Arceus, the “Original One,” is a Pokémon of legendary status, revered for its role in creating the Pokémon universe according to myth. As a Normal-type Legendary Pokémon, Arceus has the unique ability to change into any type, making it one of the most versatile and powerful Pokémon in the game. Known as the “Alpha Pokémon,” it has the capability to adapt to almost any situation, and its lore places it at the pinnacle of the Pokémon world, said to have shaped the universe with its thousand arms.
This comprehensive guide will dive into Arceus’ lore, stats, abilities, moves, and strategies. Whether you’re battling in competitive formats or seeking to maximize your Arceus in in-game adventures, this guide covers everything you need to know to master the Creator Pokémon.
Arceus’ Base Stats and Overview
Arceus’ stats make it a formidable opponent in any battle scenario. With high base stats across the board, Arceus can excel in a wide variety of roles depending on its chosen type and moveset.
Arceus’ Base Stats:
- HP: 120
- Attack: 120
- Defense: 120
- Special Attack: 120
- Special Defense: 120
- Speed: 120
Arceus boasts a staggering 720 base stat total, one of the highest among all Pokémon. With all of its individual stats set at 120, it can be customized to excel in physical, special, or mixed roles. Its high Speed allows it to outspeed many foes, while its balanced Attack and Special Attack make it a powerhouse offensively.
Arceus’ Abilities: Multitype Mastery
Arceus’ signature ability, Multitype, sets it apart from every other Pokémon. This ability allows Arceus to change its typing based on the Plate or Z-Crystal it holds. Each Plate corresponds to one of the 18 Pokémon types, meaning Arceus can essentially become any type in battle, gaining STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) for moves of that type.
For example:
- Holding a Splash Plate turns Arceus into a Water-type Pokémon.
- Holding a Zap Plate transforms it into an Electric-type Pokémon.
This adaptability makes Arceus an unpredictable opponent, capable of switching its strengths and weaknesses depending on the held item.
Notable Plates and Type Coverage:
- Draco Plate (Dragon-type): Helps Arceus become a Dragon-type, dealing extra damage to Dragon-type foes.
- Earth Plate (Ground-type): Allows Arceus to hit Electric-, Fire-, and Steel-type Pokémon hard with powerful Ground-type moves like Earthquake.
- Mind Plate (Psychic-type): Boosts Psychic-type moves, making Arceus ideal for countering Fighting- and Poison-types.
Best Moves and Strategies for Arceus
Arceus’ wide movepool enables it to adapt to any role, whether offensive, defensive, or supportive. Its access to both physical and special attacks, along with key utility moves, gives trainers the ability to customize Arceus for nearly any team composition.
Offensive Moves:
- Judgment: Arceus’ signature move, which changes type based on the Plate Arceus is holding, making it a versatile STAB move. It has a base power of 100 and perfect accuracy, making it a go-to option for most setups.
- Earthquake: A reliable Ground-type move with high base power, Earthquake provides excellent coverage against Electric-, Steel-, and Fire-types.
- Extreme Speed: A priority Normal-type move with a base power of 80, Extreme Speed allows Arceus to strike first, making it an ideal finisher against faster opponents.
- Shadow Claw: A great coverage move to deal with Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokémon, which are often problematic for certain Arceus builds.
Utility and Support Moves:
- Recover: With access to Recover, Arceus can heal half of its HP, prolonging its presence in battle. This move is critical for defensive or stall builds.
- Swords Dance: For physical attackers, Swords Dance boosts Arceus’ Attack by two stages, turning it into a fearsome physical sweeper in just one turn.
- Calm Mind: Similar to Swords Dance, but for special attackers, Calm Mind increases both Special Attack and Special Defense, allowing Arceus to become both stronger and bulkier over time.
- Toxic: A potent stall tool, Toxic poisons foes, dealing increasing damage over time. It’s especially useful for defensive Arceus builds focused on outlasting opponents.
Competitive Strategies for Arceus
Arceus’ flexibility allows it to fit into any team and perform multiple roles in competitive formats. Here are some popular strategies to make the most out of this Pokémon’s unique skill set.
1. Calm Mind Special Sweeper Arceus
- Type: Fairy (Pixie Plate)
- EVs: 252 HP / 252 Special Attack / 4 Speed
- Moveset:
- Judgment (Fairy-type)
- Recover
- Calm Mind
- Ice Beam / Thunderbolt
This set capitalizes on Arceus’ ability to become a Fairy-type using the Pixie Plate, giving it resistance to Dark- and Dragon-type moves. After boosting with Calm Mind, it can sweep through teams with Judgment while recovering damage with Recover.
2. Physical Attacker Arceus
- Type: Ground (Earth Plate)
- EVs: 252 Attack / 252 Speed / 4 HP
- Moveset:
- Earthquake
- Extreme Speed
- Stone Edge
- Swords Dance
As a Ground-type, Arceus has access to Earthquake, which hits many types for super-effective damage. After setting up with Swords Dance, Arceus can tear through opponents with boosted Earthquake and Extreme Speed.
3. Defensive Stall Arceus
- Type: Water (Splash Plate)
- EVs: 252 HP / 252 Defense / 4 Special Defense
- Moveset:
- Judgment (Water-type)
- Recover
- Toxic
- Ice Beam / Roar
This set focuses on making Arceus a bulky defensive wall. Using Toxic to poison foes and Recover to maintain HP, it can slowly wear down opponents while resisting hits with its Water-type defenses. Ice Beam provides coverage against Grass-types, while Roar can disrupt setup sweepers.
Arceus in Pokémon Lore
According to Pokémon mythology, Arceus is said to have shaped the universe with its thousand arms and created the Legendary Pokémon Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina to control time, space, and antimatter. Arceus itself is thought to have emerged from an egg in a void before time and space existed, cementing its status as the Creator Pokémon.
In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, set in the ancient Hisui region, players are tasked with completing the first-ever Pokédex under the watchful eye of Arceus. This game provides deeper insight into Arceus’ role in the creation of the world, as well as its relationship with humanity and Pokémon.
Arceus’ Weaknesses and Counters
Despite Arceus’ immense power and adaptability, it has its weaknesses depending on the type it adopts through its Plate or Z-Crystal. As a Normal-type by default, Arceus is only weak to Fighting-type moves. However, depending on the Plate it holds, Arceus can gain new weaknesses and resistances.
Effective Counters:
- Fighting-types: Pokémon like Lucario and Conkeldurr can threaten a Normal-type Arceus with powerful Fighting-type moves such as Close Combat.
- Status Moves: Moves like Toxic or Will-O-Wisp can severely hinder Arceus’ performance, especially in long battles. Defensive Pokémon such as Toxapex or Umbreon that can spread status and stall out Arceus are effective.
- Speedy Attackers: While Arceus has solid Speed, faster Pokémon like Mega Mewtwo Y or Dragapult can outspeed and hit it hard before it can retaliate.