Where to Chain for Best Results
Following up from the broad discussions on Shiny Chaining, Bushin and myself have compiled this small guide into where to go to chain any pokemon that *can* be chained for the best results. We have divided these pokemon into the following sections:
(i) Swarms
(ii) Dongle Insertion
(iii) Diamond Exclusives
(iv) Pearl Exclusives
(v) Trophy Garden Events
(vi) Remainder pokemon
Within the guide, details include: Location / Levels Available / Encounter Rate / Additional Information
(i) Swarms: The following are 'chainable' Pokemon that appear only when swarming. Their encounter rate is fixed at 40%.
#016. Pidgey / Route 229 / Lvl 51.
#081. Magnemite / Fuego Ironworks / Lvl 28-29 / Use Magnet Pull for best effects
#083. Farfetch'd / Route 221 / Lvl 28
#084. Doduo / Route 201 / Lvl 2-4
#096. Drowzee / Route 215 / Lvl 20-22
#098. Krabby / Route 226 / Lvl 52
#100. Voltorb / Route 218 / Lvl 28 / Use Static for best effects
#104. Cubone / Route 203 / Lvl 4
#108. Lickitung / Lake Valor / Lvl 34, 36
#177. Natu / Route 224 / Lvl 53
#206. Dunsparce / Route 208 / Lvl 16
#209. Snubbull / Route 209 / Lvl 16
#220. Swinub / Route 217 / Lvl 34
#222. Corsola / Route 230 / Lvl 50
#225. Delibird / Route 216 / Lvl 32
#231. Phanpy / Route 207 / Lvl 5
#238. Smoochum / Lake Acuity / Lvl 35
#263. Zigzagoon / Route 202 / Lvl 3
#283. Surskit / Lake Verity / Lvl 2-5
#287. Slakoth / Eterna Forest / Lvl 10-12
#296. Makuhita / Route 225 / Lvl 50-51
#299. Nosepass / Route 206 / Lvl 14
#300. Skitty / Route 222 / Lvl 40 / This pokemon knows Double-Edge
#309. Electrike / Valley Windworks / Lvl 2-5 / Use Static for best effects
#325. Spoink / Route 214 / Lvl 22-23
#327. Spinda / Route 227 / Lvl 55 / This pokemon knows Double-Edge
#359. Absol / Route 213 / Lvl 20
#374. Beldum / Route 228 / Lvl 53 / This pokemon knows Take Down
(ii) Dongle Insertion: The following are 'chainable' Pokemon that require GBA game insertion. All occur at 8%, unless stated, and may be found at any time of day at these frequencies.
Fire Red Insertion
#010. Caterpie / Route 204 South / Lvl 6
#011. Metapod / Eterna Forest / Lvl 12
#023. Ekans / Route 212 South / Lvl 18,20
#058. Growlithe / Route 201 / Lvl 2 / This pokemon knows Roar
#239. Elekid / Route 205 South / Lvl 10
Leaf Green Insertion
#013. Weedle / Route 204 South / Lvl 6
#014. Kakuna / Eterna Forest / Lvl 12
#028. Sandslash / Route 228 / Lvl 23
#037. Vulpix / Route 209 / Lvl 16 / This pokemon knows Roar
#240. Magby / Outside Stark Mountain / Lvl 22
Sapphire Insertion
#270. Lotad / Route 203 / Lvl 5
#271. Lombre / Route 229 / Lvl 20
#336. Seviper / Route 208 / Lvl 18
#337. Lunatone / Lake Acuity / Lvl 34, 36
Ruby Insertion
#273. Seedot / Route 203 / Lvl 5
#274. Nuzleaf / Route 229 / Lvl 20
#335. Zangoose / Route 208 / Lvl 18
#338. Solrock / Lake Acuity / Lvl 34, 36
Emerald Insertion
#204. Pineco / Route 203 / Lvl 5
#207. Gligar / Route 207 / Lvl 7
#213. Shuckle / Route 224 / Lvl 23
#216. Teddiursa / Route 211 East / Lvl 27
#217. Ursaring / Lake Acuity / Lvl 34, 36 / 5%
(iii) The following are 'chainable' Pokemon that appear only in
Diamond. Pokemon that *only* appear with use of the Pokeradar are highlighted with "Gold patches" at the end of their entry.
#122. Mr. Mime / Route 222 / Lvl 41-42 / 15%
#123. Scyther / Route 229 / Lvl 52 / 5%
#198. Murkrow / Eterna Forest (Night) / Lvl 10-11 / 20%
#246. Larvitar / Route 207 / Lvl 6-7 / 22% / Gold patches
#262. Mightyena / Route 214 / Lvl 23-24 / 22% / This pokemon knows Roar
#266. Silcoon / Eterna Forest / Lvl 10 / 20%
#304. Aron / Fuego Ironworks / Lvl 29-30 / 22% / Gold patches / This pokemon knows Roar and Take Down
#352. Kecleon / Route 210 North / Lvl 25-26 / 22% / Gold patches
#434. Stunky / Route 206 / Lvl 14-16 / 25%
#435. Skuntank / Route 221 / Lvl 29-30 / 15%
(iv) The following are 'chainable' Pokemon that appear only in
Pearl. Pokemon that *only* appear with use of the Pokeradar are highlighted with "Gold patches" at the end of their entry.
#079. Slowpoke / Route 205 North / Lvl 11-12 / 22% / Gold patches
#127. Pinsir / Route 229 / Lvl 52 / 5% / This pokemon knows Submission
#185. Sudowoodo / Route 221 / Lvl 29-30 / 15%
#200. Misdreavus / Eterna Forest (Night) / Lvl 10-11 / 20%
#229. Houndoom / Route 214 / Lvl 23-24 / 22% / Gold patches / This pokemon knows Roar
#234. Stantler / Route 207 / Lvl 6-7 / 22% / Gold patches
#268. Cascoon / Eterna Forest / Lvl 10/ 20%
#269. Dustox / Route 230 / Lvl 51 / 10%
#371. Bagon / Route 210 North / Lvl 25-26 / 22% / Gold patches
#431. Glameow / Route 222 / Lvl 40 / 20%
#432. Purugly / Route 222 / Lvl 41-42 / 15%
(v) Trophy Garden Events: The following pokemon occur at 5% and are triggered by a daily event. Their levels are either 16 or 18 and are available in both Diamond and Pearl versions.
#035. Clefairy
#039. Jigglypuff
#052. Meowth
#113. Chansey
#133. Eevee
#137. Porygon
#173. Cleffa
#174. Igglybuff
#183. Marill
#298. Azurill
#311. Plusle
#312. Minun
#351. Castform
#438. Bonsly
#439. Mime Jr.
#440. Happiny
(vi) Remainder pokemon: These pokemon occur naturally without triggering an event, insertion of GBA game into the dongle or belong to a specific game. Pokemon that appear *only* with the Pokeradar are highlighted with "Gold patches" at the end of their entry.
#019. Rattata / Route 225 / Lvl 20 / 5%
#020. Raticate / Route 225 / Lvl 50 / 30% / This pokemon knows Double-Edge
#021. Spearow / Route 225 / Lvl 20 / 5%
#022. Fearow / Route 225 (Morning, Day) / Lvl 50 / 40%
#025. Pikachu / Trophy Garden / Lvl 18 / 10% / Use Static for best effects
#029. NidoranF / Route 201 / Lvl 2 / 20% Diamond, 2% Pearl / Gold patches
#030. Nidorina / Route 221 / Lvl 30 / 20% Diamond, 2% Pearl / Gold patches
#032. NidoranM / Route 201 / Lvl 2 / 2% Diamond, 20% Pearl / Gold patches
#033. Nidorino / Route 221 / Lvl 30 / 2% Diamond, 20% Pearl / Gold patches
#041. Zubat / Route 208 (Night) / Lvl 18 / 20%
#042. Golbat / Route 227 (Night) / Lvl 54 / 10%
#043. Oddish / Route 230 / Lvl 18 / 11%
#044. Gloom / Route 229 (Day) / Lvl 50 / 30%
#048. Venonat / Route 229 / Lvl 22 / 2% / Gold patches
#049. Venomoth / Route 229 / Lvl 50 / 20% / Gold patches
#050. Diglett / Route 228 / Lvl 23 / 5%
#051. Dugtrio / Route 228 / Lvl 54 / 30%
#054. Psyduck / Lake Acuity (Morning, Day) / Lvl 34,36 / 30%
#055. Golduck / Sendoff Spring / Lvl 53-54 / 20%
#056. Mankey / Route 226 / Lvl 22 / 2%
#057. Primeape / Route 226 / Lvl 51, 53 / 20% / This pokemon knows Thrash
#063. Abra / Route 203 / Lvl 4 / 15% / This pokemon knows Teleport
#064. Kadabra / Route 215 / Lvl 20,22 / 15% / This pokemon knows Teleport
#066. Machop / Route 207 (Night) / Lvl 6 / 45%
#067. Machoke / Route 216 / Lvl 33,34 / 20%
#069. Bellsprout / Route 230 / Lvl 18,23 / 11%
#070. Weepinbell / Route 229 (Day) / Lvl 51-52 / 30%
#074. Geodude / Route 207 / Lvl 5,7 / 55%
#075. Graveler / Route 211 East / Lvl 27 / 20%
#077. Ponyta / Route 210 South (Day) / Lvl 16-18 / 50%
#088. Grimer / Route 212 South / Lvl 18,20 / 22% / Gold patches
#092. Gastly / Route 209 (Night) / Lvl 16 / 10%
#110. Weezing / Route 227 / Lvl 55 / 10%
#111. Rhyhorn / Route 227 / Lvl 23 / 5%
#112. Rhydon / Route 227 / Lvl 55 / 20%
#128. Tauros / Route 210 South / Lvl 18, 20 / 20% Diamond, 2% Pearl
#132. Ditto / Route 218 / Lvl 29, 30 / 22% / Gold patches
#161. Sentret / Route 202 / Lvl 2, 4 / 22% / Gold patches
#163. Hoothoot / Route 210 North (Night) / Lvl 24 / 10%
#164. Noctowl / Route 210 North (Night) / Lvl 25 / 10%
#166. Ledian / Route 229 (Morning) / Lvl 52 / 20% / This pokemon knows Double-Edge
#168. Ariados / Route 229 (Night) / Lvl 52 / 20%
#172. Pichu / Trophy Garden (Morning) / Lvl 18 / 30%
#175. Togepi / Route 230 / Lvl 18 / 22% / Gold patches
#179. Mareep / Valley Windworks / Lvl 8-9 / 22% / Gold patches
#180. Flaaffy / Route 222 / Lvl 41-42 / 22% / Gold patches
#187. Hoppip / Route 205 South / Lvl 9-10 / 22% / Gold patches
#188. Skiploom / Route 205 North / Lvl 9-10 / 2% / Gold patches
#191. Sunkern / Route 204 North / Lvl 6,8 / 22% / Gold patches
#194. Wooper / Route 212 South / Lvl 18 / 30%
#202. Wobbuffet / Lake Verity / Lvl 3-4 / 22% / Gold patches
#202. Wobbuffet / Lake Valor-Acuity / Lvl 35-36 / 22% / Gold patches
#203. Girafarig / Valor Lakefront / Lvl 21-22 / 30%
#215. Sneasel / Lake Acuity / Lvl 35-36 / 25%
#227. Skarmory / Stark Mountain / Lvl 56 / 5%
#235. Smeargle / Route 212 North / Lvl 16 / 22% / Gold patches
#236. Tyrogue / Route 208 / Lvl 18 / 22% / Gold patches
#241. Miltank / Route 209 / Lvl 16 / 2% / Diamond / Gold patches
#241. Miltank / Route 209 / Lvl 17 / 20% / Pearl / Gold patches
#265. Wurmple / Eterna Forest (Morning, Day) / Lvl 10-11 / 30%
#267. Beautifly / Route 230 / Lvl 51 / 10% / Diamond
#267. Beautifly / Route 224 / Lvl 23 / 5% / Pearl
#277. Swellow / Route 213 / Lvl 20-22 / 22% / Gold patches
#278. Wingull / Route 213 (Morning, Day) / Lvl 20 / 20%
#280. Ralts / Route 203 / Lvl 4-6 / 21% / Gold patches
#281. Kirlia / Route 203 / Lvl 6 / 1% / This pokemon knows Teleport
#290. Nincada / Eterna Forest / Lvl 10-12 / 22% / Gold patches
#294. Loudred / Mt. Coronet’s Peak / Lvl 39-40 / 22% / Gold patches
#307. Meditite / Route 211 East / Lvl 27-28 / 35%
#308. Medicham / Mt. Coronet’s Peak (Morning, Day) / Lvl 39-40 / 20% / This pokemon has Hi Jump Kick
#313. Volbeat / Route 229 / Lvl 50 / 5% Diamond, 10% Pearl / This pokemon has Double-Edge
#314. Illumise / Route 229 / Lvl 50 / 10% Diamond, 5% Pearl
#315. Roselia / Trophy Garden / Lvl 16-17 / 30%
#322. Numel / Stark Mountain / Lvl 22, 24 / 5% / This pokemon knows Take Down
#323. Camerupt / Stark Mountain / Lvl 55 / 20%
#324. Torkoal / Stark Mountain / Lvl 24, 55 / 22% / Gold patches
#328. Trapinch / Route 228 / Lvl 25 / 2% / Gold patches
#329. Vibrava / Route 228 / Lvl 53-54 / 20% / Gold patches
#331. Cacnea / Route 228 / Lvl 23-25 / 5%
#332. Cacturne / Route 228 (Night) / Lvl 52-53 / 40%
#333. Swablu / Route 211 East / Lvl 27-28 / 22% / Gold patches
#343. Baltoy / Route 206 / Lvl 14-16 / 22% / Gold patches
#354. Banette / Route 226 (Night) / Lvl 51, 53
#355. Duskull / Route 224 / Lvl 23 / 2% / Gold patches
#356. Dusclops / Route 224 / Lvl 52, 54 / 20% / Gold patches
#358. Chimecho / Sendoff Spring / Lvl 52, 54 / 10%
#361. Snorunt / Route 216 / Lvl 35-36 / 22% / Gold patches
#396. Starly / Route 201 (Morning, Day) / Lvl 2-4 / 50%
#397. Staravia / Trophy Garden (Day) / Lvl 16-17 / 40%
#399. Bidoof / Route 201 (Night) / Lvl 2-4 / 60%
#400. Bibarel / Sendoff Spring / Lvl 52-54 / 45% / This pokemon knows Take Down
#401. Kricketot / Route 202 (Night) / Lvl 3-4 / 20%
#402. Kricketune / Route 212 North (Night) / Lvl 19 / 30%
#403. Shinx / Route 202 / Lvl 3-4 / 30% / Use Static for best effects
#404. Luxio / Fuego Ironworks / Lvl 29 / 10% / This pokemon knows Roar
#406. Budew / Route 212 North / Lvl 16 / 30%
#417. Pachirisu / Valley Windworks / Lvl 7-8 / 25% / Use Static for best effects
#418. Buizel / Route 205 South / Lvl 8-13 / 35%
#419. Floatzel / Route 222 (Night) / Lvl 40-42 / 35%
#422. Shellos East / Route 213 (Night) / 20-22 / 50%
#422. Shellos West / Route 205 South / Lvl 8-10 / 45%.
#423. Gastrodon East / Route 222 (Night) / Lvl 40-42 / 40% Diamond
#423. Gastrodon East / Route 224 (Night) / Lvl 52-53 / 30% Pearl
#423. Gastrodon West / Route 218 / Lvl 28-30 / 20%
#427. Buneary / Eterna Forest / 10-12 / 19%
#433. Chingling / Lake Acuity / Lvl 34, 36 / 10%
#436. Bronzor / Route 206 / Lvl 15 / 10%.
#437. Bronzong / Mt. Coronet’s Peak / Lvl 39-40 / 5% / Watch out for Hail damage
#438. Bonsly / Route 209 (Morning) / Lvl 16 / 25% / Pearl
#439. Mime Jr. / Route 209 (Morning) / Lvl 16 / 25% / Diamond
#441. Chatot / Route 222 (Morning, Day) / Lvl 40-41 / 20%
#450. Hippowdon / Route 228 (Morning, Day) / Lvl 52-54 / 20% / This pokemon knows Double-Edge
#459. Snover / Route 216 / Lvl 33 / 25%
#460. Abomasnow / Mt. Coronet’s Peak / Lvl 40-41 / 20% / This pokemon has Wood Hammer
I've been told about % encounter rate issues, more specifically those Pokemon chained with use of the Poke radar. It seems that Bulbapedia quotes these as 22% yet other sites, including psypokes and serebii say that 12% is the actual rate. If anyone can give me a good reason to use one set of values over another, let me know so I can change them all in one go accordingly.
If anyone has any corrections or tips, for example, a pokemon that has the same encounter rate on another rate but has a better area in which to chain (e.g. due to space), please make a note of it in a comment and we'll edit accordingly.
We hope this helps all you chainers, whether you do it for shinies, experience or for items.
Living Arrow and Bushin