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Pokémon: Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

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How to Enter a Contest

By
Vincent Lau

This page describes how to enter Super Contest Shows.

Pokémon Contests are elaborate performances unique to the Hoenn and Sinnoh region, where trainers (aka performers) can show off their Pokémon’s talents without battling. To enter a contest, you must visit the Super Contest Hall in Hearthome City.

Practice

If you want to get a feel for the contest first, you can speak to the lady on the right to initiate a practice session.

You can ask for more information or actually go ahead with a practice session.

This acts as something of a tutorial on the contests and shows you how to execute moves, and what all of the terminology actually means.

How to Begin a Contest

(1 of 2) Choose what category of contest you want to enter.

Choose what category of contest you want to enter. (left), Then select the difficulty. (right)

First, speak to the lady behind the front desk. Contests are divided into five categories:

  • Coolness
  • Beauty
  • Coolness
  • Cleverness
  • Toughness

The mechanics are the same for all categories, but you’ll have a better chance of winning if your chosen Pokémon has a high aptitude for that category (see later) and moves that match that category.

On top of that, there are multiple ranks:

  • Normal
  • Great
  • Ultra
  • Master

These indicate the difficulty of the contest, with Normal being the easiest and Master being the hardest.

Up to four performers can join the same contest. This can be other players like yourself. Otherwise, you can compete with computer-controller characters.

During a Super Contest Show

When the show begins, you’ll take part in two distinctive parts. During each part, you’ll receive Hype Points for your evaluation. If the combined Hype Points from all four performers reaches the threshold, the show will be considered a success.

Visual Evaluation

(1 of 2) Stuff your Pokémon with high quality Poffins to boost their contest stats.

Stuff your Pokémon with high quality Poffins to boost their contest stats. (left), When your Pokémon enters the stage, a number of hearts will appear. (right)

Before you get right into the action, you’ll receive a score based on your Pokémon’s matching contest stat (eg. Coolness) and effects from their Capsule Decorations. To improve your contest stats, you can feed your Pokémon Poffins before the contest.

Dance Evaluation

(1 of 2) There are notes that you must press.

There are notes that you must press. (left), Plus notes that you have to hold, then release. (right)

Next, you’ll advance to the main part of the contest: the rhythm/dance part. You need to follow the rhythm of notes that quickly move along the bottom of the screen. Do it right and you’ll build up Hype Points like no tomorrow!

Move Evaluation

(1 of 2) During the dance part, you can press X to use a Contest Move.

During the dance part, you can press X to use a Contest Move. (left), You can use a Contest Move at any time, but you should chain them with another performer’s move. (right)

This is connected to the dance part. During that part, you can press the X button to use your Pokémon’s Contest Move, which is one of their battle moves, but tailored for contests. If you time it with Contest Moves used by other performers, you can create a Move Chain, improving your score.

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Guide Information
  • Publisher
    Pokemon Company International
  • Platforms,
    Switch
  • Genre
    RPG
  • Guide Release
    29 October 2021
  • Last Updated
    23 April 2022
    Version History
  • Guide Author

Share this free guide:

This strategy guide for Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl contains all the information Pokémon trainers will need to complete the game and catch every single Pokémon!

In this remake of the classic Pokémon Diamond & Pearl, you’ll journey through the mystical Sinnoh region to become a Pokémon master. Along the way, you’ll confront the scheming Team Galactic and witness the awesome power of the Legendary Dialga or Palkia.

Currently included in our guide:

The following will be available via free updates to our guide:

  • A complete walkthrough of the main story and postgame.
  • A full guide for Super Contest Shows.
    • How to cook the best quality Poffins.
  • Explanation of advanced mechanics, such as IVs and EVs.
  • A detailed Sinnoh region Pokédex.

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