Pichu Pokemon BDSP
Image: Nintendo Life

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl on Nintendo Switch has a host of Pokémon to find and catch (of course), but some of them won't be available until you've completed the main game.

After you’ve finished the game, head back to the Trophy Garden at the back of the Pokémon Mansion for a few new encounters.

How the Trophy Garden works in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Complete the Sinnoh Dex

Firstly, you need to complete the Sinnoh Pokédex. Thankfully, this can be done with one copy of the game, and in one playthrough. All you need to do is to see one of every Pokémon, not catch them, and this can all be achieved during the course of the normal game.

If you’re struggling to see the box legendary of the other copy, Dialga or Palkia, speak to Cynthia’s grandmother and she’ll show you it.

Trophy Garden and Special Pokémon

Trophy Garden Pokemon BDSP
Image: Nintendo Life

The Trophy Garden is the area at the back of the Pokémon Mansion. After you’ve completed your Pokédex, you’ll be able to acquire a lot of Pokémon, including rare baby Pokémon that are not usually found in the wild.

The way that this works is that the Garden will feature two Pokémon, and these Pokémon change every day. They change in order of their National Dex number. Each day will feature the Pokémon for that day, and the previous day.

The list of Special Pokémon you can find in the Trophy Garden is below (click on the headers to arrange them alphabetically or by National Dex number):

Trophy Garden Special Pokémon Full List National Pokédex Number
Clefairy 035
Jigglypuff 039
Meowth 052
Chansey 113
Eevee 133
Porygon 137
Cleffa 173
Igglybuff 174
Marill 183
Azurill 298
Plusle 311
Minun 312
Castform 351
Bonsly 438
Mime Jr. 439
Happiny 440
Trophy Garden Pokemon BDSP
Image: Nintendo Life

This article is part of our Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl walkthrough and guide series, which includes every version-exclusive Pokémon in each version of the game, advice on the best Sinnoh starter Pokémon to choose, and all the old and new Pokétch Apps, plus how to get specific Pokémon such as Mew and Jirachi, Rilou and Lucario, Manaphy and Phione, Arceus, Eevee, Leafeon And Glaceon, Cresselia, Rotom, Ditto, Spiritomb, Heatran, Regigigas, and — of course — the mighty Feebas.

We also cover how to catch 17 Legendaries in Ramanas Park, where to find the Defog HM and chain catching (or how to increase your chances of catching Shiny Pokémon), plus how to earn money fast, how to beat the Elite Four, how the Trophy Garden works, and how to get the DS sounds and Catching Charm. We also have a full and updated list of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Mystery Gift codes, plus we tell you how to unlock the Mystery Gift function, too.

And finally, Where to Buy Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl on Nintendo Switch, if for some reason you haven't yet picked up the game!