Diamond & Pearl—Great Encounters

Status: Released (February 2008)

Enter the Darkness with Diamond & Pearl—Great Encounters

The shadows of Sinnoh emerged on February 1, 2008, with the release of Diamond & Pearl—Great Encounters . This expansion is best known for introducing Darkrai, the Pitch-Black Pokémon, to the trading card game. As the fourth set in the block, Diamond & Pearl—Great Encounters added darkness and mystery to the game, featuring powerful new LV.X cards that reshaped the competitive landscape. The set focused heavily on the legendary Pokémon of the region, bringing Dialga and Palkia back into the spotlight alongside the graceful Cresselia.

The Legendary Encounters in Great Encounters

For many fans, this set is defined by Darkrai LV.X, a card whose "Darkness Sleep" Poké-Body made it a nightmare to play against. Diamond & Pearl—Great Encounters didn't stop there; it also delivered powerful versions of Sceptile and Togekiss, whose abilities like "Wild Growth" and "Serene Grace" became engines for some of the era's best decks. With the introduction of crucial Pokémon Tools like Amulet Coin and Leftovers, the set offered new ways to customize strategies. Whether you are chasing the elusive Darkrai LV.X or building a deck around the legendary dragons, Diamond & Pearl—Great Encounters lives up to its name.