Catching ‘Em All in Hisui: A Comprehensive Guide to Pokémon Legends: Arceus
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Yes, you absolutely can catch nearly every Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. The game presents a unique take on the “catch ’em all” mantra, requiring you to not only capture Pokémon but also thoroughly study them to complete the first-ever Pokédex of the Hisui region. While a few Mythical Pokémon are event-exclusive and technically not required for the main objective of facing Arceus, the vast majority of the 242 Pokémon are obtainable within the game.
The Hisui Pokédex: More Than Just Collection
Completing the Hisui Pokédex is not just about filling slots; it’s about contributing to Professor Laventon’s research. This means observing Pokémon behaviors, battling them, feeding them, and witnessing their various forms. Every interaction helps him understand the Pokémon of the Hisui region.
What’s Required to Meet Arceus?
To unlock the final encounter with Arceus, you need to capture all 237 of the main Pokémon native to the Hisui region; it is not sufficient to just see them and register them in the Pokédex. However, there are exceptions: you don’t need to catch Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, or Shaymin. You can encounter these Pokémon after the main story via specific quests.
Alpha Pokémon: Size Matters
Can you get every Pokémon as an Alpha in Legends Arceus? While technically every Pokémon in the game has an alpha form, only some are guaranteed to appear as alphas at specific times and in specific locations. These Alpha Pokémon are larger, more powerful versions of their regular counterparts, identified by their glowing red eyes. Even though catching them can be challenging, it’s still a crucial part of fully exploring Hisui’s potential.
Legendaries and Mythicals: Catching the Big Guns
While it may seem obvious that the goal of the game is to capture all the Pokémon in the Hisui region, you might have questions about the capture mechanics and exceptions.
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Alpha Legendaries/Mythicals: Note that Legendary and Mythical Pokémon cannot appear as Alpha Pokémon.
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Catching Red-Eyed Alphas: You can catch Alpha Pokémon even if you see a red X where the Poké Ball icon should be. You’ll need to weaken them in battle first, as simply tossing a Poké Ball won’t work.
Key Pokémon and Side Quests
Several Pokémon are tied to specific side quests or mechanics that are essential to understand:
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Unown: You need to catch all 28 Unown for a side quest, but catching all Unown isn’t required for getting Arceus in “Mission 27.”.
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Spiritomb: Completing the Spiritomb quest is essential to encountering it. You need to collect all 108 wisps scattered throughout the Hisui region.
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Starter Pokémon: You will start with one of the three starters, Rowlett, Cyndaquil, or Oshawott. You can get all three starters without needing to trade, after you have completed the main story.
Trading and Evolution
No Trading Required
Unlike previous Pokémon games, Pokémon Legends: Arceus allows you to complete the Pokédex without trading. You can obtain all Pokémon through in-game methods.
Evolving Without Trading
Some Pokémon that previously required trading to evolve can now evolve through different methods:
- Use of specific items: The Black Augurite is used to evolve Scyther into Kleavor.
The End Goal: Meeting Arceus
Your ultimate goal in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is to not just complete the Pokédex, but to gain an audience with Arceus, the Mythical Pokémon said to have shaped the world. To do so, you must report every Pokémon that Professor Laventon takes notes on, with the exception of Darkrai, Shaymin, Manaphy, Phione, and Arceus itself.
The Joy of Completion: Rewards
The quest is its own reward, but the game provides tangible benefits for dedicated players:
- Shiny Charm: Completing the Pokédex grants you the Shiny Charm, which significantly increases your chances of finding Shiny Pokémon in the wild.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to catch every single Pokémon to beat the game?
No, you don’t need to catch every Pokémon to finish the main storyline. However, to truly “beat” the game and encounter Arceus, you’ll need to capture all 237 Pokémon that can be registered in the Pokédex by Professor Laventon, with the exception of Darkrai, Shaymin, Manaphy, and Phione.
2. Can I get Darkrai before Arceus?
No. As with Arceus, you’ll first need to enter the Hall of Fame and obtain the National Pokedex in Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl before you can encounter Darkrai. You must complete specific requirements in other games to unlock Darkrai.
3. Is Spiritomb required for Arceus? How do I get it?
Yes, encountering Spiritomb is required to complete the Pokédex and ultimately face Arceus. You must complete the “Eerie Apparitions in the Dark” request by collecting all 108 wisps scattered around the Hisui region. Speak to Vessa, the wisp girl, in Jubilife Village to begin this quest. Vessa will appear and reveal that she has one final Wisp, making a total of 108. Vessa will vanish, leaving the final Wisp for them to collect next to the Odd Keystone.
4. Do I need all Unown for Arceus? What’s the point of catching them?
No, you don’t need to catch all 28 Unown to encounter Arceus. However, finding them all unlocks the “The Mystery of the Unown” request and increases the odds of finding Shiny Unown. Once you have caught all 26 Unowns, you should return to the lab.
5. Where can I find the wisp girl, Vessa?
You can find Vessa in Jubilife Village at night. She is near the river and will task you with the quest of gathering Wisps, called “Eerie Apparitions in the Dark”. She can be found by talking to it, and it will turn out to be a little girl named Vessa who tasks you with gathering Wisps, pointing one out for you to begin with. Many believe Vessa is a Spiritomb.
6. Can I evolve Spiritomb?
No, Spiritomb does not evolve. This Pokémon does not evolve.
7. Can you get all Hisuian starters in one playthrough?
Yes, you can! After completing the main story, you can obtain the other two starters from Professor Laventon in his lab.
8. How do I evolve Scyther into Kleavor?
You’ll need a Black Augurite to evolve Scyther into Kleavor. This item can be found by defeating Rock-type Pokémon like Graveler or by digging for treasure with Ursaluna near cliffsides.
9. What happens when you get a “Perfect” Pokédex entry for a Pokémon?
Getting a “Perfect” Pokédex entry means completing all research tasks for that specific Pokémon. While not required to encounter Arceus, it increases your Shiny Pokémon odds for that species.
10. Can Legendaries be Alpha Pokémon?
No, Legendary and Mythical Pokémon cannot appear as Alpha Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Every Pokémon has the chance to appear Alpha as long as they Pokémon can appear in the wild.
11. Is trading required to complete the Pokédex?
No, trading is not required to complete the Pokédex in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. All Pokémon can be obtained through in-game methods.
12. What do I get for fully completing the Pokédex?
You will be rewarded with the Shiny Charm, significantly increasing your chances of finding Shiny Pokémon. By completing the Pokedex in Arceus, players not only get bragging rights and the eternal praise of Professor Laventon, they also receive a Shiny Charm.
13. Where can I find Spiritomb in the wild?
Spiritomb can be found in Scarlet/Violet in the wild. There are three locations on Mount Glaseado where Spiritomb likes to roam.
14. Is Spiritomb a Legendary Pokémon?
Spiritomb is not a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon. Spiritomb was never considered Legendary.
15. What kind of educational value is found in Pokemon Legends: Arceus?
The game emphasizes exploration, data collection, and systematic observation, skills crucial in scientific fields. Players learn about ecology, behavior, and adaptation through gameplay. The game also allows for teaching and learning about mathematics, statistics, and data analysis. Educational game design is something studied by organizations like the Games Learning Society, which explores the intersection of games and learning. More information is available on GamesLearningSociety.org.
Embrace the Challenge
Catching every Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a rewarding and challenging endeavor. It will require dedication, exploration, and a deep understanding of the Hisui region. So, grab your Poké Balls, embrace the wilderness, and embark on your quest to fill the first-ever Pokédex!