Arceus (Pokémon)

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For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
0492MS.png #0492: Shaymin
Pokémon
#0494: Victini 0494MS.png
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Arceus (disambiguation).
Arceus
Alpha Pokémon
アルセウス
Arceus
#0493
Arceus



Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type
Normal Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Ability
Multitype Cacophony
Cacophony
Cacophony
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Cacophony
Gender ratio
Gender unknown
Catch rate
3 (1.6%)
Breeding
Egg Group
No Eggs Discovered
Hatch time
120 cycles
Egg not obtainable
Height
10'06" 3.2 m
Arceus
0'0" 0 m
{{{form2}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form3}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form4}}}
Weight
705.5 lbs. 320.0 kg
Arceus
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form2}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form3}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form4}}}
Mega Stone
[[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield
255
Gen. IV
Unknown
IV
324
V+
Leveling rate
Slow
EV yield
Total: 3
Arceus
3
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
Shape
Body08.png
Footprint
F0493.png F000.png
{{{form2}}}
Pokédex color
White
Base friendship
0
External Links

Arceus (Japanese: アルセウス Arceus) is a Normal-type Mythical Pokémon introduced in Generation IV.

While it is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon, Arceus will change type and form when it is holding a Plate or type-specific Z-Crystal.

Like Darkrai and Shaymin before it, Arceus was not officially recognized by Nintendo until February 14, 2009, the year of its debut movie. It was officially revealed to international audiences on August 3, 2009.

Arceus is known as "The Original One", as it is said that it created Sinnoh and Ransei, and possibly the entire Pokémon universe, along with the lake guardians, Uxie, Azelf, and Mesprit, as well as the Pokémon of Myth: Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina.

Arceus is featured prominently in Pokémon Legends: Arceus and plays a major role in its plot.

Biology

 
Arceus's appearance in its realm

Arceus is a white, equine Pokémon with an androgynous appearance. It resembles a qilin or centaur with a gray, vertically-striated underside. The striated pattern has similar recurrences on the underside of its mane, tail, and face. Its four pointed feet are tipped with gold hooves. Its long mane juts away from its head, and its face is gray, with green eyes and red pupils, and a green circular pattern below its eyes. Arceus also has a streak of gold coloration on its head and ears that point upward. Its neck is fairly long, with two pairs of extrusions to the sides, and a flap-like feature on the neck's underside that is colored white like much of the body. Arceus also has a golden cross-like wheel attached to its body by its round abdomen, which changes color along with its eyes and hooves based on its current type, which depends on the Plate or type-specific Z-Crystal that it wields. The wheel also has four jewels attached to it. The pattern of striated gray of Arceus's underbelly resumes past Arceus's waist. Its limbs have gray undersides and extrusions at the tops of the legs. Arceus's tail is fairly like its mane in terms of shape and coloration. Despite its quadruped appearance, Arceus is capable of flight.

According to legend, it shaped the Pokémon universe using its 1,000 arms. Arceus has been referred to as "The Original One" in myths and legends and is generally considered to be one of the strongest Pokémon. Arceus is thought to have created Sinnoh and Ransei, and possibly the entire Pokémon universe, along with the lake guardians, Uxie, Azelf, and Mesprit, as well as the Pokémon of Myth, Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. Because of this, Arceus is thought to be one of the most long-lived of all Pokémon species. It has the power to recreate the Pokémon of Myth as well, presumably to guard the dimensions when a Trainer has caught one of them. In Arceus and the Jewel of Life, Arceus has been portrayed as having powers such as bringing back things that it once destroyed, making certain things vanish into thin air, halting time, and overturning the very laws of nature. As depicted in Showdown at the Gates of Warp!, Arceus has the power to not only calm Dialga and Palkia but also destroy the Red Chain. Arceus can change its type at will in order to adapt to a situation, as seen with its use of Plates (including the Legend Plate) or Z-Crystals. Arceus also has the power to split up into two, creating a piece of itself to exist outside of its home dimension which is also implied to be its physical form, being only a piece of its whole being, while its true form is unknown and incomprehensible.

Arceus is shown to care for and safeguard the planet in ancient times and protected it from cataclysms such as meteors, and it would show gratitude and compassion in return to those who treated it with equal kindness. In the modern time, Arceus continues to watch over the world, and it wishes for people and Pokémon to work together in the face of adversity. Even when it is needed, it would only give out hints for how to solve the problem, instead of directly interfering. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, it is explained that Arceus can give its blessing to Pokémon to make them more powerful, which are referred to as noble Pokémon and Ride Pokémon, and the power is passed down through family lines. The people of Hisui worshipped the noble Pokémon. Arceus can also create items for humans to use, such as the Arc Phone. Arceus does not suffer fools gladly, and it will attack in a violent rampage if betrayed or deceived. It also holds long grudges if betrayed by those it considered friends. In Arceus and the Jewel of Life, it is said to "feed" off the energy of the elemental plates. Arceus has the power to appear in dreams and create a variety of Pokémon to serve as challenges as seen in Eternal Battle Reverie.

In the introduction sequence of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Arceus was capable of taking a large, golden, glowing, silhouette-like form while in its homeworld, it was shown to be capable of human speech, and it also states that Arceus is simply the name humans call it. The first ancient inhabitants of the Hisui region, the Celestica, worshiped it, referring to it as "almighty Sinnoh" and "great Sinnoh". Arceus also had the title "might of Sinnoh", with the term Sinnoh later on becoming the name of the region. The Diamond Clan and Pearl Clan also worship it, though they mistook Dialga and Palkia, respectively, for Arceus. In Alola, Arceus was used as base by the Aether Foundation to create an artificial Pokémon named Type: Full, with an Ability similar to Arceus's. However, the project was deemed a failure and was later abandoned.

Arceus is the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Judgment, which is capable of disintegrating the landscape around it. It is also able to use the charged-up versions of the Pokémon of Myth's signature moves; Roar of Time, Spacial Rend and Shadow Force, as shown in its boss battle in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Additionally, Arceus is the only known Pokémon that can have Multitype as an Ability.

Forms

Arceus has eighteen different forms, one for each type.

 
Arceus
 Normal 
 
Arceus
 Fighting 
 
Arceus
 Flying 
 
Arceus
 Poison 
 
Arceus
 Ground 
 
Arceus
 Rock 
 
Arceus
 Bug 
 
Arceus
 Ghost 
 
Arceus
 Steel 
 
Arceus
 Fire 
 
Arceus
 Water 
 
Arceus
 Grass 
 
Arceus
 Electric 
 
Arceus
 Psychic 
 
Arceus
 Ice 
 
Arceus
 Dragon 
 
Arceus
 Dark 
 
Arceus
 Fairy 

In the anime

Main series

 
Arceus in the anime

Major appearances

Arceus (M12)

Arceus debuted in Arceus and the Jewel of Life. It was angry at the people of Michina Town for Damos's unwitting betrayal of it in ancient times, and so it attempted to destroy the world. When Ash, his friends, and Sheena were teleported by Dialga to ancient times, they directly influenced the event, changing the future for the better so that Arceus will stop its destruction.

Other

Arceus appeared in Hoopa and the Clash of Ages. Following the devastating incident at Dahara City, Ash, his friends, Baraz, Meray, and Hoopa saw it floating in the sky before it soared away.

Arceus appeared in Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles, where it and the lake guardians assisted Ash and his friends in stopping a rampaging Heatran that had engulfed the Flame Plate acquired by Team Galactic.

Minor appearances

Arceus made its main series debut as a silhouette in Showdown at the Gates of Warp!. It was called upon by Ash, his friends, their alternate world counterparts, and the people in both of their worlds to help stop Dialga and Palkia's fight and destroy the Red Chain that was forcing them to battle.

GOTCHA!

An Arceus briefly appeared as a silhouette in GOTCHA!.

In the manga

 
Arceus's various forms in Pokémon Adventures

Movie adaptations

Arceus appears as a central character in the Arceus and the Jewel of Life manga adaptation, reprising its role from the movie. After Arceus saved the world from a meteor, Damos took care of it. It gave Damos the Jewel of Life to make the land of Michina Town rich and fertile. Damos then "betrayed" Arceus, and it has been outraged ever since.

Pokémon Adventures

Main article: Arceus (Adventures)

In the HeartGold & SoulSilver arc, Arceus appears as one of the main antagonists, where it plans on destroying humanity due to its mistrust of humans. It was the target of Team Rocket's plans to create Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. It first appeared in With a Little Help From Hitmonchan.

In the TCG

Main article: Arceus (TCG)

Arceus appears in the TCG in all types but Dragon and Fairy, and a player can have as many Arceus cards in their deck as they like, unlike all other cards in the game (besides Basic Energy cards). Cards based on Arceus first appeared in the Arceus expansion set.

Other appearances

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U

 
Arceus trophy in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS

Arceus appears as a Poké Ball summon where it uses Gravity to produce a shockwave that brings opponents downwards.

Trophy information

Arceus appears as a trophy in both versions.

A Pokémon said to have hatched from an egg that appeared from nothing. Newly hatched, it created the world and the sky. Its Gravity attack will bring any fighter in midair crashing down to earth. No ground below you? Looks like you're going to go plummeting off the stage as if you'd been hit by a Meteor Smash!

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Arceus appears as a Pokémon summoned from the Poké Ball, retaining its behavior from the previous game. It also appears as a Spirit.

Game data

NPC appearances

  • Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon: Arceus appears when Dark Matter begins trying to take the Tree of Life to the sun, leading the other Pokémon in attempting to stop its ascent. He is able to telepathically reach the player thanks to Mewtwo and transports them to the Tree of Life's roots to confront Dark Matter. When Dark Matter regenerates itself and sends out a massive shockwave, Arceus and the other Legendary Pokémon gathered to stop the Tree of Life are immediately turned to stone. After Dark Matter is defeated, Arceus will remain at the top of Destiny Tower.
  • Pokémon Legends: Arceus: Arceus is the titular character of the game. It sends the player character back in time to the Hisui region and gives them the mission of seeking out all Pokémon in Hisui. Throughout the game, Arceus occasionally communicates with and assists the player via the Arc Phone.


Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation IV.
Generation IV Sinnoh
#—
Johto
#—
Diamond It is described in mythology as the Pokémon that shaped the universe with its 1,000 arms.
Pearl It is told in mythology that this Pokémon was born before the universe even existed.
Platinum It is said to have emerged from an egg in a place where there was nothing, then shaped the world.
HeartGold According to the legends of Sinnoh, this Pokémon emerged from an egg and shaped all there is in this world.
SoulSilver
Generation V Unova
#—
Black It is said to have emerged from an egg in a place where there was nothing, then shaped the world.
White
Black 2 It is said to have emerged from an egg in a place where there was nothing, then shaped the world.
White 2
Generation VI Kalos
#—
Hoenn
#—
X According to the legends of Sinnoh, this Pokémon emerged from an egg and shaped all there is in this world.
Y It is told in mythology that this Pokémon was born before the universe even existed.
Omega Ruby According to the legends of Sinnoh, this Pokémon emerged from an egg and shaped all there is in this world.
Alpha Sapphire It is told in mythology that this Pokémon was born before the universe even existed.
Generation VII Alola
#—
Kanto
#—
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation VII.
Generation VIII Galar
#—
Sinnoh
#—
Hisui
#238
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Sword and Shield.
Brilliant Diamond It is described in mythology as the Pokémon that shaped the universe with its 1,000 arms.
Shining Pearl It is told in mythology that this Pokémon was the first Pokémon born before the universe even existed.
Legends: Arceus 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.
Generation IX Paldea
#—
Kitakami
#—
Blueberry
#—
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation IX.


Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation IV.
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
Hall of Origin (requires Azure Flute*) (Only one)
Event
Platinum
Hall of Origin (requires Azure Flute*) (Only one)
Event
HeartGold SoulSilver
Trade
Generation V
Black White
Event
Black 2 White 2
Poké Transfer
Generation VI
X Y
Event
Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Event
Generation VII
Sun Moon
Trade
Pokémon Bank
Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Event
Let's Go Pikachu Let's Go Eevee
Unobtainable
Generation VIII
Sword Shield
Unobtainable
Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl
Hall of Origin (Only one*)Version 1.3.0+
Legends: Arceus
Coronet Highlands: Hall of Origin (Only one)
Generation IX
Scarlet Violet
Pokémon HOME


The Hall of Origin event in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl originally existed in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, but the required Azure Flute in Generation IV was an event item that was never distributed, although the text seen when receiving the 20th Anniversary Arceus states that Arceus could first be obtained in Diamond and Pearl in the Hall of Origin.

In side games

 
Arceus and the hero of Pokémon Conquest
 
Arceus and the heroine of Pokémon Conquest
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation IV.
Generation IV
Ranger: GS
Light Temple
Sky Fortress (Ranger Net mission)
Generation V
Rumble Blast
Tower: All (Random Legendary Encounters)*
Conquest
Dragnor (The Legend of Ransei, cannot be kept)
Aurora (Two Heroes of Ransei, special)
Rumble U
Challenge Battle: The Final Battle Royale (Reward)
Generation VI
Battle Trozei
Distortion Island: Stage 5
Rumble World
Legend Terrain: Bastion of Beginnings (Special Boss; type changes daily)
Picross
Area 30: Stage 15 (As a Mythical Pokémon)
Generation VII
Rumble Rush
Arceus Sea, Charizard SeaFinal, Jirachi SeaFinal, Celebi SeaFinal, Garchomp SeaFinal, Entei SeaFinal, Mimikyu SeaFinal, Mewtwo SeaFinal, Rowlet SeaFinal, Buzzwole SeaFinal, Zygarde SeaFinal
Generation VIII
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation VIII side games.
Cross-Generation
Shuffle
Event: Arceus Arrives
Event: Arceus Appears


A statue of Arceus can be found in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky at Destiny Tower.

In events

Games Event Language/Region Location Level Distribution period
DPPt Cinema Arceus Japanese Japan 100 July 11 to September 30, 2009
DPPt Toys "R" Us Arceus English United States 100 November 7 to 15, 2009
DPPt Michina Arceus English Australia 100 November 5 to 16, 2009
DPPt Cinema Arceus Korean South Korea 100 December 24, 2009 to January 31, 2010
DPPt Michina Arceus German Germany 100 February 17 to April 9, 2010
DPPt Michina Arceus Italian Italy 100 February 17 to March 26, 2010
DPPt Michina Arceus English Europe 100 February 20 to April 10, 2010
DPPt Michina Arceus French Europe 100 February 22 to April 11, 2010
DPPt Michina Arceus Spanish Spain 100 February 22 to April 11, 2010
XYORAS Dahara City Arceus Japanese region Online 100 March 7 to August 31, 2015
November 20 to December 17, 2015
XYORAS Dahara City Arceus Taiwanese region Online 100 November 20 to December 17, 2015
XYORAS Dahara City Arceus Korean region Online 100 December 15, 2015 to February 29, 2016
XYORAS Manesh Arceus Japanese region Online 100 December 21, 2015 to January 30, 2016
XYORAS Manesh Arceus American region Online 100 December 21, 2015 to January 30, 2016
XYORAS Pokémon 20th Anniversary Arceus American region Online 100 July 30 to November 30, 2016
December 1 to 31, 2016
XYORAS Pokémon 20th Anniversary Arceus PAL region Online 100 July 30 to November 30, 2016
December 1 to 31, 2016
USUM CoroCoro Arceus Japanese region Online 100 January 15 to March 14, 2018

Pokémon Global Link promotions

Games Event Language Location Level Distribution period
BW Global Link Arceus Japanese PGL 100 November 5, 2010 to January 31, 2011
BW Global Link Arceus English PGL 100 February 1 to May 1, 2012
BW Global Link Arceus French PGL 100 February 1 to May 1, 2012
BW Global Link Arceus German PGL 100 February 1 to May 1, 2012
BW Global Link Arceus Italian PGL 100 February 1 to May 1, 2012
BW Global Link Arceus Spanish PGL 100 February 1 to May 1, 2012

Held items

Game Held Item(s)
Events*   Rowap Berry (100%)   Silk Scarf (???%)

Stats

Base stats

Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
120
180 - 227 350 - 444
120
112 - 189 220 - 372
120
112 - 189 220 - 372
120
112 - 189 220 - 372
120
112 - 189 220 - 372
120
112 - 189 220 - 372
Total:
720
Other Pokémon with this total
  • Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
  • Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.

Pokéathlon stats

No Plate equipped

Speed
5/5 ★★★★★
Power
5/5 ★★★★★
Skill
5/5 ★★★★★
Stamina
5/5 ★★★★★
Jump
5/5 ★★★★★
Total
25/25 ★★★★★


With a Plate equipped

With Fist Plate

Speed
4/5 ★★★★
Power
5/5 ★★★★★
Skill
5/5 ★★★★★
Stamina
4/5 ★★★★
Jump
4/5 ★★★★
Total
22/25 ★★★★


With Sky Plate

Speed
5/5 ★★★★★
Power
4/5 ★★★★
Skill
4/5 ★★★★
Stamina
4/5 ★★★★
Jump
5/5 ★★★★★
Total
22/25 ★★★★


With Toxic Plate

Speed
4/5 ★★★★
Power
4/5 ★★★★
Skill
5/5 ★★★★★
Stamina
5/5 ★★★★★
Jump
4/5 ★★★★
Total
22/25 ★★★★


With Earth Plate

Speed
4/5 ★★★★
Power
5/5 ★★★★★
Skill
4/5 ★★★★
Stamina
5/5 ★★★★★
Jump
4/5 ★★★★
Total
22/25 ★★★★


With Stone Plate

Speed
4/5 ★★★★
Power
5/5 ★★★★★
Skill
4/5 ★★★★
Stamina
5/5 ★★★★★
Jump
4/5 ★★★★
Total
22/25 ★★★★


With Insect Plate

Speed
5/5 ★★★★★
Power
4/5 ★★★★
Skill
4/5 ★★★★
Stamina
4/5 ★★★★
Jump
5/5 ★★★★★
Total
22/25 ★★★★


With Spooky Plate

Speed
4/5 ★★★★
Power
4/5 ★★★★
Skill
5/5 ★★★★★
Stamina
4/5 ★★★★
Jump
5/5 ★★★★★
Total
22/25 ★★★★


With Iron Plate

Speed
4/5 ★★★★
Power
4/5 ★★★★
Skill
5/5 ★★★★★
Stamina
5/5 ★★★★★
Jump
4/5 ★★★★
Total
22/25 ★★★★


With Flame Plate

Speed
4/5 ★★★★
Power
5/5 ★★★★★
Skill
4/5 ★★★★
Stamina
5/5 ★★★★★
Jump
4/5 ★★★★
Total
22/25 ★★★★


With Splash Plate

Speed
5/5 ★★★★★
Power
4/5 ★★★★
Skill
5/5 ★★★★★
Stamina
4/5 ★★★★
Jump
4/5 ★★★★
Total
22/25 ★★★★


With Meadow Plate

Speed
4/5 ★★★★
Power
4/5 ★★★★
Skill
4/5 ★★★★
Stamina
5/5 ★★★★★
Jump
5/5 ★★★★★
Total
22/25 ★★★★


With Zap Plate

Speed
5/5 ★★★★★
Power
4/5 ★★★★
Skill
5/5 ★★★★★
Stamina
4/5 ★★★★
Jump
4/5 ★★★★
Total
22/25 ★★★★


With Mind Plate

Speed
5/5 ★★★★★
Power
4/5 ★★★★
Skill
5/5 ★★★★★
Stamina
4/5 ★★★★
Jump
4/5 ★★★★
Total
22/25 ★★★★


With Icicle Plate

Speed
5/5 ★★★★★
Power
5/5 ★★★★★
Skill
4/5 ★★★★
Stamina
4/5 ★★★★
Jump
4/5 ★★★★
Total
22/25 ★★★★


With Draco Plate

Speed
3/5 ★★★☆☆
Power
5/5 ★★★★★
Skill
5/5 ★★★★★
Stamina
5/5 ★★★★★
Jump
5/5 ★★★★★
Total
23/25 ★★★★


With Dread Plate

Speed
4/5 ★★★★
Power
4/5 ★★★★
Skill
5/5 ★★★★★
Stamina
4/5 ★★★★
Jump
5/5 ★★★★★
Total
22/25 ★★★★


Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
Damaged
normally by:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Weak to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Immune to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Resistant to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Notes:

For the type effectiveness when Arceus is holding a Plate, see type chart.

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation IX
Other generations:
IV - V - VI - VII - VIII
 Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP
011 Seismic Toss Fighting Physical 0000 100100% 20
011 Cosmic Power Psychic Status 0000 00——% 20
1010 Gravity Psychic Status 0000 00——% 5
2020 Earth Power Ground Special 09090 100100% 10
3030 Hyper Voice Normal Special 09090 100100% 10
4040 Extreme Speed Normal Physical 08080 100100% 5
5050 Healing Wish Psychic Status 0000 00——% 10
6060 Future Sight Psychic Special 120120 100100% 10
7070 Recover Normal Status 0000 00——% 5
8080 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 09090% 5
9090 Perish Song Normal Status 0000 00——% 5
100100 Judgment Normal Special 100100 100100% 10
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Arceus
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Arceus
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM

Generation IX
Other generations:
IV - V - VI - VII - VIII
   TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
TM001  TM001 Take Down Normal Physical 09090 085}}85% 20
TM004  TM004 Agility Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 30
TM006  TM006 Scary Face Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 10
TM007  TM007 Protect Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM011  TM011 Water Pulse Water Special 06060 100}}100% 20
TM013  TM013 Acid Spray Poison Special 04040 100}}100% 20
TM017  TM017 Confuse Ray Ghost Status 0000 100}}100% 10
TM020  TM020 Trailblaze Grass Physical 05050 100}}100% 20
TM022  TM022 Chilling Water Water Special 05050 100}}100% 20
TM023  TM023 Charge Beam Electric Special 05050 090}}90% 10
TM025  TM025 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
TM028  TM028 Bulldoze Ground Physical 06060 100}}100% 20
TM029  TM029 Hex Ghost Special 06565 100}}100% 10
TM030  TM030 Snarl Dark Special 05555 095}}95% 15
TM032  TM032 Swift Normal Special 06060 00—}}—% 20
TM033  TM033 Magical Leaf Grass Special 06060 00—}}—% 20
TM034  TM034 Icy Wind Ice Special 05555 095}}95% 15
TM036  TM036 Rock Tomb Rock Physical 06060 095}}95% 15
TM041  TM041 Stored Power Psychic Special 02020 100}}100% 10
TM044  TM044 Dragon Tail Dragon Physical 06060 090}}90% 10
TM046  TM046 Avalanche Ice Physical 06060 100}}100% 10
TM047  TM047 Endure Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM049  TM049 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000 00—}}—% 5
TM050  TM050 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 00—}}—% 5
TM051  TM051 Sandstorm Rock Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM054  TM054 Psyshock Psychic Special 08080 100}}100% 10
TM056  TM056 Bullet Seed Grass Physical 02525 100}}100% 30
TM058  TM058 Brick Break Fighting Physical 07575 100}}100% 15
TM059  TM059 Zen Headbutt Psychic Physical 08080 090}}90% 15
TM061  TM061 Shadow Claw Ghost Physical 07070 100}}100% 15
TM062  TM062 Foul Play Dark Physical 09595 100}}100% 15
TM064  TM064 Bulk Up Fighting Status 0000 00—}}—% 20
TM065  TM065 Air Slash Flying Special 07575 095}}95% 15
TM066  TM066 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100}}100% 15
TM070  TM070 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM074  TM074 Reflect Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 20
TM075  TM075 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 30
TM077  TM077 Waterfall Water Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
TM078  TM078 Dragon Claw Dragon Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
TM079  TM079 Dazzling Gleam Fairy Special 08080 100}}100% 10
TM081  TM081 Grass Knot Grass Special 0000 100}}100% 20
TM082  TM082 Thunder Wave Electric Status 0000 090}}90% 20
TM083  TM083 Poison Jab Poison Physical 08080 100}}100% 20
TM084  TM084 Stomping Tantrum Ground Physical 07575 100}}100% 10
TM085  TM085 Rest Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 5
TM086  TM086 Rock Slide Rock Physical 07575 090}}90% 10
TM087  TM087 Taunt Dark Status 0000 100}}100% 20
TM088  TM088 Swords Dance Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 20
TM089  TM089 Body Press Fighting Physical 08080 100}}100% 10
TM092  TM092 Imprison Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM093  TM093 Flash Cannon Steel Special 08080 100}}100% 10
TM094  TM094 Dark Pulse Dark Special 08080 100}}100% 15
TM097  TM097 Fly Flying Physical 09090 095}}95% 15
TM099  TM099 Iron Head Steel Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
TM100  TM100 Dragon Dance Dragon Status 0000 00—}}—% 20
TM101  TM101 Power Gem Rock Special 08080 100}}100% 20
TM102  TM102 Gunk Shot Poison Physical 120120 080}}80% 5
TM103  TM103 Substitute Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM104  TM104 Iron Defense Steel Status 0000 00—}}—% 15
TM105  TM105 X-Scissor Bug Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
TM107  TM107 Will-O-Wisp Fire Status 0000 085}}85% 15
TM109  TM109 Trick Psychic Status 0000 100}}100% 10
TM110  TM110 Liquidation Water Physical 08585 100}}100% 10
TM111  TM111 Giga Drain Grass Special 07575 100}}100% 10
TM112  TM112 Aura Sphere Fighting Special 08080 00—}}—% 20
TM113  TM113 Tailwind Flying Status 0000 00—}}—% 15
TM114  TM114 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15
TM115  TM115 Dragon Pulse Dragon Special 08585 100}}100% 10
TM116  TM116 Stealth Rock Rock Status 0000 00—}}—% 20
TM117  TM117 Hyper Voice Normal Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM118  TM118 Heat Wave Fire Special 09595 090}}90% 10
TM119  TM119 Energy Ball Grass Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM120  TM120 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM121  TM121 Heavy Slam Steel Physical 0000 100}}100% 10
TM123  TM123 Surf Water Special 09090 100}}100% 15
TM125  TM125 Flamethrower Fire Special 09090 100}}100% 15
TM126  TM126 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100}}100% 15
TM129  TM129 Calm Mind Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 20
TM133  TM133 Earth Power Ground Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM135  TM135 Ice Beam Ice Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM136  TM136 Electric Terrain Electric Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM137  TM137 Grassy Terrain Grass Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM138  TM138 Psychic Terrain Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM139  TM139 Misty Terrain Fairy Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM141  TM141 Fire Blast Fire Special 110110 085}}85% 5
TM142  TM142 Hydro Pump Water Special 110110 080}}80% 5
TM143  TM143 Blizzard Ice Special 110110 070}}70% 5
TM147  TM147 Wild Charge Electric Physical 09090 100}}100% 15
TM148  TM148 Sludge Bomb Poison Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM149  TM149 Earthquake Ground Physical 100100 100}}100% 10
TM150  TM150 Stone Edge Rock Physical 100100 080}}80% 5
TM151  TM151 Phantom Force Ghost Physical 09090 100}}100% 10
TM152  TM152 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5
TM156  TM156 Outrage Dragon Physical 120120 100}}100% 10
TM157  TM157 Overheat Fire Special 130130 090}}90% 5
TM158  TM158 Focus Blast Fighting Special 120120 070}}70% 5
TM160  TM160 Hurricane Flying Special 110110 070}}70% 10
TM161  TM161 Trick Room Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 5
TM162  TM162 Bug Buzz Bug Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM163  TM163 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5
TM165  TM165 Flare Blitz Fire Physical 120120 100}}100% 15
TM166  TM166 Thunder Electric Special 110110 070}}70% 10
TM168  TM168 Solar Beam Grass Special 120120 100}}100% 10
TM169  TM169 Draco Meteor Dragon Special 130130 090}}90% 5
TM170  TM170 Steel Beam Steel Special 140140 095}}95% 5
TM171  TM171 Tera Blast Normal Special 08080 100}}100% 10
TM172  TM172 Roar Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 20
TM178  TM178 Gravity Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 5
TM203  TM203 Psych Up Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM204  TM204 Double-Edge Normal Physical 120120 100}}100% 15
TM210  TM210 Supercell Slam Electric Physical 100100 095}}95% 15
TM215  TM215 Scorching Sands Ground Special 07070 100}}100% 10
TM217  TM217 Future Sight Psychic Special 120120 100}}100% 10
TM220  TM220 Meteor Beam Rock Special 120120 090}}90% 10
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Arceus
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution or an alternate form of Arceus
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation IX
Other generations:
IV - V - VI - VII - VIII
 Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
This Pokémon learns no moves by breeding.
  • Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Arceus
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Arceus
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Arceus
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

Side game data

Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon
 

Body size: Gigantic (9 tiles)
How to Recruit: Clear Destiny Tower
Connected to: N/A
Connection Orb Set: N/A

Phrases
Normal I am Arceus. I am the existence within nothingness.
We and our universe are both nothing and something…
Everything has two sides.
Low HP (< 50%) We are to accept everything as it is…
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs
Group:
Normal
Poké Assist:
(present)
 
Normal
Field move:
(present)
 
(None ×-)
Poké Assist:
(past)
 
Normal
Field move:
(past)
 
(Tackle ×1)
Browser entry S-006/N-221
It protects itself with psychic orbs that bring meteors down.
Pokémon Rumble Blast
Attack ●●●●●
Defense ●●●●●
Speed ●●●●
Pokémon Rumble Rush
  Walking Speed: 1.95 seconds Base HP: 63
Base Attack: 87 Base Defense: 63 Base Speed: 70
Pokémon Conquest
  HP: ★★★★★ Move: Judgment
Attack: ★★★★ Ability 1: Omnipotent
Defense: ★★★★★
Speed: ★★★★★
Does not evolve into or from anything
Range: 4 Perfect Links: Hero/Heroine
Pokémon Battle Trozei
Normal
Attack Power: ★★★★★

 

Brute Force
Deals normal damage even to types resistant to its type.
Pokémon Shuffle
 
Normal
  Attack Power: 90 - 150   20

#274
 

Double Normal
Deals a lot more damage done by any Normal types in the combo.


Pokémon GO
  Base HP: 237 Base Attack: 238 Base Defense: 238
Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 20 km Evolution Requirement: N/A
Fast Attacks: Iron Tail, Shadow Claw
Charged Attacks: Future Sight, Hyper Beam, Outrage

Form data

Arceus has multiple different forms that it switches between with its Ability Multitype, with each of its forms having a different type. In total, it has eighteen different forms, one for each type. Though most of its forms were introduced in Generation IV, its Fairy-type form was introduced in Generation VI, along with the Fairy type as a whole.

By default, Arceus is in its Normal-type form. If it holds (or, in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, is exposed to) a Plate or type-specific Z-Crystal, it changes its form to be the same type as the type the Plate or Z-Crystal corresponds to.

In games besides Legends: Arceus, Arceus's signature move Judgment is Normal-type by default, but changes to match the type of the Plate that it holds (being unaffected by Z-Crystals). In Legends: Arceus, the type of Judgment is directly determined by Arceus's form, such that its type always matches that of Arceus; additionally, Arceus can change its form during a battle using the Legend Plate. After being exposed to the Legend Plate, it will be in its Normal-type form by default and change its form before using Judgment to have a type advantage over the target, which also changes Judgment's type to match Arceus's. When determining the type that it changes into, any double weaknesses that the target may have are prioritized, followed by a type that resists the target's primary type (prioritizing immunities), then a type that resists the target's secondary type (again prioritizing immunities); if multiple types are equally valid, one of them is chosen at random. Arceus reverts back to its Normal-type form when the battle ends. If Arceus is deposited into Pokémon HOME while in any of its alternate forms, it reverts to its Normal-type form; if it is under the effects of the Legend Plate when deposited into HOME, these effects wear off.

In addition to its changing type, Arceus's Pokéathlon performance differs depending on its form, and it can only learn Draco Meteor from a Move Tutor while in its Dragon-type form (though it can learn it via TM in any form).

 
???-type Arceus sprite

In the Generation IV games, there is an unused ???-type Arceus, but it cannot be legitimately obtained in the games, as there is no ???-type Plate. Due to how its Ability would automatically turn any Arceus without a Plate into the Normal-type in Generation IV, a ???-type Arceus hacked into the game will be treated as Normal-type. This form was removed in Generation V due to the removal of the ??? type.

Prior to Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Arceus's alternate forms were not registered separately in the Pokédex.

 
No Plate
  Blank PlateLA

No Z-Crystal
Arceus
 Normal 
 
  Fist Plate
  Fightinium Z
Arceus
 Fighting 
 
  Sky Plate
  Flyinium Z
Arceus
 Flying 
 
  Toxic Plate
  Poisonium Z
Arceus
 Poison 
 
  Earth Plate
  Groundium Z
Arceus
 Ground 
 
  Stone Plate
  Rockium Z
Arceus
 Rock 
 
  Insect Plate
  Buginium Z
Arceus
 Bug 
 
  Spooky Plate
  Ghostium Z
Arceus
 Ghost 
 
  Iron Plate
  Steelium Z
Arceus
 Steel 
 
  Flame Plate
  Firium Z
Arceus
 Fire 
 
  Splash Plate
  Waterium Z
Arceus
 Water 
 
  Meadow Plate
  Grassium Z
Arceus
 Grass 
 
  Zap Plate
  Electrium Z
Arceus
 Electric 
 
  Mind Plate
  Psychium Z
Arceus
 Psychic 
 
  Icicle Plate
  Icium Z
Arceus
 Ice 
 
  Draco Plate
  Dragonium Z
Arceus
 Dragon 
 
  Dread Plate
  Darkinium Z
Arceus
 Dark 
 
  Pixie Plate
  Fairium Z
Arceus
 Fairy 

Evolution data

 
Unevolved
Arceus
 Normal 



Sprites

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation IV.
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver
           
           
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation V
Black White Black 2 White 2
       
       
Front Back Front Back
Generation VI
X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Front Back Front Back
Generation VII
Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Front Back Front Back
Generation VIII
Legends: Arceus
Cross-Generation
HOME
   
  For other sprites and images, please see Arceus images on the Bulbagarden Archives.


Trivia

  • Arceus was designed by Takao Unno.[1]
  • Arceus has the highest base stat total of all Normal-type Pokémon.
  • According to Type: Null and Silvally’s Pokédex entries, Arceus served as the inspiration for the RKS System, which is Silvally’s signature Ability. It allows Silvally to change its type when holding a Memory of any kind, which is similar to how Arceus’s Multitype allows Arceus to change type when holding a Plate or a type-specific Z-Crystal.
    • Arceus and Silvally have similar Shiny colorations, swapping their usual white to a light gold.
  • In Generation IV, it was impossible to legitimately give Arceus more than 100 EVs in any stat, since it was only ever distributed at level 100. Prior to Generation V, level 100 Pokémon could not gain EVs through battling because they could not gain experience.
  • Arceus is the only pre-Generation V Pokémon to never officially receive a DPBP number. Kadabra, which was not released as a TCG card during the DPBP era, is assumed to be #070, as Abra and Alakazam are #069 and #071, respectively.
  • Arceus received the most votes of all pre-Generation V Pokémon in the Pokémon Global Link promotion poll in both the Japanese poll and the international (non-Japanese and non-Korean) poll.
  • Prior to Generation VII, Arceus was classified by Pokédex color sorting as gray.
  • In Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Arceus can be encountered without the use of the Azure Flute by a combination of Tweaking and the Pal Park Retire glitch. In addition, Arceus can be encountered an unlimited amount of times with this method, unlike Darkrai and Shaymin.
    • This has been remedied in Pokémon Platinum, however, as the player can no longer freely move in the "void".
  • Arceus is the first Mythical Pokémon to be obtainable in-game in the core series without an event more than once.
  • According to the anime dub's then-voice director Tom Wayland, the dub chose to pronounce Arceus with a hard c instead of a soft c due to concerns over the latter pronunciation's potential implications in British English-speaking territories.
    • This pronunciation is also reflected in the name of the Ability RKS System.
 
Icon for RKS Laboratories
  • The name of the Ability RKS System is a reference to Arceus, with its English name being similar to the pronunciation of "Arceus". In German, Spanish, French, and Italian, its name is instead a reference to Arceus's category, the Alpha Pokémon.
    • The company RKS Laboratories (Japanese: アルセウス製薬(せいやく) Arceus Pharma) in Galar has a logo similar to the rings on Arceus's body, furthering the connection.
  • Despite being a Mythical Pokémon, Arceus has been sometimes treated as a Legendary Pokémon.
    • Arceus is called a Legendary Pokémon by Norman in the "Challenge the Normal Types" Daily Type Rotation event of Pokémon Masters EX.
    • The official English website of Pokémon Legends: Arceus used to refer to Arceus as a Legendary Pokémon, which was later corrected to Mythical Pokémon as of September 28, 2021.[2] In the Japanese website, it has been referred to as a Mythical Pokémon from the beginning.[3]
  • While using the Legend Plate, Arceus will never transform back into the Normal type, as nothing is weak to Normal.
  • Arceus is the only Pokémon to make the introduction for a core series game.
  • In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Arceus's summary will say it was met at the Temple of Sinnoh, despite being fought and obtained in the Hall of Origin.
  • The symbols for the Arceus expansion   and the Brilliant Stars expansion   resemble Arceus's rings.

Origin

Arceus appears to be particularly based on a creator deity, present in many world cultures. Arceus's stance and general form are similar to Egyptian bull and calf idols, particularly Apis. Based on its appearance and attack movements in the 3D games, Arceus may be modeled after a llama, horse or qilin. The arc on its back may be inspired by the Dharmachakra, or the Bhavacakra, used to represent a concept similar to the reincarnation in Hinduism. It also resembles a stylized halo, a form of religious iconography used by many religions to indicate holy, divine, or sacred figures; it has at various periods also been used in images of rulers and saints.

The conception of the first god might be influenced by the Shinto gods Kuninotokotachi and Amenominakanushi, who summoned Izanami and Izanagi to create Japan with the spear. It may also be a reference to the qilin. Its myth is nearly identical to the world egg, found in creation myths of many cultures and civilizations. Arceus may also represent or be inspired by the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, who, in Buddhism, is either pictured with eleven heads and one thousand arms (the latter of which is mentioned in Arceus's Pokédex entry) or in a white, four-armed manifestation (which could look similar to Normal-type Arceus).

Name origin

Arceus may be a combination of αρχή arkhé (Ancient Greek for origin and authority) or alpha and deus (Latin for god) or Zeus (king of the gods in Greek mythology). It may also involve arcane, aureus (Latin for golden), arc, arcesso (Latin for I summon), Archeus (an aspect of the astral plane), or Chaos (the origin state of the universe in Greek mythology, often personified as the first primordial deity).

Arceus itself says that its true name has no equivalent in human language.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning
  Japanese アルセウス Arceus From αρχή arkhē or alpha and deus or Zeus, and possibly arcane, aureus, arc, arcesso, Archeus, and Chaos
  French Arceus Same as English/Japanese name
  Spanish Arceus Same as English/Japanese name
  German Arceus Same as English/Japanese name
  Italian Arceus Same as English/Japanese name
  Korean 아르세우스 Arceus Transcription of Japanese name
  Mandarin Chinese 阿爾宙斯 / 阿尔宙斯 Ā'ěrzhòusī From the transcription of Japanese name, 宙斯 Zhòusī, and possibly 阿爾法 / 阿尔法 ā'ěrfǎ
  Cantonese Chinese 阿爾宙斯 Ayíhjauhsī From the Mandarin-based transcription of Japanese name, 宙斯 Jauhsī, and possibly 阿爾法 áyíhfaat


Related articles

References

  1. Creator profile on Takao Unno in the Pokémon Trading Card Game Illustration Collection, p. 182: "He has created the designs for Garchomp, Croagunk, Arceus and others." (archive)
  2. Archive of Pokémon Legends: Arceus official website (August 18, 2021; September 28, 2021)
  3. Pokémon LEGENDS アルセウス

External links


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  This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species.