Ever wandered through Sinnoh and wondered if you’re missing out on hidden treasures? The Dowsing Machine in Pokémon Platinum holds the key to uncovering items tucked away just out of sight—rare finds that could boost your adventure.
Knowing how to use the Dowsing Machine isn’t just about convenience—it’s essential for collectors and completionists aiming to get every last item. In this article, you’ll find easy steps, practical tips, and helpful insights to master the Dowsing Machine quickly and efficiently.
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How to Use the Dowsing Machine in Pokémon Platinum
If you’ve ever wished you could find hidden items scattered across Sinnoh in Pokémon Platinum, the Dowsing Machine is your ultimate companion. This nifty Pokétch app helps you uncover treasures that aren’t visible to the naked eye, ranging from evolutionary stones to helpful battle items. Let’s dive into how you can master the Dowsing Machine, get the most out of its features, and become a secret item-finding expert!
What Is the Dowsing Machine?
The Dowsing Machine is an application for your Pokétch, the touchscreen gadget every trainer gets early in their Sinnoh journey. Its main function is to help you detect hidden items on the ground that you can’t see, making exploration much more rewarding. You’ll receive the Dowsing Machine app from Dawn/Lucas (your in-game rival) or their professor assistant after earning your second Gym Badge.
Step-By-Step Guide: Using the Dowsing Machine
Getting started with the Dowsing Machine is easy, but understanding its quirks ensures you won’t miss any valuable finds.
1. Open Your Pokétch
- Press the Pokétch button (on the Nintendo DS, this is the touch screen or pressing ‘R’).
- Scroll through the apps using the arrows until you find the Dowsing Machine screen. It usually has a grid with four lines and two yellow orbs marking your current location.
2. Activate the Dowsing Machine
- Tap the Dowsing Machine app to activate it.
- You’ll see a grid overlay appear, with two dots in the middle representing where your character is standing.
3. Understand the Display
- The screen acts as a 5×5 grid surrounding your character.
- The center (where the dots are) is your current spot.
- Tapping any tile or square on the grid simulates searching that spot relative to your character.
- If an item is nearby, a small dot will appear on the grid.
4. Locating the Hidden Item
- If the Dowsing Machine detects an item, it will display a blip or flash on the corresponding grid spot.
- The flashing square tells you the direction (up, down, left, or right) and distance (how many steps away) the item is from you.
Example:
- Tap on the squares around your position.
- If the blip appears three tiles left, you should walk three tiles to your left in the actual game world from where you’re standing.
5. Pick Up the Item
- Once you’re standing on the correct tile, press the ‘A’ button.
- If the item is there, you’ll pick it up—no visuals required.
- Some items may be one tile off due to slight mapping inconsistencies; try slightly different tiles if you don’t find it right away.
Pro Tips for Using the Dowsing Machine
Want to become a true hidden-item master? Here are some best practices and clever tricks:
- Sweep Regularly: Run the Dowsing Machine app as you explore any new area—especially caves, routes, and suspicious-looking dead ends.
- Check Common Hiding Places: The game tends to place items near conspicuous objects like rocks, trees, or at the ends of small offshoot paths.
- Be Systematic: If you don’t find anything immediately, move in a straight line and use the Dowsing Machine every few steps. This helps track down items hidden further away or at tricky angles.
- Use the Map: Remember which tile you’re standing on and where the item blip appears. You can sometimes use visual cues in the environment to triangulate the right spot.
- Reset Your Position: If you’re lost, reset by standing somewhere easy to remember (like the start of the route or next to a landmark), then move according to the Dowsing Machine’s grid to locate the hidden item.
Benefits of Mastering the Dowsing Machine
Why bother using the Dowsing Machine? Here’s what makes it worth the effort:
- Efficient Item Collection: You’ll find useful items like Rare Candies, TMs, and evolutionary stones—many of which can’t be purchased or are limited elsewhere.
- Save Money: Finding healing items and Poké Balls saves money for more important expenditures.
- Boost Your Team: Evolution stones and vitamins found using the Dowsing Machine can help strengthen your team and fill out your Pokédex.
- Fully Explore Sinnoh: Discovering hidden items adds an extra layer of depth and fun to your exploration.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
The Dowsing Machine isn’t perfect. Here are some common issues—plus ways to handle them:
Interpreting the Grid
- Sometimes it’s difficult to figure out exactly how the Dowsing Machine’s grid matches up with your character’s position on the ground.
- Tip: The two dots in the center are always your character’s feet; move exactly as many steps as the dots indicate.
Items Hidden in Tricky Spots
- Some items are hidden on edges or corners, making it hard to line up exactly.
- Advice: Try moving around the area and scanning again from different angles.
Using in Caves or Snowy Areas
- Obstructed terrain or lack of visual cues can make it tough to remember where you’ve checked.
- Best Practice: Drop a Repel and take your time, checking every few steps.
Best Practices for Using the Dowsing Machine
Want to get the most out of your Dowsing Machine? Here are some seasoned trainer tips:
When to Use It
- After every Gym badge or storyline event—areas may open with new hidden items.
- In caves, forests, beaches, and routes with offshoot paths or blank spaces.
- Anywhere you see a suspicious gap between objects or at dead ends.
Increasing Efficiency
- Use a grid or ‘lawn-mowing’ pattern, sweeping left to right and up to down, to cover an area completely.
- Take note of repeat items like Mushrooms or Berries—they can be sold for profit!
- Save often, especially before searching in large, complex areas.
Pokétch Management
- Keep your Dowsing Machine app a few swipes away from your main screen for quick access.
- Remember, you can quickly bring up the Pokétch and switch back to the Dowsing Machine app whenever you need it.
The Joy of Exploration
Part of what makes Pokémon Platinum special is how it rewards curiosity and thoroughness. By using the Dowsing Machine, not only are you collecting valuable items, but you’re also fully immersing yourself in the world of Sinnoh. With every hidden item you uncover, you learn more about the game’s secrets and deepen your adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I get the Dowsing Machine in Pokémon Platinum?
You’ll receive the Dowsing Machine Pokétch app from Dawn or Lucas after you defeat the second Gym Leader and exit the building. They’ll approach you and give you both the Vs. Seeker and the Dowsing Machine as rewards.
Can I use the Dowsing Machine to find all hidden items?
The Dowsing Machine detects most hidden items on the ground, but not all items are visible with this tool. Some items may be story-locked, require specific events, or be given by NPCs.
Does movement affect the Dowsing Machine’s readings?
Yes. If you move, your position on the Dowsing Machine grid changes. Always check the direction and number of tiles relative to your current position before moving to the targeted spot.
Why can’t I find the hidden item even though the Dowsing Machine beeps?
The grid represents relative positions. If you’re close but not right on the spot, try checking all tiles adjacent and standing exactly where the machine’s signal points. Remember to press ‘A’ to search for the item.
Can I use the Dowsing Machine in every area?
Almost every outdoor route and cave allows the use of the Dowsing Machine, but some buildings or special event areas may restrict its use. Test the app to see if it activates in your current location.
Using the Dowsing Machine in Pokémon Platinum adds depth and reward to your journey. With patience and practice, you’ll uncover every secret item Sinnoh has to offer, making your adventure richer and more fun. Happy hunting!