Giratina

Last updated: 2026-06-03

Giratina Overview

Giratina is a Ghost/Dragon-type Legendary Pokemon introduced in Generation 4 in the Sinnoh region. It is the flagship Pokemon of Pokemon Platinum and a member of the Creation Trio alongside Dialga and Palkia. Known as the Renegade Pokemon, Giratina rules the Distortion World, a dimension where the normal laws of physics do not apply. It has two formes: Altered (defensive) and Origin (offensive).

Giratina Altered Forme is a massive, six-legged, dragon-like creature with a golden crown, red stripes, and wing-like appendages on its back. Origin Forme is sleeker with tentacle-like wings. Altered has 150/120/120 defenses, while Origin has 150/120/100/100 offenses and 90 Speed. The Griseous Core item changes Giratina to Origin Forme and boosts its Ghost and Dragon moves by 20%.

Battle Strategy

Giratina Altered Forme is one of the bulkiest Pokemon in existence. With 150 HP, 120 Defense, and 120 Special Defense, it takes hits from both sides exceptionally well. Its Ghost/Dragon typing gives it a Fighting immunity, a Normal immunity, and resistances to Water, Electric, Grass, Fire, and Poison. The standard set runs Will-O-Wisp, Hex (doubled damage on burned targets), Dragon Tail, and Roost or Rest.

Giratina Origin Forme trades bulk for offense. With the Griseous Core, its Shadow Force (its signature two-turn move) and Dragon Pulse get boosted. Origin Forme runs Draco Meteor, Shadow Ball, Aura Sphere or Earth Power, and Will-O-Wisp or Substitute. Its 120 base offenses are good but not exceptional for an Uber-tier Pokemon, so utility moves are often preferred over pure attacking.

Giratina can also run a Calm Mind set in Altered Forme, using its massive bulk to set up and sweep. With Calm Mind boosting its Special Attack and Special Defense, Giratina becomes difficult to remove on the special side. Rest + Sleep Talk provides recovery and lets it stay awake to attack. Dragon Pulse and Shadow Ball provide perfect neutral coverage except for Normal-types.

Evolution Chain

Competitive Usage

Giratina is a staple of the Ubers tier. Altered Forme is the bulkiest Ghost-type in the game, while Origin Forme provides more offensive presence. Giratina is often used as a defensive pivot, checking threats like Primal Groudon, Mega Rayquaza, and Arceus formes. Its 4x weakness to Ghost, Dark, Ice, and Dragon-types means it must watch out for Knock Off, Shadow Ball, Ice Beam, and Draco Meteor from top threats. In VGC, Giratina has seen usage as a bulky restricted Pokemon with Will-O-Wisp support.

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