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SincePokemon X/Y, the Fairy-type has proven to be very useful against the mighty Dragon-type. Some Pokemon that existed prior to Generation 6 have been given dual-typing or had their mono-typing changed entirely. Although Fairy-type Pokemon that first appeared in Generation 6-8 don’t appear inPokemon Brilliant DiamondandShining Pearl, previous existing Pokemon such as Ralts do.
In the originalPokemon Diamond & Pearl, players had to combat Dragon-types such as Garchomp with Ice-types or Dragon-types. Thanks toBrilliant DiamondandShining Pearlkeeping the Fairy-typing, trainers now have an extra trump card. This means catching the Psychic/Fairy-type Ralts and evolving it can prove beneficial inBrilliant DiamondandShining Pearl’s main story.
Updated on May 18, 2025 by Renri Seong:Ralts has been a popular Pokemon to add to the team since its debut inPokemon Ruby/Sapphire. ByPokemon Diamond/Pearl, thePokemonworld expanded on the Ralts-line by giving it a branching evolution between Gardevoir and Gallade. To make Gardevoir even more powerful, the sixth generation of Pokemon changed its singular Psychic-typing to Psychic/Fairy-type, making it capable of taking on Dragon-type Pokemon and dealing super-effective damage. Luckily, players can catch Ralts inBrilliant Diamond & Shining Pearlbefore the postgame and evolve it into Gardevoir and Gallade. However, some trainers may have a hard time deciding between these two Pokemon. This guide has been updated to include more information to compare and contrast Ralts' final evolutions.
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Catching Ralts
Players weren’t able to catch Ralts in the originalDiamond/Pearluntil after receivingthe National Dex from Professor Rowan. This was changed inPokemon Platinum, where Ralts and Kirlia (its second-evolved form) could be caught in the wild.Brilliant DiamondandShining Pearlare heavily based on the originalDiamond/Pearl, meaning Ralts can’t be found in the wild.
However, with the new Grand Underground feature, players can catch more Pokemon pre-National Dex than they could inDiamond/Pearl. Until trainers receive the PokeRadar,hunting for Ralts in the Grand Undergroundis the only way to catch it. Once players have the PokeRadar, Ralts can be found on Route 203 and (south) Route 204.
Ralts can be found in the following hideaways as arare encounter:
Kirlia can also be found at Dazzling Cavern, but not until the player has the National Dex. Thankfully, Ralts is available in these hideawaysat the start.
The earliest level Ralts can be found at is around level 16.As a Psychic/Fairy-type, Ralts is weak to Poison, Steel, and Dark-types. Wittle down its health with Pokemon that won’t target its weakness. Paralyze or put it to Sleep, but be warned that a Ralts with Synchronize will pass on the Paralysis-ailment to the player’s Pokemon.
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Evolving Ralts
Ralts will evolve into Kirlia at level 20. With the permanent EXP Share, it shouldn’t be too hard for trainers to level it up. However, depending on Kirlia’s gender, it can either evolve into Gallade or Gardevoir. Both evolutions have a base stat total of 518, but Gallade has high Attack whileGardevoir has high Special Attack.
A Kirlia that reaches level 30 will evolve into Gardevoir, a Psychic/Fairy-type. However, if amale Kirlia is given a Dawn Stone, it will instead evolve into the Psychic/Fighting-type Gallade. There is a Dawn Stone on Route 225 and another in Mt. Coronet, but they can also be found in the Grand Underground.
More Information About Gardevoir & Gallade
Gardevoir and Gallade are powerful Pokemon, but their different Typings are something players shouldkeep in mind before evolving their Kirlia. Players who want a Special Attacker should choose Gardevoir, while players who need a Physical Attacker should go with Gallade. Thanks to their Psychic-typing, both Pokemon have moves that are super effective against Poison and Fighting-type Pokemon.
Gardevoir and Gallade have the following Type-effectiveness:
Resistances: Fighting, Rock
Immunities: N/A
Those that are worried aboutCynthia and her Garchomp in the Elite Fourmay want to go with Gardevoir. Its Fairy-type moves will be enough to dish out super effective damage on Garchomp. However, players should be wary of Garchomp’s Poison Jab move. Coupled with Garchomp’s high Speed and Attack, Gardevoir can very easily be taken out in one hit. Give Gardevoir a Quick Claw or hope that the Friendship perks kick in so that it doesn’t struggle too much against Garchomp.
Gallade is a good Pokemon to have if players need a Psychic or a Fighting-type to their team. Unlike Gardevoir, it isn’t weak to Poison Jab, but it can be defeated by Pokemon like Togekiss (Fairy/Flying-type). To make matter worse, neither Gardevoir nor Gallade have impressive Speed stats.
While they should be able to move before most Pokemon, they’re not too difficult to outspeed either. Regardless, setting up Gallade and Gardevoir with the right Moveset thatgives them coverage and STABwill make them a powerful addition to the team.
Lastly, players should consider the Natures of their Gardevoir and/or Gallade. A perfect Nature for Gardevoir isModest (+Sp. Attk, -Attk)while Gallade fairs better with a Nature likeAdamant (+Attk, -Sp.Attk).
Trainers will want toavoid Natures that slow their Speed growthsince their base Speed stat is 80. While their Defense isn’t too impressive either, having a Nature that decreases any of their Defense/Special Defense growth makes them unable to withstand super-effective moves from their opponents.
