The Alpha Pokemon. Arceus is event-only in HeartGold and SoulSilver and the strongest Pokemon in existence. Multitype changes type with Plates, and S-Tier stats dominate everything.
Ability 1MultitypeAbility 1Changes arceus's type and form to match its held Plate.
720HP120Attack120Defense120Speed120Sp.Def120Sp.Atk120
Weak to
Physical
Sweeper
120Speed · Very Fast

Is Arceus Good in HeartGold & SoulSilver Playthrough?

Event only. Normal with AbilityMultitype changing type based on held Plate. If obtained, Arceus handles everything with 720 BST and type flexibility. Triggers the Sinjoh Ruins event for Dialga, Palkia, or Giratina. The rarest Pokemon in HGSS.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadGGGEEGSSGSSSGGGSGGGGSFalknerGym 1BugsyGym 2WhitneyGym 3MortyGym 4ChuckGym 5JasmineGym 6PryceGym 7ClairGym 8BrockGym 9MistyGym 10SurgeGym 11ErikaGym 12JanineGym 13SabrinaGym 14BlaineGym 15BlueGym 16ArceusTradeWillE4KogaE4BrunoE4KarenE4LanceChamp*
Falkner
Gym 1
Good

Arceus has the type edge here and should clean up Falkner's team.

You Win
Pidgey
Lv 9
NormalFlying
Keen Eye
TackleSand Attack
Even
Pidgeotto
Lv 13
NormalFlying
Keen Eye
TackleRoostGust
Bugsy
Gym 2
Good

Arceus has the type edge here and should clean up Bugsy's team.

You Win
Scyther
Lv 17
BugFlying
Technician
Quick AttackLeerU TurnFocus Energy
Easy KO
Kakuna
Lv 15
BugPoison
Shed Skin
Poison Sting
Easy KO
Metapod
Lv 15
Bug
Shed Skin
Tackle
Whitney
Gym 3
Good

Arceus has the type edge here and should clean up Whitney's team.

Easy KO
Clefairy
Lv 17
Normal
Cute Charm
Double SlapMimicEncoreMetronome
You Win
Miltank
Lv 19
Normal
Scrappy
RolloutAttractStompMilk Drink
Morty
Gym 4
Even

Arceus trades roughly evenly with Morty's team.

You Win
Gastly
Lv 21
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
LickSpiteMean LookCurse
Even
Haunter
Lv 21
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
HypnosisDream EaterCurseNightmare
Even
Gengar
Lv 25
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
HypnosisShadow BallMean LookSucker Punch
Even
Haunter
Lv 23
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
CurseMean LookSucker PunchNight Shade
Chuck
Gym 5
Even

Arceus trades roughly evenly with Chuck's team.

Even
Primeape
Lv 29
Fighting
Vital Spirit
LeerDouble TeamFocus PunchRock Slide
You Win
Poliwrath
Lv 31
WaterFighting
Water AbsorbImmune to Water attacks
HypnosisSurfFocus PunchBody Slam
Jasmine
Gym 6
Good

Arceus has the type edge here and should clean up Jasmine's team.

You Win
Magnemite
Lv 30
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
ThunderboltSupersonicSonic BoomThunder Wave
You Win
Magnemite
Lv 30
ElectricSteel
Sturdy
ThunderboltSupersonicSonic BoomThunder Wave
Even
Steelix
Lv 35
SteelGround
Sturdy
ScreechSandstormRock ThrowIron Tail
Pryce
Gym 7
Strong

Arceus resists most of Pryce's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Seel
Lv 30
Water
Thick Fat
SnoreHailIcy WindRest
You Win
Dewgong
Lv 32
WaterIce
Thick Fat
Sleep TalkIce ShardAurora BeamRest
You Win
Piloswine
Lv 34
IceGround
Snow Cloak
HailIce FangMud BombBlizzard
Clair
Gym 8
Strong

Arceus resists most of Clair's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Gyarados
Lv 38
WaterFlying
Intimidate
TwisterDragon RageBiteDragon Pulse
Easy KO
Dragonair
Lv 38
Dragon
Shed Skin
Thunder WaveFire BlastSlamDragon Pulse
Easy KO
Dragonair
Lv 38
Dragon
Shed Skin
Thunder WaveAqua TailSlamDragon Pulse
You Win
Kingdra
Lv 41
WaterDragon
Sniper
SmokescreenHydro PumpHyper BeamDragon Pulse
Brock
Gym 9
Good

Arceus has the type edge here and should clean up Brock's team.

You Win
Graveler
Lv 51
RockGround
Sturdy
Defense CurlRock SlideRolloutEarthquake
You Win
Rhyhorn
Lv 51
GroundRock
Rock Head
SandstormScary FaceEarthquakeHorn Drill
You Win
Omastar
Lv 53
RockWater
Shell Armor
Ancient PowerBrineProtectSpike Cannon
You Win
Onix
Lv 54
RockGround
Sturdy
Iron TailRock SlideScreechSandstorm
You Win
Kabutops
Lv 52
RockWater
Battle Armor
Rock SlideAqua JetEndureGiga Drain
Misty
Gym 10
Strong

Arceus resists most of Misty's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Golduck
Lv 49
Water
Damp
Water PulseDisablePsych UpPsychic
Easy KO
Quagsire
Lv 49
WaterGround
Water AbsorbImmune to Water attacks
Water PulseAmnesiaEarthquakeRain Dance
You Win
Lapras
Lv 52
WaterIce
Shell Armor
Water PulseSingIce BeamBody Slam
You Win
Starmie
Lv 54
WaterPsychic
Natural Cure
Water PulseConfuse RayRecoverIce Beam
Lt. Surge
Gym 11
Strong

Arceus resists most of Lt. Surge's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Raichu
Lv 51
Electric
Static
Thunder WaveQuick AttackShock WaveDouble Team
Easy KO
Electrode
Lv 47
Electric
Static
Thunder WaveDouble TeamShock WaveLight Screen
You Win
Magneton
Lv 47
ElectricSteel
Sturdy
SupersonicDouble TeamShock WaveMirror Shot
Easy KO
Electrode
Lv 47
Electric
Static
ScreechDouble TeamSelf DestructCharge Beam
You Win
Electabuzz
Lv 53
Electric
Static
Quick AttackShock WaveLight ScreenLow Kick
Erika
Gym 12
Strong

Arceus resists most of Erika's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Jumpluff
Lv 51
GrassFlying
Chlorophyll
U TurnLeech SeedSunny DayGiga Drain
Easy KO
Tangela
Lv 52
Grass
Chlorophyll
Ancient PowerWring OutGiga DrainSleep Powder
You Win
Victreebel
Lv 56
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Sunny DaySynthesisGrass KnotLeaf Storm
You Win
Bellossom
Lv 56
Grass
Chlorophyll
Sunny DaySynthesisGiga DrainSolar Beam
Janine
Gym 13
Good

Arceus has the type edge here and should clean up Janine's team.

You Win
Crobat
Lv 47
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
ScreechSupersonicConfuse RayWing Attack
You Win
Weezing
Lv 44
Poison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Double HitSludge BombToxicExplosion
Easy KO
Ariados
Lv 47
BugPoison
Insomnia
Scary FacePoison JabPin MissilePsychic
Easy KO
Ariados
Lv 47
BugPoison
Insomnia
Pin MissilePoison JabSwaggerNight Shade
You Win
Venomoth
Lv 50
BugPoison
Tinted Lens
Sludge BombDouble TeamSignal BeamPsychic
Sabrina
Gym 14
Good

Arceus has the type edge here and should clean up Sabrina's team.

You Win
Espeon
Lv 53
Psychic
Synchronize
Shadow BallSkill SwapCalm MindPsychic
You Win
Mr Mime
Lv 53
Psychic
Filter
MimicLight ScreenSkill SwapPsychic
You Win
Alakazam
Lv 55
Psychic
Inner Focus
Skill SwapPsychicEnergy BallReflect
Blaine
Gym 15
Good

Arceus has the type edge here and should clean up Blaine's team.

You Win
Magcargo
Lv 54
FireRock
Flame Body
Sunny DaySmogOverheatRock Slide
Easy KO
Magmar
Lv 54
Fire
Flame Body
Thunder PunchOverheatSunny DayConfuse Ray
You Win
Rapidash
Lv 59
Fire
Flash FireImmune to Fire attacks
Quick AttackFlare BlitzBounceOverheat
Blue
Gym 16
Strong

Arceus resists most of Blue's coverage and hits back hard.

You Win
Exeggutor
Lv 55
GrassPsychic
Chlorophyll
Leaf StormPsychicHypnosisTrick Room
You Win
Arcanine
Lv 58
Fire
Intimidate
RoarDragon PulseFlare BlitzExtreme Speed
You Win
Rhydon
Lv 58
GroundRock
Rock Head
MegahornStone EdgeThunder FangEarthquake
Easy KO
Gyarados
Lv 52
WaterFlying
Intimidate
Ice FangWaterfallDragon DanceReturn
You Win
Machamp
Lv 56
Fighting
No Guard
Dynamic PunchEarthquakeStone EdgeThunder Punch
You Win
Pidgeot
Lv 60
NormalFlying
Tangled Feet
ReturnWhirlwindAir SlashMirror Move
Will
Elite Four
Good

Arceus has the type edge here and should clean up Will's team.

You Win
Xatu
Lv 40
PsychicFlying
Synchronize
U TurnMe FirstConfuse RayPsychic
You Win
Jynx
Lv 41
IcePsychic
Oblivious
Double SlapLovely KissIce PunchPsychic
You Win
Exeggutor
Lv 41
GrassPsychic
Chlorophyll
ReflectHypnosisEgg BombPsychic
You Win
Slowbro
Lv 41
WaterPsychic
Own Tempo
CurseAmnesiaWater PulsePsychic
You Win
Xatu
Lv 42
PsychicFlying
Early Bird
Aerial AceOminous WindConfuse RayPsychic
Koga
Elite Four
Good

Arceus has the type edge here and should clean up Koga's team.

Easy KO
Ariados
Lv 40
BugPoison
Insomnia
Poison JabSpider WebBaton PassGiga Drain
Easy KO
Venomoth
Lv 41
BugPoison
Tinted Lens
SupersonicGustPsychicToxic
You Win
Forretress
Lv 43
BugSteel
Sturdy
ProtectSwiftExplosionToxic Spikes
You Win
Muk
Lv 42
Poison
Sticky Hold
MinimizeScreechGunk ShotToxic
You Win
Crobat
Lv 44
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Double TeamQuick AttackWing AttackPoison Fang
Bruno
Elite Four
Good

Arceus has the type edge here and should clean up Bruno's team.

You Win
Hitmontop
Lv 42
Fighting
Technician
CounterQuick AttackDigTriple Kick
You Win
Hitmonlee
Lv 42
Fighting
Reckless
SwaggerFocus EnergyHigh Jump KickBlaze Kick
Easy KO
Hitmonchan
Lv 42
Fighting
Iron Fist
Thunder PunchIce PunchFire PunchBullet Punch
Easy KO
Onix
Lv 43
RockGround
Sturdy
Dragon BreathEarthquakeSandstormRock Slide
You Win
Machamp
Lv 46
Fighting
No Guard
Rock SlideForesightRevengeCross Chop
Karen
Elite Four
Good

Arceus has the type edge here and should clean up Karen's team.

You Win
Umbreon
Lv 42
Dark
Synchronize
Double TeamConfuse RayFeint AttackPayback
Easy KO
Vileplume
Lv 42
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Stun SporeAcidMoonlightPetal Dance
Even
Gengar
Lv 45
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
LickSpiteFocus BlastDestiny Bond
Easy KO
Murkrow
Lv 44
DarkFlying
Super Luck
PluckWhirlwindSucker PunchFeint Attack
You Win
Houndoom
Lv 47
DarkFire
Flash FireImmune to Fire attacks
Nasty PlotDark PulseFlamethrowerCrunch
Lance
Champion
Strong

Arceus resists most of Lance's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Gyarados
Lv 46
WaterFlying
Intimidate
FlailDragon PulseWaterfallIce Fang
Easy KO
Dragonite
Lv 49
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Thunder WaveDragon RushThunderHyper Beam
Easy KO
Dragonite
Lv 49
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Thunder WaveDragon RushBlizzardHyper Beam
Even
Aerodactyl
Lv 48
RockFlying
Pressure
Aerial AceCrunchRock SlideThunder Fang
Easy KO
Charizard
Lv 48
FireFlying
Blaze
Shadow ClawAir SlashDragon ClawFire Fang
Easy KO
Dragonite
Lv 50
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Fire BlastSafeguardOutrageHyper Beam

Trade

Transfer-only
Type
Normal
Tier
S

Arceus cannot be caught in this game. It must be traded in from a compatible game where it appears in the wild. Cross-region trading typically becomes available after defeating the Elite Four.

View Arceus locations

How to Get Arceus in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Arceus can't be caught in HeartGold & SoulSilver. Transfer one in from Diamond & Pearl or Platinum.

Arceus cannot be caught in the wild in HeartGold & SoulSilver, but you can still get it via these paths:

Also Obtainable In:

Pokemon transfers only go forward through generations, never backward. Direct cross-gen trades aren't supported.

How to Get Shiny Arceus in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Arceus cannot be obtained in HeartGold or SoulSilver, so a legitimate shiny has to be brought in from another game. See every game where Shiny Arceus can be hunted

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Arceus in HeartGold & SoulSilverNormal
Shiny Arceus in HeartGold & SoulSilver Shiny
Color ShiftWhitetoYellow
Shiny TierA Tier Shiny

Shiny Arceus Evolution

Does Not Evolve
Arceus does not evolve
Single-stage PokemonView Full Evolution Chart

Arceus Weakness

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.

Arceus Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Fighting
0x (Immune)Ghost
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Arceus Weak Against

Good
1Weak
0Resist
1Immune
Score+1
4xCritical
None
2xWeak
½xResist
None
¼xResist
None
0xImmune

What is Arceus Strong Against

0Strong
2Resisted
1Immune
Score-3
2xStrong
None
½xResisted
0xImmune

Best Pokemon Against Arceus

Hariyama
Hariyama
Fighting
B
Breloom
Breloom
GrassFighting
A
Blaziken
Blaziken
FireFighting
C
Gallade
Gallade
PsychicFighting
B
Toxicroak
Toxicroak
PoisonFighting
C

Arceus Evolutions

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

No Evolution
Arceus
#493Arceus
Does not evolve

Breeding

Unavailable
Undiscovered egg group

HGSS Arceus Best Moveset

Any type through AbilityMultitype and the matching Plate item: Fire, Water, Dragon, or whatever the team needs. 120 across every stat means every form is elite. The most flexible and powerful Pokemon in existence. Banned from all competitive formats.

Best Build

Experimental
Physical Setup Sweeper
Ability
Multitype
Item
Life OrbPOWER
Best Nature for Arceus

Arceus best EVs are Attack and Speed

EVs

Physical Setup Sweeper Moveset

  • Extreme SpeedSTAB
  • Swords DanceSTAB
  • Shadow Claw
  • RecoverRecovery

Recommended Teammates

Moves List

Need something that threatens multiple types? Arceus's movepool delivers. Coverage across 16 types plus STAB from Hyper Beam and Last Resort gives it answers for most defensive cores you'll run into.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Cosmic Power
D——20Psychic
Lv 1
Natural Gift
D—10015Normal
Lv 1
Punishment
D—1005Dark
Lv 1
Seismic Toss
D—10020Fighting
Lv 10
Gravity
D——5Psychic
Lv 20
Earth Power
C9010010Ground
Lv 30
Hyper Voice
B13510010Normal
Lv 40
Extreme Speed+2
B1201005Normal
Lv 50
Refresh
D——20Normal
Lv 60
Future Sight
B12010010Psychic
Lv 70
Recover
B——10Normal
Lv 80
Hyper Beam
B225905Normal
Lv 90
Perish Song
D——5Normal
Lv 100
Judgment
B15010010Normal

TM Moves

All 49 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM40
Aerial AceMt. Mortarnot until badge 8
C60—20Flying
TM72
Avalanche-4Ice Pathnot until badge 7
C6010010Ice
TM14C120705Ice
TM09
Bullet SeedRoute 32badge 1
D1010030Grass
TM57
Charge BeamOlivine Citybadge 4
D509010Electric
TM79C8010015Dark
TM02
Dragon ClawRoute 27not until badge 8
C8010015Dragon
TM59C9010010Dragon
TM26
EarthquakeVictory Roadnot until badge 8
B10010010Ground
TM38C120855Fire
TM35
FlamethrowerGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
C9510015Fire
HM02C909515Flying
TM52
Focus BlastGoldenrod Department Storebadge 2
C120705Fighting
TM21
FrustrationCeladon Department Storebadge 2
D—10020Normal
TM10
Hidden PowerLake of Ragebadge 6
C9010015Normal
TM15B225905Normal
TM13
Ice BeamGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
C9510010Ice
TM23C1007515Steel
TM16
Light ScreenGoldenrod Department Storebadge 2
C——30Psychic
TM83
Natural GiftGoldenrod Department Storebadge 2
D—10015Normal
TM66
PaybackRoute 35badge 2
C5010010Dark
TM17C——10Normal
TM33C——20Psychic
TM44
RestRoute 31badge 2
C——10Psychic
TM05
Roar-6Route 32badge 2
C——20Normal
HM06D4010015Fighting
TM39
Rock TombUnion Cavebadge 1
C609510Rock
TM43
Secret PowerLake of Ragebadge 6
—10510020Normal
TM30
Shadow BallPrize for defeating Mortybadge 4
C8010015Ghost
TM65
Shadow ClawRoute 42badge 3
B7010015Ghost
TM36
Sludge BombRoute 43badge 6
C9010010Poison
TM22B12010010Grass
HM04B12010015Normal
TM90
SubstituteGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM87
SwaggerOlivine Lighthousebadge 4
——9015Normal
TM75
Swords DanceGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
B——30Normal
TM25C1207010Electric
TM24
ThunderboltGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
C9510015Electric
HM07
WaterfallItem ball on Ice Path 1Fnot until badge 7
C8010015Water
HM05D358515Water

Egg Moves

Arceus doesn't have any Egg moves

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Ancient Power
C601005Rock
Tutor
Aqua Tail
C909010Water
Tutor
Dive
C8010010Water
Tutor
Draco Meteor
B140905Dragon
Tutor
Earth Power
C9010010Ground
Tutor
Fury Cutter
—109520Bug
Tutor
Gravity
D——5Psychic
Tutor
Headbutt
B10510015Normal
Tutor
Heat Wave
C1009010Fire
Tutor
Icy Wind
C559515Ice
Tutor
Iron Defense
C——15Steel
Tutor
Iron Head
C8010015Steel
Tutor
Last Resort
B1951005Normal
Tutor
Magic Coat+4
D——15Psychic
Tutor
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Tutor
Ominous Wind
C601005Ghost
Tutor
Outrage
B12010010Dragon
Tutor
Signal Beam
C7510015Bug
Tutor
Snore
C6010015Normal
Tutor
Swift
—90—20Normal
Tutor
Tailwind
C——15Flying
Tutor
Trick
C—10010Psychic
Tutor
Twister
—4010020Dragon
Tutor
Zen Headbutt
C809015Psychic

Base Stats

Base Stats
Legend
HP120
A
Attack120
A
Defense120
A
Sp. Atk120
A
Sp. Def120
A
Speed120
A
Total720
Details
Catch Rate
Legendary3 / 255
Growth Rate
Slow1.25M XP
Height3.2 m
Weight320.0 kg
Base XP360
Abilities
Multitype
Changes arceus's type and form to match its held Plate.
EV Yield
HP+3AtkDefSpASpDSpe
Strong HP training target
Pokedex Entry

According to the legends of Sinnoh, this Pokémon emerged from an egg and shaped all there is in this world.

Pokemon HeartGold / Pokemon SoulSilver

Arceus HeartGold & SoulSilver Guide

  • For HeartGold & SoulSilver, build your team around Arceus, Arceus Ghost, and Arceus Poison. These have the highest co-usage rates with Arceus in competitive formats. They cover each other's weaknesses.

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, use Arceus as a sweeper. Physical side carries the damage. It outspeeds most threats,

  • For HeartGold & SoulSilver, run Adamant on Arceus. +Attack is what matters, and the -Sp. Atk cut doesn't hurt this set. Fits the sweeper role.

Game Availability

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.

Explore

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