Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the latest instalment in the Pokémon franchise, set to be released on the 28th of January, 2022.

How is Pokémon Legends: Arceus Different?¶

The premise of the game is that you’re tasked with creating the first ever Pokédex for the Pokémon found in the Hisui Region. The Hisui Region is an early iteration of the Sinnoh Region, which is where Pokémon: Diamond & Pearl and Pokémon: Shining Diamond & Brilliant Pearl are set. It is also confirmed that Jubilife Village will be your base of operations in Arceus. Below, you’ll find a list of all the new things you can expect in Arceus that makes it different from the standard Pokémon format.

Building Your Pokédex¶

In Pokémon games, all you had to do to complete your Pokédex was encounter each Pokémon in the respective game’s region. In Arceus, however, to complete a Pokédex entry, you’ll need to keep studying each Pokémon and complete research tasks to increase your research progress and fill out each entry.

Completing these research tasks also increases your rank as a Galaxy Expedition Team member, allowing you to access new areas in the Hisui Region.

Open-World¶

One of the biggest intrigues surrounding Arceus is its new gameplay style. Unlike previous Pokémon games, Arceus will feature open-world areas in the Hisui region. You’ll receive a Celestica Flute that allows you summon the Wyrdeer, Basculegion and Braviary to help you explore the region of Hisui.

The open-world system also impacts the way in which players will interact with Pokémon, as they’ll be free roaming across the region. This means that you can sneak up on Pokémon to catch them outside of combat, but it also means that Pokémon can run at you as well! It seems like you’ll be able to find Pokémon in groups, showing them in more realistic environments than in previous games.

Battle System¶

The battle system has also been changed. You’ll need to actually seek out the Pokémon you want to catch. And once you find them, The battle system has also been changed. You’ll need to actually seek out the Pokémon you want to catch. And once you find them, Pokémon will react differently as you approach them - some will run away whereas others might be immediately hostile. Learning about the Pokémon you want to catch will be essential to a successful catch.

Youll be able to catch a lot of the Pokémon outside of battle by sneaking up to them and throwing out Heavy Balls, but some Pokémon will require a good old fashioned battle! Weaken them in battle prior to throwing out a ball to increase your chances.

Base Camp¶

When you’re out and about exploring the wilds, you’ll want to make use of the various base camps. They act like Pokémon centers, where you can recover and heal up your Pokémon. You can also use the camp’s workbench to craft items - a new mechanic to the game!

Crafting¶

Not much has been said about the crafting aspect of the game, but it appears that you’ll be able to use materials found across the region - including stuff dropped by Pokémon - to craft items such as Pokéballs. You can craft items at base camps and Jubilife Village.