Pokémon Legends: Arceus isn’t just another entry in the long-running series—it’s a complete reimagining of what a Pokémon game can be. Released in early 2022 for the Nintendo Switch, it strips away the traditional gym-badge formula and replaces it with an open-ended, exploration-driven experience set centuries before the events of Diamond and Pearl. Set in the ancient Hisui region—what modern fans will recognize as Sinnoh—Legends: Arceus brings players into a world where humans are just beginning to study and coexist with Pokémon.
This isn’t the familiar journey of defeating trainers and becoming a champion. Instead, players take on the role of a researcher helping to create the first Pokédex. The game emphasizes discovery, strategy, and world-building in a way that’s both refreshing and deeply immersive. With real-time mechanics, a revamped battle system, and stealth-based catching, it feels more like an action RPG than a turn-based JRPG. These bold shifts have earned Legends: Arceus widespread praise for taking risks the series has long needed.
What also makes the game stand out is its cast of region-specific variants, mysterious “Alpha” Pokémon, and an unexpectedly engaging narrative that’s about ancient legends, time-space distortions, and philosophical tensions between clans worshipping different deities. Even core gameplay mechanics—like item crafting, traversal upgrades via rideable Pokémon, and dynamic weather cycles—add deeper layers of strategy and realism.
Here’s a quick look at how Legends: Arceus compares to previous mainline entries:
| Feature | Pokémon Legends: Arceus | Traditional Pokémon Games |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Feudal-era Hisui (ancient Sinnoh) | Modern-day regions |
| Core Goal | Build first Pokédex | Become regional Champion |
| Battle System | Turn-based with action elements | Classic turn-based combat |
| Wild Encounters | Real-time catching, stealth-based | Random encounters/battle to catch |
| Gym System | None | 8 Gym Leaders + Elite Four |
| Mount/Traversal System | Ride Pokémon to fly, climb, swim | Bikes, HM-based navigation |
| Pokémon Variants | Hisuian forms and Alpha Pokémon | Regional forms in some titles |
| Progression Style | Open-area exploration zones | Linear route-based structure |
The shift in direction paid off—Pokémon Legends: Arceus became one of the fastest-selling entries in the franchise, and its success helped pave the way for later open-world titles like Scarlet and Violet. Whether you’re a returning fan or new to the series, Legends: Arceus delivers an experience that feels both nostalgic and revolutionary.
Best Pokemon in Arceus
1. Gyarados
Gyarados stands out as one of the most powerful Water-type Pokémon in Legends: Arceus. With its intimidating appearance and strong stats, this Atrocious Pokémon brings a lot to any trainer’s team.
Its Water/Flying typing gives it some helpful resistances while maintaining strong offensive capabilities. Gyarados has notably high attack stats, making it an excellent physical attacker in battles.
For moves, players have several good options. A solid moveset includes Aqua Tail and Outrage as these provide reliable damage with decent power, accuracy, and PP. These form the backbone of its attacking strategy.
Many players recommend adding Crunch, Ice Fang, Waterfall, and Earthquake to the mix. You’ll need to choose four total moves, so pick what fits your team’s needs. Dragon Dance can also replace one of these if you want to boost its stats.
While Gyarados shines with physical attacks, it has lower Special Attack compared to some other Water-types. This means you’ll want to focus on physical moves rather than special ones.
Speed can be a concern with Gyarados, as it’s slower than alternatives like Samurott and Floatzel. However, its raw attacking power often makes up for this weakness.
The journey to get a Gyarados requires some patience. You’ll need to catch and evolve a Magikarp, which can be found in various water bodies throughout the Hisui region. The effort pays off with this powerhouse addition to your team.
2. Garchomp
Garchomp stands out as one of the most powerful Pokémon in Legends Arceus. This Dragon and Ground-type combines impressive stats with a versatile movepool, making it a top choice for many trainers.
You can find Garchomp in the late-game areas, though many encounters are with challenging Alpha versions. Some players prefer to evolve a Gabite instead of facing these powerful wild encounters.
For moves, Garchomp benefits from strong STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) options. Outrage and Bulldoze are considered the best STAB moves because they offer good power, accuracy, and PP. Outrage hits particularly hard, though its confusion drawback is less problematic in Legends Arceus.
Dragon Claw provides a safer alternative to Outrage. While it deals less damage, you won’t face the confusion risk that comes with Outrage, giving you more control in important battles.
Garchomp has the Sand Veil ability, which boosts its evasion during sandstorms. This passive boost can make Garchomp even harder to defeat in the right weather conditions.
When comparing dragon types, some players debate between Garchomp and Hisuian Goodra. While both are strong, Hisuian Goodra is easier to obtain earlier in the game. Garchomp typically requires more patience or waiting until later game areas.
For those determined to add this powerhouse to their team, Alpha Garchomp locations can be found in specific spots on the map. These Alpha versions come with higher base stats and sometimes pre-learned moves.
With its fast speed stat and high attack power, Garchomp excels at quickly eliminating opponents before they can strike. Its Ground/Dragon typing also provides useful resistances against Electric and Fire types.
3. Gengar
Gengar stands out as one of the most powerful Ghost-type Pokémon in Legends: Arceus. This fast-moving specter combines Ghost and Poison typing, making it effective against multiple enemy types.
Gengar functions as a glass cannon with high Speed and Special Attack stats but low defensive capabilities. Players should focus on striking first and hitting hard with this Pokémon.
For maximum effectiveness, trainers should consider equipping Gengar with a strategic moveset. The recommended combination includes Shadow Ball, Dark Pulse, Hex, and Venoshock. This setup provides excellent coverage against various enemy types.
The Cursed Body ability adds another layer of strategy to Gengar’s toolkit. This ability can disable opponent moves, creating opportunities for Gengar to strike without taking damage.
Finding Gengar in the wild can be challenging. Players may have better luck evolving from Haunter, which requires trading in traditional games but works differently in Legends: Arceus.
When facing major battles, Gengar’s STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) Poison typing provides significant advantages. This makes Gengar particularly useful against Fairy-type enemies, which are otherwise troublesome.
Gengar also benefits from his impressive Speed stat. This allows him to attack before most opponents, offsetting his fragile defensive profile.
For players seeking a powerful special attacker, few Pokémon match Gengar’s offensive capabilities. His Ghost typing also grants immunity to Normal and Fighting moves, adding defensive utility.
Trainers should be cautious when using Gengar against Psychic-type enemies, as his Poison typing creates a vulnerability. Despite this weakness, his Ghost attacks remain effective against Psychic Pokémon.
4. Infernape
Infernape stands out as one of the best Pokémon choices in Legends Arceus due to its strong dual Fire and Fighting typing. This final evolution of Chimchar brings both power and speed to any team lineup.
Infernape’s best nature is typically Jolly or Adamant, depending on whether you want to maximize its already impressive speed or boost its attack power. These natures help Infernape excel in fast-paced battles throughout the Hisui region.
For movesets, Infernape has several strong options. Flamethrower (Strength 80) is commonly recommended as a primary Fire-type move. Close Combat provides powerful Fighting-type coverage, while Aerial Ace handles Grass-types that might otherwise cause problems.
Infernape follows a Medium Slow growth rate with EV yields in Attack, Special Attack, and Speed. This distribution reflects its balanced offensive capabilities and quick movement in battle.
The Pokédex describes Infernape as a “tall, hardy Pokémon with a dazzling appearance” that “shrouds itself in flame and battles as if engaged in dance.” This fighting style makes Infernape not just powerful but visually impressive during battles.
Many players consider Infernape an excellent main Pokémon for progressing through Legends Arceus. Its type coverage handles many challenges effectively, and its speed helps in both catching wild Pokémon and battling tough opponents.
When using Infernape effectively, mix physical and special attacks to take advantage of its balanced offensive stats. The combination of Fire and Fighting moves provides coverage against many common Pokémon types found throughout Hisui.
5. Scizor
Scizor is one of the strongest Pokémon you can add to your team in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This Bug/Steel type evolves from Scyther when using a Metal Coat, offering a significant upgrade in battle potential.
The Bug/Steel typing is considered one of the best possible combinations for Bug Pokémon. This dual typing gives Scizor excellent defensive capabilities by removing many weaknesses that pure Bug types struggle with.
Alpha Scizor is particularly sought after for its enhanced stats. When deciding on moves, players have several strong options to consider. Calm Mind is actually superior to Swords Dance for Scizor since it boosts both attack and defense.
Scizor can learn moves through the Move Tutor that complement its high Attack stat. Its signature move, Bullet Punch, gives it a priority Steel-type attack that can often strike before opponents.
Players choosing between evolving Scyther into either Scizor or Kleavor should note that Scizor is typically considered the better option. Its Steel typing provides more defensive advantages in most situations.
Scizor has access to three abilities: Swarm, Technician, and Light Metal. Technician is particularly valuable as it boosts the power of weaker moves, making moves like Bullet Punch even more effective.
To catch Scizor, players can either evolve a Scyther or find one in specific locations around the Hisui region. The evolution method requires a Metal Coat item, which can be purchased or found during exploration.
With its impressive defenses, strong Attack stat, and good movepool, Scizor remains one of the most reliable Pokémon to have on your team throughout your journey in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
6. Hisuian Zoroark
Hisuian Zoroark stands out as one of the most unique Pokémon in Legends Arceus with its Normal/Ghost typing. This rare type combination gives it only one weakness (Dark) while providing immunity to Normal, Fighting, and Ghost moves.
The Baneful Fox Pokémon can be tricky to find in the wild. You might encounter it in mass outbreaks after completing the main story, making it somewhat rare compared to other Hisuian forms.
Players love Hisuian Zoroark for its striking visual design featuring flowing white fur and red accents. The purple flames it produces match its ghostly nature and add to its intimidating appearance.
Its signature ability, Illusion, adds a strategic element to battles by disguising itself as another Pokémon in your party. This can catch opponents off-guard and create unexpected advantages in both story encounters and against other players.
When building a team, Hisuian Zoroark pairs well with Pokémon like Gliscor or Landorous, which complement its typing without creating overlapping weaknesses. This makes for a balanced team composition.
For catching Hisuian Zoroark, patience is key. Some players recommend waiting for mass outbreaks which significantly increase your chances of encountering this elusive Pokémon.
Looking at competitive use, Hisuian Zoroark excels as a special attacker. Its high Speed and Special Attack stats make it excellent for delivering powerful hits before opponents can respond.
The region-specific evolution requires you to first obtain a Hisuian Zorua, which can then evolve into the more powerful Hisuian Zoroark at level 30. Both forms keep the same typing throughout evolution.
7. Lucario
Lucario stands out as one of the most versatile fighters in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. This Fighting/Steel type Pokemon combines impressive offensive capabilities with solid defensive typing, making it a valuable addition to any team.
Lucario can run both physical and special attacks effectively. Its versatile movepool includes many coverage options and stat-boosting moves, allowing players to customize their battle strategy.
When choosing moves for Lucario, Close Combat pairs well with Shadow Claw for excellent type coverage. This combination gives Lucario the ability to hit many Pokemon for super-effective damage.
The best nature for Lucario depends on your preferred battle style. Players focusing on physical attacks should choose Adamant nature, while those preferring special attacks would benefit from a Modest nature, which boosts Special Attack.
Lucario has a Medium Slow growth rate, meaning it takes a bit longer to level up compared to some other Pokemon. Its EV yield gives 1 Attack and 1 Special Attack when defeated, making it a useful training target for offensive Pokemon.
When comparing Lucario to similar Pokemon like Gallade, there are key differences to consider. While both are strong fighters, Gallade learns False Swipe which Lucario doesn’t. This makes Gallade more useful for catching wild Pokemon, especially shinies.
Players can find Lucario in several locations throughout the Hisui region. For those who prefer to evolve Riolu instead, friendship is the key factor—Riolu evolves when its friendship level is high enough during the daytime.
Lucario performs exceptionally well against many of the game’s challenging boss encounters. Its Steel typing provides resistance to numerous attack types, helping it survive longer in tough battles.
8. Tornadus
Tornadus is one of the legendary Pokémon you can catch in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This Flying-type Pokémon is known as the Cyclone Pokémon and has the Prankster ability, making it a unique addition to your team.
You can find Tornadus roaming around the Bonechill Wastes area in the Alabaster Icelands. It appears near the southern region of the map, often moving around quickly due to its flying nature.
Catching Tornadus can be tricky because of its movement patterns. Many players have found success by using smoke bombs and Jet Balls. A good strategy is to throw a smoke bomb, land in it by flying, and then throw Jet Balls until you catch Tornadus.
Tornadus features a Slow growth rate and offers 3 Attack EV Yield when defeated. This makes it valuable not just as a collection piece but also for training specific stats on your other Pokémon.
After catching the standard form, players can also obtain Tornadus Therian form. This alternate form comes with the Regenerator ability instead of Prankster, giving it different strategic value in battles.
Some players report difficulty during battles with Tornadus due to its speed and attack power. Bringing Electric or Rock type Pokémon can help counter its Flying-type moves.
For best results when hunting Tornadus, visit the Alabaster Icelands during snowstorms. The weather conditions seem to increase the chances of encountering this legendary Pokémon, though it can appear in any weather.
9. Thundurus
Thundurus is one of the legendary Pokémon you can catch in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This Electric and Flying-type Pokémon appears in the Cobalt Coastlands region of the game.
To find Thundurus, head to the ocean area north of Sand’s Reach in the eastern part of the Cobalt Coastlands. You’ll notice the weather becomes stormy when Thundurus is present.
Before attempting to catch this legendary, make sure to clear out all the Gyarados in the area. This step is necessary as Thundurus won’t appear until you’ve cleaned up all Gyarados from the waters.
Approaching Thundurus can be tricky. It tends to flee when it spots you, so stealth is key. Many players use Smoke Bombs to create a path toward the Pokémon without being seen.
Riding Pokémon can help you navigate the area efficiently. Players often use Wyrdeer or Braviary to avoid traps in the environment. Wyrdeer allows quick dismounting, while Braviary enables diving tactics.
When you finally get close enough, throw a spoiled apricorn to distract Thundurus. This creates an opening to engage in battle. Ultra Balls work well for the actual capture attempt.
Thundurus has impressive stats with a Slow growth rate and 3 Attack EV Yield. This makes it useful against Water and Fighting-type Pokémon.
The challenge of tracking and capturing Thundurus makes it a rewarding addition to your Pokédex. Its unique design and powerful moves make the effort worthwhile for trainers looking to build a strong team.
10. Landorus
Landorus is one of the legendary Pokémon you can catch in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This Ground and Flying-type Pokémon appears in the Obsidian Fieldlands region after you progress through the main story.
Finding Landorus can be tricky. You’ll need to complete the “Incarnate Forces of Hisui” request first. Then head to the Obsidian Fieldlands during a thunderstorm to spot this legendary creature.
Catching Landorus requires patience and strategy. Many players struggle with capturing this Pokémon as it tends to flee quickly. Bring plenty of items to stun it, such as Mud Balls, Snowballs, or Sticky Globs.
When approaching Landorus, use stealth tactics. Hide in tall grass and throw stunning items to calm it down. This makes the catching process much easier.
For the best results, use Ultra Balls or Gigaton Balls once Landorus is stunned. Its catch rate improves significantly when its health is low, so weaken it with your Pokémon before attempting a capture.
Landorus has impressive stats with a particular emphasis on Special Attack. This makes it a powerful addition to your team for challenging battles.
The Abundance Pokémon, as it’s known, has a Slow growth rate. This means it takes longer to level up compared to other Pokémon, but the power it brings to your team justifies the extra effort.
After capturing Landorus, you’ll need to complete its Pokédex research tasks. These include using its moves in battle and observing its behaviors in different weather conditions.
Gameplay Mechanics
Pokémon Legends: Arceus introduces revolutionary changes to the series’ traditional formula. The game blends action RPG elements with familiar Pokémon systems to create something truly unique.
Battle System
The battle system in Pokémon Legends: Arceus completely reimagines how Pokémon fights work. Unlike traditional turn-based battles, the game introduces a speed-based system where Pokémon can attack multiple times in a row based on their stats and moves.
Some wild Pokémon can attack up to four times in one turn, creating intense and challenging encounters. This action-oriented approach keeps players on their toes.
The Strong and Agile style moves add strategic depth. Strong style increases a move’s power but decreases your action speed. Agile style does the opposite, allowing for quicker follow-up attacks.
Status effects and type matchups remain important, but mastering the new timing mechanics is key to success. Players must pay closer attention to their Pokémon’s speed stats when building teams.
Exploration Features
Exploration in Legends: Arceus takes place in open areas rather than linear routes. Players can freely roam these expansive zones, catching Pokémon without entering traditional battles.
The catching system has been completely revamped to focus on stealth and timing. You can throw Poké Balls directly at wild Pokémon in the overworld, with success depending on factors like:
- Pokémon awareness level (unaware, alert, aggressive)
- Ball type and quality
- Your stealth approach
- Stunning with items like mud balls or berries
Traversal options expand as you progress. Players gain access to special riding Pokémon that enable swimming, climbing, and flying across the Hisui region.
The day/night cycle and weather system affect which Pokémon appear and how they behave. This encourages players to explore the same areas at different times for new discoveries.
Story and Setting
Pokémon Legends: Arceus breaks new ground in the franchise with its unique historical setting and narrative approach. The game offers players a refreshing storyline that combines mystery, discovery, and Pokémon lore.
Plot Overview
Players begin as a character mysteriously transported through time and space by Arceus, landing in ancient Hisui (the historical name for the Sinnoh region). After being discovered unconscious, you’re recruited into the Galaxy Team’s Survey Corps in Jubilife Village. Your main task? Complete the region’s first Pokédex.
The story revolves around investigating strange space-time rifts and the “noble” Pokémon who have gone frenzied. These powerful creatures must be calmed rather than captured in traditional battles.
The plot has received mixed but generally positive reviews. While better than average Pokémon plots, it’s most compelling during the final 20% of the game. The narrative involves interesting dynamics between the Galaxy Team and the Diamond and Pearl clans, who have different beliefs about Hisui’s deity.
Historical Context
Legends: Arceus is set in a feudal-era version of the Sinnoh region, long before modern Pokémon training or battling existed. This historical setting creates a unique gameplay experience where Pokémon are feared rather than embraced as partners.
The Diamond and Pearl clans worship different deities – Dialga and Palkia respectively – creating tension that drives much of the story. Their different perspectives about Hisui’s “almighty Sinnoh” deity form a central conflict.
The Galaxy Team represents early settlers trying to establish Jubilife Village as a foothold in this wild land. This organization becomes the precursor to modern Sinnoh’s Galaxy Team/Galactic Corporation, cleverly tying into familiar Pokémon lore.
The historical setting allows players to witness the origins of Pokémon training, Pokéballs, and the complex relationship between humans and Pokémon that eventually forms the foundation of the modern Pokémon world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Players often have specific questions about maximizing their experience in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. These questions cover everything from starter selection to team building strategies with top performers like Gyarados and Garchomp.
Which starter should I choose in Pokémon Legends: Arceus for the best advantage?
Each starter offers unique advantages. Rowlet evolves into Decidueye with strong Ghost/Fighting typing in its Hisuian form. This gives it excellent coverage against many Pokémon types.
Cyndaquil’s evolution into Typhlosion (Hisuian form) grants Ghost/Fire typing. This combination provides good offensive capabilities and fewer weaknesses than standard Fire types.
Oshawott evolves into Hisuian Samurott with Water/Dark typing. This makes it particularly effective against Psychic and Ghost types while maintaining strong Water moves. Many players recommend Oshawott for its balance of offense and typing advantages.
What Pokémon make up the optimal team composition in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
A balanced team typically includes Gyarados for its versatility and power. Its Water/Flying typing offers good coverage, and it learns powerful physical moves.
Garchomp stands out as an exceptional Ground/Dragon type with high attack and speed stats. It can handle Electric types that threaten Gyarados.
Gengar provides excellent Ghost/Poison coverage with access to strong special attacks. Its ability to hit many defensive types makes it valuable.
Infernape offers Fighting/Fire coverage and good speed, making it excellent for aggressive play styles. Scizor’s Bug/Steel typing gives it numerous resistances while maintaining offensive pressure.
Which Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the most powerful?
Arceus stands as the most powerful legendary, fitting for the game’s title character. With its ability to change types using plates, it adapts to any situation.
Origin Forme Dialga and Palkia offer tremendous power with their unique typing and movesets. These special forms are exclusive to Legends: Arceus.
Giratina’s Origin Forme provides exceptional bulk and attack power. Its Ghost/Dragon typing gives it only a few weaknesses, making it a formidable battle option.
What are the top-tier Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, according to the community tier lists?
Community tier lists consistently place Garchomp, Goodra (Hisuian form), and Kleavor in top tiers. Their combination of stats, typing, and movesets make them effective in most situations.
Gyarados and Gengar also appear in high tiers due to their versatility and power. Gyarados benefits from strong physical attacks and useful typing.
Hisuian Zoroark, with its Normal/Ghost typing, ranks highly for having only one weakness (Dark). This unique defensive profile combined with good offensive stats makes it valuable for many team compositions.
How do the new Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus rank in effectiveness?
Hisuian Zoroark stands out among new Pokémon with its unique Normal/Ghost typing that grants immunity to Fighting, Normal, and Ghost moves. Its special attack stat makes it a powerful offensive option.
Kleavor (Bug/Rock) offers excellent offensive typing with high attack. Its early availability in the game makes it useful throughout the adventure.
Hisuian Arcanine combines Fire and Rock for interesting offensive coverage. While it has several weaknesses, its attack stat and move pool make it a strong choice for aggressive playstyles.
Are there any standout Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus for completing the Pokédex?
Wyrdeer proves invaluable for Pokédex completion due to its riding ability. This makes exploring and finding rare Pokémon much easier across the various regions.
Basculegion helps players access water areas efficiently. This is crucial for catching water-dwelling Pokémon that would otherwise be difficult to reach.
For battle-oriented Pokédex completion, Hisuian Typhlosion works well. Its Ghost/Fire typing and special attack focus help defeat many wild Pokémon without fainting them. Players can find more tips about completing specific Pokédex entries in various online guides and FAQs.
