Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Pokémon Legends: Arceus, based on the searches that lead to our site. Each answer links to the detailed guide.
The game
Is Pokémon Legends: Arceus a mainline series game?
Yes. Developed by Game Freak, it belongs to the mainline series while offering a new formula: exploration of large areas, real-time catching and a research-based Pokédex. See our review.
When does the story take place?
In the distant past of Sinnoh, then called Hisui, before Trainers and the Pokémon League existed.
Is there paid DLC?
No. The game received one big free update, Daybreak.
Does the game work on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes, with identical behavior to the Switch version. See the tech sheet.
Evolutions and Pokémon
How do you evolve Scyther?
Into Kleavor with a Black Augurite, or into Scizor with a Metal Coat: our guide.
How do you get Rotom’s forms?
Its Heat, Wash, Frost, Fan and Mow forms are obtained with the appliances sold by the Ginkgo Guild: Rotom and its forms.
Where can you find Pichu and Pikachu?
The detailed answer is in finding Pichu and Pikachu.
How do you get Porygon2 and Porygon-Z?
Porygon evolves with the Upgrade, then Porygon2 with the Dubious Disc: our guide.
How do you get Lucario?
Catch Riolu and evolve it through friendship; an Alpha Lucario also exists: our guide.
How do you evolve Magmar and Onix?
Magmar becomes Magmortar with the Magmarizer, and Onix becomes Steelix with the Metal Coat: Magmortar, Steelix.
How do you get Wyrdeer, Sneasler and Basculegion?
Stantler evolves by using Psyshield Bash in Agile Style, Hisuian Sneasel by holding a Razor Claw during the day, and White-Striped Basculin by losing HP from recoil damage. Exact conditions: Hisui evolutions.
How many Pokémon are in the game?
The Hisui Pokédex has 242: the complete Hisui Pokédex.
Quests, legendary Pokémon and post-game
How do you catch all the legendary Pokémon?
Most are unlocked after the credits, through the plate missions and requests: the roundup.
How do you get Darkrai and Shaymin?
With a Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl save file for Darkrai, or a Sword or Shield one for Shaymin, on the same console.
How do you get the Shiny Charm?
By presenting 238 Pokédex pages at research level 10: Shiny Pokémon and the Shiny Charm.
Where are the Unown and the Wisps?
In the 28 Unown and the 107 Wisps, area by area.
What is there to do after the credits?
Legendary Pokémon, plates, rematches, the Dream Challenge, the Lone Path: the post-game.
How do you earn money quickly?
By crafting Star Pieces, resold for 5,000 Poké Dollars: earning money.
