Catch ‘Em All, or Battle ‘Em Down? A Pokémon Legends: Arceus Dilemma

The age-old Pokémon Trainer question takes on new dimensions in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Is it better to catch Pokémon or defeat them? The answer isn’t as simple as grabbing every Poké Ball you can find. While catching is incredibly important in Arceus, battling still holds significant value. The optimal strategy involves a careful balance of both, tailored to your specific goals. Think of it this way: catching is the key to progression and completing the Pokédex, while defeating Pokémon is a valuable tool for training your team and gathering essential resources.

The Case for Catching

Pokémon Legends: Arceus fundamentally redefines the importance of catching. It’s not just about filling your roster with cool creatures; it’s about research, progression, and unlocking the true ending of the game.

Essential for Star Ranks and Story Progression

The cornerstone of your journey in Arceus is the Galaxy Expedition Team, and your progress within the team is measured by your Star Rank. How do you increase your Star Rank? Primarily by completing Pokédex entries. And how do you complete Pokédex entries? By catching Pokémon and performing specific research tasks associated with them. These tasks can include defeating a certain number of a particular species, but more often than not, catching multiple Pokémon of that species is the most efficient way to complete those research tasks.

Furthermore, to encounter the mythical Arceus itself, you need to have caught every Pokémon in the Hisui region (excluding Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai and Shaymin). This makes catching a mandatory objective for those seeking the ultimate challenge and the game’s true ending.

Money Matters

While battling yields some rewards, catching Pokémon is the most reliable way to earn money in Arceus. Releasing caught Pokémon at the pastures provides you with valuable items such as Grit Dust, Grit Gravel, and Grit Pebbles, which can then be sold for a profit.

Easier Than Battling? Sometimes…

Arceus introduces a stealth element to catching. You can often sneak up on Pokémon and catch them without battling at all, saving time and resources. This is particularly effective on weaker or more docile Pokémon. Even Alpha Pokémon, those towering, red-eyed beasts, can sometimes be caught directly with clever use of bait and stealth.

The Case for Battling

Despite the emphasis on catching, battling still holds significant importance in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Leveling Up and Team Development

Battling is the primary way to gain experience for your Pokémon and level them up. This is crucial for building a strong team capable of taking on tougher challenges, including Noble Pokémon and other powerful opponents. While you don’t get experience for catching a Pokémon directly (unless it is a Generation VI game like X/Y and ORAS), the overall increase in level is essential to success.

Resource Acquisition

While releasing Pokémon is the most effective way to gain Grit items, battling also yields valuable items, including those used for crafting Poké Balls, healing potions, and other essential supplies.

Challenging and Engaging Gameplay

Let’s be honest, sometimes you just want to battle! Arceus‘ battle system, with its Agile and Strong style moves, offers a more dynamic and strategic experience than previous Pokémon games. Engaging in battles allows you to test your skills, experiment with different strategies, and deepen your understanding of your Pokémon’s capabilities.

Overcoming Aggressive Pokémon

Not all Pokémon are docile enough to be caught via stealth. Some will aggressively attack you on sight, making battling the only viable option. In these cases, you’ll need to weaken them through battle before attempting to catch them.

Finding the Balance: A Trainer’s Guide

The key to success in Pokémon Legends: Arceus lies in striking a balance between catching and battling. Here’s a practical guide:

• Prioritize catching for Pokédex completion and Star Rank progression. Focus on catching multiple specimens of each species to complete research tasks efficiently.
• Utilize stealth and bait to catch Pokémon without battling whenever possible. This saves time and resources, especially when dealing with weaker Pokémon.
• Embrace battling for leveling up your team and acquiring resources. Seek out battles when you need to train your Pokémon or replenish your supplies.
• Be prepared to battle aggressive Pokémon that cannot be caught via stealth. Develop a strong team and master the battle system to overcome these challenges.
• Release excess Pokémon at the pastures to obtain Grit items. This is the most efficient way to power up your favorite Pokémon.

By mastering both catching and battling, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer the challenges of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, complete your Pokédex, and uncover the secrets of the Hisui region. Don’t forget to explore resources like the GamesLearningSociety.org to enhance your understanding of game strategies and educational insights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should I catch every Pokémon in Legends: Arceus?

Yes! To encounter Arceus, the titular Pokémon of the game, you must catch (not just register) every Pokémon in the game except for Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, and Shaymin. This amounts to catching the first 237 Pokémon in the Hisui Pokédex.

2. Should I catch or defeat Alpha Pokémon?

The best approach is to try catching Alpha Pokémon without battling, as they are often very strong. Use stealth, bait, and strategic Poké Ball throws to avoid a potentially difficult fight. However, if you are unable to catch them stealthily, battling and weakening them first is necessary.

3. Do you get more experience for catching or defeating a Pokémon?

You only get experience points for opposing Pokémon that faint in battle. In older games, there was some experience given for catching, but in Arceus, defeating is the primary method for gaining XP.

4. How many Pokémon should I catch in Arceus?

You need to capture 237 of Hisui’s main Pokémon to complete the main objective of catching every Pokémon. This excludes the mythical Pokémon: Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, and Shaymin, which are obtained through other methods.

5. What is the best Pokémon to pick in Arceus?

The best Pokémon to pick is subjective and depends on your play style. Oshawott is a good pick for a smooth start, while Rowlet offers a bit more of a challenge. Ultimately, choose the Pokémon you like the most, as you can find counters for Noble Pokémon and get past them without needing specific types.

6. What happens if you catch all Pokémon in Arceus?

By completing the Pokédex in Arceus, you receive the Shiny Charm, which significantly increases your chances of finding Shiny Pokémon in the wild, and unlocks the final challenge against Arceus himself. You will also gain the eternal praise of Professor Laventon.

7. Which Pokémon are worth catching?

Pokémon like Magikarp, Larvitar, Feebas, Tyrunt, Dreepy, Beldum, Stufful, and Pawniard are worth catching early on due to their high potential for powerful evolutions.

8. What is the hardest Pokémon to catch in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

While subjective, Cherubi is notoriously difficult to find due to its rare spawns in specific trees. Other hard-to-catch Pokémon include those that are very aggressive and require skilled battling before they can be caught. Arceus, if you count it, is also very hard to catch.

9. Which Pokémon game gives you the most Pokémon?

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon have the most Pokémon accessible with a total of 790, including those available through trading and the Pokémon Bank app.

10. Is there an Alpha Eevee in Legends: Arceus?

Yes, there is an Alpha Eevee in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Catching one gives you the chance to add a powerful Alpha Eeveelution to your team.

11. Can you catch the red-eyed Alpha Pokémon in Arceus?

Yes, you can catch Alpha Pokémon even if you see a red “X” on the Poké Ball icon. You’ll need to battle them as stealth catches might not be possible.

12. Why does Arceus want you to catch all Pokémon?

In Legends: Arceus, catching every Pokémon is necessary to advance the story, grow as a member of the Galaxy Team, and ultimately face Arceus himself.

13. Which Pokémon do you not need to catch in Arceus?

You do not need to capture Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, or Shaymin to complete the main Pokédex objective and trigger the encounter with Arceus.

14. Should I keep or release Pokémon in Arceus?

Release extra Pokémon to receive Grit Dust, Grit Gravel, or Grit Pebbles, which are used to power up your remaining Pokémon’s stats.

15. Can you complete the Pokédex in Arceus without trading?

Yes, in a series first, Pokémon Legends: Arceus players don’t need to trade with friends to complete the Pokédex. Game Freak has simplified some classic evolution methods to allow solo players to get every monster in the game without help. Games Learning Society offers more insights into the design choices that made this possible.