The world of Pokémon is no stranger to secrets, glitches, and mysteries, but few rival the intrigue of the hidden Barry battle in Pokémon Platinum. This legendary rematch, buried in the game’s data and inaccessible on real cartridges for nearly 15 years, has been the subject of speculation, rumor, and misinformation—until now. In a groundbreaking video, YouTuber Etchy has finally unlocked this elusive battle using Arbitrary Code Execution (ACE), showcasing one of Sinnoh’s toughest bosses on authentic hardware.
Let’s dive into the mystery, the grind, and the glorious discovery.
The Journey to Barry’s Super Boss Battle
Barry, your ever-enthusiastic rival, is a constant presence in Pokémon Platinum. Throughout the game, he challenges you with progressively stronger teams, culminating in a postgame series of battles. After defeating the Elite Four and Champion Cynthia, players gain access to the Battle Zone, where Barry can be found outside the Battleground for weekend rematches. His team, with levels ranging from 59 to 66, was tough—but not the ultimate challenge fans speculated about for years.
Hidden deep within the game’s code, however, is a higher-level Barry battle, featuring Pokémon up to level 85. Unlocking this requires entering the Hall of Fame 20 times, a grueling task involving multiple Elite Four runs with no guidance from the game itself. This ultimate Barry battle, while incredibly challenging, was at least accessible. But what about the mysterious level 75 Barry fight?
A Battle Hidden in Plain Sight
Unlike the level 85 battle, the level 75 Barry rematch cannot be unlocked through any legitimate gameplay. Despite being fully coded into the game, complete with unique dialogue and adjusted movesets, it was never implemented. For years, this battle was a tantalizing enigma, with no way to trigger it on a real cartridge.
That is, until ACE entered the picture.
Cracking the Code: Arbitrary Code Execution
Arbitrary Code Execution (ACE) is a type of exploit that allows players to execute custom code within a game. In the case of Pokémon Platinum, glitch hunters discovered how to transfer ACE setups from Diamond or Pearl to trigger otherwise inaccessible content. The YouTuber painstakingly used this exploit to unlock the level 75 Barry fight, documenting every step of the process.
The battle, triggered via a glitched Wonder Card, brought the hidden rematch to life for the first time on an authentic cartridge. Barry’s team, with Pokémon ranging from levels 68 to 75, serves as a “middle ground” between his initial postgame fight and the ultimate level 85 showdown.
Why Was This Battle Hidden?
Theories abound as to why the level 75 fight was left inaccessible. Some suggest it was meant to serve as an intermediate challenge, softening the jump from the level 65 postgame fight to the level 85 super battle. Others believe it was scrapped during development, leaving only traces of its existence in the game’s data.
Interestingly, the team composition and dialogue for this fight differ from any other Barry battle, making it a unique encounter that was likely polished before being abandoned.
The Legacy of Hidden Pokémon Battles
The discovery of the level 75 Barry battle is a testament to the enduring dedication of the Pokémon community. From glitch hunters uncovering ACE exploits to creators documenting these discoveries, this story highlights the blend of nostalgia, curiosity, and innovation that keeps Pokémon fans captivated.
For those craving more Pokémon Platinum secrets, this video is a must-watch. It not only documents a hidden gem of gaming history but also celebrates the creativity and determination of a community that refuses to let mysteries go unsolved.
Be sure to check out the full video for an uncut look at this long-lost battle, and stay tuned to boooored.com for more stories about gaming’s hidden treasures!