Pokemon Team Builder

Build your team for Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness. Click on any Pokemon below to add it to your team. Share your team with friends and have fun exploring the Orre region and saving Shadow Pokemon!

Blue tally marks indicate resistances, immunities, or STAB coverage. Red tally marks indicate weakness.

About Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is the sequel to Pokemon Colosseum, released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2005. This Pokemon Team Builder helps you plan your perfect team for this enhanced Shadow Pokemon adventure, which improved upon its predecessor with new features including Poke Spot locations for wild Pokemon encounters and an advanced purification system.

Game Overview

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness builds upon the foundation established by Pokemon Colosseum, returning players to the Orre region for a new adventure against Team Cipher. Unlike Colosseum, XD introduces Poke Spot locations where trainers can encounter and catch wild Pokemon using bait, expanding team building options beyond just snagging Shadow Pokemon. The game features improved Shadow Pokemon mechanics, enhanced purification methods, and a deeper story focused on the titular Shadow Pokemon Lugia.

Pokemon Team Builder strategy for XD Gale of Darkness Shadow Pokemon battles

Improved Features Over Colosseum

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness introduced several enhancements that make it unique among Pokemon games:

  • Poke Spot Locations - New areas where trainers can encounter and catch wild Pokemon using bait, providing alternatives to Shadow Pokemon snagging
  • Advanced Shadow Mechanics - Improved Shadow Pokemon system with more strategic depth and refined purification methods
  • Enhanced Purification System - Multiple purification methods including the Purification Chamber, time-based purification, and walking with Pokemon
  • Expanded Story - Deeper narrative featuring Shadow Pokemon Lugia as the central focus, with more character development
  • Improved Battle Mechanics - Refined Double Battle system with better AI and more challenging opponents
  • Additional Pokemon - More Shadow Pokemon available, including new species not present in Colosseum
  • Better Starter Options - Improved starting Pokemon selection with Eevee and its evolutions playing a key role
  • Post-Game Content - Expanded post-game challenges including Mt. Battle and additional Shadow Pokemon encounters

Impact and Significance

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness refined the Shadow Pokemon concept introduced in Colosseum, creating a more accessible and feature-rich experience. The addition of Poke Spot locations addressed player feedback about limited Pokemon availability, while the enhanced purification system made the Shadow Pokemon mechanic more engaging. Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you navigate these improved mechanics and build a team that takes full advantage of XD's unique features.

Shadow Pokemon Snagging and Purification

The core mechanic of Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness revolves around snagging and purifying Shadow Pokemon from Team Cipher. Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you understand which Shadow Pokemon are available and plan your team accordingly, ensuring you can effectively build your perfect team.

Understanding Shadow Pokemon in XD

Shadow Pokemon in XD: Gale of Darkness behave similarly to Colosseum, but with improved mechanics:

  • Heart Gauge System - Each Shadow Pokemon has a Heart Gauge that must be reduced to zero through purification before they can level up or evolve normally
  • Shadow Moves - Shadow Pokemon know special Shadow Moves that cannot be forgotten until purified, replacing their regular moves
  • Experience Limitation - Shadow Pokemon cannot gain experience points until purified, making purification a priority for active team members
  • Improved AI - Shadow Pokemon behavior is more refined, with better responses to commands during battles
  • Multiple Purification Methods - XD offers more ways to purify Shadow Pokemon than Colosseum, making the process more flexible

Advanced Shadow Mechanics in XD

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness features several improvements to the Shadow Pokemon system:

  • Purification Chamber - A new facility that allows trainers to purify multiple Shadow Pokemon simultaneously using a grid-based system
  • Time-Based Purification - Shadow Pokemon purify gradually over time when kept in the Purification Chamber
  • Walking Purification - Walking with Shadow Pokemon in your party helps reduce their Heart Gauge faster
  • Battle Purification - Using Shadow Pokemon in battles accelerates the purification process
  • Item-Based Purification - Special items can speed up purification for specific Shadow Pokemon
  • Synergy Bonus - The Purification Chamber rewards strategic Pokemon placement, where compatible Pokemon speed up each other's purification
Pokemon Team Builder guide for Shadow Pokemon purification in XD Gale of Darkness

Snagging Strategy

Snagging Shadow Pokemon in XD follows similar principles to Colosseum, but with enhanced features:

  • Snag Machine - Use the Snag Machine to capture Shadow Pokemon from enemy trainers during Double Battles
  • Weaken Before Snagging - Like traditional catching, weaken Shadow Pokemon before attempting to snag them
  • Status Effects - Using status effects like Sleep or Paralysis can make snagging easier
  • Multiple Shadow Pokemon - XD features more Shadow Pokemon than Colosseum, providing more team building options
  • Story-Integrated Snagging - Shadow Pokemon encounters are better integrated into the story, creating more meaningful captures

Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you track which Shadow Pokemon are available at different story points, allowing you to plan your snagging strategy effectively.

Poke Spot Locations and Wild Pokemon

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness introduces Poke Spot locations, a revolutionary feature that allows trainers to encounter and catch wild Pokemon in the Orre region. This Pokemon Team Builder helps you understand which Pokemon are available at each Poke Spot and how to maximize your team building options.

Understanding Poke Spots

Poke Spots are special locations scattered throughout the Orre region where wild Pokemon can be encountered:

  • Wild Pokemon Encounters - Unlike Colosseum, XD allows trainers to catch wild Pokemon at Poke Spot locations
  • Bait System - Players must place bait at Poke Spots to attract wild Pokemon, with different bait types attracting different species
  • Time-Based Encounters - Pokemon appearances vary based on time of day and bait selection
  • Limited Availability - Each Poke Spot has a limited pool of Pokemon that can appear, requiring strategic bait selection
  • Multiple Poke Spots - Several Poke Spot locations throughout Orre offer different Pokemon varieties

Poke Spot Locations

Pokemon XD features multiple Poke Spot locations, each offering unique Pokemon:

  • Rock Poke Spot - Features Rock and Ground type Pokemon like Geodude, Onix, and Larvitar
  • Oasis Poke Spot - Features Water and Grass type Pokemon like Psyduck, Lotad, and Hoppip
  • Cave Poke Spot - Features Dark and Ghost type Pokemon like Zubat, Whismur, and certain rare encounters
  • Special Encounters - Some Poke Spots offer rare Pokemon encounters that cannot be obtained through snagging
Pokemon Team Builder Poke Spot wild Pokemon locations guide for XD Gale of Darkness

Bait and Encounter Strategy

Using bait effectively is crucial for team building in XD:

  • Bait Types - Different bait types (such as PokeSnack, PokeFood, and Hyper Potion) attract different Pokemon species
  • Timing Strategy - Some Pokemon only appear at specific times of day, requiring careful planning
  • Rare Encounters - Using premium bait increases chances of rare Pokemon encounters
  • Team Building Impact - Poke Spots provide access to Pokemon not available through snagging, expanding team options
  • Complementary Options - Poke Spot Pokemon can complement your Shadow Pokemon team, providing type coverage and strategic diversity

Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you identify which Pokemon are available at each Poke Spot location, allowing you to plan your team composition around both Shadow Pokemon and wild catches.

Team Building Tips for Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness

Building an effective team in Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness requires consideration of the improved Shadow Pokemon mechanics, Poke Spot wild encounters, and the exclusive Double Battle focus. Our Pokemon Team Builder offers advanced filtering and type analysis tools to help you make informed decisions. Here are strategic considerations for planning your perfect team.

Double Battle Strategy

Since every battle in XD is a Double Battle, your team composition must work differently than in single battles:

  • Team Synergy - Consider how Pokemon work together in pairs, not just individually
  • Starter Selection - Eevee is your starting Pokemon - plan your team around complementing Eevee or its evolutions
  • Cover Moves - Moves that hit both enemies (like Surf or Earthquake) can be powerful but require careful positioning
  • Protective Moves - Consider moves like Protect to shield one Pokemon while the partner attacks
  • Type Combinations - Pair Pokemon with complementary types to cover each other's weaknesses
  • Status Support - Consider Pokemon with status moves to support the team in Double Battles

Shadow Pokemon Purification Strategy

Purifying Shadow Pokemon efficiently is essential for team building in XD:

  • Purification Chamber - Use the Purification Chamber to purify multiple Shadow Pokemon simultaneously
  • Synergy Placement - Place compatible Pokemon next to each other in the Purification Chamber for faster purification
  • Active Battle Purification - Use Shadow Pokemon in battles to accelerate purification while gaining battle experience
  • Walking Strategy - Keep Shadow Pokemon you want to use actively in your party while exploring
  • Priority Purification - Focus on purifying Pokemon you plan to use frequently, as they cannot gain experience until purified
  • Time Management - Balance between active battle purification and time-based Chamber purification

Poke Spot Integration

Incorporating Poke Spot Pokemon into your team can provide significant advantages:

  • Type Coverage - Poke Spot Pokemon can fill type coverage gaps that Shadow Pokemon may not provide
  • Early Availability - Some Poke Spot Pokemon are available earlier than Shadow Pokemon, providing early-game options
  • Breeding Potential - Wild Pokemon from Poke Spots can be used for breeding strategies if transferred to other games
  • Diverse Options - Poke Spots offer Pokemon species not available as Shadow Pokemon, expanding team diversity
  • Strategic Baiting - Plan which Poke Spots to visit based on your team's needs and available bait

Story Progression Recommendations

When planning your team for XD's story progression:

  • Eevee Evolution - Choose Eevee's evolution wisely based on your team's type coverage needs
  • Early Shadow Pokemon - Focus on snagging and purifying useful Shadow Pokemon early in the game
  • Legendary Preparation - Plan for encounters with Shadow Lugia and other legendary Shadow Pokemon
  • Type Coverage - Ensure your team has diverse type coverage for various Team Cipher battles
  • Post-Game Planning - Consider team composition for post-game challenges like Mt. Battle
  • Transfer Strategy - If transferring Pokemon from Generation 3 games, plan which Pokemon to bring over

Important Battle Considerations

  • Type Coverage - With access to both Shadow Pokemon and Poke Spot Pokemon, ensure your team has diverse type coverage
  • Purification Priority - Focus on purifying Pokemon you need for immediate story progression
  • Double Battle Moves - Prioritize moves that work well in Double Battles, like spread moves or support moves
  • Shadow Moves - Be aware that Shadow Pokemon use Shadow Moves until purified, affecting move strategy
  • Wild Pokemon Advantages - Poke Spot Pokemon start purified and can level up immediately, providing early-game advantages
  • Synergy in Purification Chamber - Plan Shadow Pokemon purification order based on Chamber synergy bonuses
  • Team Cipher Battles - Prepare for challenging battles against Team Cipher members who use Shadow Pokemon
  • Legendary Shadow Pokemon - Plan for encounters with powerful legendary Shadow Pokemon like Lugia

Frequently Asked Questions - Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness

What are Shadow Pokemon and how do they work in XD?

Shadow Pokemon are Pokemon whose hearts have been closed by Team Cipher, preventing them from leveling up or following commands properly. They have a Heart Gauge that must be reduced to zero through purification before they can function normally. Shadow Pokemon know special Shadow Moves and cannot gain experience until purified. Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you track which Shadow Pokemon are available and plan your purification strategy.

How do Poke Spot locations work and which Pokemon can I catch?

Poke Spots are special locations in the Orre region where you can encounter and catch wild Pokemon using bait. Different Poke Spot locations offer different Pokemon species, and using different types of bait attracts different Pokemon. This Pokemon Team Builder helps you see which Pokemon are available at each Poke Spot location, allowing you to plan your team building strategy accordingly.

What is the Purification Chamber and how does it work?

The Purification Chamber is a facility in Pokemon XD that allows you to purify multiple Shadow Pokemon simultaneously. You place Shadow Pokemon in a grid-based system, and compatible Pokemon placed next to each other speed up each other's purification through synergy bonuses. This system makes purification more efficient than battling or walking with individual Pokemon.

How do I snag Shadow Pokemon from enemy trainers?

You snag Shadow Pokemon using the Snag Machine during Double Battles against Team Cipher members. Like traditional catching, you should weaken Shadow Pokemon before attempting to snag them. Status effects like Sleep or Paralysis can make snagging easier. Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you identify which trainers have Shadow Pokemon available for snagging at different story points.

What is the difference between Pokemon XD and Pokemon Colosseum?

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness improves upon Colosseum in several ways: it introduces Poke Spot locations for wild Pokemon encounters, features an enhanced Purification Chamber system, includes more Shadow Pokemon species, has a deeper story focusing on Shadow Lugia, and offers improved battle mechanics. These enhancements make team building more flexible and engaging than in Colosseum.

Which Eevee evolution should I choose for my starter?

The best Eevee evolution depends on your team's type coverage needs. Vaporeon provides Water type coverage, Jolteon offers Electric type power, Flareon gives Fire type options, Espeon provides Psychic type strength, and Umbreon offers Dark type defensive capabilities. Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you see which types your team needs most, making the evolution choice easier.

Can I transfer Pokemon from other Generation 3 games to XD?

Yes! You can transfer Pokemon from Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen to Pokemon XD using a GameCube-GBA link cable. This allows you to bring favorite Pokemon from other games into your XD team. However, keep in mind that XD focuses on Double Battles, so plan transferred Pokemon accordingly.

How many Shadow Pokemon can I snag in Pokemon XD?

Pokemon XD features 83 Shadow Pokemon total that can be snagged throughout the story, significantly more than Colosseum's 48. Each Shadow Pokemon is only available from specific trainers at specific story points, making careful planning essential. Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you see which Shadow Pokemon are available and when, allowing you to plan your snagging strategy effectively.

Are there legendary Pokemon in Pokemon XD?

Yes! Pokemon XD features Shadow Lugia as the central legendary Pokemon, which must be snagged and purified as part of the story. Additionally, legendary Pokemon like Articuno are available as Shadow Pokemon. These legendary Pokemon can be powerful additions to your team once purified and leveled up.