Where is the Hidden Power Checker? (Pokémon Platinum)

The Hidden Power Checker NPC in Veilstone Game Corner

You can check a Pokémon’s Hidden Power type by speaking to an NPC colloquially named the Hidden Power Checker. He is located inside the Veilstone Game Corner’s Prize Exchange building, where you can also purchase the Hidden Power TM.

Speaking to the Hidden Power checker before spending Coins on the TM can help you determine if it’s a sensible purchase for anyone in your party.

You’ll have access to the Hidden Power checker as early as your first visit to Veilstone City, shortly after you’ve defeated Hearthome City’s Gym Leader Fantina for the Relic Badge.

About Hidden Power

Hidden Power is a unique Pokémon Move.

It doesn’t have a type of its own, but instead has its type determined by a Pokémon’s IVs (Individual Values).

The in-game description of TM10 Hidden Power / Pokémon Platinum
The in-game description of TM10 Hidden Power.

IVs—innate, unchangeable values that help generate a Pokémon’s overall stats—aren’t easily measured within the game.

If you wanted to figure out what a Pokémon’s Hidden Power type was on your own, it would take a ton of advanced calculation.

Luckily, there’s an NPC in Veilstone City who will do all the work for you and tell you outright what your Pokémon’s Hidden Power type is.

Finding the Hidden Power Checker

You can visit the Hidden Power checker as early as your first visit to Veilstone City shortly after battling Hearthome City’s Gym Leader Fantina.

You’ll find the NPC at the Prize Exchange next to the Veilstone Game Corner.

From the Veilstone City Pokémon Center, climb down the staircase and head southward on the main paved street.

Heading southward from the Veilstone City Pokémon Center / Pokémon Platinum
Heading southward from the Veilstone City Pokémon Center.

Climb the next staircase you see. The blue-roofed building in front of you will be the Prize Exchange building.

Entering the Prize Exchange building / Pokémon Platinum
Entering the Prize Exchange building.

The Hidden Power checker is the blonde NPC to your left.

The Hidden Power checker inside the Veilstone Prize Exchange / Pokémon Platinum
The Hidden Power checker inside the Veilstone Prize Exchange.

Checking a Pokémon’s Hidden Power

Speak with the Hidden Power checker and he will offer to examine a Pokémon and ascertain its Hidden Power type.

The Hidden Power checker offering to examine a Pokémon / Pokémon Platinum
The Hidden Power checker offering to examine a Pokémon.

Agree to his offer and your Pokémon party will be displayed on screen. Select the Pokémon for the Hidden Power checker to examine.

Choosing to show Garchomp to the Hidden Power checker / Pokémon Platinum
Choosing to show Garchomp to the Hidden Power checker.

The NPC will then reveal your Pokémon’s Hidden Power type.

Discovering Garchomp’s Hidden Power type to be Water / Pokémon Platinum
Discovering Garchomp’s Hidden Power type to be Water.

This will help you decide whether to use Hidden Power as part of the Pokémon’s moveset, and how it can focus into your battle strategy.

Hidden Power can be a valuable move when facing unlikely odds in battles.

For instance, a Grass-type Pokémon would usually be in trouble when facing a Fire-type. But the situation might not be so bleak if the Grass Pokémon has a Water-type Hidden Power.

Another strategy is to use a Pokémon whose Hidden Power matches its type.

Example:

A Fighting-type Pokémon with a Fighting-type Hidden Power benefits from STAB damage, and is therefore in possession of a pretty powerful move with no real drawbacks.

Hidden Power can be a fun and effective move to play around with, and you’re encouraged to experiment with it with the help of the Hidden Power checker.

Chris Haygood

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Chris is an American freelance writer and lifelong gamer. RPGs have been his genre of choice ever since he got Pokémon Blue in 1867, but if he finds a good rhythm game, he will prioritize playing it over both eating and breathing.

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