Unveiling Arceus in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, Arceus is obtainable in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl (BDSP), but not without meeting specific and rather demanding criteria. Acquiring the mythical Pokémon Arceus in BDSP involves more than just playing through the main storyline.
Demystifying Arceus in BDSP: A Deep Dive
The presence of Arceus, the being said to have shaped the Pokémon universe, in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is something of a reward for dedicated players who have invested significant time in both BDSP and Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Let’s break down the requirements and the overall experience.
The Path to Arceus: What You Need
To encounter and catch Arceus in BDSP, you must fulfill the following prerequisites:
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Enter the Hall of Fame: You need to defeat the Elite Four and Champion Cynthia, cementing your status as a top-tier trainer in the Sinnoh region.
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Obtain the National Pokédex: Complete the Sinnoh Pokédex by seeing all 150 Pokémon within the region. After doing so, visit Professor Rowan to receive the National Pokédex, which expands the Pokédex to include Pokémon from other regions.
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Completed Pokémon Legends: Arceus Save Data: This is the most critical requirement. You must have a save file on your Nintendo Switch system where you have completed all the main missions in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This means seeing the end credits roll and finishing the post-game storyline. This is not the same as completing the Pokedex.
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Acquire the Azure Flute: If all prerequisites are met, when you return to your room in Twinleaf Town, you will find the Azure Flute next to your television.
The Arceus Encounter
Once you possess the Azure Flute, you can journey back to the Spear Pillar atop Mt. Coronet, the location where you encountered Dialga or Palkia (depending on your version). Interacting with the glowing platform at the Spear Pillar with the Azure Flute in your inventory will trigger a special event, summoning a stairway to a realm where you can finally battle and catch Arceus.
Important Note: Arceus will be at level 80, so you need to bring your A-game (and plenty of Ultra Balls). As a Normal-type Pokémon, it is weak to Fighting-type attacks.
Is It Worth the Effort?
Catching Arceus is a badge of honor and a testament to your dedication as a Pokémon trainer. For those who cherish collecting and completing their Pokédex, adding Arceus to their BDSP team is the ultimate goal. The sense of accomplishment after fulfilling all the requirements and finally catching Arceus is incredibly rewarding.
Arceus in BDSP: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about acquiring Arceus in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl to address any further queries:
1. When did Arceus become available in BDSP?
Arceus became accessible in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl through update 1.3.0, released on March 15th. The update also made Darkrai accessible under different conditions.
2. Is the Arceus in Legends: Arceus the same as in Brilliant Diamond?
While both Arceus appearances are indeed the same legendary Pokémon, the games offer distinct experiences. Pokémon Legends: Arceus features an open-world environment and significantly different gameplay mechanics compared to the traditional structure of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
3. Can I transfer Arceus from Legends: Arceus to Brilliant Diamond?
Yes, you can transfer Arceus from Pokémon Legends: Arceus to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl using Pokémon HOME. Be aware that Pokémon transferred from Legends: Arceus will appear in Strange Balls in BDSP.
4. Do I need Darkrai to get Arceus in BDSP?
No, you do not need Darkrai to obtain Arceus in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. The requirements for each mythical Pokémon are separate.
5. Is Arceus shiny locked in Legends: Arceus?
Yes, Arceus is shiny locked in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, meaning it cannot be encountered as a shiny Pokémon in that game.
6. Can I catch Arceus in Legends: Arceus without completing the Pokédex?
No, completing the Pokédex in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is mandatory to unlock the quest to catch Arceus. You must achieve a Level 10 research level for every Pokémon in the Hisui region (excluding Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai and Shaymin).
7. At what level is Arceus in BDSP?
Arceus is encountered at Level 80 in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Make sure to bring high-level Pokémon and plenty of healing items.
8. What are some good strategies for catching Arceus?
Since Arceus is a Normal-type, Fighting-type moves are super effective. Bring a strong Fighting-type Pokémon and moves that can inflict status conditions like sleep or paralysis to increase your chances of catching it.
9. Are any other mythical Pokémon shiny locked in BDSP?
Yes, gift Pokémon such as Mew and Jirachi obtained through save data bonuses are shiny locked in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
10. Do I need to capture every Pokémon in Legends: Arceus to unlock Arceus?
Almost. You need to capture all 237 of Hisui’s main Pokémon – Darkrai, Shaymin, Manaphy and Phione are not needed. You do need to capture every one, not just register them.
11. What if I have already traded away my save-data-exclusive Pokémon and don’t want to play Legends: Arceus again?
Sadly, without a completed save file on your Nintendo Switch, you will not be able to encounter and capture Arceus in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. You have to start over.
12. Is it possible to get Arceus without owning Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
No, it is impossible to obtain Arceus in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl without having completed the main story in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
13. If I trade an Arceus from another game, will it obey me in BDSP?
If you trade an Arceus from Pokémon Legends: Arceus, or any other game where it was legitimately obtained, to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl, its obedience will depend on whether you have the necessary Gym Badges to command Pokémon of that level. If your badge level is not high enough, the Arceus may disobey your orders.
14. Can I complete my Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl Pokédex without Arceus?
Yes, you can complete the Sinnoh Pokédex without Arceus. You only need to see all 150 Pokémon in the Sinnoh region to obtain the National Pokédex, a prerequisite for triggering the Arceus event. However, Arceus is the final entry (#493) in the National Pokédex.
15. Why is catching Arceus important for the Pokémon community?
Catching Arceus represents more than just adding another entry to the Pokédex. It’s about dedication, persistence, and mastering multiple Pokémon games. This pursuit also fosters a sense of community among players who share tips, strategies, and their experiences in tackling the challenges required to unlock this mythical Pokémon. Playing games and discussing the strategies, lore and plot of video games can be a useful tool to build skills such as teamwork and leadership as shown by the research done by the Games Learning Society and available on GamesLearningSociety.org.