As players start to explore the Sinnoh region inPokemon Brilliant DiamondandPokemon Shining Pearl, they may wish that they could have their Pokemon walk along with them. Fortunately for these fans, it is possible to make Pokemon follow their trainers outside, though that is not something that can be done at the very beginning of the games. Indeed, players must first unlock following Pokemon inPokemon Brilliant DiamondandPokemon Shining Pearl, and this guide details exactly how that is done.
Updated June 24, 2025 by Renri Seong:Being able to have Pokemon walk with their trainer outside their Poke Ball first started inPokemon Yellow. However, it wasn’t untilPokemon Diamond/Pearlwhere certain Pokemon could walk in Hearthome City’s Amity Square.Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilvertook this a step further by allowing all Pokemon to travel outside their ball with their trainer. WithPokemon Brilliant Diamond&Shining Pearl, players can once more have their Pokemon walk alongside them in the overworld and in Amity Square. This guide has been updated to list which Pokemon are Amity Square-exclusive and how walking with Pokemon has in-game benefits.
How to Walk with Pokemon in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Pokemon Shining Pearl
The first step toward getting walking Pokemon is to visit Amity Square in Hearthome City. If this is the very first playthrough, then players will have access to Hearthome City after defeating thesecond gym leader inPokemon Brilliant DiamondandShining Pearl. There are two different entrances to Amity Square: one is to theupper-left of the Pokemon Centerwhile the other isto the upper-right of the Contest Hall. Upon entering Amity Square, the NPC behind the counter will inform players that they can go for a stroll with their Pokemon.
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To walk with a Pokemon in Amity Square, fans should simply select the Pokemon that is marked as “eligible” after speaking with the NPC. This will cause the Pokemon to emerge from itsPoke Ball, and it will follow its trainer to every corner of Amity Square. After taking a short walk with the Pokemon, return to the Amity Square’s entrance and speakonce moreto the NPC. She will mention how only certain trainers can get their Pokemon to follow them, and the ability to walk alongside Pokemonoutside Amity Squarewill be unlocked.
Non-Amity Square exclusive Pokemon can be walkedanywhere outside Sinnohas long as they are in the player’sPokemon BDSPparty. To do this, go into theparty with the X-buttonandselect a Pokemon. There should be an option called “walk together." This allows that Pokemon to walk outside its Poke Ball in the overworld. Players should know that certain areas such as the Grand Underground and indoors willnotallowPokemon outside their Poke Balls.
To note, players can interact with their following Pokemon by approaching them and pressing the A button on their controllers. While doing this will typically only elicit a brief response from the Pokemon, it will occasionally cause them to hand over an item to the trainer. This provides some added incentive for talking to a walking Pokemon, andPokemon Brilliant DiamondandShining Pearlfansshould make sure to check in with theirs when they have the time to do so.
Amity Square Exclusive Pokemon
Before players defeat the Elite Four and become Pokemon Champion, only several Pokemon in the Sinnoh Dex will be able to walk with them in Amity Square.Once players have the National Dex, they’ll be able to catch more Pokemon, some of which are “cute enough” to walk with inside Amity Square.
Skitty
National
Players will not be able to getall three Sinnoh starters until the postgame.Sinnoh starters and starter Pokemon from the other regions, can be found in the Grand Underground. Alternatively, if playerswantTurtwig, Chimchar, or Piplup before the postgame,they can get them via tradingwith someone else who has a copy ofBrilliant DiamondorShining Pearl.
As long as trainers have eligible Pokemon for Amity Square,they can walk more than one Pokemon at once.For example, someone who has Eevee and five of its evolutions in their party can go to Amity Square and all 6 Pokemon will walk outside their Poke Ball.
Benefits of Walking with Pokemon
Walking alongside Pokemonraises a Pokemon’s Friendship. This is something important to remember if trainers are trying to evolve Friendship-evolution Pokemon such as Riolu or Buneary. While trainers could walk with Buneary or Happiny in Amity Square, most of the Friendship-evolution Pokemon can’t be called out of their Poke Ball in Amity Square. This means players will have to walk with them in the overworld to build up their friendship with that particular Pokemon.
