Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: All Exclusive Pokemon in Each Version

Each time we get a new pair of Pokemon games, there’s always a tough choice to make — which one do you buy? While the games remain largely the same throughout in terms of gameplay, there are a few slight tweaks and changes between the two; namely, version exclusive Pokemon. With the release of Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl this month, version exclusive Pokemon remains a thing, and as such, some people may be wondering which Pokemon are included in which game so they can make the right decision when it comes to pre-ordering or picking the game up.

All Exclusive Pokemon in Brilliant Diamond

• Dialga
• Murkrow
• Honchkrow
• Cranidos
• Rampardos
• Stunky
• Skuntank
• Scyther
• Scizor
• Elekid
• Electabuzz
• Electivire
• Gligar
• Gliscor
• Catterpea
• Metapod
• Butterfree
• Ekans
• Arbok
• Growlithe
• Arcanine
• Seel
• Dewgong
• Kecleon
• Seedot
• Nuzleaf
• Shiftry
• Mawile
• Zangoose
• Solrock
• Larvitar
• Pupitar
• Tyranitar
• Entei
• Raikou
• Suicune
• Ho-Oh

All Exclusive Pokemon in Shining Pearl

• Palkia
• Shieldon
• Bastiodon
• Misdreavus
• Mismagius
• Glameow
• Purugly
• Magby
• Magmar
• Magmortar
• Bonsly
• Sudowoodo
• Tediursa
• Ursaring
• Weedle
• Kakuna
• Beedrill
• Vulpix
• Ninetales
• Sandshrew
• Sandslash
• Stantler
• Slowpoke
• Slowbro
• Slowking
• Lotad
• Lombre
• Ludicolo
• Lunatone
• Seviper
• Sableye
• Bagon
• Shelgon
• Salamence
• Articuno
• Zapdos
• Moltres
• Lugia

Which Version Has the Best Exclusives?

Thanks to the infographic from AdeptCharon below, you can get a quick look at all of the version exclusive Pokemon in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

Ultimately, which version has the best exclusive Pokemon comes down to personal preference. As a big fan of the legendary dogs and Arcanine and Tyranitar, the exclusives in Brilliant Diamond appeal to myself a little more.

However, those who prefer the legendary birds from the original Pokemon games, or have a penchant for Ghost-type Pokemon may find the Shining Pearl exclusives resonate with them more.

Keep in mind that you’ll be able to trade with someone who owns the other version to add all of the exclusive Pokemon to your collection, so you won’t be locked out of them forever. That being said, any Legendary Pokemon only appear once, so it’s unlikely people will trade these unless they really don’t like them.

As such, we recommend you go for whichever game has the legendary Pokemon you prefer. You can trade for the standard exclusives with a friend who has the other game, but they’re unlikely to trade you their legendaries because there’s only one of each in every save file.

Are There Other Differences Between Pokemon Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl?

No, the story in both games remains the same, the only difference being Dialga is the focal point of the narrative in Brilliant Diamond, and Palkia in Shining Pearl.

That’s everything you need to know on all Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl exclusive Pokemon. For more tips and tricks on the latest remakes, be sure to search for Twinfinite or check out more of our coverage on the game below.