Skip to main content

How to catch Arceus in Pokémon Legends: Arceus

how to catch arceus in pokemon legends pok  mon battle
Image used with permission by copyright holder

After the first couple generations of Pokémon games, the series began promoting new Legendary or Mythical Pokémon that each new version included. These usually appeared on the box of each game, while in the case of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the most rare and sought after Pokémon is right in the title. This Mythical Pokémon was initially added in the fourth generation of games, so it isn't brand new to the series. Even so, this is canonically one of the most powerful creatures in existence, and you've only been able to add him to your team a few times.

Recommended Videos

Difficulty

Expert

What You Need

  • A complete Pokédex

  • Azure flute

  • A high-level Pokémon team

The open-world nature of Pokémon Legends: Arceus unlocks a ton of opportunities for the developers to hide rare Pokémon behind specific requirements. With Arceus being the titular Pokémon for the game, it was assumed that we would somehow get the opportunity to face off against it in the main story, if not also the chance to actually capture one. As it turns out, our trainer instincts were correct. However, catching Arceus in Pokémon Legends: Arceus might be the most time consuming and challenging task in any Pokémon title. We can't make it any easier, but can at least tell you exactly what you need to do in order to catch this Mythical beast.

See more

how to catch arceus in pokemon legends pok  mon glow
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to catch Arceus

We mentioned it before, but it bears repeating: this is not going to be easy. There may be only a few steps, but the first step alone might as well be a mountain. This is not something you will do until you've done just about everything else there is to do in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. At the same time, it can be helpful to know what you should be working toward early to cut down on the insane grind ahead of you.

This is a kind of post-post-game task, so while you're likely to naturally beat the game while fulfilling the requirements, you'll also need to do everything after that too. Without spoiling anything, this mainly involves collecting all the plates in a few missions after the credits roll that culminates in a final battle against a Royal Pokémon.

Step 1: The first and most intimidating step is to complete the Pokédex. What that means, if you don't know, is that you first need to catch every other Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, including ultra powerful ones like Palika, Dialga, Regigigas, and more. The only ones that don't count are the Mythical Darkrai and Shaymin. This will total 242 Pokémon you need to add to your collection.

Step 2: With a full Pokédex, return to the Sinnoh Temple on top of Mt. Coronet and play your Azure flute. This will cause a new staircase to appear higher up into the sky.

Step 3: Travel up the staircase and you will face off against "The Original One," aka Arceus. It shouldn't be a problem considering how long it will take you to get to this point, but make sure you've come prepared with a very high level team since this powerhouse appears at level 75 by default and functions a lot like Noble Pokémon encounters as opposed to a traditional one.

how to catch arceus in pokemon legends pok  mon fight
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you're able to best this one, last challenge the game has for you, you can finally claim to have 100% completed Pokémon Legends: Arceus!

Jesse Lennox
Jesse Lennox has been a writer at Digital Trends for over four years and has no plans of stopping. He covers all things…
How to speed up game downloads on PlayStation
A PlayStation 5 connected to a TV, showing the Sony Pictures Core interface.

It's no secret that the best PS5 games are getting bigger and bigger, and we don't just mean in terms of gameplay. Current and upcoming PS5 games can be over 100GBs in size, which is a lot to download. Whether you're getting a game off of PlayStation Plus, or even get a game on disk, you will need to wait for that lengthy download before you can start playing. Let's see if we can't help you download your games a bit faster so you can spend more time gaming and less time waiting.

Read more
How to preorder the Nintendo Switch 2
The Switch 2 on a blue background.

Now that the Switch 2 has made its official debut, everyone is ready to put their money down to get their hands on this new console. The initial trailer showcased just a glimpse of the system but did put many minds at ease by confirming backwards compatibility. Sadly, the one major piece of information we were hoping for, the release date, was missing from the reveal. We know it is coming in 2025, and that there will be events held around the world to play it early, but most of us just want to preorder the system so we know we will have it when it does finally launch. You can't technically preorder the Switch 2 quite yet, but we can show you how to be the first to know when you can.
How to preorder the Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 – First-look trailer

As of the time of this writing, preorders for the Switch 2 are not open at any retailer. We suspect they will open once the full release date and price is shared, likely on April 2 during the next Direct. However, there are some retailers that are currently allowing customers to sign up for email notifications when preorders become available. Here are all the current places you can go to sign up for notifications:
Best Buy
You can visit the Best Buy store and sign up for their email notifications. Emails will include information about the console, but also games and other things related to the Switch 2.
GameStop
GameStop has launched its product page for the Switch 2 and also offers emails related to pre-orders, news, and upcoming games.
When will preorders start for the Switch 2?

Read more
How to join the Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves open beta
Tizoc pointing his finger during his intro in Fatal Fury City of the Wolves.

Fans of the best fighting game franchises have a lot of upcoming video games to look forward to in the months and years ahead. Not only is Virtua Fighter 6 on the way, but Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is due out on April 24, 2025. Every fighting game fan knows that practice makes perfect, so getting your hands on the game early will give you a huge leg up on the competition, and SNK is giving you that chance with an open beta. Here are all the details about joining the Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves open beta and what is included.

Read more