Mastering the Mists: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding Defog in Pokémon Platinum

Ready to conquer those pesky foggy routes in Pokémon Platinum? You’ve come to the right place. Finding Defog is crucial for progressing through certain areas, uncovering hidden items, and making your journey through the Sinnoh region much smoother. This guide provides the definitive answer and dives deep into everything you need to know about obtaining and using this valuable Hidden Machine (HM).

The Definitive Answer: Where to Snag Defog

Defog is obtained from a Pokémon Breeder inside the Great Marsh in Pastoria City. After entering the Great Marsh, head immediately north to find him. He will give you HM05 (Defog). Note that you need to pay 500 Pokédollars to enter the Great Marsh.

Now that we’ve nailed down where to get it, let’s delve into the hows, whys, and what-ifs surrounding Defog in Pokémon Platinum.

Delving Deeper: Everything You Need to Know About Defog

Defog isn’t just a simple move; it’s a key to unlocking hidden areas and navigating challenging terrain. Let’s explore its intricacies.

The Purpose of Defog: Clearing the Way

The primary function of Defog is to clear fog in specific areas of the Sinnoh region. This fog obscures your vision, making navigation difficult and encounters unpredictable. By using Defog, you’ll not only improve visibility but also sometimes reveal hidden items or pathways.

Pokémon That Can Learn Defog

A wide variety of Pokémon can learn Defog, primarily those with flying-type or bird-like characteristics. Some notable examples include:

• Flying-type: Pidgey, Pidgeotto, Pidgeot, Zubat, Golbat, Crobat, Spearow, Fearow, Hoothoot, Noctowl, Taillow, Swellow, Wingull, Pelipper, Starly, Staravia, Staraptor, Chatot, Mantyke, Mantine, Skarmory
• Dragon-type: Dragonite
• Bug-type: Yanma, Yanmega, Mothim, Beautifly
• Others: Tropius, Altaria

How to Use Defog in the Overworld

Unlike some HMs, Defog can only be used in the overworld after obtaining the Canalave Gym Badge from Byron. Before that, you can teach the move to a Pokémon, but the game will prevent you from using it to clear fog. Once you have the badge, simply select the Pokémon that knows Defog in your party, choose “Use,” and the fog will dissipate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Defog

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to address any lingering curiosities and ensure you’re a Defog master in Pokémon Platinum:

1. Do I Need to Catch a Specific Pokémon to Use Defog?

No. You don’t need to catch a specific Pokémon. As long as any Pokémon in your party knows Defog, and you have the Canalave Gym Badge, you can use it in the overworld.

2. Where Can I Find Fog in Pokémon Platinum?

The most notable areas with fog are:

• Route 210 (north section)
• Route 215
• Mt. Coronet (various areas)

3. Can I Reuse Defog?

Yes, unlike TMs, HMs like Defog can be used an unlimited number of times. Once you teach it to a Pokémon, you can clear fog as often as needed.

4. Can I Delete Defog From My Pokémon?

Yes, but not easily. HMs are notoriously difficult to remove. You’ll need to visit the Move Deleter in Canalave City. He will remove any move from your Pokémon, including HMs. Be absolutely sure you want to remove it, as you’ll need to re-teach it if you want it back!

5. Is Defog Useful in Battle?

In a competitive setting, not really. In battle, Defog lowers the evasion of the target by one stage and removes entry hazards (like Stealth Rock, Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Sticky Web) from both sides of the field. There are better moves for both evasion debuffs and hazard removal.

6. Can I Get Defog Multiple Times?

No. The Pokémon Breeder in the Great Marsh only gives you one copy of HM05 (Defog). Choose wisely which Pokémon you teach it to!

7. Do I Need Defog to Beat the Game?

Yes and no. While not strictly necessary to complete the main storyline, Defog is required to access certain areas of Mt. Coronet and Route 210, which contain important items and Pokémon. Without Defog, you’ll miss out on a significant portion of the game.

8. What Happens if I Try to Use Defog Before Getting the Canalave Gym Badge?

The game will prevent you from using it outside of battle. You’ll get a message stating that you need to earn the badge before the move can be used to clear fog.

9. Is There Anything Else Hidden in the Fog Besides Items?

Yes, sometimes rare Pokémon encounters are more likely in foggy areas. Keep an eye out for those elusive creatures!

10. Does Defog Affect Weather Conditions Like Rain or Sandstorm?

No. Defog only clears fog. It has no effect on other weather conditions.

11. Is There a Better Alternative to Defog for Clearing Fog?

No, Defog is the only move in Pokémon Platinum that can clear fog in the overworld. There is no alternative.

12. Is Defog Required for the National Pokédex?

Indirectly, yes. Since Defog allows you to access areas with certain Pokémon, it’s essentially required to catch those Pokémon, which in turn, aids in completing your National Pokédex. While the storyline can be beaten without it, if your mission is “Catch ’em All,” you’ll need Defog.

Conclusion: Conquer the Fog and Complete Your Adventure

Defog is an essential tool for any Pokémon Platinum player. By understanding where to find it, how to use it, and its limitations, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the Sinnoh region and uncover all its secrets. So, grab that Canalave Gym Badge, teach Defog to your trusty Pokémon, and conquer those foggy routes! Good luck, Trainer!