| Main centres: | 1-3 business days |
| Regional areas: | 3-4 business days |
| Remote areas: | 3-5 business days |
When the game begins, the player is watching a newscast about Professor Rowan's return to Sinnoh. Just then, the player's best friend Barry runs in, and the two head for Route 201 to get a Pokemon from Rowan. However, Professor Rowan and his assistant (Lucas or Dawn, depending on the player's gender) see them. After scolding them for endangering themselves, k. The player and Barry are given a choice between Turtwig, Piplup, or Chimchar. After choosing, Barry, who later becomes the rival, challenges the player to a battle, having picked the Pokémon with the type advantage over the player's choice. After the battle, the two head to Lake Verity, where they meet Cyrus. Back in Twinleaf Town the player's mother gives him or her a pair of Running Shoes before the player leaves for Sandgem Town. The professor gives the player the a Pokédex and the player then sets off to explore Sinnoh and defeat Gym Leaders in order to advance further in the plot, challenge the Elite Four, and become the Champion of Sinnoh.
During the course of the game, there are many conflicts with the evil Team Galactic and its leader, Cyrus. When the power of Dialga and Palkia, summoned by Cyrus, begins to overwhelm Sinnoh, Uxie, Mesprit and Azelf appear and Giratina drags Cyrus down into the Distortion World. After facing of against Cyrus, the player is then forced into a battle with the Giratina.
After the player defeats the Elite Four, there are further activities to pursue. These mainly concern the capture of previously unavailable Pokémon, extra features such as the Poké Radar, exploration of previously inaccessible places such as the Fight, Survival, and Resort Areas and the perfection of battle skills in the Battle Tower. At the survival Zone, the player will help Looker finish off Team Galactic by arresting Charon.
