Hey everyone! 👋 Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of Pokémon hunting in Pokémon Pearl? Today, we're going to be focusing on one particular Pokémon that's a real Pearl exclusive: Shieldon! ✨ If you're a Brilliant Diamond player, you know the struggle of trying to get your hands on this fossil Pokémon. But don't worry, we'll explore all the ins and outs of finding Shieldon in Pearl, and even discuss how Brilliant Diamond players can potentially snag one. So, buckle up, trainers, and let's get started!
What Makes Shieldon So Special?
Okay, guys, let's talk about why Shieldon is so sought after. First off, it's a super cool-looking Pokémon! I mean, who doesn't love a defensive powerhouse that resembles a shield? 🛡️ But Shieldon isn't just about aesthetics; it's a fantastic Pokémon in battle, especially if you're into a more strategic, defensive playstyle. Shieldon evolves into Bastiodon, a Steel/Rock type Pokémon with incredibly high Defense and Special Defense stats. This makes Bastiodon a formidable wall that can take a serious beating while dishing out some damage of its own. Think of it as your team's personal bodyguard! 💪
Beyond its battle prowess, Shieldon is also special because it's a fossil Pokémon. This means you can't just find it roaming around in the wild. You need to excavate it from a fossil! This adds a layer of excitement and challenge to obtaining Shieldon, making it feel like a true accomplishment when you finally get your hands on one. Plus, fossil Pokémon are just plain cool! They're like little pieces of prehistoric history that you can train and battle with. How awesome is that?! 😎
And, of course, the exclusivity factor plays a huge role in Shieldon's appeal. Being a Pearl exclusive makes it a must-have for any collector or completionist. If you're playing Brilliant Diamond, trading is your best bet for getting Shieldon, which makes it a valuable and sought-after Pokémon in the trading community. Let's be honest, there's a certain satisfaction in owning a Pokémon that's a little bit harder to come by. 😉
Where to Find Shieldon in Pokémon Pearl
Alright, trainers, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: How do you actually find Shieldon in Pokémon Pearl? The key to unlocking this fossil Pokémon lies in the Grand Underground! 🚇 This vast network of tunnels beneath Sinnoh is home to a variety of Pokémon, items, and, most importantly, fossils. To find Shieldon, you'll need to become a bit of a virtual paleontologist and start digging!
Specifically, you'll be looking for the Armor Fossil. This is the fossil that, when taken to the Oreburgh Mining Museum, can be revived into a Shieldon. Now, here's the catch: Armor Fossils are exclusive to Pokémon Pearl. This means that if you're playing Brilliant Diamond, you'll be digging for the Skull Fossil instead, which revives into Cranidos (another awesome fossil Pokémon, but not the Shieldon we're after!).
So, how do you actually dig up fossils in the Grand Underground? First, you'll need the Explorer Kit, which you receive early in the game from the Old Underground Man in Eterna City. Once you have the Explorer Kit, you can use it to dive into the Grand Underground from almost anywhere in the overworld. Inside the Grand Underground, you'll see sparkling spots on the walls. These are digging spots! ⛏️
When you interact with a digging spot, a mini-game will start where you use your pickaxe and hammer to excavate items from the wall. Be careful, though! The wall has a certain amount of durability, and if you damage it too much, the wall will collapse, and you'll lose any items you haven't yet claimed. The trick is to carefully chip away at the wall, revealing items while trying to avoid causing too much damage. It's kind of like a virtual archeological dig – you never know what treasures you might unearth!
The Armor Fossil is a relatively rare find, so you'll need to be patient and persistent. Keep digging at those spots, and eventually, you'll strike gold (or, in this case, a fossil!). Remember, the larger the sparkling spot, the more likely it is to contain rare items. So, prioritize those bigger spots whenever you see them! 👍
Once you've found an Armor Fossil, head back to the Oreburgh Mining Museum in Oreburgh City. Talk to the scientist at the counter, and he'll take your fossil and revive it into a brand-new Shieldon! 🎉 Congratulations, you've successfully added this Pearl exclusive to your team!
Tips for Finding Armor Fossils
Okay, let's talk strategy! Finding Armor Fossils can be a bit of a grind, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances. First and foremost, patience is key. Don't get discouraged if you don't find one right away. Just keep digging, and eventually, you'll get lucky. Think of it like a treasure hunt – the reward is totally worth the effort!
Another tip is to explore different areas of the Grand Underground. The types of items you find can vary depending on the biome you're in. So, try digging in different areas to see if you have better luck finding Armor Fossils. Experimentation is part of the fun! 🧪
Pay attention to the size of the digging spots. As mentioned earlier, larger spots tend to contain rarer items, so they're definitely worth checking out. Keep an eye out for those big sparkles! ✨
Use both your pickaxe and hammer strategically. The pickaxe is great for removing large chunks of rock, but it also damages the wall more quickly. The hammer is more precise and causes less damage, but it's also slower. Experiment with using both tools to maximize your efficiency and prevent the wall from collapsing prematurely. It's all about finding the right balance! ⚖️
Consider playing with friends! If you're playing online with friends, you can dig in the same areas together. This can make the process more fun and increase your chances of finding rare items, including Armor Fossils. Teamwork makes the dream work! 🤝
Finally, don't forget to take breaks! Digging for fossils can be a bit repetitive, so it's important to take breaks to avoid burnout. Go battle some trainers, explore the overworld, or just relax for a bit. You'll come back refreshed and ready to dig again! ☕
Trading for Shieldon in Brilliant Diamond
Now, what about you Brilliant Diamond players? Don't despair! While you can't dig up Armor Fossils yourself, there's still hope for adding Shieldon to your team. The most reliable way to get Shieldon in Brilliant Diamond is through trading! 🤝
Trading is a fundamental aspect of the Pokémon experience, and it's a fantastic way to obtain Pokémon that are exclusive to other versions. You can trade with friends locally or connect online to trade with players from all over the world. The Pokémon community is incredibly active and helpful, so you're sure to find someone willing to trade you a Shieldon for a Cranidos (the Brilliant Diamond exclusive fossil Pokémon) or another Pokémon of similar value.
There are several ways to find trading partners. You can use online forums, social media groups, or even in-game trading boards. Be polite, be clear about what you're looking for, and be willing to offer something of value in return. Remember, trading is a two-way street! ↔️
Another option is to use the Global Wonder Trade feature. This is a bit more of a gamble, as you'll be trading a Pokémon without knowing what you'll receive in return. However, it's a fun way to potentially get a surprise Pokémon, and you might just get lucky and receive a Shieldon! 🍀
Pro Tip: When trading, it's always a good idea to communicate with your trading partner beforehand to ensure a fair and mutually beneficial trade. This will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure a positive trading experience for everyone involved.
Why Shieldon is a Great Addition to Your Team
Let's circle back to why Shieldon and its evolution, Bastiodon, are such valuable additions to any team. As we mentioned earlier, Bastiodon boasts incredible Defense and Special Defense stats. This makes it an exceptional wall that can soak up damage from both physical and special attacks. If you're looking for a Pokémon that can withstand powerful hits and keep your team safe, Bastiodon is your guy! 🛡️
Bastiodon's Steel/Rock typing also gives it a unique set of resistances, making it resistant to Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Steel, Psychic, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-type attacks. That's a lot of resistances! However, it's also important to be aware of Bastiodon's weaknesses. Its Steel/Rock typing makes it doubly weak to Fighting and Ground-type attacks, and also weak to Water-type attacks. So, you'll need to be strategic about when you bring Bastiodon into battle and be prepared to switch it out against unfavorable matchups.
In terms of moves, Bastiodon learns a variety of powerful moves that complement its defensive stats. Some notable moves include: Iron Head (a strong Steel-type move), Stone Edge (a powerful Rock-type move), Metal Burst (a unique move that deals damage based on the amount of damage Bastiodon has taken), and Protect (a classic defensive move that can stall for time and scout your opponent's moves).
Bastiodon's defensive capabilities make it particularly useful in competitive battling, where it can serve as a reliable wall and disrupt your opponent's strategies. It's also a great choice for challenging Gym Leaders and the Elite Four in the main game. With the right strategy and team support, Bastiodon can be a true powerhouse! 💪
Conclusion: Go Catch Your Shieldon!
So, there you have it, trainers! Everything you need to know about finding and obtaining Shieldon in Pokémon Pearl and Brilliant Diamond. Whether you're digging in the Grand Underground or trading with friends, adding this awesome fossil Pokémon to your team is a rewarding experience. With its unique design, impressive defensive stats, and Pearl exclusivity, Shieldon is a Pokémon that's definitely worth the effort. 👍
Now, it's time for you to put on your explorer hats, grab your pickaxes and hammers, and head down into the Grand Underground! Remember, patience and persistence are key. And if you're a Brilliant Diamond player, don't forget to reach out to the trading community. Good luck, and happy hunting! May the fossils be ever in your favor! 😉 Until next time, trainers! Keep catching 'em all! 💖
