Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearlare set in the expansive Sinnoh region. Players were first introduced to this region and its iconic Pokemon in Generation 4’sPokemon DiamondandPearl,and now players can visit it again in the remakes. Throughout their journey, players will be on the hunt for powerful Pokemon to add to their team, andPokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearlhave many options to choose from.
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Ground-type Pokemon are among the strongest inBrilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, with high physical stats and immunity to Electric-type moves. With the game’saddition of the Grand Underground, players have even more opportunity to hunt for these Pokemon. Here are some of the best for aficionados of this type.
Updated March 28th, 2022 by Russ Boswell:There are a lot of amazing ground-type Pokemon for trainers to catch throughout Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Thanks to access to the Grand Underground and a healthy post-game with the release of the National Pokedex, players have many choices when it comes to filling a ground-type slot on their team. But with so many to choose fromwhat are the best ground-type Pokemon in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl? To better answer that question, the following list has been updated to include even more entries, stats, and locations for the best ground-types in the game.
12Golem
Those looking for a punishing Ground-type that’s capable of dominating the opposition (or at the very least taking them down in a blaze of glory) should definitely consider Golem. The dual-type Ground and Rock Pokemon is the final stage evolution of the Geodude line, one of the most common creatures that players will come across during their journey through Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
Players that want to get their hands on a Golem to rain rocky fury down on their opponents will first need to find a Geodude or a Graveler. Geodude can be found in a wide array of areas all over Sinnoh, as early as Route 206. Graveler is similar, showing up in areas all across Sinnoh but is most prominent in the cave at the top of Mt. Coronet. After players acquire a Graveler (or evolve a Geodude into one) they’ll need to trade it to another player to evolve it into Golem.
Golem’s Stats:
11Nidoqueen
Nidoqueenis a dual-type Poison/Ground Pokemon. Like all Ground-types, Nidoqueen’s typing gives it auseful immunity to Electric-typemoves, and with decent Attack and Special Attack stats, it can hold its own in battle. Nidoqueen is a more well-rounded Pokemon compared to its male counterpart, Nidoking, making it slightly more useful throughout the game.
Nidoqueen’s base evolution is Nidoran (F), which evolves into Nidorina. Both of these Pokemon can becaught in theGrand Undergroundonce players have obtained theNational Dex. Nidoran (F) and Nidorina can also both be found using thePoke RadaratValor Lakefront,Route 221, andRoute 201. Nidoran (F) will evolve into Nidorina at level 16, and then Nidoqueen using aMoon Stone. It is important to note that players will need afemaleNidoran to obtain Nidoqueen.
Nidoqueen’s Stats:
10Steelix
Steelixis a strange Pokemon. Its stat makeup is both an advantage and disadvantage to the Pokemon in battle. While it has a ridiculously high Defense stat, its other stats suffer as a result. In particular, its low Special Defense and Speed stats can be a hindrance. However, Steelix’s typing makes it quite resistant, giving it immunity not only to Electric but to Poison-type damage as well.
Steelix evolves from Onix. Onix can be found very early in the game, in theOreburgh Mine,Stark Mountain,Snowpoint Temple,Iron Island, andVictory Road. Onix is also common in theGrand Underground. Onix will evolve into Steelix when traded holding aMetal Coat.
Steelix’s Stats:
9Gliscor (Brilliant Diamond Exclusive)
Gliscoris a solid Pokemon, with above-average Defense and Attack stats. Gliscor does have an immunity to Ground-type moves in addition to Electric, but that may be overshadowed by its 4x weakness to Ice-type damage. This can get Gliscor into trouble later in the game, especially during the gym battle against Candice.
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Gliscor and its predecessor Gligar, are exclusivetoBrilliant Diamond. Gligar can be found early inadventures through theGrand Underground, and will evolve into Gliscor when leveled up while holding aRazor Fangat night.
Gliscor’s Stats:
8Flygon
Flygonis a Ground/Dragon-type Pokemon, and with great stats, it is a useful Pokemon to pick up. Flygon is also plagued by the 4x weakness to Ice-type damage; however, it has a great move pool, filled with strong Dragon, Ground, and even Fighting-type moves.
Flygon evolves from Vibrava, which evolves from Trapinch. Both Pokemon can be found in theGrand Undergroundonce players haveobtained theNational Dex, or onRoute 228once players have the ability to use thePoke Radar. Trapinch will evolve into Vibrava at level 35 and Flygon at level 45. These are high-level evolutions, but players can take advantage ofBrilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl’sExp. Share tolevel up their Pokemon quickly.
Flygon’s Stats:
7Hippowdon
Hippowdonis the pure Ground-type “Heavyweight Pokemon.” Hippowdon has no 4x weaknesses, which greatly aids it in combat. With great Attack, Defense, and HP stats, Hippowdon is a safe choice for players looking for a Ground-type Pokemon.
Hippowdon evolves from Hippopotas. Hippopotas can be found inManiac Tunnel,or in theGrand Undergroundonce players have theDefogability. Hippowdon can also be found in the wild onRoute 228. Hippopotas will evolve into Hippowdon at level 34.
Hippowdon’s Stats:
6Rhyperior
If used strategically,Rhyperiorcan be an amazing Pokemon. With an Attack stat that can rival evenlegendary Pokemon inBrilliant Diamondand Shining Pearl,and a Defense stat that can help it tank massive damage, Rhyperior is a beast in combat. Unfortunately, Rhyperior’s Rock/Ground typing gives it two 4x weaknesses, so watch out for the extremely common Water and Grass-types.
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Rhyperior evolves from Rhydon, which evolves from Rhyhorn. Rhyhorn can be found onRoute 227andStark Mountain, as well as theGrand Underground. An evolved Rhydon can be caught onRoute 228,Route 227,Stark Mountain, or in theGrand Undergroundonce players haveobtained theNational Dex.Rhyhorn will evolve into Rhydon at level 42, and will need to betradedwhile holding aProtectorto evolve into Rhyperior.
Rhyperior’s Stats:
5Torterra
Torterrais theSinnoh region’s iconic Grass-type starter. Torterra’s Grass/Ground-typing gives it a 4x weakness to Ice-type moves; however, Torterra has decent stats, with its high Attack and Defense coming in especially handy.
Forplayers who did not choose Turtwigas their starter Pokemon, it can be found later in the game in theGrand Undergroundonce players have obtained theNational Dex. Turtwig will evolve into Grotle at level 18 and Torterra at level 32.
Torterra’s Stats:
4Mamoswine
Mamoswineis an Ice/Ground-type Pokemon. With a massive Attack stat and powerful Ice-type moves at its disposal, Mamoswine is a real threat to opponents in combat and can take out manyfoes in just a few hits.
Mamoswine’s base form is Swinub, which can be found in theGrand Undergroundearly in the game or in tall grass onRoute 217. Swinub will evolve into Piloswine at level 33, and into Mamoswine once it has learned the moveAncient Power.
Mamoswine’s Stats:
3Swampert
Swampert is a dual-type Water/Ground Pokemon. This typing unfortunately gives it a 4x damage weakness to Grass-type moves — however, this is the only weakness it has. Swampert has a great move pool and a nice Attack stat to back it up.
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Swampert evolves from the Generation 3 Water-type starter Mudkip. Mudkip can be found inBrilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl’sGrand Undergroundonce players have obtained theNational Dex. Mudkip will evolve into Marshtomp at level 16 and Swampert at level 36.
