrodon is slow and it's not better than Floatzel, but I wanted another special mon. Besides, it's still a neat surfer and it only has 1 weakness: Grass. It can help out with Byron and Volkner and Flint at the league.

Ambipom
- Strength (HM in the Lost Tower)
- Aerial Ace (TM on Route 213)
- Iron Tail (TM on Iron Island)
- Agility (Level 29)

Strength for Normal STAB and it's an HM.
Aerial Ace for Flying type coverage.
Iron Tail for Rock type coverage.
Agility because boosting yourself is never bad.

Yeah, Ambipom is a filler mon, but it's a good one. Normal types always have good movesets and I think this one is a bit underrated and I think it will be nice to try it if you have never used it.

Honchkrow
- Fly (HM in Team Galactic's HQ)
- Night Slash (Level 45)
- Steel Wing (TM on Route 209; requires Cut)
- Roost (TM on Route 210)

Fly is just a necessity.
Night Slash for Dark STAB.
Steel Wing for Rock coverage.
Roost is kinda filler but still neat.

Yes, a Diamond exclusive but I already mentioned some alternatives for Pearl above. Honchkrow is a really cool and useful mon. Fantina is probably the hardest leader here and it is really hard to get a counter and this one's probably the best. You can use it to battle Gardenia, Maylene and Fantina as I already said. It is also great against almost all the Elite Four: Aaron, Bertha, and Lucian in the Elite Four.

Bronzong
- Psychic (TM on Route 211)
- Gyro Ball (Level 38)
- Faint Attack (Level 50)
- Stealth Rock (TM from Roark)

Psychic for Psychic STAB. Unfortunately, Bronzong doesn't learn any physical Psychic moves, but its Special Attack is serviceable.
Gyro Ball for Steel STAB and great because of Bronzong's low Speed.
Faint Attack for Ghost coverage.
Stealth Rock is nice but it's here for filler as it's not that necessary in-game.

Psychic types aren't that great in Sinnoh, but there are a few options. I think Bronzong is a really good one because it can help you out with Maylene. Yeah that's it and I know it's not a lot but I like this mon.

Comments

Honchkrow has really good stats and typing, but I think it is generally outclassed by Staraptor for a number of reasons.  It requires a Dusk Stone to evolve, so you're going to be stuck with the frail Murkrow until you get to the Galactic Warehouse after the Snowpoint City Gym.  On the other hand, the Staravia evolves into Staraptor at level 34.  The line also gets Intimidate to cover its defense.  Murkrow/Honchkrow also doesn't get reliable flying type STAB attacks.  Other than Fly (a two turn attack), Aerial Ace (learned via TM) is the best option.  Staraptor gets Brave Bird and gets STAB from Return, which is ridiculously powerful for most of the game.  Staraptor can also get Close Combat, a very powerful fighting type attack.  It may lower Staraptor's defense and special defense, but the defense drop won't matter if the foe's attack is lowered from Intimidate.  Finally, Honchkrow lacks speed, and Staraptor has it in abundance.

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I also consider Staraptor to be better, but this is made more for people who want to do another playthrough and not for people who want to play it for the first time. People who have completed DP before have probably used Staraptor in a Sinnoh playthrough so I wanted to give an alternative. If you see the answers, like 80% of them have Staraptor as flyer, that's why I put Honchkrow in there.

Answer 20

Torterra @ Meadow Plate
Ability: Overgrow
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake (STAB)
- Wood Hammer (STAB)
- Rock Slide (Coverage)
- Rock Polish (Setup)

Crobat @ Sky Plate
Ability: Inner Focus
Adamant Nature- Fly (STAB)
- Cross Poison (STAB)
- Roost (Healing)
- Toxic (Poisoning)

Tentacruel @ Splash Plate
Ability: Clear Body / Liquid Ooze
Modest Nature
- Surf (STAB)
- Sludge Bomb (STAB)
- Giga Drain (Coverage, healing)
- Toxic Spikes (Setup)

Weavile @ Icicle Plate
Ability: Pressure
Adamant Nature
- Ice Punch (STAB)
- Night Slash (STAB)
- Double Team (Setup)
- Aerial Ace (Coverage)

Rapidash
Ability: Run Away / Flash Fire
Adamant Nature
- Flare Blitz (STAB)
- Iron Tail / Double Kick (Coverage)
- Megahorn (Filter)
- Bounce (Filter)

Lucario @ Iron Plate
Ability: Steadfast / Inner Focus
Jolly Nature
- Return / Extreme Speed (Filler)
- Bullet Punch (STAB, Priority)
- Swords Dance (Setup)
- Close Combat (STAB)

Luxray @ Zap Plate
Ability: Rivalry / Intimidate
Jolly Nature
- Spark (STAB)
- Crunch (Filler)
- Thunder Wave (Paralyzing)
- Ice Fang (Coverage)

Bibarel @ Quick Claw
Ability: Simple / Unaware
Adamant Nature
- Rock Climb (STAB)
- Strength (STAB)
- Waterfall (STAB)
- Rock Smash (Filler)