How to Trigger Thunderstorms in Pokémon Legends: Arceus: A Comprehensive Guide

The pursuit of specific weather conditions is crucial in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, especially if you’re aiming to catch certain rare Pokémon or complete specific quests. Among these, the thunderstorm stands out as a particularly sought-after phenomenon. This guide will detail exactly how to trigger thunderstorm weather in the game, offering a seamless path to encountering and catching weather-dependent Legendary Pokémon like Thundurus.

The Definitive Method for Triggering Thunderstorms

The primary method to induce a thunderstorm in Pokémon Legends: Arceus revolves around manipulating the in-game time cycle through repeated sleep cycles at your base camp. The weather in each area of the game is randomly determined each time you transition between day and night. Thus, the key is persistence.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Establish a Base Camp: Ensure that you have a base camp established in the area where you desire the thunderstorm. This is crucial, as base camps are where you can rest and advance the in-game time.

2. Select Your Sleeping Time: At the base camp, interact with the tent and select the option to “Sleep until morning/afternoon”. It doesn’t seem to matter which time of day you pick, as you’re just trying to advance time and reroll the weather.

3. Check the Weather: After waking up, immediately check the weather by opening your map. The map screen displays the current weather conditions for the area. Look for the thunderstorm icon (a cloud with lightning bolts).

4. Repeat the Process: If the weather is not a thunderstorm, return to your tent and repeat the process of sleeping until the next time of day. Continue repeating this cycle of sleeping and checking the weather until the desired thunderstorm appears.

5. Persistence is Key: Be patient! The weather is random, and it may take several attempts before a thunderstorm appears. There’s no guaranteed method to force a thunderstorm to happen instantly.

Pro-Tips for Efficient Weather Manipulation

• Target Specific Areas: Some Pokémon, like Thundurus, are found only in specific regions during thunderstorms. Focus your efforts on these areas (e.g., Cobalt Coastlands for Thundurus) to optimize your chances.
• Visual Confirmation: While the map icon is a reliable indicator, visually confirm the weather. Heavy rain and lightning are unmistakable signs of a thunderstorm.
• Time of Day Nuances: Some players speculate that certain times of day might slightly increase the chances of specific weather patterns. However, this is largely anecdotal. Sticking to the core method of repeated sleep cycles is generally the most efficient approach.

Understanding the Forces of Nature

The most common reason players are trying to get a thunderstorm is to capture Thundurus. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, players can catch the Legendary weather-themed Pokémon Landorus, Tornadus, and Thundurus. This set of three is referred to as the Forces of Nature Pokémon and have both base and Incarnate Formes. These legendary Pokémon are a part of a larger quest involving catching all three and then battling them to get their respective Pokedex entries to level 10.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it usually take to get a thunderstorm?

There’s no set timeframe. It’s entirely random. Some players might get a thunderstorm on their first try, while others may need to cycle through the day/night cycle many times. Persistence is key.

Does the time of day I choose to sleep until affect the weather?

There’s no conclusive evidence that the time of day you choose to sleep until (morning, afternoon, or night) significantly affects the chances of getting a thunderstorm. The weather generation appears to be purely random each time the day/night cycle advances.

Can I influence the weather in any other way?

Unfortunately, no. The sleep mechanic at the base camp is the only reliable method for cycling through weather patterns. There are no items or actions you can take to directly control the weather.

Which areas are most likely to have thunderstorms?

While thunderstorms can occur in any of the game’s regions, the Cobalt Coastlands is a common location for them, particularly because Thundurus spawns there during thunderstorms.

Does having a specific Pokémon in my party affect the weather?

No, the Pokémon in your party has no impact on the weather generation. Weather is determined solely by the random cycle triggered when you rest at a base camp.

Are thunderstorms required for any other quests or Pokémon encounters?

Aside from catching Thundurus, thunderstorms may also impact the appearance rates of certain other Pokémon. Be sure to check online to see if any Pokémon spawns change during thunderstorms.

Can I save my game right before sleeping to reload if I don’t get the right weather?

Yes, you can! This can save you time in the long run. If you don’t get a thunderstorm, just reload your save and try sleeping again.

Is there a way to predict the weather in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

No, the weather system is designed to be unpredictable. There are no in-game mechanics or clues that allow you to foresee the weather in advance.

What happens if I encounter Thundurus but fail to catch it?

Thundurus will despawn if you fail to catch it. You will need to trigger another thunderstorm in the Cobalt Coastlands for it to reappear.

Does the weather change dynamically while I’m exploring?

The weather remains consistent until you either return to a base camp and sleep or transition between areas. The weather won’t suddenly change while you’re in the middle of an area.

How does the weather system in Legends: Arceus compare to other Pokémon games?

Unlike some Pokémon games where you can use moves like Rain Dance or Sunny Day to influence the weather, Pokémon Legends: Arceus relies on a more passive and randomized system. You can only influence it indirectly by advancing the game’s internal clock.

Is there a limit to how many times I can sleep at a base camp in a row?

No, there is no limit. You can sleep at a base camp as many times as you need to in order to cycle through the weather patterns.

Do thunderstorms have any negative effects?

No, thunderstorms do not have any negative effects. While they may slightly impair visibility due to rain and lightning, they don’t cause any damage to your character or Pokémon.

What is the significance of the full moon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

While the full moon isn’t directly related to triggering thunderstorms, it is required for specific evolutions, like evolving Ursaring into Ursaluna. Players often check for a full moon while cycling through the time to maximize their efficiency.

Where can I learn more about game-based learning and the role of games in education?

You can explore more about game-based learning and its impact on education at the Games Learning Society website. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to discover resources and research on the topic.

Conclusion

Triggering thunderstorms in Pokémon Legends: Arceus boils down to patience and persistence. By repeatedly sleeping at base camps and checking the weather, you’ll eventually encounter the thunderstorm you need to catch Thundurus or experience other weather-dependent events. Remember to target the correct areas, and be prepared to cycle through the day/night sequence multiple times. Good luck, and happy hunting!