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.
Fighting 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.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Fighting |
| 0x (Immune) | Ghost |
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemAssault Vest NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Arceus View Cyclizar builds →Rapid Spin9-11% U Turn9-10% Knock Off8-10% Draco Meteor24-29% | ||
 Sceptile Grass | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityUnburden ItemPsychicseed NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Arceus View Sceptile builds →Acrobatics6-7% Earthquake11-13% | ||
 Pelipper Water | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityDrizzle ItemFocus Sash NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Arceus View Pelipper builds →Hurricane29-34% | ||
 Blastoise Water | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityTorrent ItemWhite Herb NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Arceus View Blastoise builds →Ice Beam16-19% Surf24-28% Rapid Spin6-7% | ||
 Spidops Bug | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityStakeout ItemFocus Sash NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Arceus View Spidops builds →Knock Off11-13% | ||
Mythical Pokemon don't breed, and Arceus is no exception. This Normal type sits at 720 stats with no chain to speak of. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
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
Arceus best EVs are Attack and HP
Doubles Physical Tank Moveset
- Extreme Speed
- Swords Dance
- Recover
- Earthquake
Recommended Teammates
Physical Tank Moveset
- Extreme Speed
- Swords Dance
- Shadow Claw
- Recover
Recommended Teammates
Physical Stallbreaker Moveset
- Extreme Speed
- Swords Dance
- Shadow Claw
- Taunt
Recommended Teammates
Legends: Arceus uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 8.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 7.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
Moves
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 to Catch Arceus in Legends: Arceus
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.
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 with base 120 Attack and 120 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Tanky enough to absorb a few hits. Best used as a sweeper.
Arceus has answers, but so do you. Priority moves (Mach Punch, Aqua Jet, Ice Shard) bypass its speed. Bulky walls that resist its STAB also shut it down.
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.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DPDebut
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves