Here's how to catch Arceus and Darkrai in Pokemon BDSP

Steven Rondina Published 15/03/2022

At long last, the final two gen-four mythical Pokemon are set to arrive in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Here’s how Pokemon BDSP players can catch Arceus and Darkrai.

The mythical Pokemon are being added to the gen-four remakes, allowing players to add two more rare Pokemon to their collection. Though both appeared in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, this will mark the first time in years that either Pokemon will be available in a traditional Pokemon game.

Much like Shaymin, who was also recently added to Pokemon BDSP, Darkrai and Arceus are gated as a post-game exclusive. Players need to defeat Cynthia and obtain the National Dex, then go through a few extra steps. Here’s how to get Darkrai and Arceus in Pokemon BDSP.

How to get Arceus in Pokemon BDSP

Players can catch Arceus in Pokemon BDSP after completing the National Dex and becoming champion with a Pokemon Legends: Arceus save file on their profile that has advanced to a certain point in the game. If these conditions are met, an Azure Flute can be found in the player’s bedroom.

While carrying the Azure Flute, Arceus can be found at the Spear Pillar atop Mount Coronet. Players can approach it and battle it in the same way they would for any other legendary Pokemon in the game.

The official Pokemon website states the file needs to have “all the main missions completed.” While it isn’t spelled out clearly, this means that players need to have caught Arceus in Pokemon Legends: Arceus in order to have the Azure Flute appear in BDSP.

Either way, for non-Japanese Pokemon players, this will be their first chance to catch an Arceus since 2020. It’s also likely that this will be an opportunity to catch a legitimate shiny Arceus, as other legendary and mythical encounters in Pokemon BDSP enjoyed regular shiny odds.

Also worth noting is that this likely means that meeting specific conditions within save data to obtain promotional Pokemon is likely to be the norm moving forward. Previously, any save data could be used to obtain Pokemon. This likely means that beating the game to receive later rewards moving forward will be the norm.

How to get Darkrai mystery gift in Pokemon BDSP

Pokemon BDSP players can catch Darkrai by using the Member Card item to open up a new area.

Darkrai and the Member Card will work much like Shaymin and Oak’s Letter. The Member Card will be distributed for a limited time via mystery gift over the internet, which opens up Newmoon Island. Darkrai will be available for capture on Newmoon Island. Players can simply search for mystery gifts online to obtain the Member Card.

Once again, it is more than likely that Pokemon BDSP will give players the opportunity to catch shiny Darkrai. The good news for Pokemon BDSP players is that they will not need to have save data for Pokemon Legends: Arceus, or any other game.

The official website states that the Member Card will be available “between the new moons.” This means players will be able to receive the item to catch Darkrai between April 1 and April 30.

Steven Rondina

About Steven Rondina

Steven Rondina is a true lifelong gamer. His earliest memories are of playing video games, and he has continued playing them throughout his life with no plans to stop any time soon. Steven’s favorite franchises in gaming include Pokemon, Dark Souls, and Counter-Strike. He has previously published with Bleacher Report and other gaming outlets.

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