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Why Aren’t All Pokémon in Legends: Arceus?

The question of why every single Pokémon isn’t included in every Pokémon game, especially Pokémon Legends: Arceus, is one that has plagued trainers since the series first introduced hundreds of unique creatures to catch. The core reason is a multifaceted blend of technical limitations, design choices, and narrative cohesion. Including every Pokémon would create a resource strain that may impact performance and the ability of the developers to create a world that is detailed and believable. Secondly, some Pokémon simply don’t fit into the thematic or geographic setting of the game.

Understanding the Omission of Pokémon in Arceus

Technical Constraints and Development Trade-Offs

Game development is an exercise in careful balance. The developers at Game Freak must carefully consider:

System Resources: Including every Pokémon, with all its individual models, animations, sound effects, and unique battle attributes, places a massive strain on the Nintendo Switch’s hardware. More Pokémon means less potential for detailed environments, fluid animations, and a stable frame rate.
Development Time: Creating a new Pokémon game is a time-consuming process. Adding more characters means allocating further time, impacting other critical aspects of the game.
Storage Space: While physical game cartridges have improved, storage is still a factor. A larger roster dramatically increases the overall file size of the game, potentially impacting digital downloads and updates.

Design Choices and Gameplay Considerations

Beyond the technical limitations, excluding some Pokémon is a conscious design decision:

Regional Appropriateness: Legends: Arceus is set in the Hisui region, the ancient past of what would become the Sinnoh region. The ecological and evolutionary landscape was different, and not all Pokémon would naturally inhabit that area. Including Pokémon that don’t fit the region would detract from the game’s immersion.
Focus on Specific Pokémon: By limiting the total number of Pokémon, the developers can better showcase and give depth to the Pokémon that are included. This allows for better integration of Pokémon into the narrative and gameplay, such as the newly introduced Hisuian forms and evolutions like Wyrdeer and Kleavor.
Rarity and the Thrill of the Hunt: If every Pokémon was available, the sense of accomplishment and excitement when encountering a rare species would be significantly diminished. By limiting the selection, the rarity of certain Pokémon is heightened, driving player engagement.

Narrative Integration

The story of Legends: Arceus is about the creation of the first Pokédex and the exploration of the Hisui region. The selection of Pokémon needs to support that narrative:

Historical Accuracy (Within the Pokémon Universe): The game tries to present a believable depiction of the Pokémon ecosystem in the past. This means prioritizing Pokémon that would logically be present in that era and location.
Mythical and Legendary Pokémon: The focus on Arceus, the god of Pokémon, and the mysteries surrounding it, necessitates a specific selection of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon that tie into the lore and story.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pokémon Omissions in Legends: Arceus