Abra is one of the best examples of powerful but rare Pokémon. It has a pretty low encounter rate and can be frustrating if you're not prepared. We know how frustrating it is, so we're here to make sure you can add Abra to your collection in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Brilliant Pearl.
In the wilderness
The first chance to get an Abra comes on Route 203, just before Oreburgh Gate. It also spawns on Route 215 later in the story. Abras learns teleportation naturally. Their high speed means that if you don't throw Pokeballs at full HP targets, they may flee before you have a chance to weaken them. We have a trick for you.
If you choose Chimchar, he learns Taunt at level 9. Bidoof also learns Taunt at level 17. Taunt prevents Pokémon from using non-offensive moves for three turns. This is the key to catching Abra if throwing Pokéballs at him doesn't work. Teleporting will become a struggle, doing pitiful damage and allowing you to reduce it to capable distances.
Abra evolves into Kadabra at level 16. Swap Kadabra with another trainer (be sure to swap him again) to evolve him into Alakazam. This evolutionary line has incredible speed and a special attack. You'll get over most things, so don't worry about how fragile it is on the defensive.
Trade for Machop
In Oreburgh City, there is a girl in the same building where you get a free Heal Ball. On the first floor, she talks to the girl near the stairs. She wants to swap her Abra of hers for your Machop. Once she gets a Machop, she goes back and completes the trade. This is a great option for those who don't want to wait for Abra in the wild or have bad luck catching one.
