How to Get Manaphy in Pokémon Platinum: A Comprehensive Guide

You want a Manaphy in your Pokémon Platinum game? Buckle up, trainer, because the path to acquiring this elusive mythical Pokémon isn’t a straightforward capture like most others. It involves a touch of inter-game connectivity and a specific, time-sensitive event from a past generation.

The Short Answer: Pokémon Ranger is Key

You cannot directly catch Manaphy in Pokémon Platinum. Instead, you need to transfer a Manaphy Egg from a Pokémon Ranger game (either the original Pokémon Ranger or Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia) to your Pokémon Platinum game. This transfer is a one-time event tied to the Pokémon Ranger games.

The Long Answer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a detailed breakdown of exactly how to acquire your very own Manaphy Egg and hatch it in Pokémon Platinum:

1. Obtain a Pokémon Ranger Game

The first, and arguably most crucial step, is owning a copy of either Pokémon Ranger or Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia for the Nintendo DS. These games are distinct from the main series Pokémon games and offer a different style of gameplay. While Shadows of Almia allows for repeated Manaphy Egg missions, the original Pokémon Ranger is considered the simpler of the two to complete this specific objective.

2. Complete the Ranger Net Mission

Within your chosen Pokémon Ranger game, you need to access and complete a special mission called “Rescue the Manaphy Egg!” This is a Ranger Net mission, and it’s crucial to understand how these missions function:

• Original Pokémon Ranger: This mission could be accessed after completing the main story.
• Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia: This mission is also available after completing the main story and can be accessed repeatedly, but only one Egg can be transferred at a time per Platinum game save.

3. Completing the Mission: Gameplay Tips

The “Rescue the Manaphy Egg!” mission typically involves various challenges, such as navigating environments, capturing wild Pokémon to assist you, and defeating boss Pokémon. Pay close attention to the game’s instructions and utilize your Stylus skills effectively. Mastering the capture mechanic is key to success. Save frequently during the mission in case you make mistakes.

4. Obtaining the Manaphy Egg

Once you’ve successfully completed the “Rescue the Manaphy Egg!” mission, you’ll be rewarded with the Manaphy Egg. This is the item you’ll need to transfer to Pokémon Platinum.

5. Transferring the Manaphy Egg to Pokémon Platinum

Now for the crucial transfer process. This requires a Nintendo DS or DS Lite system that can play both Pokémon Ranger and Pokémon Platinum cartridges.

1. Boot Up: Turn on your Nintendo DS system. Insert Pokémon Ranger into one slot and Pokémon Platinum into the other.
2. Pokémon Ranger Menu: In Pokémon Ranger (after completing the mission), navigate to the main menu. Look for the “Transfer” option. The exact wording may vary slightly depending on which Ranger game you’re using.
3. Connect: Select the “Transfer” option. The game will search for a compatible Pokémon game in the other slot.
4. Pokémon Platinum Requirements: In Pokémon Platinum, you must have beaten the first Gym Leader (Roark in Oreburgh City) to unlock the Mystery Gift function.
5. Mystery Gift Activation: In Pokémon Platinum, go to any Poké Mart. Talk to the green-haired clerk near the back counter and answer “EVERYONE HAPPY” and “WI-FI CONNECTION”. This will unlock the Mystery Gift option in your main menu.
6. Receive the Egg: In Pokémon Platinum, select “Mystery Gift” from the main menu. Choose “Receive from Ranger“. The game will search for the Pokémon Ranger game and, if successful, you’ll receive the Manaphy Egg.
7. Claim the Egg: Visit any Poké Mart and speak to the delivery man in green to receive the Manaphy Egg.

6. Hatching the Manaphy Egg

With the Manaphy Egg safely in your Pokémon Platinum inventory, it’s time to hatch it. Simply keep the Egg in your party and walk around the Pokémon world. Eggs hatch based on the number of steps you take. Manaphy Eggs typically require a significant number of steps to hatch. Be patient! When it’s ready, it will hatch into a Manaphy!

7. Congratulations, Trainer!

Congratulations! You now have a Manaphy in your Pokémon Platinum game. This rare and valuable mythical Pokémon is a powerful addition to your team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Manaphy in Pokémon Platinum

Here are answers to some common questions regarding Manaphy and its acquisition in Pokémon Platinum:

1. Can I get more than one Manaphy in Pokémon Platinum?

Technically, yes, but it requires significant effort. You would need multiple copies of Pokémon Ranger or Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia, and then multiple save files in Pokémon Platinum. Only one Manaphy Egg can be transferred to a single Pokémon Platinum save file. Shadows of Almia allows repeated Egg obtaining from the Ranger Net mission with different game files.

2. Is the Mystery Gift still available in Pokémon Platinum?

Yes. While official Nintendo events are no longer distributed via the old Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, the Mystery Gift function itself is still active in Pokémon Platinum. The method for unlocking it is still the same (talking to the green-haired clerk in any Poké Mart).

3. Do I need a Wi-Fi connection to get the Manaphy Egg?

No, you do not need a Wi-Fi connection. The transfer of the Manaphy Egg from Pokémon Ranger to Pokémon Platinum is done locally, through the Nintendo DS’s hardware, not through an internet connection.

4. What happens if I accidentally release or trade my Manaphy?

If you release or trade your Manaphy, you’re out of luck. You cannot obtain another one on the same Pokémon Platinum save file unless you restart your entire Platinum game. Be extremely careful!

5. Are there any cheat codes or glitches to get Manaphy without Pokémon Ranger?

While there might be cheat codes or glitches that could potentially generate a Manaphy, using them is generally frowned upon and can corrupt your save data. It’s always best to obtain Pokémon through legitimate means.

6. Can I trade a Manaphy from another game to Pokémon Platinum?

Yes, you can trade a Manaphy from another compatible game, such as Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, or even later games like HeartGold or SoulSilver, to Pokémon Platinum. However, the initial Manaphy still needs to originate from the Pokémon Ranger transfer.

7. What are Manaphy’s stats and abilities?

Manaphy is a Water-type mythical Pokémon. It has a base stat total of 600, with each stat (HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed) being 100. Its only ability is Hydration, which heals it from status conditions in rain.

8. Is Manaphy good in competitive battling?

Manaphy can be quite effective in competitive battling, particularly in formats that allow mythical Pokémon. Its balanced stats and access to moves like Tail Glow (which sharply raises its Special Attack) make it a formidable special attacker.

9. Does Manaphy evolve?

No, Manaphy does not evolve. However, it can breed to produce a Phione. Phione, however, cannot evolve into Manaphy.

10. Can I get Phione in Pokémon Platinum without breeding?

No, Phione can only be obtained by breeding a Manaphy with Ditto. It cannot be found in the wild.

11. Is it worth getting Pokémon Ranger just for Manaphy?

That depends on your dedication to completing your Pokémon Platinum Pokédex. If you’re a completionist or a big fan of Manaphy, then it might be worth the investment. However, if you’re just casually playing, it might not be worth purchasing an entire separate game.

12. Where can I find a copy of Pokémon Ranger or Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia?

You can typically find copies of these games on online marketplaces like eBay or at used game stores. Be sure to verify the legitimacy of the seller and the condition of the game before purchasing. You will need a genuine copy as ROMs might have difficulty transferring the Egg to the Pokemon Platinum copy.