Should you choose Diamond or Pearl path in Pokemon GO? Differences explained
If you're not sure whether to choose Diamond or Pearl in Pokemon GO's Road to Sinnoh Special Research, here are the differences and which option is best.
If you've been asked to 'choose a path' between Diamond and Pearl in Pokemon GO, here's everything you need to know to make the best decision including gameplay features and exclusive encounters.
To celebrate the global Pokemon GO Tour: Sinnoh event, Trainers around the world will receive the Road To Sinnoh Special Research story. After completing the first step, you'll be asked to choose Diamond or Pearl - with your choice having a pretty big impact on the game!
Should you choose Diamond or Pearl path?
In my opinion, the best option to choose here is the Pearl experience. This path will let you encounter an Origin Forme Palkia that knows Spacial Rend during Pokemon GO Tour: Sinnoh. Using this unique Adventure Effect will temporarily increase the distance that Pokemon spawn around you.
As you can probably imagine, this is going to come in very handy when you're playing at home or from the office (I won't tell anyone!) as you'll be able to catch even more Pokemon. There are no items that can replicate this effect, so it's unique to Origin Forme Palkia.
It also looks like Origin Forme Palkia has received the biggest upgrade from its signature move, as it now sits pretty at the number one spot on PvPoke's Master League rankings. It's also become one of the best Dragon-type attackers for Raid Battles.
On the other hand, the Diamond path will let you encounter an Origin Forme Dialga that knows Roar of Time during GO Tour: Sinnoh. Using this Adventure Effect will temporarily pause the timer on Incense, Lucky Eggs, and Star Pieces - which is great, but nothing is stopping you from just using another item.
Origin Forme Dialga also gets a big upgrade from its signature move. Roar of Time is just as powerful as Draco Meteor but it doesn't have the risky self-debuff to Attack when used in battle. It is outranked by Origin Forme Palkia, but it's still an amazing addition to your team!
What are the differences between Diamond and Pearl?
Your choice will impact the rewards for completing the Road To Sinnoh Special Research story as well as the bonuses you'll enjoy during the Pokemon GO Tour: Sinnoh event.
Here are the main differences between the Diamond and Pearl experiences:
Diamond path
- Diamond Badge
- An encounter with Larvitar
- 100 Mega Tyranitar Energy
- Dialga Candy
- Encounter Dialga that knows Roar of Time (during GO Tour: Sinnoh)
- Roar of Time lasts twice as long (during GO Tour: Sinnoh)
- Encounters with Shadow Scizor and Shadow Honchkrow (during GO Tour: Sinnoh)
Pearl path
- Pearl Badge
- An encounter with Bagon
- 100 Mega Salamence Energy
- Palkia Candy
- Encounter with Palkia that knows Spacial Rend (during GO Tour: Sinnoh)
- Spacial Rend lasts twice as long (during GO Tour: Sinnoh)
- Encounters with Shadow Pinsir and Shadow Mismagius (during GO Tour: Sinnoh)
While I do think Origine Forme Palkia and Dialga should be your main focus here, it might be worth taking the Mega Energy reward into account - especially if you've not got Mega Tyranitar or Mega Salamence yet.
It's also been confirmed that Diamond Trainers will encounter Shadow Scizor and Shadow Honchkrow during the event's Special Research quest, while Pearl Trainers will encounter Shadow Pinsir and Shadow Mismagius.
Ultimately, you should choose the path that feels right for you!
While you wait for GO Tour: Sinnoh to begin, visit our Pokemon homepage for more guides like the latest Raid Bosses, the upcoming events calendar, or the Spotlight Hours you've got to look forward to.
About The Author
Daniel Megarry
Daniel is GGRecon’s Deputy Guides Editor. He graduated from university with a degree in Journalism & English Language before covering video games and LGBTQ+ culture at publications including Gay Times and Dexerto. His favourite games include Pokemon, Kingdom Hearts, Resident Evil, and anything Nintendo. You can reach him on [email protected].
