Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Every Elite Four Team

Titles that evolve through a player’s actions provide fun and unique obstacles for gamers. In Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, this is done by making the Pokémon League trainers increasingly stronger. Each end-game Elite Four team will pose great challenges.

How to Get Every Elite Four Team to Upgrade

Initially, you’ll face off against the Elite Four’s original teams when you first reach the Pokémon League. To get them to strengthen their teams, you need to complete the Sinnoh Pokédex. This is done by seeing all 151 pocket monsters in the region (except Manaphy). You don’t even need to catch them!

Afterward, you must speak with Professor Rowan in Sandgem Town. When you do this, Professor Oak will show up and upgrade your Sinnoh Pokédex into a National Pokédex. The National Pokédex has entries for 493 pocket monsters (all Pokémon from Generation I to Generation IV).

But that’s not the end of the upgrades. Following the acquisition of the National Pokédex, if you complete the events that unfold at Stark Mountain, the Elite Four’s teams will change one last time.

Aaron’s Elite Four Team

Aaron is a trainer who specializes in Bug-type Pokémon. He is the first member of the Sinnoh Elite Four and acts as the gatekeeper of the Pokémon League. Despite specializing in Bug-types, Aaron also has a Drapion, which might force you to change up your tactics.

Aaron’s Original Team

Aaron’s Team After Receiving the National Pokédex

The most notable changes to Aaron’s team are that he has swapped out his Dustox and Beautifly for Yanmega and Scizor. Also, the overall level of his team has risen by around 10. There are a few other small tweaks as well.

Aaron’s Team After Receiving the National Pokédex and Completing Stark Mountain’s Events

In addition to Aaron’s team increasing in overall level by around 10, there’s more. He adds a new member to his party: a Flygon. Be sure to compensate for this pocket monster’s typing.

Bertha’s Elite Four Team

Bertha is a trainer who focuses on Ground-type Pokémon. Her teams always have pretty solid defensive stats. As such, you’ll need a lot of power to break through her tough walls! Especially when she uses her higher-level teams.

Bertha’s Original Team

Bertha’s Team After Receiving the National Pokédex

Be prepared for even more bulky Ground-types, as Bertha swaps out her Sudowoodo and Quagsire for Gliscor and Rhyperior. You’ll want some special Ice-type, Water-type, and Grass-type moves to deal with them effectively.

Bertha’s Team After Receiving the National Pokédex and Completing Stark Mountain’s Events

For her final team, Bertha will trade her Golem out for a Nidoking. She also gains a Mamoswine, to add some strong offensive elements. Your Grass-types will have some trouble now if you’re not careful.

Flint’s Elite Four Team

The fiery Flint possesses a team revolving around Fire-type pocket monsters. However, his original team only has two true Fire-types. This will change as he adopts his upgraded lineups.

Flint’s Original Team

Flint’s Team After Receiving the National Pokédex

Appropriately, Flint swaps out his non-Fire-type Pokémon for some true Fire-type ones. This will introduce a Houndoom, Flareon, and Magmortar to his lineup. What’s more, his team rises in average level by around 10.

Flint’s Team After Receiving the National Pokédex and Completing Stark Mountain’s Events

For Flint’s final team, he replaces his Flareon with an Arcanine and adds a Ninetales to his lineup. This, plus the level increase, puts you up against one of the toughest Fire-type teams ever. It’s worth noting that he leads with Ninetales, which causes an immediate Drought.

Lucian’s Elite Four Team

This Psychic-type trainer is your final opponent before you reach the Champion. With few weaknesses, you’ll need some tricks up your sleeve to take down his mighty team. Bug-type, Dark-type, and Ghost-type Pokémon are helpful here.

Lucian’s Original Team

Lucian’s Team After Receiving the National Pokédex

After you obtain the National Pokédex, Lucian swaps out his Girafarig and Medicham for Espeon and Gallade. These new Pokémon arguably pack more power, so get ready for a real rumble.

Lucian’s Team After Receiving the National Pokédex and Completing Stark Mountain’s Events

Lucian adds some bulk to his team by including a Slowbro. And, this new addition comes with some great coverage moves, so it can also hit pretty hard!

Cynthia’s Elite Four Team

Cynthia is the pinnacle of power in the Sinnoh region. Her diverse team and better AI will put your tactics to the test. Her final team is also the highest-level lineup in the main game. As such, even if your entire team is at level 100, you won’t have that much of an advantage.

Cynthia’s Original Team

Cynthia’s Team After Receiving the National Pokédex

In addition to leveling up her team, Cynthia also exchanges her Gastrodon for a Togekiss. As if her team’s coverage wasn’t good enough already, you’ll now need to deal with a strong Flying-type threat.

Cynthia’s Team After Receiving the National Pokédex and Completing Stark Mountain’s Events

The Champion beefs up her offense by swapping Roserade for an even better Expert Belt-holder: Porygon-Z! This wall breaker will pose a big threat to your team. In addition to this, Cynthia’s Lucario comes with a stronger moveset.