When crafting an efficient and enjoyable team for a Pokémon Platinum playthrough, the goal is to create a balanced group that can handle the challenges of the story mode with minimal hassle. Below are two highly recommended teams, tailored to help you breeze through the game while enjoying a diverse and powerful lineup.
Team 1: Torterra Core
This team is built around Torterra, the Grass/Ground-type starter, and offers coverage and synergy for key battles.
Torterra
- Moveset: Wood Hammer, Earthquake, Crunch, Rock Climb
- Role: Physical Tank & Sweeper
Torterra’s dual STAB (Wood Hammer and Earthquake) provides incredible power for dealing with Electric, Rock, and Ground types. Crunch is essential for defeating Lucian’s Psychic-types in the Elite Four. Rock Climb, while an HM, can also confuse enemies when used in battle.
Luxray
- Moveset: Thunder Fang, Crunch, Iron Tail, Strength
- Role: Physical Attacker
Luxray’s high Attack stat makes it a reliable option early on. Thunder Fang provides STAB, while Crunch offers additional support against Lucian. Iron Tail and Strength give it further coverage, making it versatile throughout the game.
Floatzel
- Moveset: Surf, Waterfall, Ice Beam, Focus Blast
- Role: Special and Physical Sweeper
Floatzel’s speed and access to both Surf and Waterfall make it a great Water-type option. Ice Beam is essential for taking down Cynthia’s Garchomp, while Focus Blast provides coverage against Steel and Rock types.
Lucario
- Moveset: Aura Sphere, Dragon Pulse, Dark Pulse, Extreme Speed
- Role: Mixed Attacker
Lucario is a late addition but a crucial one. Aura Sphere offers consistent STAB, Dragon Pulse aids against Dragons, and Dark Pulse helps counter Psychic threats. Extreme Speed is useful for finishing off faster opponents.
Rapidash
- Moveset: Flare Blitz, Bounce, Megahorn, Poison Jab
- Role: Physical Attacker
Rapidash is one of the few viable Fire-types in Platinum. Flare Blitz delivers powerful STAB damage, while Megahorn and Poison Jab provide additional coverage. Bounce doubles as a Flying-type move to counter Bug and Grass Pokémon.
Gengar or Alakazam
- Moveset: Shadow Ball, Psychic, Thunderbolt, Focus Blast
- Role: Special Sweeper
Both Gengar and Alakazam are excellent choices for a special sweeper. Gengar gets Thunderbolt for coverage against Water types, while Alakazam can use Shock Wave as an alternative. Shadow Ball and Psychic serve as their primary STAB moves, and Focus Blast rounds out their versatility.
Team 2: Infernape Core
This team focuses on Infernape, the Fire/Fighting starter, with strong offensive coverage.
Infernape
- Moveset: Flare Blitz, Close Combat, Shadow Claw, Rock Slide
- Role: Physical and Special Sweeper
Infernape’s dual Fire/Fighting typing makes it highly versatile. Flare Blitz and Close Combat are its powerful STAB moves, while Shadow Claw and Rock Slide cover Psychic and Flying weaknesses.
Staraptor
- Moveset: Brave Bird, Return, Close Combat, Fly
- Role: Physical Attacker
Staraptor is easy to obtain and evolves quickly into a powerhouse. Brave Bird and Return provide strong STAB options, Close Combat offers coverage, and Fly doubles as a utility HM.
Weavile
- Moveset: Ice Punch, Night Slash, Dig, Poison Jab
- Role: Fast Physical Attacker
Weavile’s speed makes it a great counter to Cynthia’s Garchomp. Ice Punch and Night Slash are STAB moves, while Dig and Poison Jab add valuable coverage for other threats.
Gyarados
- Moveset: Waterfall, Bounce, Surf, Ice Fang
- Role: Bulky Physical Attacker
Gyarados is a fantastic Water-type option with both offensive and defensive utility. Waterfall and Bounce are its primary STAB moves, while Ice Fang offers coverage against Dragons.
Roserade
- Moveset: Petal Dance, Sludge Bomb, Shadow Ball, Stun Spore
- Role: Special Attacker & Support
Roserade shines against bulky Ground and Water-types, thanks to Petal Dance and Sludge Bomb. Shadow Ball adds some coverage, and Stun Spore can help catch Pokémon or disrupt tough opponents.
Garchomp
- Moveset: Dragon Claw, Earthquake, Stone Edge, Crunch
- Role: Physical Attacker
Garchomp’s combination of Dragon and Ground typing makes it a versatile addition. Dragon Claw and Earthquake are its main STAB moves, while Stone Edge and Crunch provide excellent coverage.
Tips for Building an In-Game Team
- HM Slaves: Tropius and Bibarel are great options to handle HMs like Cut, Rock Smash, and Strength.
- Adapt to Your Starter: If you choose Turtwig, consider a Fire-type like Rapidash. If Chimchar is your starter, Roserade becomes a strong Grass-type alternative.
- EV Training: While not strictly necessary for in-game teams, basic EV training can make a noticeable difference in key battles.
Both teams provide excellent coverage for Platinum’s gyms and Elite Four, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey through Sinnoh. Choose the one that fits your preferred playstyle and available Pokémon!
