How to get Darkrai in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

Meg Bethany Koepp
darkrai in pokemon brilliant diamond shining pearl

Trainers can finally catch Darkrai in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, but how do you get this powerful Mythical creature to appear? Let’s find out.

Although Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl were released in November 2021, The Pokemon Company are still releasing occasional updates including Mystery Gifts and encounters with iconic Pokemon like Arceus.

It’s just been announced that players will finally be able to encounter Darkrai on Newmoon Island, thanks to a Member Card item that will soon be available to claim – but it will only be around for a limited time.

Below, you’ll find all the details you need to catch Darkrai in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, including how to claim the Member Card and how to get to Newmoon Island.

How to catch Darkrai in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

Darkrai appearing in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond
Darkrai can be found on Newmoon Island, but getting here isn’t easy.

Before you can encounter Darkrai in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, you’ll need to enter the Hall of Fame by completing the main story, then obtain the National Pokedex from Professor Oak.

Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to claim the Member Card from the Mystery Gift menu. Access this by pressing X and selecting Mystery Gift, then choosing ‘Get via Internet’ to download your Member Card.

This item can only be claimed between April 1 and May 1, so set a reminder in your calendar if you need to. With the Member Card in hand, travel across to Newmoon Island, where Darkrai can be found.

Here’s a summary of what you need to do to catch Darkrai in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl:

  1. Make sure you’ve entered the Hall of Fame and obtained the National Pokedex.
  2. Claim a Member Card via Mystery Gift between April 1 and May 1.
  3. Catch Cresselia on Fullmoon Island by saving the Sailor’s son in Canalave City.
  4. Return to Canalave City and enter the house behind the Pokemon Center.
  5. Speak to the man there who will tell you he’s got a reservation for you.
  6. You will fall asleep in bed and wake up on Newmoon Island.
  7. Proceed to the forest and Darkrai will be waiting for you.

It’s a good idea to save before battling Darkrai, as this is your only chance to encounter it and you don’t want to risk defeating it by accident.

Arceus is also now available to encounter in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, and we’ve got a guide to help you catch it right here.


Now that you know how to catch Darkrai, check out some of our other Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl guides and walkthroughs:

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 | All trade evolutions

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