As you progress through the Sinnoh region in Pokémon Platinum, you’ll encounter various Water-type Pokémon, each offering unique abilities and strengths. However, if you’re seeking a Water-type powerhouse, Gyarados should be at the top of your list. This fearsome serpent boasts immense physical prowess and an intimidating presence. However, obtaining a Gyarados in Pokémon Platinum requires a specific method. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the steps necessary to capture and evolve your Magikarp into the formidable Gyarados, providing detailed instructions and helpful tips along the way.
To embark on your Gyarados-catching journey, you must first acquire a Magikarp. This humble fish can be found in numerous locations throughout Sinnoh, including Route 205, Route 210, and the Great Marsh. Once you’ve secured your Magikarp, the path to evolution lies in leveling it up. However, Magikarp’s notoriously slow leveling process may put your patience to the test. To expedite this process, consider utilizing Rare Candies, a valuable item that instantly increases a Pokémon’s level. Alternatively, you can engage Magikarp in numerous battles, allowing it to gain experience and evolve into Gyarados once it reaches level 20.
Upon evolving into Gyarados, your once-feeble Magikarp will transform into a formidable force. Gyarados possesses a wide movepool, including powerful Water-type attacks like Hydro Pump and Waterfall, making it an excellent choice for battling both Trainers and wild Pokémon. Additionally, its Intimidate ability reduces the Attack stat of opposing Pokémon, giving you an advantage in combat. By utilizing Gyarados’s strengths and training it diligently, you’ll have a reliable Water-type ally that will prove invaluable as you navigate the challenges of the Sinnoh region.
Finding the Water Stone in Hearthome City
Acquiring the Water Stone in Pokémon Platinum requires a visit to Hearthome City, located in the northwestern region of Sinnoh. Upon entering the city, make your way to the northwestern part of town, where you’ll find the Pokémon Contest Hall. To the left of the entrance is a narrow path leading to a small, hidden area. Venture into this secluded spot to encounter a man standing near a small fountain.
Engage in conversation with the man, and he will reveal his love for Pokémon and his desire to become a Pokémon Coordinator. Expressing your interest in his aspirations, he will reward you with the coveted Water Stone for your support. With this in hand, you can evolve your Water-type Pokémon, such as Piplup, into their more powerful forms.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Navigate to Hearthome City, situated in northwestern Sinnoh. |
| 2 | Seek out the Pokémon Contest Hall in the city’s northwest. |
| 3 | Locate the narrow path to the left of the Contest Hall entrance. |
| 4 | Enter the hidden area and interact with the man near the fountain. |
| 5 | Receive the Water Stone as a token of his appreciation for your support. |
Traveling to Lake Acuity
To get to Lake Acuity, start by heading west from Celestic Town. After crossing the bridge, you’ll come to Route 210. Here, you can pick up TM45 Attract, which can be helpful in catching Feebas later on.
Catching Feebas
Continue west along Route 210, and you’ll eventually reach Lake Acuity. Once there, start fishing in one of the fishing spots. Feebas, the fish you’re looking for, has a very low chance of appearing. To increase your chances of catching one, use a Super Rod or Good Rod with a Lure attached.
Feebas comes in a variety of different colors based on where it was caught. For instance, Feebas that are caught in Lake Acuity are red. The color of the Feebas will determine what color Milotic it will evolve into.
Once you’ve caught a Feebas, you can evolve it into Milotic by raising its Beauty stat to 170 or higher and then leveling it up once. Beauty can be raised by giving Feebas Pokéblocks or berries that it likes.
Here is a table summarizing the different colors of Feebas and their corresponding Milotic colors:
| Feebas Color | Milotic Color |
|---|---|
| Red | Red |
| Blue | Blue |
| Green | Green |
| Yellow | Gold |
| White | White |
| Black | Black |
Confronting Team Galactic at Lake Valor
As soon as you finish the puzzle to enter Lake Valor, you’ll immediately witness Team Galactic and the Lake Guardians having a standoff. Commander Mars and Jupiter of Team Galactic will double-team you and force you into battle.
Mars’ team consists of a level 43 Purugly and a level 43 Golbat. Jupiter’s team consists of a level 42 Skuntank and a level 42 Magnezone.
This is a tough battle, so be prepared and use your strongest Pokemon. Once you defeat them, they will retreat and you can continue to the next room.
Defeating Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf
In the next room, you’ll find the three Lake Guardians: Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf. These legendary Pokemon are all at level 50, so be prepared for a challenge.
Uxie is a Psychic-type Pokemon that is weak to Ghost, Dark, and Bug-type moves. Mesprit is a Psychic-type Pokemon that is weak to Ghost, Dark, and Bug-type moves. Azelf is a Psychic-type Pokemon that is weak to Ghost, Dark, and Bug-type moves.
The best way to defeat these Pokemon is to use a team of Pokemon that are strong against Psychic-type moves. Some good options include:
| Pokemon | Type | Moves |
|---|---|---|
| Gengar | Ghost/Poison | Shadow Ball, Dark Pulse, Sludge Bomb |
| Tyranitar | Rock/Dark | Crunch, Dark Pulse, Stone Edge |
| Scizor | Bug/Steel | X-Scissor, Bullet Punch, Iron Head |
Defeating Cyrus in the Distortion World
To access the Distortion World and confront Cyrus, you must first obtain the Red Chain from the Veilstone City Library. Once you have the Red Chain, head to Route 228 and interact with the strange gate to enter the Distortion World.
Once inside the Distortion World, you will encounter a series of difficult battles, including against members of Team Galactic and a level 40 Porygon Z. Finally, you will reach Cyrus, who will challenge you to a battle with the following Pokémon:
| Pokémon | Level | Moves |
|—|—|—|
| Houndoom | 70 | Dark Pulse, Flamethrower, Crunch, Overheat |
| Honchkrow | 70 | Night Slash, Dark Pulse, Aerial Ace, Heat Wave |
| Gastrodon (East Sea) | 70 | Water Pulse, Earth Power, Hydro Pump, Recover |
| Drapion | 70 | Night Slash, Earthquake, Cross Poison, Crunch |
| Gyarados | 70 | Waterfall, Crunch, Hydro Pump, Bite |
| Weavile | 70 | Night Slash, Ice Beam, Shadow Claw, Feint Attack |
Cyrus’s Pokémon are all at a high level and have a wide range of moves, so it is important to be prepared for a tough battle. One strategy is to use Pokémon with strong special attacks, such as Psychic or Electric, to take advantage of Cyrus’s Pokémon’s low special defense. Another strategy is to use Pokémon with high speed to outspeed Cyrus’s Pokémon and attack first.
Returning to Lake Valor and Retrieving the Water Stone
After obtaining the Old Charm, return to Lake Valor. Head to the northeast corner of the lake and use the Rock Climb ability on the rock face to reach the lower level. Once there, dive into the water and swim to the bottom. You will find the Water Stone resting on a pedestal. Interact with it to collect the stone.
Tips for Retrieving the Water Stone
- Ensure you have the Old Charm in your inventory before returning to Lake Valor.
- Use a Pokémon with the Rock Climb ability to navigate the rock face.
- Dive into the water at the northeast corner of the lake.
- Swim to the bottom of the lake and locate the Water Stone on the pedestal.
- Interact with the Water Stone to add it to your inventory.
Additional Notes
The Water Stone can be used to evolve certain Pokémon into their next form, such as Staryu into Starmie and Poliwhirl into Poliwrath.
| Pokémon | Evolves with Water Stone |
|---|---|
| Staryu | Starmie |
| Poliwhirl | Poliwrath |
Using the Water Stone to Evolve Your Pokémon
The Water Stone is a key item in Pokémon Platinum that can be used to evolve certain Pokémon. To use the Water Stone, simply have the Pokémon you want to evolve hold it, and then level it up. The Pokémon will then evolve into its Water-type form.
The following Pokémon can be evolved using the Water Stone:
| Pokémon | Evolved Form |
|---|---|
| Staryu | Starmie |
| Poliwhirl | Poliwrath |
| Shellder | Cloyster |
| Slowpoke | Slowbro |
| Gloom | Vileplume |
| Eevee | Vaporeon |
Some Pokémon can evolve into different forms depending on the conditions under which they are leveled up. For example, Eevee can evolve into Vaporeon, Jolteon, or Flareon depending on whether it is holding a Water Stone, Thunder Stone, or Fire Stone, respectively.
The Water Stone can be found in several locations in Pokémon Platinum. One can be found in the Solaceon Ruins, and another can be found in the Fuego Ironworks. A third Water Stone can be obtained as a reward for defeating the Team Galactic Grunt in the Veilstone City Galactic Building.
Alternative Methods to Obtain a Water Stone
Apart from the aforementioned method, there are several alternative ways to acquire a Water Stone in Pokemon Platinum:
1. Veilstone Department Store
Visit Veilstone City’s Department Store and head to the top floor. In the far right corner, you can purchase a Water Stone for 5000 Pokédollars.
2. Cycling Road Fisherman
On Cycling Road, find the Fisherman with a Bibarel. After defeating his Bibarel, he has a 5% chance of giving you a Water Stone as a reward.
3. Underground Mining
Explore the Underground and dig for hidden items. Water Stones can be found in the Sparkling Stones, which appear as blue dots on the Mining Map.
4. PokéRadar Chaining
Use the PokéRadar to chain encounters with specific Pokémon. After chaining 40 Pokémon, Water Stones may appear as items on the ground.
5. Fishing with a Super Rod
Equip a Super Rod and cast your line in areas where Gyarados, Seel, and Wailmer appear. These Pokémon have a small chance of holding a Water Stone.
6. Defeating Rival Barry
Battle your rival, Barry, in Valley Windworks. After defeating him the second time, he has a small chance of giving you a Water Stone as a reward.
7. Contest Prizes
Participate in Pokémon Contests and aim for high scores. Water Stones are occasional prizes for achieving high ranks or winning the Super Contest.
| Contest | Rank | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty Contest | Master Rank | 25% |
| Cool Contest | Ultra Rank | 15% |
| Cute Contest | Master Rank | 10% |
| Smart Contest | Master Rank | 10% |
| Tough Contest | Ultra Rank | 5% |
Trading for a Water Stone
Trading with other players is a reliable way to obtain a Water Stone in Pokemon Platinum. You can trade with friends locally or online through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. To initiate a trade, speak to the Trade Corner vendor in the Pokemon Center.
There are several options for trading to acquire a Water Stone:
- Direct trade: Agree on a trade with another player who has a Water Stone and offer them a desired item in return.
- Wonder Trade: Trade a random Pokemon for a random Pokemon, with a small chance of receiving a Water Stone.
- GTS (Global Trade Station): Specify the Pokemon you want (Water Stone) and offer a Pokemon in exchange.
- Friend Code Trading: Exchange Friend Codes with another player and trade directly, regardless of location.
- Local Trades: Connect with other players nearby using the Nintendo DS Wi-Fi antenna.
- Online Trades: Connect to the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and engage in online trading with players worldwide.
- Dream World: Receive a random item, including Water Stones, by connecting to the Dream World via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
- Events: Nintendo occasionally distributes Water Stones through special events, such as Mystery Gift distributions or via code redemption.
Trading Etiquette
When trading for a Water Stone, remember to follow good trading etiquette:
Offer reasonable trades: Provide an item of comparable value to the Water Stone.
Be polite and respectful: Communicate clearly and avoid using offensive language.
Double-check trades: Confirm the details of the trade before finalizing it to avoid any misunderstandings.
Secret Base Events
One of the new features added to Pokemon Platinum is the ability to create and customize a secret base. These bases can be located in various areas throughout Sinnoh, and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as storing items, healing Pokemon, and participating in special events. Certain secret base events will reward you with Water Stones in the post-game, and are available at different times of the day, while others are related to the date or day of the week.
Young Couple in Pastoria City
After you’ve gained access to Pastoria City, go to the house with the red roof to the west of the Pokemon Center. Talk to the woman inside to receive a Water Stone. This event can only be triggered once per save file.
The girl in the house, above the Bicycle Shop in Hearthome City
To get a Water Stone from her, you must first talk to her and tell her that you have a secret base. Then, go to your secret base and talk to the girl inside. She will give you a Water Stone.
The hiker in Eterna Forest
If you go to the north part of Eterna Forest, you will find a hiker who will give you a Water Stone if you have a secret base.
The man in the house, east of Canalave City
If you go to the house east of Canalave City, you can talk to a man and answer his quiz to win a Water Stone.
The woman on the beach of Sunyshore City
On the beach of Sunyshore City, you can talk to a woman who will give you a Water Stone if you help her win a contest.
The girl in the house, next to the Pokemon Center in Snowpoint City
If you go to the house next to the Pokemon Center in Snowpoint City, you can talk to a girl who will give you a Water Stone if you show her your secret base.
The man in the house, next to the Pokemon League
If you go to the house next to the Pokemon League, you can talk to a man who will give you a Water Stone if you have a secret base.
The man in the house, on the left side of the Survival Area
If you go to the house on the left side of the Survival Area, you can talk to a man who will give you a Water Stone if you have a secret base.
The woman in the house, next to the Battle Frontier
If you go to the house next to the Battle Frontier, you can talk to a woman who will give you a Water Stone if you show her your secret base.
Using the Underground
The Underground is a vast network of tunnels that runs beneath the Sinnoh region. Water stones can be found in the following areas of the Underground:
- Sunlit Cavern
- Spacious Cavern
- Riverbank Cave
The Underground can be accessed by talking to one of the following NPCs:
- Veilstone City – North side of Route 210
- Pastoria City – Southwest side of Route 209
- Celestic Town – North side of Route 204
Once you have entered the Underground, you will need to find a Hidden Base. Hidden Bases are small, hidden rooms that can be used to store items, heal your Pokemon, and play mini-games. Water stones can be hidden behind the “Rocks” in Hidden Bases.
To find a Hidden Base, you will need to use the Dowsing Machine. The Dowsing Machine is an item that can be purchased from the Poketch Company in Veilstone City. Once you have the Dowsing Machine, you can use it to search for Hidden Bases by pressing the “A” button while standing in the Underground.
When you find a Hidden Base, you can use the “A” button to enter it. Once you are inside a Hidden Base, you can search for Water Stones by walking around and pressing the “A” button on the “Rocks”.
How to Get Water Stone in Pokemon Platinum
In Pokemon Platinum, the Water Stone is a key item that can be used to evolve certain Pokemon, such as Poliwhirl into Politoed. There are a few different ways to obtain a Water Stone in the game:
-
Find it as a hidden item on Route 218. It will be located in one of the trees that you can shake.
-
Get it as a reward from the Veilstone Game Corner. You will need to exchange 5,000 coins for one.
-
Find it in the Sunyshore Market. It will be sold by one of the vendors for 1,500 Pokedollars.
-
Receive it as a gift from Riley after beating him in the Battle Frontier.
People also ask
How do you use Water Stone in Pokemon Platinum?
To use the Water Stone on a Pokemon, simply select the Pokemon from your party and then select the Water Stone from your items. The Pokemon will be evolved into its next form if it is able to.
Which Pokemon can evolve using Water Stone in Pokemon Platinum?
The following Pokemon can evolve using the Water Stone in Pokemon Platinum:
- Poliwhirl into Politoed
- Staryu into Starmie
- Shellder into Cloyster
- Slowpoke into Slowking
