How to get Chikorita, Bayleef, Meganium in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

Complete guide to obtaining Chikorita, evolving it into Bayleef and Meganium in Pokemon BDSP with pro strategies

Chikorita Acquisition: Post-Game Requirements and Hunting Strategy

The beloved Grass-type starter from Johto makes its triumphant return in the Sinnoh remakes. This comprehensive guide covers every step needed to add Chikorita and its evolutionary line to your Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl roster.

Gold & Silver enthusiasts rejoice – the complete Johto starter trio becomes available after completing specific post-game milestones. Here’s your definitive roadmap to obtaining Chikorita, evolving it into Bayleef, and achieving its final form Meganium.

Originally introduced in the 1999 Generation II games, Meganium experienced significant popularity resurgence following its feature as a primary subject in New Pokemon Snap. This gentle giant now appears in the Sinnoh region remakes, allowing trainers to incorporate this classic Grass-type into their teams.

ILCA / The Pokemon Company

The adorable Gen II Grass-type awaits discovery in BDSP’s expanded areas.

After conquering the Pokemon League, trainers gain access to Chikorita and its evolutionary relatives. However, several critical prerequisites must be fulfilled before this Johto native appears in the wild. Proper preparation ensures efficient hunting and successful acquisition.

• Your initial objective requires defeating the Elite Four and Champion Cynthia, then completing the Sinnoh Regional Dex by encountering all 150 native Pokemon species.
• Proceed to Sandgem Town and consult with Professor Rowan to upgrade to the National Pokedex. This expansion unlocks additional Pokemon from other regions.
• Equipped with the enhanced Pokedex, return to Twinleaf Town and utilize the Explore Kit to access the Grand Underground network.
• Chikorita exclusively inhabits Grassland Hideaways. These specialized biomes display as vibrant green rectangular zones on your underground map interface.
• Upon identifying the appropriate habitat, explore thoroughly while searching for the Johto starter. If unsuccessful, exit completely and re-enter the hideaway. Repeat this reset technique until the Grass-type materializes within the environment.

Bayleef Evolution: Training Methods and Level Optimization

ILCA / The Pokemon Company

Bayleef represents the intermediate evolution stage between Chikorita and Meganium. After successfully capturing Chikorita, your next objective involves accumulating sufficient experience points to trigger its evolution into Bayleef at the designated level threshold.

• Upon reaching level 16, Chikorita undergoes metamorphosis into Bayleef. To achieve this evolution milestone, engage wild Pokemon in strategic battles within high-density grass patches to maximize experience gain.
• Resourceful trainers may employ Rare Candy items for accelerated level progression. These consumables provide instant level advancement without combat requirements.

Since Chikorita exclusively appears in post-game Grand Underground encounters, captured specimens typically register between levels 58-63. This elevated starting level significantly reduces the training investment needed for evolutionary progression.

Pro Tip: Utilize the VS Seeker to rebattle trainers for consistent experience streams, or hunt Chansey in the Grand Underground for bonus experience yields. Equip the Lucky Egg held item to accelerate leveling by 50%.

Meganium Mastery: Final Evolution and Competitive Viability

Consequently, trainers can immediately evolve their Bayleef into Meganium using a single Rare Candy if captured at maximum level.

ILCA / The Pokemon Company

Meganium completes the evolutionary journey as Chikorita’s final form.

Meganium evolves from Bayleef at level 32, making the final transformation easily achievable given Chikorita’s high capture levels. This Grass-type boasts impressive defensive capabilities with balanced HP and special defense stats, though its speed and attack remain moderate.

Competitive Analysis: Meganium functions optimally as a supportive tank in battle. Recommended moves include Light Screen, Reflect, Aromatherapy, and Giga Drain. Its ability Overgrow boosts Grass-type moves when HP falls below one-third, while Leaf Guard (hidden ability) provides weather protection.

Nature Optimization: For defensive sets, Bold or Calm natures enhance Meganium’s staying power. If using offensive strategies, Modest nature amplifies special attack while maintaining bulk.

Advanced Strategies and Common Pitfalls

Beyond the basic acquisition and evolution process, several advanced techniques can optimize your Chikorita journey while avoiding common mistakes that delay progress.

Time-Saving Techniques:

• Pre-complete Sinnoh Dex requirements before Elite Four to streamline post-game access
• Stockpile Rare Candies from hidden locations throughout Sinnoh
• Use Pokemon with Compound Eyes ability to increase item finding rates

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Attempting Grand Underground access before National Dex unlock
• Wasting Rare Candies on low-level Chikorita when evolution is imminent
• Overlooking Grassland Hideaways while exploring Grand Underground
• Neglecting to save before encounters in case of critical capture failures

Optimization for Competitive Play:

• Breed for ideal IVs using Destiny Knot and Everstone for nature inheritance
• EV train in HP and Special Defense for optimal tank capabilities
• Consider egg moves like Ancient Power for coverage against Flying-types
• Pair with Fire and Water types to cover Meganium’s weaknesses

This comprehensive guide covers everything required to successfully obtain Chikorita and complete its evolutionary line in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl. Now that you’ve added this classic Johto Grass-type to your collection, explore our additional resources: All Rare Candy locations | Where to find Cresselia | How to get the National Pokedex | Best starter to pick | Beating all Gym Leaders | How to get all Sinnoh starters | Best ways to make money | How to unlock Mystery Gifts | How to get Eevee | How to get Leafeon | How to get Glaceon | How to get Umbreon & Espeon | Where to catch Spiritomb | How to get Riolu & Lucario | Where to find Gible & Garchomp | How to unlock the Bike | All trade evolutions

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » How to get Chikorita, Bayleef, Meganium in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Complete guide to obtaining Chikorita, evolving it into Bayleef and Meganium in Pokemon BDSP with pro strategies