Arceus has the stats to dominate any format it's allowed in. 120 base HP stands out, and the rest of the spread doesn't have obvious weak points either. Known as the Alpha Pokemon. Introduced in Gen 4.
An unusually even spread gives Arceus flexibility. HP barely edges ahead. But any other stat isn't far off. Near-impossible to catch and follows a slow 1.25M XP grind. Yields 3 HP EVs.
It is the heavenly fount from which pours the light that shines across Hisui. Its luminance guides and protects all Pokémon. Hisuian mythology states that Arceus is the creator of all things.
Arceus Weakness
GoodFighting-type moves hit Arceus for super-effective damage. The upside? Ghost-type moves can't touch it at all. Arceus's overall bulk (120/120/120) lets it take a hit or two from most weaknesses before going down.
Mythical Pokemon don't breed, and Arceus is no exception. This Normal type sits at 720 stats with no chain to speak of.
How to Evolve
Extreme Speed is the main STAB option after a Swords Dance boost. Silkscarf gives Arceus extra utility to survive the setup turn, and max HP and Attack EVs make the boosted hits count. Ground coverage catches resists.
Best Build
Best Arceus Moveset
- Extreme Speed
- Swords Dance
- Recover
- Earthquake
Recommended Teammates
Need something that threatens multiple types? Arceus's movepool delivers. Coverage across 17 types plus STAB from Hyper Beam and Giga Impact gives it answers for most defensive cores you'll run into.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
A solid spread overall. Arceus gets Hyper Beam and Giga Impact for same-type damage alongside coverage across 17 types. It won't blow anyone away, but it doesn't leave you stuck either.
Need something that threatens multiple types? Arceus's movepool delivers. Coverage across 16 types plus STAB from Hyper Beam and Giga Impact gives it answers for most defensive cores you'll run into.
Need something that threatens multiple types? Arceus's movepool delivers. Coverage across 16 types plus STAB from Hyper Beam and Giga Impact gives it answers for most defensive cores you'll run into.
Arceus can't be caught in Scarlet & Violet. Bring it over from Diamond, Platinum, or Legends: Arceus instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
Arceus is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Also found in:
Arceus is a fixed encounter, not a random spawn. Walk up to it, interact, and the battle starts immediately. Head to Temple of Sinnoh when your team is ready for the fight.
Best Locations
Arceus can't be caught in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl. Bring it over from Diamond, Platinum, or Legends: Arceus instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
Arceus is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Special encounter in:
Then trade to Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl.
Also found in:
Arceus doesn't appear in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon. Transfer it from Diamond, Platinum, or Legends: Arceus to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
Arceus is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Also found in:
At 720 BST, Arceus is built different. We rank it S-Tier. As a Mythical Pokemon, the raw stats back up the reputation. Best used as a sweeper.
Watch for Hitmonlee (Fighting) when using Arceus. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about. Arceus has enough bulk to absorb a hit, but don't push the matchup. Pivot to a teammate that resists.
Arceus doesn't evolve. As a Mythical Pokemon, it stands on its own without an evolutionary line. It's a Normal type with 720 BST.
Multitype changes Arceus's type and form to match its held Plate — that's the one you want on Arceus. It's the only ability Arceus has.
Base 120 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. On offense, Arceus is a mixed attacker — base 120 Attack and 120 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Tanky enough to absorb a few hits. Best used as a sweeper.
Arceus appears in 12 games, including Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver, and Diamond & Pearl.
Arceus first appeared in Diamond & Pearl and has been available in 12 titles. Mythical distribution means event-only access in most games, making it one of the harder Pokemon to collect.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB

Red & Blue - Gen IIGS

Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS

Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG

FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS

HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDPDebut

Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW

Black & White - Gen VB2W2

Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY

X & Y - Gen VIORAS

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM

Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM

Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE

Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh

Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV

Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A
