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Unveiling the Blade: How to Obtain Gallade in Pokémon Platinum

So, you’re aiming to add the elegant and powerful Gallade to your Pokémon Platinum roster? The process, while straightforward, requires a specific item and a Pokémon with the right prerequisites. You’ll need a male Kirlia and a Dawn Stone. Use the Dawn Stone on your male Kirlia to trigger the evolution into the magnificent Gallade. Let’s dive deeper into securing your very own psychic warrior.

The Path to Gallade: A Step-by-Step Guide

Catching a Kirlia (or Ralts)

The initial step is acquiring either a Kirlia or its pre-evolution, Ralts. Ralts is the more common of the two in the wild.

Location: Your best bet is Route 203 or Route 204. Ralts is a relatively rare spawn, meaning patience is key. Be prepared to spend some time wandering around these routes. Route 203 is located just east of Oreburgh City and Route 204 connects Jubilife City to Floaroma Town.
Strategies: There are a few strategies to consider that might boost your chances. Using a Repel can prevent weaker Pokémon from appearing, potentially increasing the rate of Ralts encounters.
Leveling Up: If you catch a Ralts, you’ll need to level it up to Level 20 for it to evolve into Kirlia. If you already find Kirlia then you are set for the next step.

Ensuring a Male Kirlia

This is absolutely crucial. Only a male Kirlia can evolve into Gallade. Double-check the Kirlia’s summary to confirm its gender. If your Kirlia is female, you’ll need to catch another one or breed it with a compatible male to get a male Ralts.

Obtaining the Dawn Stone

The Dawn Stone is the trigger for Kirlia’s transformation. There are a couple of ways to acquire it:

Route 225: This is one of the most accessible locations. You’ll need to progress far enough into the game to access the Fight Area and Survival Area. Route 225 is north of the Fight Area. The Dawn Stone is located in a hidden spot. Use the Pokétch’s Dowsing Machine app to help pinpoint its exact location.
Mt. Coronet: You can also find a Dawn Stone within Mt. Coronet, but this area requires you to be further into the game, as you’ll need to navigate through the mountain’s complex interior and potentially require the Rock Climb HM.
Pokémon Pickup Ability: Pokémon with the Pickup ability have a small chance of finding various items, including evolutionary stones, after battles. While unreliable, it’s a passive method you can employ while leveling other Pokémon.

The Moment of Truth: Using the Dawn Stone

Once you have a male Kirlia and a Dawn Stone, the rest is simple. Open your bag, select the Dawn Stone, and use it on your male Kirlia. Witness the evolution into the valiant Gallade!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Obtaining Gallade

1. Can I evolve Ralts directly into Gallade?

No, you cannot. Ralts must first evolve into Kirlia. Only a male Kirlia can then be evolved into Gallade using the Dawn Stone.

2. What happens if I use the Dawn Stone on a female Kirlia?

Nothing. The Dawn Stone will not work on a female Kirlia. You’ll need to find a male Kirlia if you want a Gallade.

3. Is there any way to increase the encounter rate of Ralts on Route 203/204?

While you cannot directly increase the encounter rate, using a Repel might indirectly help. Repels prevent weaker Pokémon from appearing, potentially increasing the chances of encountering the rarer Ralts. Also, ensure you are searching in the tall grass, as that is where Ralts spawns.

4. Does the time of day affect Ralts’ appearance?

No, the time of day does not affect Ralts’ appearance in Pokémon Platinum. It can appear at any time of day on Route 203 or 204.

5. Can I breed a Gallade?

Gallade can breed, but only with Ditto. It cannot breed with other Pokémon to produce Ralts unless you are using Ditto. This is because Gallade is a fully evolved, gendered Pokémon. Breeding with Ditto can yield Ralts eggs, allowing you to get more Ralts and, hopefully, a male one for another Gallade.

6. Is Gallade a good Pokémon to use in battle?

Yes, Gallade is a strong Physical Attacker with a diverse movepool. Its Attack and Special Defense stats are particularly noteworthy. It can learn powerful moves like Close Combat, Psycho Cut, Night Slash, and Leaf Blade, making it a versatile addition to your team.

7. What are some good movesets for Gallade in Pokémon Platinum?

A popular moveset includes:

Close Combat (Fighting)
Psycho Cut (Psychic)
Night Slash (Dark)
Leaf Blade (Grass)

This provides coverage against a wide range of types. You can also consider moves like Swords Dance to boost Attack.

8. Can I find a Dawn Stone earlier in the game?

No, the Dawn Stone is not accessible earlier in the game. You need to progress to the post-game areas to reliably obtain one, specifically Route 225 or within Mt. Coronet.

9. Is there a limit to how many Dawn Stones I can find?

No, there is no limit. You can find multiple Dawn Stones in the game, especially by using the Dowsing Machine on Route 225 and exploring Mt. Coronet thoroughly. Also, Pokémon with the Pickup ability may find more stones.

10. Is it possible to trade for a Gallade in Pokémon Platinum?

Yes, trading is always an option. If you have a friend with Pokémon Platinum (or Diamond/Pearl) and they have a Gallade, you can trade with them. This might be a faster alternative if you’re struggling to find a Dawn Stone or a male Kirlia.

11. Does Gallade learn any good moves through leveling up?

Gallade does learn some useful moves by leveling up, but its movepool is significantly expanded through TMs. Some notable level-up moves include Leer, Confusion, Double Team, Slash, and Protect. Focus on TMs for more powerful and varied attacks.

12. Besides Route 225 and Mt. Coronet, are there other ways to get a Dawn Stone in Pokémon Platinum?

While Route 225 and Mt. Coronet are the primary locations, you can also obtain a Dawn Stone through the Pokémon Pickup ability. Furthermore, trading with other players is always an option if they have extra Dawn Stones they are willing to part with.