Sinnoh Region

Generation 4 (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum) + Gen 8 (Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl) + Legends: Arceus

Sinnoh Region
GenerationGen 4, 8
GamesDiamond/Pearl/Platinum, Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus
Total PokemonVaries
Key MechanicGTS, Distortion World, Underground bases, Sinnoh myths

Last updated: 2026-06-03

Sinnoh Overview

Sinnoh is a mountainous region introduced in Pokemon Diamond and Pearl in 2006. Located north of Kanto and Johto, Sinnoh features a cold climate with snow-capped peaks, deep cave systems, and vast marshlands. The region introduced 107 new Pokemon and is centered around the mythology of creation itself, with the legendary Pokemon Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina controlling time, space, and antimatter. Mt. Coronet dominates the center of Sinnoh and serves as the story's focal point.

Starter Pokemon

Every Pokemon journey in Sinnoh begins with choosing one of three starter Pokemon from the region's Pokemon Professor. Each starter has distinct type advantages and evolves twice into a powerful final form.

Grass

Turtwig

A Grass-type Tiny Leaf Pokemon. Turtwig's shell is made of soil and hardens when it drinks water. Evolves into Grotle at level 18 and Torterra at level 32.

Fire

Chimchar

A Fire-type Chimpanzee Pokemon. Chimchar's rear end burns perpetually with flames. Evolves into Monferno at level 14 and Infernape at level 36.

Water

Piplup

A Water-type Penguin Pokemon. Piplup is proud and dislikes accepting food from strangers. Evolves into Prinplup at level 16 and Empoleon at level 36.

Legendary Pokemon

Sinnoh is home to several legendary and Mythical Pokemon, each with unique lore and significance to the region's history and mythology.

NameTypeNotes
DialgaSteel/DragonThe temporal Pokemon that controls time. Found at the Spear Pillar in Diamond.
PalkiaWater/DragonThe spatial Pokemon that controls space. Found at the Spear Pillar in Pearl.
GiratinaGhost/DragonThe reniform Pokemon that resides in the Distortion World. Central antagonist in Platinum.
ArceusNormalThe Alpha Pokemon that created the universe. Catchable in Pokemon Legends: Arceus after completing the Pokedex.
DarkraiDarkA Mythical Pokemon that induces nightmares. Found on Newmoon Island via the Member Card event.
CresseliaPsychicA lunar Pokemon that cures nightmares. Roams Sinnoh after being found on Fullmoon Island.
HeatranFire/SteelA legendary Pokemon inhabiting Stark Mountain. Catchable in the post-game.
RegigigasNormalThe colossal Pokemon that towed continents. Awakened by bringing the three Regi golems to Snowpoint Temple.

Gym Leaders & Elite Four

The Sinnoh region features eight gym leaders, each specializing in a different Pokemon type. Trainers must defeat them in order to earn badges and qualify for the Pokemon League.

#Gym LeaderTypeSignature Pokemon
#1RoarkRockRampardos / Cranidos
#2GardeniaGrassRoserade / Turtwig
#3MayleneFightingLucario / Machoke
#4Crasher WakeWaterFloatzel / Gyarados
#5FantinaGhostMismagius / Drifblim
#6ByronSteelBastiodon / Steelix
#7CandiceIceAbomasnow / Sneasel
#8VolknerElectricLuxray / Electivire

After collecting all eight badges, trainers face the Elite Four and the regional Champion to complete the Pokemon League challenge.

Key Locations

Sinnoh features diverse and memorable locations that shape the trainer's journey across the region.

  • Twinleaf Town — The player's hometown on the shores of Lake Verity where the adventure begins.
  • Jubilife City — The largest city in Sinnoh, home to the Jubilife TV station and Pokemon Trainer School.
  • Eterna City — A historic city with the Eterna Forest and the Old Chateau, a haunted mansion tied to Rotom.
  • Hearthome City — The Contest capital of Sinnoh, home to the Super Contest Hall and Amity Square.
  • Snowpoint City — A northern port city perpetually covered in snow, gateway to Snowpoint Temple.
  • Spear Pillar — The summit of Mt. Coronet. The legendary Pokemon of time and space are encountered here in a climactic battle against Team Galactic.

Unique Features

Sinnoh introduced the Global Trade System (GTS), allowing worldwide Pokemon trading over the internet. The Distortion World in Platinum is a unique gravity-defying area. The Underground customization system lets players build secret bases and mine for fossils and evolutionary stones. Pokemon Contests return with Super Contest Spectaculars. Pokemon Legends: Arceus reimagined Sinnoh as the ancient Hisui region, introducing action-oriented catching mechanics. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl added Ramanas Park for legendary encounters.