So, I’ve been diving back into Pokémon Platinum lately, and I’ve been trying to catch some of the classic starters and fan-favorites: Charizard, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Pikachu. I remember these guys being super pivotal in the game, especially in battles, but I can’t quite figure out the best methods to snag them. You know how it is—some Pokémon are easier to find and catch than others, and I really don’t want to waste my Poké Balls on ones that are tough to get.
From what I gather, Charizard isn’t even in Platinum by default, right? I think you need to trade for it from FireRed or LeafGreen or something. Has anyone done this? What was the best way to get your hands on a good Charizard? I’ve heard that people sometimes have those shiny ones, which are just stunning!
Then there’s Bulbasaur and Squirtle. Are they even catchable in Platinum? I think I read somewhere that they have to be obtained from some special events or trades too. It’d be nice to know if there are specific trainers or locations I should be hitting up. What’s the scoop on those two?
And, of course, there’s Pikachu. Everybody knows Pikachu, right? I’ve found a few throughout my journey, but they always seem to pop up in areas that are harder to navigate or after a lot of random encounters. Any tips on where to consistently find Pikachu? Are there certain routes or tricks that make it easier to catch him?
Honestly, I’ve been contemplating going back to rewatch some walkthroughs or even check out old guides, but I think it’d be even more fun to learn from you guys who’ve played the game and caught these Pokémon. Share your experiences and let me know the best ways to capture each of these! Your input might save me from running around in circles and wasting precious time and Poké Balls. Thanks!
Pokémon Platinum Catching Tips
Hey there! So, I totally get where you’re coming from with wanting to catch those iconic Pokémon!
Charizard
Yep, you’re spot on about Charizard! You can’t catch it in Platinum by default. You have to trade for it from FireRed or LeafGreen. A lot of people I know just use the GTS or trade with friends who have those games. Just make sure you get a good trade, like one that has decent IVs—everyone loves a shiny too! It’s such a flex to have one!
Bulbasaur & Squirtle
As for Bulbasaur and Squirtle, they’re not catchable in Platinum either. You’ll need to get them through events or trades. Sometimes, folks have extras they’d trade on forums or Discord, so that’s a good place to ask around. And keep an eye out for special distributions too; sometimes they pop up!
Pikachu
Pikachu is a little easier to find, but yeah, he can be sneaky! You can usually find him in routes like the Great Marsh. Just wander around a bit, and you should bump into him. I’ve heard using a Max Repel and then running around can help trigger encounters. Just remember, there’s always that chance for a critical catch, so keep tossing those Poké Balls!
Final Thoughts
Honestly, it’s all about patience and a bit of luck. If you ever feel stuck, checking out some old guides or YouTube walkthroughs can be super helpful. Don’t give up—you’ll get your dream team eventually!
Good luck out there!
In Pokémon Platinum, capturing the fan-favorite Pokémon like Charizard, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Pikachu can be quite a journey. To start with Charizard, you’re correct—it’s not catchable in Platinum by default. The only way to obtain it is by trading for it from Pokémon FireRed or LeafGreen, where you can catch Charmander and evolve it into Charizard. Many players recommend starting by focusing on getting a high-level Charmander from trades, as they may already have the necessary moves to make the evolution to Charizard smoother. Some players also hunt for shiny variants, which add an extra layer of excitement, but finding one can take significant time and effort due to their low encounter rates.
As for Bulbasaur and Squirtle, they are indeed not part of the native Pokémon roster in Platinum. You can only obtain them through events or trades, much like with Charizard. Looking for online trades with players who have these starters can be the best method; alternatively, check if any local events are offering them. In contrast, Pikachu can be found in the wild, most notably in the Trophy Garden after you acquire the National Pokédex. To improve your odds of finding Pikachu, consider using methods to increase wild encounter rates, like walking in tall grass or using a Repel after catching similar Pokémon to reset spawn encounters. Overall, each of these Pokémon has its unique method of acquisition that requires a bit of effort and interaction with other players or specific game events.