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Is Charmander in Legends: Arceus? A Deep Dive into Hisui’s Pokémon Roster

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The short answer is a resounding no. Charmander, along with its evolutions Charmeleon and Charizard, is conspicuously absent from Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This omission is quite a shock to long-time fans, as the Kanto starter trio (Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur) are typically franchise staples, often appearing even in spin-off titles. But fear not, fellow trainers! While Charmander isn’t running around the Hisui region, there’s still plenty to discover. Let’s delve into why this might be the case and explore what is available in this unique Pokémon experience.

The Curious Case of the Missing Kanto Starter

The absence of Charmander is perplexing, especially considering Charizard’s enduring popularity. From the anime to merchandise, Charizard is a Pokémon icon. Its non-appearance in Pokémon Legends: Arceus goes against the norm. We can only speculate why Game Freak made this decision. Perhaps it was a deliberate attempt to deviate from the established formula, focusing on new Pokémon and region-specific variants.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is designed to be a prequel, set in a bygone era of the Pokémon world. Maybe the development team decided that Charmander and its evolutionary line simply hadn’t migrated to the Hisui region yet or were not native to it. The game prioritizes exploring a more “wild” and untamed version of the Pokémon universe.

What Starters Are in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

While the Gen 1 Fire-type is missing, players still have a choice of starters when embarking on their Hisuian journey. Professor Laventon presents you with:

Rowlet (Grass/Flying) – From the Alola region
Cyndaquil (Fire) – From the Johto region
Oshawott (Water) – From the Unova region

Notably, you can acquire all three starters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus! After completing the main storyline, Professor Laventon will offer you the other two starters that you didn’t initially choose. This is a welcome change, as in other games, you had to trade to get all three.

Completing the Pokédex in a Solo Adventure

In a series first, Pokémon Legends: Arceus removes the traditional trading requirement for Pokédex completion. Certain Pokémon that previously required trading to evolve now have alternative evolution methods. This enables solo players to catch them all without relying on trades with other players.

Focusing on the Hisui Region

The design philosophy of Pokémon Legends: Arceus seems to be centered on emphasizing Pokémon native to the Hisui region or Pokémon that adapted to it. We see this through the many Hisuian forms of familiar Pokémon. These regional variants offer unique typings and appearances. The goal may be to highlight the unique ecosystem and history of this region.

Space-Time Distortions and Rare Encounters

Even without Charmander, there are plenty of rare and powerful Pokémon to discover. Space-Time Distortions are a key feature, spawning various Pokémon that wouldn’t normally appear in that area. This is also a way you can acquire all three starters in Legends arceus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the world of Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Are Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
- No, the original Kanto starter trio is not available in the game. This is a significant departure from other Pokémon games.
Can you get all three starters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
- Yes! After completing the main story, Professor Laventon will give you the other two starters you didn’t initially choose.
What Pokémon are not in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
- Notable omissions include Regirock, Regice, Registeel, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Latias, Latios, Jirachi, and Deoxys, as well as most of the Pokemon from Gen 8 and 9.
Is trading required to complete the Pokédex in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
- No, trading is not required. Game Freak has simplified evolution methods for Pokémon that previously needed to be traded.
Where can you find Alpha Pokémon in Legends: Arceus?
- Alpha Pokémon can be found throughout the Hisui region, often in fixed locations. They are larger and more powerful than regular Pokémon.
What is the best starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
- Rowlet is a good choice, given its early-game advantages. However, all three starters are viable.
Where can you find Alpha Rowlet?
- Alpha Rowlet can be found in Space-Time Distortion zones within the Coronet Highlands.
Are there Hisuian forms of Pokémon in Legends: Arceus?
- Yes, there are many Hisuian forms, such as Hisuian Growlithe, Hisuian Arcanine, and Hisuian Zoroark.
Is Grookey in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
- No, Grookey is not in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Does Pokémon Scarlet & Violet have Charmander?
- Yes, Charmander is available in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. You can get one by hatching an egg or by getting mystery gift codes.
Is Totodile in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
- No, Totodile is not in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
How many Pokémon do you need to catch before you can get Arceus?
- You need to catch all 237 of Hisui’s main Pokémon (excluding Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, and Shaymin).
Where is Squirtle in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
- Squirtle is completely unobtainable in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Can you transfer Squirtle to Arceus from other games?
- No, Squirtle cannot be transferred to Pokémon Legends: Arceus as it’s not included in the game’s data.
What is the best way to find Space-Time Distortions?
- Wait in an area for some time. Space-Time Distortions will spawn randomly. The game provides an on-screen notification when one is forming.

The Enduring Appeal of Pokémon

Despite the absence of some fan favorites, Pokémon Legends: Arceus offers a fresh and engaging experience. Its open-world exploration, real-time battles, and focus on Pokémon behavior create a truly immersive world. Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or new to the franchise, there’s much to enjoy in this unique chapter of the Pokémon saga. Even without Charizard soaring through the Hisuian skies, the game offers a novel adventure with 242 Pokémon to catch.

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