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Season guide

Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl: Galactic Battles

53 episodes Premiered Dec 4, 2008 Updated Oct 2, 2026

As the menace of Team Galactic continues to loom over the Sinnoh region, Ash and Dawn keep getting caught up in the schemes of this mysterious group of villains, as well as facing some other unexpected challenges. Dawn has her hands full dealing with the many problems of her Pokémon, while Ash's ongoing rivalry with Paul finally comes to a head in a full six on six battle. This encounter serves as the ultimate test o

Previously on Pokémon

Season 12 Lore Primer

Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.

  • ⚡ Ash Ketchum starts his Pokémon journey on his 10th birthday with an unexpected Pikachu.
  • ⚡ Ash travels through many regions accompanied by his partner Pikachu to become a Pokémon Master and the greatest Pokémon trainer in the world.
  • ⚡ Ash faces tough Gym battles and challenges various leagues while meeting new friends and new Pokémon companions.
  • ⚡ The menace of Team Galactic looms over the Sinnoh region, where Ash and Dawn get caught up in their schemes.
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Season overview

As the menace of Team Galactic continues to loom over the Sinnoh region, Ash and Dawn keep getting caught up in the schemes of this mysterious group of villains, as well as facing some other unexpected challenges. Dawn has her hands full dealing with the many problems of her Pokémon, while Ash's ongoing rivalry with Paul finally comes to a head in a full six on six battle. This encounter serves as the ultimate test of their training styles, raising the question of whether our heroes will come out on top. Throughout the series, Ash travels through many regions accompanied by his partner Pikachu, meeting new friends and facing new challenges on his quest to become a Pokémon Master, catching new Pokémon, and challenging various leagues in his pursuit of becoming the greatest Pokémon trainer in the world.

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Season 12 Episodes

Episode Guide

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Season 12 Progress Shield

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Binge Efficiency Engine

Season 12: Filler vs. Essential Canon

Filter episodes by narrative weight. Focus on essential mytharc and skip standalone side quests.

Time Saved 0.4h Skipping 1 filler episode
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Mytharc (4): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (48): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (1): Standalone / filler
S12·E1 Mytharc

Get Your Rotom Running!

Dec 4, 2008 · 23 min

After hearing about a delicacy called Old Gateau, our heroes pay a visit to the Old Chateau, where it's made, and encounter some spooky surprises!

S12·E2 Core

A Breed Stampede!

Dec 11, 2008 · 23 min

As Dawn trains in preparation to enter the Chocovine Pokémon Contest with her Piloswine, she is caught off guard by the challenges that present themselves.

S12·E3 Core

Ancient Family Matters!

Dec 18, 2008 · 23 min

Canalave Gym Leader Byron is back in town, and our heroes are all fired up for Ash's battle with him-only to discover that it's going to have to wait!

S12·E4 Core

Dealing with Defensive Types!

Dec 25, 2008 · 23 min

The day of Ash's battle with Byron at the Canalave Gym has arrived, and battling with this Gym Leader is something Ash will never forget!

S12·E5 Core

Leading a Stray!

Jan 8, 2009 · 23 min

When our heroes find a group of Wailord blocking the boat that was to take them to Chocovine Town, Ash discovers an ailing Wailmer with a big problem!

S12·E6 Core

Steeling Peace of Mind!

Jan 15, 2009 · 23 min

After rushing to Iron Island to help out their friend Barry and his struggling Empoleon, our heroes discover that all the island's Steel-type Pokémon are in the same state!

S12·E7 Core

Saving the World from Ruins!

Jan 22, 2009 · 23 min

Our heroes have joined forces with Riley and his Lucario to battle Team Galactic for the fate of Iron Island!

S12·E8 Filler

Cheers on Castaways Isle!

Jan 29, 2009 · 23 min

After being kidnapped by Team Rocket, Pikachu and Piplup are stranded on a deserted island, where they meet a lot of friendly Pokémon-and one that's friendly and mysterious!

S12·E9 Core

Hold the Phione!

Feb 5, 2009 · 23 min

Our heroes discover that Chocovine Town is one of the few places where the rare Pokémon Phione can be seen!

S12·E10 Core

Another One Gabites the Dust!

Feb 12, 2009 · 23 min

The day of the Chocovine Contest has finally arrived, and Dawn is faced with an opponent angrily determined to settle an old score!

S12·E11 Core

Stealing the Conversation!

Feb 19, 2009 · 23 min

On their way to Snowpoint City and Ash's next Gym battle, our heroes come across a most unusual Officer Jenny and her buddy Chatot!

S12·E12 Core

The Drifting Snorunt!

Feb 26, 2009 · 23 min

After getting lost in a blinding snowstorm on their way to Snowpoint City, our heroes come across a Froslass desperate to find its lost pal Snorunt.

S12·E13 Core

Noodles! Roamin' Off!

Mar 5, 2009 · 23 min

When our heroes and Team Rocket find themselves in a gourmet noodle shop, a chain of circumstances leads to a Team Rocket breakup!

S12·E14 Core

Pursuing a Lofty Goal!

Mar 12, 2009 · 23 min

On their way to Snowpoint City and Ash's next Gym battle, our heroes make a stop in Squallville for a Pokéringer competition-a special event for flying Pokémon!

S12·E15 Core

Trials and Adulations!

Mar 26, 2009 · 23 min

Continuing toward Snowpoint City, our heroes come across a fierce Aggron who provides Dawn and Mamoswine with a chance to learn and grow together.

S12·E17 Core

The Lonely Snover!

Apr 2, 2009 · 23 min

On their way to Snowpoint City and Ash's next Gym battle, our heroes discover a lonely Snover who offers Grotle an unexpected gift!

S12·E18 Core

Stopped in the Name of Love!

Apr 2, 2009 · 23 min

As Dawn prepares for her entry into the Sandalstraw Contest, something appears to be wrong with Piplup-and this ends up profoundly affecting Dawn and Piplup's relationship!

S12·E19 Core

Old Rivals, New Tricks!

Apr 16, 2009 · 23 min

It's the day of the Sandalstraw Pokémon Contest, and Dawn and her old friend and rival Kenny are going head to head!

S12·E20 Core

To Thine Own Pokémon Be True!

Apr 23, 2009 · 23 min

When our heroes decide to participate in the Pokémon Ping Pong competition, Ambipom's exceptional talent presents Dawn with an exceptional dilemma!

S12·E21 Core

Battling a Cute Drama!

Apr 30, 2009 · 23 min

Stopping at Shelter Town on their way to Snowpoint City, our heroes meet a young girl who judges all Pokémon by their cuteness!

S12·E22 Core

Classroom Training!

May 7, 2009 · 23 min

After arriving in Snowpoint City and meeting up with Dawn's rival Zoey, our heroes discover that Snowpoint Gym Leader Candice also teaches at the Pokémon Training School!

S12·E23 Core

Sliding into Seventh!

May 14, 2009 · 23 min

The moment of Ash's Snowpoint City Gym battle is finally here, and he now must face Candice and her formidable Pokémon!

S12·E24 Core

A Pyramiding Rage!

May 21, 2009 · 23 min

Our heroes run into their old friend Brandon from the Battle Pyramid-and Ash's rival Paul, who challenges Brandon to a battle on the spot!

S12·E25 Core

Pillars of Friendship!

May 28, 2009 · 23 min

The evil Pokémon Hunter J and her henchmen are on the loose again, and this time they're planning to capture the Legendary Pokémon Regigigas!

S12·E26 Core

Frozen on Their Tracks!

Jun 4, 2009 · 23 min

On their way by rail to Lake Acuity and Ash's scheduled battle with Paul, a mysterious train stop prompts a fellow passenger to secretly spring into action!

S12·E27 Core

Pedal to the Mettle!

Jun 11, 2009 · 23 min

The time for the 6-on-6 full battle between Ash and Paul has arrived, and Paul's well-thought-out strategy has Ash struggling!

S12·E28 Core

Evolving Strategies!

Jun 18, 2009 · 23 min

The 6-on-6 full battle between Ash and Paul is raging on at Lake Acuity when a sudden development turns things upside down!

S12·E29 Core

Uncrushing Defeat!

Jun 25, 2009 · 23 min

Ash is feeling pretty down after losing to Paul, but another Team Rocket attempt to steal Pikachu brings Ash and his Pokémon together like never before!

S12·E30 Core

Promoting Healthy Tangrowth!

Jul 2, 2009 · 23 min

On their way to Lilypad Town and Dawn's next Pokémon Contest, our heroes come across an amazing Tangrowth whose concern for its forest home is causing strange things to happen!

S12·E31 Core

Beating the Bustle and Hustle!

Jul 9, 2009 · 23 min

On their way to Lilypad Town and Dawn's next Pokémon Contest, an event called the Sinnoh Pokémon Hustle intrigues our heroes! But all is not as it seems.

S12·E32 Core

Gateway to Ruin!

Jul 23, 2009 · 23 min

When our heroes find a lost Shellos on the wrong side of Mt. Coronet and vow to take it back home, they discover the evil Team Galactic's latest dastardly operation!

S12·E33 Core

Three Sides to Every Story!

Aug 6, 2009 · 23 min

Our heroes come across an expansive berry orchard on the way to Lilypad Town and Piplup falls in love with the orchard owner's Marill!

S12·E34 Core

Strategy Begins at Home!

Aug 13, 2009 · 23 min

Our heroes have arrived at Dawn's home in Twinleaf Town, where festival planning is in full swing-and Dawn challenges her mom to a Pokémon Contest Battle!

S12·E35 Core

A Faux Oak Finish!

Aug 20, 2009 · 23 min

On the first day of the Twinleaf Festival, keynote speaker Professor Oak runs into some trouble when someone else tries to take his place!

S12·E36 Core

Historical Mystery Tour!

Aug 27, 2009 · 23 min

As the Twinleaf Festival winds down, our heroes encounter a Natu and a Xatu that provide them with a mysterious and puzzling adventure they'll never forget!

S12·E37 Core

Challenging a Towering Figure!

Sep 3, 2009 · 23 min

Our heroes participate in the Twinleaf Festival Battle Challenge-and first prize is a battle against Tower Tycoon Palmer from the Sinnoh Battle Frontier!

S12·E38 Core

Where No Togepi Has Gone Before!

Sep 10, 2009 · 23 min

Jessie, James, and Meowth lure our heroes inside Team Rocket's new state-of-the-art secret base, but it can't protect them from the antics of a mischievous Togepi!

S12·E39 Core

An Egg Scramble!

Sep 17, 2009 · 23 min

As our heroes continue toward Lilypad Town and Dawn's next Pokémon Contest, an unexpected stop in a small village brings surprising new friends-and the Johto Festival!

S12·E40 Core

Gone with the Windworks!

Sep 17, 2009 · 23 min

New friends Lyra and Khoury have joined our heroes on their journey, and soon Lyra's Marill wanders off unannounced and finds itself in trouble at the Valley Windworks!

S12·E41 Core

A Rivalry to Gible On!

Oct 1, 2009 · 23 min

As Dawn's next Pokémon Contest in Lilypad Town draws near, our heroes, along with Lyra and Khoury, cross paths with an ornery, powerful, and irresistible Gible!

S12·E42 Core

Dressed for Jess Success!

Oct 1, 2009 · 23 min

On the day of the Lilypad Town Pokémon Contest, an out-of-sorts "Jessilina" forces James and Meowth to take emergency action!

S12·E43 Core

Bagged Then Tagged!

Oct 15, 2009 · 23 min

Ash and Dawn are preparing to have a Tag Battle with their friends Lyra and Khoury, but Team Rocket has other plans!

S12·E44 Core

Try for the Family Stone!

Oct 22, 2009 · 23 min

On their way to Sunyshore City for Ash's next Gym battle, our heroes come across two Trainers who are brother and sister-and who have some troubling family issues!

S12·E45 Core

Sticking with Who You Know!

Oct 29, 2009 · 23 min

Our heroes' journey to Sunyshore City comes to an unexpected stop when Pikachu and Piplup get stuck on each other-literally!

S12·E46 Core

Unlocking the Red Chain of Events!

Nov 5, 2009 · 23 min

When our heroes take a break on their way to Sunyshore City, they again cross paths with Team Galactic, whose evil plans finally begin to reveal themselves!

S12·E47 Core

The Needs of the Three!

Nov 12, 2009 · 23 min

Now that the villains of Team Galactic have everything they need to accomplish their evil plan, is there any way our heroes can stop them?

S12·E48 Mytharc

The Battle Finale of Legend!

Nov 12, 2009 · 23 min

As our heroes battle against Team Galactic and its quest to build a new world order, the fate of the Sinnoh region and the entire world hangs in the balance!

S12·E49 Core

The Treasure Is All Mine!

Nov 26, 2009 · 23 min

When our heroes discover a buried treasure chest in the forest, little do they realize the disaster that waits for them inside it!

S12·E50 Core

Mastering Current Events!

Dec 3, 2009 · 23 min

On their way to Dawn's next Pokémon Contest in Daybreak Town, our heroes meet an Air Battle Master, who presents Ash's Gliscor with a challenge-and an opportunity!

S12·E51 Core

Double-Time Battle Training!

Dec 10, 2009 · 23 min

As Dawn prepares for her Double Battle Contest in Daybreak Town, a little help from her friends brings some new and surprising inspiration!

S12·E52 Mytharc

A Meteoric Rise to Excellence!

Dec 17, 2009 · 23 min

Ash, Dawn, and Brock meet an elderly woman training an Altaria (which Team Rocket wants to steal, of course), while a curious Gible is keeping an eye on everyone!

S12·E53 Mytharc

Gotta Get a Gible!

Dec 24, 2009 · 23 min

Ash and Barry both want to catch the Gible who's been following them around-and of course Team Rocket has an eye on it as well!

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