Using honey on trees in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (BDSP) is a key method for encountering rare wild Pokémon not found through normal means. Slathering honey on special trees throughout the Sinnoh region allows trainers to attract specific Pokémon after a waiting period. This mechanic not only adds a strategic layer to capturing but also encourages exploration and planning. If you’re wondering how to slather honey on trees in BDSP and how to maximize your chances of finding rare species, this guide will walk you through each step clearly.
Understanding Honey Trees in BDSP
Honey trees are a special type of tree found across the Sinnoh region that can be used to attract wild Pokémon. Not every tree is slatherable; only certain trees have a distinct golden-brown appearance. There are 21 honey trees in total, and each of them can be slathered once and will produce a Pokémon encounter several hours later.
List of Common Honey Tree Pokémon:
- Wurmple
- Combee
- Burmy
- Cherubi
Rare Honey Tree Pokémon:
- Munchlax (extremely rare)
- Heracross
- Aipom
Some Pokémon like Munchlax only appear on specific trees and have very low encounter rates, making patience and strategy essential.
How to Obtain Honey
Step 1: Visit Floaroma Meadow
The most reliable source of honey is a man located inside the meadow near Floaroma Town. After rescuing him from Team Galactic early in the game, he will begin selling honey.
- Location: Floaroma Meadow (northwest of Floaroma Town)
- Price: 100 Pokédollars per unit of honey
You can also receive free honey as a reward occasionally or find it in Poké Balls scattered throughout Sinnoh, but purchasing it in bulk ensures you’re always stocked.
Step 2: Stockpile Honey
If you’re planning to slather multiple trees at once or hunt for Munchlax, it’s wise to buy 10 to 20 units at a time. There is no limit to how much honey you can carry, so having extras won’t hurt.
How to Slather Honey on Trees
Step 1: Find a Honey Tree
Look for golden-colored trees spread throughout the Sinnoh region. These are the only trees you can slather with honey. Some well-known locations include:
- Route 205
- Valley Windworks
- Eterna Forest
- Route 210
- Fuego Ironworks
Walk up to the tree, press A to interact, and the game will give you the option to slather it with honey if it hasn’t been used yet.
Step 2: Use the Honey
After selecting the slather option, your character will smear honey on the tree. Once applied, the tree becomes active and will start attracting Pokémon. You cannot use honey again on the same tree until the previous honey’s effect has expired.
Waiting for Pokémon to Appear
Step 1: Time Requirement
After slathering a tree with honey, you must wait 6 hours in real time for a Pokémon to potentially appear. The clock is based on your Nintendo Switch system’s internal time, so make sure your time settings are accurate.
If you check the tree before the 6 hours have passed, nothing will happen. If you wait too long more than 24 hours the honey will dry up and the tree will reset, causing you to miss the encounter entirely.
Step 2: Return and Check the Tree
After 6 hours, return to the tree and interact with it. If a Pokémon has appeared, the game will automatically initiate a battle. If not, the tree may be empty, or you may have missed the time window.
Using the Pokétch to Track Trees
To make the honey tree hunting process more efficient, you can use the Pokétch app to track where you’ve slathered honey. While the app does not tell you exactly when honey was applied, taking notes or setting a timer can help you plan when to return to each tree.
How to Increase Your Chances of Finding Rare Pokémon
Use Multiple Trees
Slathering honey on multiple trees at the same time increases your odds of encountering rare Pokémon. Since Munchlax has such a low spawn rate (around 1% on most trees), spreading out your attempts is crucial.
Focus on Specific Munchlax Trees
Munchlax only appears on 4 of the 21 honey trees in your game, and these 4 trees are randomly determined at the start of your save file. You cannot know which ones they are without extensive trial and error. Therefore, regularly checking all trees is the best strategy to eventually locate the Munchlax trees.
Do Honey Tree Encounters Respawn?
No, once you slather a tree, wait 6 hours, and encounter a Pokémon, the tree becomes inactive. You must slather it again to trigger a new encounter. This means the system encourages daily interaction for players hoping to catch all available honey tree Pokémon.
Tips and Best Practices
- Save Before Interacting: Save your game before checking the tree. This allows you to reset if you accidentally faint or run away from a rare Pokémon.
- Use Repels: If you’re traveling long distances between trees, using repels can save time by preventing wild encounters.
- Time Management: Set an alarm or reminder when you slather a tree so you can return at the right time.
- Use Synchronize: Bring a Pokémon with Synchronize ability to influence the nature of the wild Pokémon you catch.
Summary and Conclusion
Slathering honey on trees in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is one of the more unique and rewarding mechanics in the game. It encourages exploration, time management, and a bit of luck. Whether you’re hoping to catch a Combee for a Vespiquen or hunting the elusive Munchlax for your Pokédex, understanding how honey trees work is essential. Be sure to stock up on honey, track your trees, and plan your return times wisely. With patience and consistency, you’ll eventually encounter the rare Pokémon you’re seeking. Stick with it, and don’t forget to save before every important battle!