The National Dex is key to making the most out of the post game content in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Here’s how you can get it.

What is the National Dex?

The National Pokedex unlocks a slew of Pokemon from other generations, specifically from Gen I to Gen III. The Pokédex you get early on won’t let you catch much of the Pokemon outside Generation IV. You must first complete the pages of your Sinnoh Dex before you can truly catch ‘em all. 

How do you unlock the National Dex?

Unlocking the National Dex is pretty simple. You must first complete the 150 pages of your Sinnoh Dex. Fortunately, it’s not as hard as previous versions where you need to catch all Pokemon before even unlocking the National Dex. All you need to do is to encounter or see these 150 Pokemon in either battles or in the wild. You’ll fill up most of the pages by actively battling every trainer you can possibly battle all the way to the Elite Four. This means that you have to beat the Elite Four including the Champion, Cynthia. While that is certainly a tall task, at least you wouldn’t need to capture every Pokemon before unlocking the National Dex. Beating the Pokemon League will also allow you to add the page of the Legendary Pokemon opposite of your cover. After beating the Elite Four, head to Celestic Town and speak to the old woman living in the house north of the cave. If you own Brilliant Diamond, she’ll show you a picture of Palkia and if you own Shining Pearl, she’ll show you a picture of Dialga. Once you complete these prerequisites, you’ll be able to unlock the National Pokedex.

To actually get the National Dex, you’ll need to go back to Sandgem Town and speak to Professor Rowan. A short cutscene will play and Professor Oak will upgrade your Pokedex into the National Dex.

What happens after unlocking the National Dex?

Right after unlocking the National Dex, you’ll gain access to new areas, encounter new Pokemon, and have challenging new battles. The most notable new area is Ramanas Park where you can encounter legendaries from previous generations of Pokemon games like Mewtwo, Lugia, and Rayquaza. You’ll also find new Pokemon in the Grand Underground like the starters from the other games before Generation IV. You can also catch Legendary Pokemon like Giratina and Regigigas. 

It’s safe to say that there are plenty of post game things you can do which is why it’s important you unlock the National Dex.

So there you have it! That’s everything you need to know about how you can get the National Dex in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Be sure to check back with us again for more awesome guides on your favorite games. Have fun!

Looking for other ways to catch certain Pokémon? Click here to learn how to get a Heracross, here to get an Electivire, here to get a Magmortar, and here to get a Drifloon.