Master the walking Pokemon feature in BDSP with this complete guide to unlocking and using companion Pokemon
Understanding the Walking Pokemon Feature
The Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl remakes introduce an enhanced companion system that allows your Pokemon to walk alongside you throughout the Sinnoh region. This beloved feature brings your favorite creatures to life as they follow your every step during exploration.
Unlike previous Pokemon games where companion Pokemon were limited to specific areas, BDSP expands this functionality to nearly all outdoor locations. Your chosen Pokemon will trail behind you, reacting to your movements and creating a more immersive bonding experience.
This mechanic draws inspiration from both Pokemon Let’s Go and Sword & Shield’s DLC features, but with unique Sinnoh-specific implementations. The system allows for genuine companionship rather than just visual flair.
Compared to the original Diamond & Pearl versions where walking was restricted to Amity Square alone, the remakes remove this limitation entirely. Once unlocked, your Pokemon can accompany you across routes, cities, and most explorable areas.
Reaching Hearthome City
Accessing the walking Pokemon feature requires substantial story progression. You must advance through the main narrative until reaching Hearthome City, which serves as the gateway to this companion mechanic.
The journey to Hearthome begins after conquering the second gym challenge. Defeat Gym Leader Gardenia in Eterna City to obtain the Forest Badge, which unlocks your path forward. This typically occurs around 6-8 hours into your playthrough, depending on your exploration pace.
From Eterna City, navigate to Route 208 heading westward. This scenic path features various trainers and wild Pokemon encounters before culminating at Hearthome’s entrance. The route contains several valuable items, so thorough exploration is recommended during your transit.
Hearthome City itself is a major hub with multiple amenities including the Pokemon Contest Hall, local gym, and several key NPCs. The city’s layout can be confusing initially, so focus on locating the northern sections where Amity Square awaits.
Unlocking at Amity Square
Upon arriving in Hearthome City, locate Amity Square through the northern gates. This special park, familiar to veterans of the original DS games, now serves as the activation point for the walking feature. The entrance can be found at both North-West and North-East city sections.
Follow this precise sequence to unlock companion walking:
To permanently enable walking outside Amity Square, simply exit through your entry point and speak with the same NPC again. This final interaction activates the global ‘Walk Together’ feature for your entire adventure.
After completing this process, the restriction to ‘cute’ Pokemon lifts entirely. You can now choose any creature from your collection as a walking companion, though only one can follow simultaneously.
Using the Walk Together Feature
Once unlocked, deploying your walking companion anywhere in Sinnoh requires simple menu navigation:
Your companion will persist through most outdoor environments including routes, cities, and pathways. However, they automatically return to their Poke Ball when entering buildings, caves, or descending into the Grand Underground.
Switching between different Pokemon companions is seamless – simply repeat the menu process with another party member. The previous follower will automatically return before the new one emerges.
Advanced Tips and Strategies
Maximize your walking Pokemon experience with these professional insights:
Strategic Companion Selection: Choose Pokemon that complement your current activities. Larger Pokemon may block narrow paths, while smaller ones are less obstructive. Some players report emotional benefits from walking with their starter Pokemon throughout the entire journey.
Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t forget that your companion disappears in specific areas – always check if they’re following after transitions. Some players mistakenly believe the feature is broken when their Pokemon vanishes indoors, but this is intentional design.
Optimization Advice: Use the walking feature to strengthen your bond with Pokemon you’re trying to evolve through friendship. Walking gradually increases friendship values, making it ideal for creatures like Chansey, Togepi, or Riolu that evolve through high friendship.
Hidden Benefits: Beyond emotional connection, walking Pokemon can help identify shiny Pokemon more easily since you see their coloration in the overworld. This visual confirmation prevents accidental skipping of rare encounters.
Troubleshooting: If your Pokemon won’t follow despite correct unlocking, ensure you’ve properly exited Amity Square and spoken with the NPC twice. Sometimes leaving the city entirely and returning can reset any glitched states.
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For more tips and tricks to help you on your journey throughout Sinnoh, check out our list of guides:
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » How to walk with your Pokemon in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Master the walking Pokemon feature in BDSP with this complete guide to unlocking and using companion Pokemon