Pokemonwas not the first series to introduce monster-catching into RPGs; however, can certainly be cited as a game that popularized the sub-genre. Something that is also iconic to this franchise is the selling of two versions. It all began withPokemon RedandGreenin Japan, which becamePokemon RedandBluein North America.
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Both versions of each generation are almost completely identical. The biggest difference falls on whatPokemoncan be captured in what game. The same is true forPokemon Brilliant DiamondandShining Pearl. There are Pokemon in the first four generations scattered across each copy. Let’s sort them out and deduce who the best exclusives are. This could createsome great challengesin the games.
8Brilliant Diamond Exclusive Generation 1 Pokemon
There is no beating the Pokemon from the original games,Red and Blue. They are classics, and even the smaller Pokemon may set the hearts of fans aflutter.Caterpie, Metapod, Butterfree, Scyther, Electabuzz, Seel, Dewgong, Ekans, Arbok, Growlithe, and Arcanineare all exclusive toBrilliant Diamond.
All eleven of those Pokemon have merits to them. Butterfree has great moves, like Sleep Powder, which can help catch Pokemon. Seel and Dewgongare good Water-typePokemon that can also learn Ice-type moves, which is great for defeating Dragon-types. Finally, Scyther is a cool Pokemon design, thanks to its giant blades.
7Shining Pearl Exclusive Generation 1 Pokemon
Brilliant Diamondhas some great Pokemon exclusives from the first games, but so doesShining Pearl.Weedle, Kakuna, Beedrill, Sandshrew, Sandslash, Vulpix, Ninetales, Slowpoke, Slowbro, Magmar, Pinsir, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltresare the first-generation Pokemon exclusive toShining Pearl.
The standouts of that crowd are the legendary birds. Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres are some of the best legendaries the series has ever created, mixing elemental powers with Flying-type Pokemon; for example, Zapdos is a verygood Electric/Flying-type combo. The non-Legendaries are great as well — for example, Vulpix and Ninetales are cute Fire-type Pokemon with some wicked attacks as well.
6Brilliant Diamond Exclusive Generation 2 Pokemon
The second generation of thePokemongames is almost as classic as the originals. There was only a modest increase of 100 new Pokemon, which still made catching them all an attractive tagline.Scizor, Larvitar, Pupitar, Tyranitar, Gligar, Murkrow, Elekid, Entei, Raikou, Suicune, and Ho-Ohare all exclusive toBrilliant Diamond.
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Ho-Oh is a fairly decent legendary Pokemon. The bigger legendary Pokemon in the game, though, are Entei, Raikou, and Suicune. Meanwhile, Scizor is another cool Pokemon to get, as it is the evolved form of Scyther.
5Shining Pearl Exclusive Generation 2 Pokemon
Many players agree thatBrilliant Diamondgot all of the good Gen II Pokemon.Slowking, Misdreavus, Teddiursa, Ursaring, Stantler, Magby, and Lugiaare the second generation Pokemon available inShining Pearl. Those aren’t terrible Pokemon, but by comparison, it’s a no-brainer to buyBrilliant DiamondoverShining Pearlfor fans of the Gen II games.
There are two Pokemon out of that lot that are the most useful. Lugia is a great legendary that is part Psychic-type, which was new for the series at the time. Slowking is also a rare Psychic/Water-type combo worth picking up.
4Brilliant Diamond Exclusive Generation 3 Pokemon
The third generation ofPokemongames is a bit more divisive among fans. It is safe to say that not many of the critters in these games are considered classic, but they still have their fans out there.Mawile, Solrock, Seedot, Nuzleaf, Shiftry, and Kecleonare all exclusive toBrilliant Diamond.
Of those six Pokemon, Nuzleaf and Shiftry are the two best picks. Theyare both Dark/Grass-type, which is a unique combination for the series. However, that combo makes them extremely vulnerable to many other types: seven altogether. They’re still fun to use despite that fact.
3Shining Pearl Exclusive Generation 3 Pokemon
Shining Pearl, in this arena, has a leg up overBrilliant Diamond.Shining Pearldoesn’t have that many more Pokemon from the third generation of games, but there are still some more attractive ones for battle.Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo, Sableye, Seviper, Lunatone, Bagon, Shelgon, and Salamenceare the third generation Pokemon available inShining Pearl.
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Salamence, the final form of Bagon and Shelgon, isa decent Dragon-typefrom this generation. Lombre and Ludicolo are fun Pokemon with unique design. Plus, their Water/Grass-type combo makes them strong against a lot of Pokemon attacks.
2Brilliant Diamond Exclusive Generation 4 Pokemon
The point of releasing two versions ofPokemongames is for players to trade with friends. The bigger question forBrilliant DiamondandShining Pearlfans may then be to ask which “new” Pokemon from those games are hiding within each.Cranidos, Rampardos, Honchkrow, Stunky, Skuntank, Electivire, Gliscor, Dialgaare all exclusive toBrilliant Diamond.
Electivire is a beefy new evolved form of Electabuzz that is quite fetching. Cranidos and Rampardos are also some fun fossil Pokemon to unearth. Dialga, meanwhile, is the exclusive legendary. It isa Steel/Dragon-type, which is special for the series and is incredibly defensive in battle.
1Shining Pearl Exclusive Generation 4 Pokemon
Brilliant Diamondhas eight exclusives, whileShining Pearlonly has seven.Shieldon, Bastiodon, Mismagius, Glameow, Purugly, Magmortar, and Palkiaare the fourth generation Pokemon available inShining Pearl.
Like Electivire, Magmortar is a new evolution of a first-generation Pokemon: Magmar. He is a beastly fire-type Pokemon that will rock the house with its mortar-like gun arms. Palkia isthis game’s legendary exclusive, and it is a Water/Dragon-type. The Water-type gives it a resistance to a usual Dragon-type weakness: ice.
Pokemon Brilliant DiamondandShining Pearlwere released on July 25, 2025 and are available onSwitch.
