Unlocking Arceus: The Pokémon You Can Skip in Legends: Arceus
So, you’re on the grand quest to capture Arceus in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the mythical being said to have shaped the very world. The sheer scope of the Pokédex in Hisui can be daunting, leading to a very important question: which Pokémon can you actually skip and still get to meet the creator Pokémon itself? Let’s dive into the essentials to become a true Hisuian legend.
The straightforward answer is this: To trigger the Arceus encounter, you need to catch all 237 of the main Hisuian Pokémon available in the base game.
Specifically, you do not need to catch the following Mythical Pokémon to unlock the Arceus encounter:
- Phione
- Manaphy
- Darkrai
- Shaymin
- Arceus
These Pokémon, while present in the game (either through special events, mystery gifts, or side quests) are not required for triggering the final encounter with Arceus. You only need to capture every Pokémon that can be reported to Laventon and recorded in the Pokédex.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Catching Arceus
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the process of catching Arceus, designed to help you on your journey.
Do I Need to Achieve Research Level 10 for All Pokémon to Encounter Arceus?
No! This is a common misconception. Reaching Research Level 10 for all Pokémon is only required for obtaining the Shiny Charm, an item that increases your chances of encountering Shiny Pokémon in the wild. To trigger the Arceus encounter, all you need is to catch every Pokémon listed in the Pokédex (excluding the specified mythicals).
Do I Need All 242 Pokémon for 100% Completion?
The term “100% completion” can be subjective. If you’re aiming to trigger the Arceus encounter, you only need to catch the 237 main Pokémon. However, collecting all 242 Pokémon (including the Mythicals) is a goal many players set for themselves.
Do I Need All Legendaries to Get Arceus?
Yes and no. You need to obtain (catch at least once) all non-Mythical Legendary Pokémon in the game. The main Legendaries, like Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, and the Lake Trio (Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf) are essential. However, as mentioned earlier, Darkrai and Shaymin are not required.
Is Spiritomb Required for the Arceus Encounter?
Yes! Spiritomb is absolutely required. It is one of the main Pokémon in the Pokédex and must be caught to progress towards the Arceus encounter. The quest involving collecting Spiritomb Wisps is mandatory.
What Happens After I Catch All the Required Pokémon?
After you catch all 237 Pokémon, Professor Laventon will inform you that your Pokédex is complete. Your Arc Phone will then direct you to the Temple of Sinnoh at the peak of Mount Coronet to face Arceus.
Is There a Level Requirement for the Arceus Battle?
It’s highly recommended to have a team of Pokémon around level 65-70 or higher before challenging Arceus. The battle is challenging, and Arceus has a high level.
Can I Use the Master Ball on Arceus?
Unfortunately, there’s no Master Ball in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. You’ll have to rely on Ultra Balls, Gigaton Balls (for heavy Pokémon), and other strategic methods to catch Arceus. Perserverance is key!
Is Charizard in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
No. Charizard, along with the entire Charmander line, is notably absent from the Hisuian Pokédex. You will not find Charmander, Charmeleon, or Charizard in Pokémon Legends: Arceus natively.
I’ve Caught All the Pokémon, But the Arceus Quest Isn’t Triggering. Why?
Double-check your Pokédex! Ensure you’ve truly captured every required Pokémon. Make sure you’ve spoken to Professor Laventon to report your progress. Often, players miss a single Pokémon, preventing the quest from triggering. The most commonly missed Pokemon are ones that require specific evolution methods, like evolving Ursaring into Ursaluna during a full moon at the Crimson Mirelands.
How Do I Get Darkrai and Shaymin in Legends: Arceus?
Darkrai and Shaymin are available through save data bonuses. If you have save data from Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl on your Switch, you can unlock a request to catch Darkrai. Similarly, save data from Pokémon Sword/Shield grants access to a quest to catch Shaymin. However, again, these are not required for the Arceus encounter.
Can You Trade Pokémon to Complete the Pokédex?
Yes! Trading is a viable way to obtain Pokémon you might be having trouble finding or evolving. However, to trigger the Arceus encounter, you need to personally capture the required Pokémon in your own game.
How Many Pokémon Are in Pokémon Legends: Arceus in Total?
Including all Mythical and Legendary Pokémon, there are a total of 242 Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. However, only 237 Pokémon are required for the Arceus encounter.
What Is the Azure Flute?
The Azure Flute is a key item you receive after completing the main story and catching all the required Pokémon. You use it at the Temple of Sinnoh to summon Arceus.
Why Can’t I Evolve Certain Pokémon?
Evolution methods in Pokémon Legends: Arceus have changed. Some Pokémon require specific items (like a Moon Stone for Clefairy to Clefable), while others evolve based on time of day or specific move usage (like Stantler evolving into Wyrdeer by using Psyshield Bash in Agile style 20 times). Also, unlike previous games, Pokémon do not automatically evolve once they level up. You need to trigger the evolution manually from the menu.
Are There Any Missable Pokémon in Legends: Arceus?
No, there aren’t any truly “missable” Pokémon in the sense that they become permanently unavailable. All Pokémon, even those involved in story events, can be re-encountered and caught later if you fail the first time.
Final Thoughts: Embark on Your Hisuian Journey
Catching Arceus is the ultimate goal for many players of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Knowing which Pokémon are essential and which are optional can save you significant time and effort. Focus on filling your core Pokédex, embrace the Hisuian wilderness, and prepare for an epic battle against the creator Pokémon! The experience provides a unique blend of action and strategic gameplay, showing how games can be a powerful learning tool. Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the educational aspects of gaming. Good luck, and happy hunting!