Pokémon 101
New to the Pokémon universe? Learn the basics in our Pokémon 101 crash course!
Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl take place in the land of Sinnoh, a vast region populated with charismatic characters, beautiful natural environments and a huge variety of Pokémon.
You'll start your journey as a rookie Trainer, but before the story ends you'll be transformed into a champion. True Pokémon Trainers don't just accumulate Pokémon, they use them as tools to fight evil and protect the helpless, human and Pokémon alike.
What are Pokémon?
Pokémon are unique creates that come in all shapes and sizes. Each Pokémon specializes in one or two types of elemental abilities (such as Grass, Fire or Water) which it uses in battle. Pokémon also develop their own personalities, likes and dislikes — just like humans do. Pokémon and humans have learned to live and work together in harmony to create a better life for all.
Pokémon Trainers gather Pokémon from the wild and train them to battle each other and perform other tasks. By battling Pokémon, Pokémon and their trainers can show off their skills and compete for various badges and titles. Trainers become close friends with their Pokémon, nurturing them and helping them evolve into stronger Pokémon.
Pokémon Trainers can trade and battle Pokémon with their friends by using Nintendo DS wireless communication, or by connecting to the internet via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
How do Pokémon Grow?
Pokémon grow and evolve in many different ways. When Pokémon travel with a Pokémon Trainer, they gain experience from battling with Pokémon and other Trainers. Pokémon can also gain experience by staying at the Pokémon Daycare, but nothing beats first-hand battle experience.
Pokémon also grow stronger by using or holding items. Some Pokémon have the ability to evolve once they reach a certain stage in their lives. There are items that induce evolution, but an induced Pokémon will not be as strong as if it had progressed to its evolution naturally.
How are Pokémon Types Used in Battle?
All Pokémon have one or two innate element types. Pokémon types reflect the Pokémon's strengths and weaknesses as well as the environment they originated from. For example, Fire-type Pokémon are often found near hot environments, excel in Fire-type moves and are weak against Water-type moves. If you know what Pokémon type your opponent is using, it is usually a good strategy to use the opposing type. Gym Leaders and Trainers always use one or two Pokémon types.
When a Pokémon uses a move that is particularly strong against its opponent, it does even more damage. Also keep types in mind for defense. If your opponent uses a Pokémon type that your current Pokémon is weak against, bring out another Pokémon.
Pokémon Type Chart
The Pokémon type chart is the greatest weapon in a Pokémon Trainer's arsenal. Download this chart and study it well to learn which Pokémon types are most effective against other types.
How are Pokémon Captured?
Like most creatures, Pokémon live in environments suited to their needs. A skilled Pokémon Trainer will search everywhere for Pokémon and learn where to find different types. Some Pokémon are more elusive than others. You will need key items such as a Fishing Pole to catch some Pokémon.
Wild Pokémon are challenging to catch. Weaken wild Pokémon in battle, then toss a Poké Ball at the Pokémon to capture it. Experiment with different types of Poké Balls to capture more powerful Pokémon.
What are TMs and HMs?
TMs (Technical Machines) and HMs (Hidden Machines) contain special abilities that you can teach your Pokémon. TMs provide one-time skill training for one Pokémon. After you use a TM, it disappears, so choose which Pokémon you wish to learn the move carefully. HMs provide a skill training that you can use over and over on any Pokémon able to learn the move.
TMs and HMs contain special moves that your Pokémon can learn and use in and out of battle. Some HMs, such as Surf and Fly, will open up new forms of travel if a Pokémon that knows the move is with you. Other HMs, such as Cut or Rock Smash, will enable a Pokémon to clear paths that allow you to travel where you couldn't otherwise. TMs usually contain rare moves that you can teach only certain Pokémon one time, so be sure to choose the recipient Pokémon wisely!
