||Getting the Macho Brace||

Learn how to get the Macho Brace in Pokémon Platinum! This guide explains the sidequest to obtain this valuable item that doubles EV gains.

Alright, so you're looking to get your hands on the Macho Brace in Pokémon Platinum? This is a super useful item for competitive training because it doubles the Effort Values (EVs) your Pokémon gain from battles, though it does slow them down a bit in battle. It's not just lying around; there's a little sidequest involved!

This quest is a bit different from the Diamond and Pearl versions. Instead of needing specific forms of Burmy, the NPC now wants you to bring him two different genders of Combee. Getting a female Combee can be a bit tricky since they're pretty rare!

Here’s how you can tackle this:

1. Using Sweet Honey: Your first option is to use Sweet Honey. Find a golden Honey Tree and slather some Sweet Honey on it. You'll need to be patient and come back to the tree several hours later to see if a Combee has appeared. Male Combee are fairly common, but the female ones are super rare. You might find yourself buying a lot of Sweet Honey from the guy in Floaroma Town before you finally encounter a female Combee.
2. Trading via GTS: If you're having no luck with the honey trees, your second option is to use the Global Trade System (GTS). You can try trading for a female Combee. Put up a Pokémon that's a bit harder to find, like a starter's base form, Riolu, Munchlax, or even a legendary Pokémon, and request a female Combee. With a good offer, you should be able to snag one.

Once you've managed to get both a male and a female Combee, your next stop is Pastoria City. Head to the house located just north of the Pokémart. Inside, you'll find a bug-type trainer. Talk to him, and he'll give you the Macho Brace!