Pokemon Brilliant Diamond vs Shining Pearl is a split between Dialga and Palkia plus a long list of wild Pokemon, 24 in each game that the other lacks. The Sinnoh story and the gyms match in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
Which Pokemon only one version has
!A screenshot from Pokemon Brilliant Diamond
Brilliant Diamond's list includes Scizor, Tyranitar, Aggron and Kecleon. Shining Pearl's includes Slowking, Mismagius, Salamence and Walrein.
| Only in Brilliant Diamond | Only in Shining Pearl | |---|---| | Scyther | Slowpoke | | Scizor | Slowbro | | Murkrow | Slowking | | Honchkrow | Misdreavus | | Larvitar | Mismagius | | Pupitar | Glameow | | Tyranitar | Purugly | | Cranidos | Stantler | | Rampardos | Bagon | | Stunky | Shelgon | | Skuntank | Salamence | | Dialga | Shieldon | | Seel | Bastiodon | | Dewgong | Palkia | | Poochyena | Houndour | | Mightyena | Houndoom | | Aron | Spheal | | Lairon | Sealeo | | Aggron | Walrein | | Kecleon | Pinsir | | Raikou | Articuno | | Entei | Zapdos | | Suicune | Moltres | | Ho-Oh | Lugia |
Dialga or Palkia, plus a different set of legends for each game
!A screenshot from Pokemon Shining Pearl
Dialga appears at the Spear Pillar in Brilliant Diamond at level 47, and Palkia takes that place in Shining Pearl. Brilliant Diamond's list adds Raikou, Entei, Suicune and Ho-Oh, while Shining Pearl's adds Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres and Lugia.
The same Gym Leaders as the originals
!A screenshot from Pokemon Brilliant Diamond
Roark and Gardenia lead the first two gyms in both versions, and no trainer team differs. The same goes for items, shops and trades.
Which one should you buy?
!A screenshot from Pokemon Shining Pearl
Buy Brilliant Diamond for Dialga and the legendary beasts, and buy Shining Pearl for Palkia and the legendary birds. Both are faithful remakes, so the choice is about which legends you want to chase. We would take Shining Pearl (the birds make the post-game feel less lonely).
Brilliant Diamond vs Shining Pearl FAQ
Can you get Palkia in Brilliant Diamond?
Yes, but only by trading. Palkia is a Shining Pearl exclusive in the wild.
Are the Gym Leaders different?
No. Both games have the same Gym Leaders as the originals, in the same order.
