Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl players only have a few days left to claim a special in-game gift. Until March 27, all players can download Oak’s Letter, a special item that will trigger an encounter with the mythical Pokemon Shaymin. Here’s how to get the letter and catch the mythical Pokemon.
How to Get Oak’s Letter
Oak’s Letter is distributed via mystery gift, a communication feature unlocked approximately two hours after the start of the adventure. After unlocking it, press the X button to open the menu and follow these steps to claim the item:
- Select mystery gift
- Select Obtain via Internet
- Connect to the internet and download the item
A Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required to download Oak’s Letter, but you will need an internet connection. The item will only be available until 7:59 a.m. PT on March 27so you’ll have to claim it first if you hope to catch Shaymin.
How to Catch Shaymin
While any player can receive Oak’s Letter, you must first enter the Hall of Fame and earn the National Pokedex before you can meet Shaymin. After completing these requirements and downloading the letter, you will need to meet Professor Oak on Route 224.
To reach the route, you must venture inside Victory Road and head towards its easternmost exit. During the trek, you’ll come across a foggy cavern, where you’ll briefly team up with a character named Marley. Use the hidden move Defog to dispel the mist and keep heading east through the cave until you reach the exit.
Talk to Professor Oak on Route 224 to meet Shaymin.
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Head along Route 224 and you’ll eventually encounter Professor Oak, who is examining a mysterious stone tablet. Speak with him to trigger a cutscene that opens a long flowery path to Flower Heaven, where Shaymin awaits. Interact with the mythical Pokemon to start a battle encounter.
Shaymin will only be level 30, so be careful not to knock him out before you catch him. A good strategy is to bring a Pokemon that knows the False Swipe attack, which is guaranteed to leave the opposing Pokemon with at least 1 HP. You will also increase your chances of catching Shaymin if you inflict a status condition on him, such as Sleep or Paralysis. Keep these tips in mind and you should have little trouble capturing the Mythical Pokemon.