List of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl trade codes to get version exclusives
NintendoIn Pokemon BDSP, trade codes are a great resource for trainers looking to complete their Pokedex. These codes will help you obtain the opposite version’s exclusives, complete trade evolutions, and obtain all three starters. Here are all the trade codes you can use in Pokemon BDSP.
Like all mainline Pokemon games, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl have multiple version-exclusive species that can only be obtained by trading with other Trainers – something that’s made a lot easier with the help of trade codes.
These unified codes, referred to as Link Codes in the game, let you meet up with like-minded Trainers online for specific swaps, whether that’s a Chimchar for a Turtwig, or a Brilliant Diamond exclusive for a Shining Pearl exclusive.
Below you’ll find all of the BDSP trade codes you need to get version exclusives, starters, and trade evolutions in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, as well as details on how to use the codes if you’re stuck.
Contents
- Starter Pokemon BDSP Trade Codes
- Version Exclusive Trade Codes
- Evolution Trade Codes
- Legendary Trade Codes
- How to trade in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
Starter Pokemon BDSP Trade Codes
If you want to obtain the two starter Pokemon you didn’t choose in Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl, you can use these trade codes to get them:
Trade Code | Pokemon You Have | Pokemon You Want |
0387-0390 | Turtwig | Chimchar |
0387-0393 | Turtwig | Piplup |
0390-0387 | Chimchar | Turtwig |
0390-0393 | Chimchar | Piplup |
0393-0387 | Piplup | Turtwig |
0393-0390 | Piplup | Chimchar |
Before you trade your only starter Pokemon, you’ll want to breed more of it. You can do this at the Nursery in Solaceon Town, where you’ll need either a female starter or a Ditto to breed with a male starter.
It’s worth pointing out that it is actually possible to get all three starters without trading, although you’ll need to unlock the National Pokedex first – we’ve got a handy guide to get all of the starters here.
Version Exclusive Pokemon Trade Codes
Some Pokemon only appear in either Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl, so these trade codes are designed to help you swap version exclusives:
Trade Code | Pokemon You Have | Pokemon You Want |
0010-0013 | Caterpie | Weedle |
0023-0027 | Ekans | Sandshrew |
0058-0037 | Growlithe | Vulpix |
0086-0079 | Seel | Slowpoke |
0123-0127 | Scyther | Pinsir |
0198-0200 | Murkrow | Misdreavus |
0207-0216 | Gligar | Teddiursa |
0239-0240 | Elekid | Magby |
0246-0371 | Larvitar | Bagon |
0273-0270 | Seedot | Lotad |
0303-0302 | Mawile | Sableye |
0335-0336 | Zangoose | Seviper |
0338-0337 | Solrock | Lunatone |
0352-0234 | Kecleon | Stantler |
0408-0410 | Cranidos | Shieldon |
0434-0431 | Stunky | Glameow |
These trade codes put Brilliant Diamond’s exclusives first, but they’re the same regardless of which version you own. Enter the code and find a Trainer with the version exclusive Pokemon you need.
Evolution Codes
There are certain Pokemon that can only evolve when traded, often while holding a specific item. You can use these trade codes for trade evolutions in BDSP:
Trade Code | Pokemon You Have | Pokemon You Want | Evolution |
0061-0061 | Poliwhirl (holding a King’s Rock) | Poliwhirl (holding a King’s Rock) | Politoed |
0064-0064 | Kadabra | Kadabra | Alakazam |
0067-0067 | Machoke | Machoke | Machamp |
0075-0075 | Graveler | Graveler | Golem |
0079-0079 | Slowpoke (holding a King’s Rock) | Slowpoke (holding a King’s Rock) | Slowking |
0093-0093 | Haunter | Haunter | Gengar |
0095-0095 | Onix (holding a Metal Coat) | Onix (holding a Metal Coat) | Steelix |
0112-0112 | Rhydon (holding a Protector) | Rhydon (holding a Protector) | Rhyperior |
0117-0117 | Seadra (holding a Dragon Scale) | Seadra (holding a Dragon Scale) | Kingdra |
0123-0123 | Scyther (holding a Metal Coat) | Scyther (holding a Metal Coat) | Scizor |
0125-0125 | Electabuzz (holding an Electirizer) | Electabuzz (holding an Electirizer) | Electivire |
0126-0126 | Magmar (holding a Magmarizer) | Magmar (holding a Magmarizer) | Magmortar |
0137-0137 | Porygon (holding an Upgrade) | Porygon (holding an Upgrade) | Porygon2 |
0233-0233 | Porygon2 (holding a Dubious Disc) | Porygon2 (holding a Dubious Disc) | Porygon-Z |
0356-0356 | Dusclops (holding a Reaper Cloth) | Dusclops (holding a Reaper Cloth) | Dusknoir |
0366-0367 | Clamperl (holding a Deep Sea Tooth) | Clamperl (holding a Deep Sea Tooth) | Huntail |
0366-0368 | Clamperl (holding a Deep Sea Scale) | Clamperl (holding a Deep Sea Scale) | Gorebyss |
With evolution trade codes, Trainers are expected to trade the same species and then offer to trade it back straight after. Make sure the Pokemon you’re receiving is holding the right evolution item.
You might notice that Clamperl actually has two different codes. That’s because it can evolve into either Huntail or Gorebyss, depending on which item you give it to hold.
Legendary Trade Codes
Below are the trade codes for several Legendary Pokemon. However, remember that these are touch trades, meaning you always trade back the Pokemon to its original owner.
Trade Code | Pokemon You Have | Pokemon You Want |
0493-8410 | Suicune | Articuno |
0493-8411 | Raikou | Zapdos |
0493-8412 | Entei | Moltres |
0493-8413 | Ho-Oh | Lugia |
0493-8421 | Dialga | Palkia |
How to use trade codes
If you want to trade with other Trainers using a BDSP trade code, you’ll need to visit the Global Room by pressing ‘Y’ or going downstairs to a Pokemon Center.
Here’s how to trade with other Trainers using a trade code:
- Enter the Global Room.
- Speak to the nurse and select the ‘Yes, with a Link Code’ option when prompted.
- Enter the unique trad code you want to use from the tables above.
- Initiate a trade or speak to a Trainer who has a speech bubble above their head.
- Select the Pokemon that you wish to trade and confirm.
And that’s everything you need to know about trade codes in BDSP! Remember to trade fairly, follow the rules of each code, and always offer a trade back where appropriate.
Now you know how to use trade codes, check out some of our other Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl guides below:
Lucario weaknesses in Pokemon BDSP | BDSP All Rare Candy locations | Where to find Cresselia in Pokemon BDSP | How to get the National Pokedex in Pokemon BDSP