Unveiling Arceus: Your Definitive Guide to Catching the Pokémon God in Legends: Arceus
So, you’re aiming to capture the literal god of Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus? A worthy ambition, indeed! The path to Arceus is paved with dedication and Pokédex completion. The short answer: You need to catch all 237 Pokémon in the Hisui region (numbered 1 through 237 in the Hisui Pokédex), excluding Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, and Shaymin. This means braving the wilds, mastering your Poké Ball throwing skills, and conquering even the most formidable Alpha Pokémon. Let’s dive deeper into what it really takes to add Arceus to your team, and debunk some common myths along the way.
The True Path to Arceus: Capture, Not Just Registration
Many trainers mistakenly believe that simply seeing a Pokémon is enough. This isn’t the case. You must actively capture all 237 required Pokémon to unlock the final mission. Registering them in your Pokédex by encountering them isn’t sufficient – you need them safely inside your pastures! Consider it a cosmic game of “gotta catch ’em all,” but with the ultimate prize at the finish line.
Once all 237 Pokémon are captured, head back to the Temple of Sinnoh atop Mount Coronet. A special scene will trigger, allowing you to finally face and capture Arceus. Prepare for a challenging battle, trainer!
Debunking the Myths: What You Don’t Need for Arceus
Several misconceptions surround the process of unlocking Arceus. Let’s clear them up once and for all:
- Mythical Pokémon Exception: As mentioned earlier, Darkrai, Shaymin, Phione, and Manaphy are not required. These Mythical Pokémon are acquired through separate quests tied to save data from other Pokémon games or special events. While catching them adds to your overall collection, they don’t gatekeep your Arceus encounter.
- Complete Pokédex vs. Level 10 Research: You do not need to achieve perfect Pokédex entries for every Pokémon. Forget about completing every research task to Level 10. You only need to achieve a research level of 10 for each of the 237 Pokémon in the Hisui Pokédex. This is a crucial distinction that saves significant time and effort.
- Unown Completion is Optional: The quirky, alphabet-shaped Unown are fun to collect, but catching all 28 Unown is not a prerequisite for unlocking Arceus. Feel free to pursue this side quest at your leisure. You can check your progress by checking the Unown Research Notes. Finding all Unown does increase the odds of shiny Unown appearing!
- Full Hisui Pokédex is the total The Hisui Pokédex in Pokémon Legends: Arceus contains 242 Pokémon to be collected in total, but that’s only if you catch everything.
- Spiritomb is NOT Optional: You can’t skip finding all of the Spiritomb Wisps. At the start of the quest, players will be tasked with finding a nearby Spiritomb Wisp in Jubilife Village. This wisp is mandatory. The Spiritomb Wisp will be across the bridge behind Vessa, and players can simply approach it to capture it in the Odd Keystone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Catching Arceus
Here are some common questions trainers have on their quest to catch Arceus in Pokémon Legends: Arceus:
1. What Pokémon are specifically excluded from the Arceus requirement?
Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, and Shaymin are the only Pokémon excluded. Every other Pokémon in the Hisui Pokédex, from Bulbasaur to Avalugg, must be captured.
2. Do I need to reach Research Level 10 for every task on each Pokémon’s Pokédex entry?
No! You only need to reach Research Level 10 for each of the 237 Hisui Pokémon. You don’t need to complete every single task for a perfect entry. Focus on the easiest and most efficient tasks to reach that key Level 10.
3. Can I still get Arceus if I miss a specific Pokémon in a particular area?
Yes, you can always return to any area to search for Pokémon you may have missed. Some Pokémon are more common in certain weather conditions or times of day, so experiment to improve your chances.
4. Is it possible to trade for the Pokémon I’m missing to get Arceus faster?
No, you can’t get Arceus faster by trading. Trading isn’t available in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. You have to find and capture all necessary Pokémon yourself in the Hisui region.
5. Does battling and defeating Volo impact the process of catching Arceus?
Yes, you must defeat Volo in the post-game story to unlock the Arceus encounter. Think of Volo as the penultimate challenge before facing the Pokémon God himself.
6. How does the Azure Flute play into catching Arceus?
After completing the necessary requirements, your Arc Phone will tell you to go and capture every Pokémon, once again. Then, the Azure Flute will be used at the Temple of Sinnoh to trigger the final Arceus battle. It’s a key item tied to the game’s lore and climax.
7. What happens if I faint during the Arceus battle?
If you faint, you’ll be sent back to your last camp. You can then return to the Temple of Sinnoh to try the battle again. Don’t give up! Persistence is key.
8. Can Arceus be shiny in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
No, Arceus is shiny-locked in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This means that you cannot obtain a shiny version of Arceus through normal gameplay.
9. Is there a reward for completing the entire Hisui Pokédex, even though it’s not required for Arceus?
Yes! Completing the entire Hisui Pokédex (including fully researching each Pokémon to level 10) earns you the Shiny Charm. This greatly increases your odds of finding shiny Pokémon in the wild, making shiny hunting much easier.
10. Are Alpha Pokémon required to capture to get Arceus?
Yes, Alpha Pokémon are included in the list of the 237 Pokémon you need to catch. These powerful versions of regular Pokémon can be challenging to capture, so be sure to use the right strategies.
11. Where can I find a complete list of the 237 Pokémon I need to catch for Arceus?
You can easily find a complete list of the required Pokémon by searching online for “Hisui Pokédex list.” Many reputable gaming websites and forums provide detailed lists with locations for each Pokémon.
12. Does the time of day affect the appearance of certain Pokémon needed to capture Arceus?
Yes, some Pokémon are more likely to appear during specific times of day (day or night). Check online guides for information on when and where to find these Pokémon to speed up your progress.
13. What’s the point of catching all the Unown if it’s not required for Arceus?
Catching all the Unown is a fun side quest that rewards you with increased shiny Unown spawn rates near the Solaceon Ruins. It’s a completionist’s dream but doesn’t affect your Arceus quest.
14. I can’t find the right stone to evolve my Sycther to Kleavor, what should I do?
To evolve Scyther into Kleavor, you’ll need a Black Augurite. This item can be found by defeating Graveler or Golem, or by digging for treasure with Ursaluna near cliffsides.
15. Is there a community where I can learn more about Pokémon?
Yes, there is a community of researchers that study the educational potential of video games, and the Games Learning Society is a great place to learn more about the world of video games. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more!
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey
Catching Arceus in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a challenging but rewarding experience. It requires patience, dedication, and a thorough exploration of the Hisui region. By understanding the true requirements and dispelling common myths, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on this epic quest and add the ultimate Pokémon to your team. Good luck, trainer, and may the odds be ever in your favor!