arceus
MythicalGeneration IV · #0493 — Alpha Pokémon
Arceus is the mythical Alpha Pokémon and the 493rd entry in the National Pokédex, representing the ultimate expression of balanced power in the Pokémon world. As a Normal-type Pokémon of legendary proportions, Arceus stands at an impressive 3.2 meters tall and weighs 320 kilograms, making it one of the most imposing creatures in existence. According to the mythology of the Sinnoh region, Arceus is the Original One—the Pokémon that shaped the entire universe itself. Ancient peoples of Hisui revered this being under the name of the Almighty Sinnoh, worshiping it as the heavenly source from which all creation flows. Arceus was not officially acknowledged by Nintendo until February 14, 2009, maintaining its status as one of the franchise's most enigmatic and sacred entities.
Base Stats
Height
3.2m
Weight
320.0kg
Category
Alpha Pokémon
Gender
Genderless
Color
white
Shape
quadruped
Abilities
Changes arceus's type and form to match its held Plate.
Arceus Biology & Physical Characteristics
Arceus possesses a distinctive white equine form with a remarkable androgynous appearance that suggests divine transcendence beyond conventional biological categories. Its body features a gray, vertically striated underside that mirrors the pattern found beneath its ethereal mane, tail, and face, creating a harmonious aesthetic unity. The Pokémon's four-pointed feet are adorned with striking golden hooves that glimmer with otherworldly luminance. Its long mane juts dramatically away from its head in a manner that defies conventional physics, while its gray face is marked by distinctive green eyes with red pupils and an enigmatic green circular pattern below each eye. The most extraordinary aspect of Arceus's form is its connection to Plates—special items that trigger its Multitype ability, allowing it to transform into any of the eighteen known types. This transformation is not merely cosmetic; it represents Arceus's fundamental nature as a shape-shifter capable of embodying all elemental forces simultaneously.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Arceus Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Arceus exists as a genderless Pokémon, reflecting its transcendent nature beyond conventional biological reproduction and sexual differentiation. This genderless classification places Arceus in the exclusive 'Undiscovered' egg group, meaning it cannot breed through standard methods and cannot produce offspring in the traditional sense. The absence of gender reinforces Arceus's position as a unique, singular entity—the one and only Original One rather than one member of a species. With a base friendship value of 0, Arceus begins encounters with trainers at a point of absolute neutrality, suggesting that even legendary trainers must earn the trust and affection of this divine being from absolute zero. The Pokémon requires an extraordinarily long 120 egg cycles to hatch should one ever be obtained through special distribution events, emphasizing the rarity and specialness of its existence. This breeding impossibility has made legitimate Arceus acquisition limited to specific event distributions and special promotional circumstances, further cementing its status as a Pokémon beyond the reach of ordinary breeding mechanics.
Sprites
Forms
TMs & HMs
tm01
black white
tm01
black 2 white 2
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm01
sun moon
tm01
x y
tm02
emerald
tm02
crystal
tm02
firered leafgreen
tm02
ruby sapphire
tm02
gold silver
tm02
black white
tm02
heartgold soulsilver
tm02
platinum
tm02
colosseum
tm02
diamond pearl
tm02
black 2 white 2
tm02
sun moon
tm02
omega ruby alpha sapphire
+980 more TMs/HMs
Forms
normalDefault
fighting
flying
poison
ground
rock
bug
ghost
steel
fire
water
grass
electric
psychic
ice
dragon
dark
fairy
unknownArceus Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Arceus does not evolve from any other Pokémon, nor does it undergo Mega Evolution in the traditional sense. Instead, this mythical Pokémon possesses a unique transformation system entirely unto itself through its signature ability, Multitype. By holding one of the numerous elemental Plates scattered throughout the Pokémon world—such as the Flame Plate, Water Plate, Grass Plate, or any of the other fifteen type-specific items—Arceus undergoes a form change that alters both its appearance and its type classification. This transformation grants the Pokémon all the advantages and disadvantages of its new type while maintaining its exceptional base stat total of 720, with perfectly balanced distributions of 120 across all six statistical categories. In more recent generations, type-specific Z-Crystals can also trigger these transformations, offering alternative methods to unlock Arceus's vast polymorphic potential. This system represents a fundamentally different approach to evolution and form change, positioning Arceus as a being capable of accessing every type simultaneously rather than being locked into a single elemental affinity.
Where to Find
sinnoh hall of origin 1
sinnoh
Arceus Behaviour and Natural Habitat
The behavioral patterns of Arceus remain shrouded in mystery, as this mythical Pokémon exists beyond the normal constraints of Pokémon society and ecology. According to Sinnoh legends, Arceus emerged from an egg in a place where nothing existed, subsequently manifesting reality itself through sheer will and divine intention. The Diamond version Pokédex describes Arceus as possessing one thousand arms with which it shaped the universe—a metaphorical representation of its omnipotent creative capacity. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the creature is revealed to be the heavenly fount from which pours the light that shines across Hisui, with its luminance serving to guide and protect all Pokémon throughout the region. Rather than inhabiting specific geographical locations like ordinary Pokémon, Arceus appears to exist in a realm beyond conventional space-time, accessible only through extraordinary circumstances or divine intervention. Its presence alone fundamentally alters the fabric of reality around it.
Pokedex Entries
It is described in mythology as the Pokémon that shaped the universe with its 1,000 arms.
It is told in mythology that this Pokémon was born before the universe even existed.
It is said to have emerged from an egg in a place where there was nothing, then shaped the world.
According to the legends of Sinnoh, this Pokémon emerged from an egg and shaped all there is in this world.
It is said to have emerged from an egg in a place where there was nothing, then shaped the world.
It is said to have emerged from an egg in a place where there was nothing then shaped the world.
According to the legends of Sinnoh, this Pokémon emerged from an egg and shaped all there is in this world.
It is told in mythology that this Pokémon was born before the universe even existed.
According to the legends of Sinnoh, this Pokémon emerged from an egg and shaped all there is in this world.
It is told in mythology that this Pokémon was born before the universe even existed.
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.
Arceus Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Arceus derives from the Greek concept of 'arche,' meaning origin or primordial source, directly referencing its role as the creator deity of the Pokémon universe. The Japanese name アルセウス (Arceus) maintains this etymological connection while evoking the image of an almighty, all-knowing being. The design itself draws substantial inspiration from multiple mythological and cultural sources, most prominently the qilin—a legendary hooved chimerical creature from East Asian mythology that embodies benevolence, justice, and celestial power. Arceus also incorporates elements reminiscent of centaurs and other hybrid beings that bridge mortal and divine realms. The white coloration with gold accents emphasizes purity, transcendence, and heavenly origin, while the ethereal mane and glowing eyes suggest a being of pure spiritual energy. The crown-like protrusions and overall equine structure reinforce Arceus's status as a majestic sovereign of creation. Every design element conspires to communicate divinity and unparalleled power while maintaining visual harmony and aesthetic balance.
Learnable Moves
Arceus can learn 167 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acid spray | poison | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| air slash | flying | Special | 75 | 95 | 15 |
| ancient power | rock | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| aqua tail | water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| aura sphere | fighting | Special | 80 | — | 20 |
| avalanche | ice | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| body press | fighting | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| bug buzz | bug | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| bulk up | fighting | Status | — | — | 20 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| bullet seed | grass | Physical | 25 | 100 | 30 |
| calm mind | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| charge beam | electric | Special | 50 | 90 | 10 |
| chilling water | water | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| confuse ray | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| confusion | psychic | Special | 50 | 100 | 25 |
| cosmic power | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| dazzling gleam | fairy | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| defog | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| dive | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| draco meteor | dragon | Special | 130 | 90 | 5 |
| dragon claw | dragon | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| dragon dance | dragon | Status | — | — | 20 |
| dragon pulse | dragon | Special | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| dragon tail | dragon | Physical | 60 | 90 | 10 |
| dream eater | psychic | Special | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| earth power | ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| echoed voice | normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| electric terrain | electric | Status | — | — | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| energy ball | grass | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| extrasensory | psychic | Special | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| extreme speed | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 5 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fire blast | fire | Special | 110 | 85 | 5 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| flare blitz | fire | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| flash | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| flash cannon | steel | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| fly | flying | Physical | 90 | 95 | 15 |
| focus blast | fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| foul play | dark | Physical | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury cutter | bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| future sight | psychic | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| grass knot | grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| grassy terrain | grass | Status | — | — | 10 |
| gravity | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| gunk shot | poison | Physical | 120 | 80 | 5 |
| hail | ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| heat wave | fire | Special | 95 | 90 | 10 |
| heavy slam | steel | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| hex | ghost | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hone claws | dark | Status | — | — | 15 |
| hurricane | flying | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| hyper voice | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| imprison | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| incinerate | fire | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| iron defense | steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| iron head | steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| judgment | normal | Special | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| last resort | normal | Physical | 140 | 100 | 5 |
| light screen | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| liquidation | water | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| magic coat | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| magical leaf | grass | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| meteor beam | rock | Special | 120 | 90 | 10 |
| misty terrain | fairy | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| ominous wind | ghost | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| outrage | dragon | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| overheat | fire | Special | 130 | 90 | 5 |
| perish song | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| phantom force | ghost | Physical | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| poison jab | poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| power gem | rock | Special | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| psychic terrain | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psyshock | psychic | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| quash | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| quick attack | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| recover | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| recycle | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| refresh | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| retaliate | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock climb | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| scorching sands | ground | Special | 70 | 100 | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seismic toss | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| shadow claw | ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| shock wave | electric | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| signal beam | bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| silver wind | bug | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sludge bomb | poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| snarl | dark | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| stealth rock | rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| steel beam | steel | Special | 140 | 95 | 5 |
| stomping tantrum | ground | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| stone edge | rock | Physical | 100 | 80 | 5 |
| stored power | psychic | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| supercell slam | electric | Physical | 100 | 95 | 15 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| telekinesis | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thunder | electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| thunder wave | electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| thunderbolt | electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trailblaze | grass | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| trick | psychic | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| trick room | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| twister | dragon | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| waterfall | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| whirlpool | water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| wild charge | electric | Physical | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| will o wisp | fire | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| x scissor | bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| zen headbutt | psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
Arceus Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battles, Arceus represents an unparalleled force of perfectly distributed power with a base stat total of 720—the highest among all non-Mega Evolved, non-Dynamax Pokémon. With a flawless distribution of 120 in Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed, Arceus possesses exceptional versatility that allows it to function effectively in virtually any role demanded by a competitive team. Its signature ability, Multitype, grants it unmatched adaptability; by switching between different Plates, Arceus can instantly transform to counter opposing threats, adjust its typing, and modify its move pool and strategic options mid-battle. This flexibility makes Arceus extraordinarily difficult to predict and prepare for, as trainers cannot definitively anticipate which type variant they will face. The base experience yield of 360 in Generation IV and 324 in subsequent generations reflects Arceus's elite status within the metagame. Its access to moves like Judgment—a move that changes type according to whatever Plate Arceus holds—combined with its balanced stats makes it capable of functioning as an offensive sweeper, defensive wall, or special attacker depending on the situation and item held. However, Arceus's legitimacy in official competitive formats has been strictly limited due to its exclusive event-only distribution.
Commonly Asked Questions About Arceus
What type is Arceus?
Arceus is a normal type Pokemon.
What does Arceus evolve from?
Arceus does not evolve.
What are Arceus's weaknesses?
Arceus is weak to fighting type moves.
Where can I find Arceus?
Arceus can be found in sinnoh hall of origin 1 (sinnoh).
Arceus Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Arceus holds a position of profound cultural significance within Pokémon mythology and serves as the literal cornerstone of the franchise's spiritual and cosmological framework. As the creator Pokémon and the subject of the 2009 film 'Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life,' it has captured the imagination of trainers and enthusiasts worldwide. The creature became central to Pokémon Legends: Arceus, a revolutionary spin-off title that repositioned Arceus as the narrative centerpiece and temporal anchor for an entirely reimagined interpretation of Pokémon history set in ancient Hisui. The mythology surrounding Arceus—the notion that it emerged from nothingness and subsequently shaped reality itself—has resonated deeply with players seeking profound meaning within the Pokémon world. Its appearance in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate further elevated its cultural prominence by introducing Arceus to broader gaming audiences. The Pokémon community has consistently ranked Arceus among the most conceptually interesting and spiritually significant Pokémon ever created, with its perfect stat distribution and transformative abilities making it emblematic of balance, harmony, and universal order within the franchise's creative philosophy.
Where to Find Arceus in Every Pokémon Game
Arceus remains one of the most challenging Pokémon to obtain legitimately in any Pokémon game due to its exclusive distribution through official Nintendo events rather than normal in-game encounters or breeding. The Mythical classification denotes Pokémon that have never been available through standard gameplay mechanics and are instead reserved for special promotional events and ceremonies. Legitimate acquisition of Arceus has occurred only during specific event windows, with original distributions dating back to the Pokémon World Championships and Japanese promotional events in 2009. Subsequent distributions have occurred sporadically throughout the years in conjunction with movie releases, anniversary celebrations, and special commemorative events. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the creature serves as the ultimate goal and climactic encounter within the narrative, making it obtainable through story progression rather than external events. The extreme rarity of legitimate Arceus specimens, combined with its role as the creator Pokémon, has made it the subject of intense collector interest and speculation within the community. Players seeking to complete their National Pokédex must either participate in distributed event runs during rare windows or obtain Arceus through secondary markets, making it one of the most strategically valuable and symbolically important Pokémon in terms of collection completeness and franchise lore.