Arceus (Pokémon)

← #492: Shaymin	Pokémon	#494: Victini →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Arceus (disambiguation).

Arceus アルセウス Arceus #493
Psychic-type Dream World art by Ken Sugimori
Type Psychic ' Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Alpha Pokémon
Ability Multitype ----- Blue-Striped -----	Exp. at Lv. 100 1,250,000
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #— Johto — Hoenn — Sinnoh — Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R— Almia R— Oblivia S-006 N-221
Height 10'06" Imperial 3.2 m Metric 10'06"/3.2 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 705.5 lbs. Imperial 320.0 kg Metric 705.5 lbs./320.0 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Gray	Catch rate 3 (0.4%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown Gender unknown
Breeding Undiscovered group 121 cycles* (30855 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 3 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 324 Battle Exp.: 3241*
External links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Arceus (Japanese: アルセウス Arceus) is a Template:Type2 legendary Pokémon. However, its type will change when it is holding one of sixteen items known as plates and can in reality be any type.

Like Darkrai and Shaymin before it, Arceus was not officially recognized by Nintendo until February 2009, the year of its debut movie. It was later revealed by the official site on August 3rd, 2009.

Arceus is also known as "The Original One," as it is said that it created Sinnoh, and possibly the entire Pokémon universe, along with the lake guardians and creation trio. Arceus can only be found in the wild legitimately with the Azure Flute, which has not yet been distributed officially and can currently only be obtained by cheating. However, Arceus itself was distributed via multiple Nintendo events in 2009 and 2010.

Arceus is the final Pokémon in the National Pokédex within Generation IV.

Biology

Physiology

Arceus is an equine being similar to a Qilin or Centaur. Its body color is white with a gray, vertically-striated underside, the pattern of which has similar recurrences on the underside of Arceus's mane, tail, and face, and Arceus's four pointed feet are tipped with gold hooves. Its mane is quite long, jutting 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. It 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 Arceus's current type. The wheel also has four jewels attached to it. The pattern of striated gray of Arceus's underbelly resumes past Arceus's waist, the underside of Arceus's limbs also being gray in coloration, and with extrusions at the tops of the legs. Arceus's tail is fairly like its mane in shape and coloration.

Gender differences

Arceus is a genderless species.

Special abilities

File:Arceus Formes.gif

An animation displaying Arceus's different colorings while holding plates

According to legend, Arceus is thought to have created the Sinnoh region and possibly the entire Pokémon world, the lake guardians: Uxie, Azelf, Mesprit, and the creation trio: 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 creation trio as well, presumably to guard the dimensions when a Trainer has caught one of them.

Arceus is multifarious; it can change forms and types with the use of the special plates.

Arceus is the only known Pokémon who can learn Judgment. Arceus can also use many attacks of various types, but to a lesser extent than Smeargle or Mew. Arceus is also the only non-Dragon-type Pokémon other than Smeargle who can learn Draco Meteor, although it must become a Template:Type2 (by holding a Draco Plate) in order to learn it.

According to the anime, its power can also bring back things that it once destroyed or make certain things vanish into thin air. Arceus also has the ability to halt time.

Behavior

While normally a kind, heroic and benevolent Pokémon, Arceus does not suffer fools gladly, and will attack in a violent rampage if betrayed or deceived. It also holds long grudges if angered.

Habitat

Arceus lives at the Hall of Origin, which can only be accessed by use of the Azure Flute at Spear Pillar. However, in the twelfth Pokémon movie, it seems to live in a wide dimension of stars and galaxies.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

In Arceus and the Jewel of Life it is said to "feed" off the energy of the elemental plates, but is seen in the games holding a Rowap Berry.

In the anime

File:Arceus movie 12.png

Arceus in the anime

Arceus made its debut 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 attempted to destroy the land. When Ash and his friends are teleported by Dialga to ancient times, they directly influence the event, changing the future for the better so that Arceus will stop its destruction.

In Battle Finale of Legend!, although Arceus is neither seen nor named, but the Red Chain is said to contain the power of 'The Original One'. Using the Red Chain, Cyrus takes control of Dialga and Palkia by causing a red ring similar to the one surrounding Arceus's body to appear around their bodies.

Arceus makes a cameo in the opening The Greatest - Everyday! and We Will Carry On, along with the creation trio.

In the manga

Arceus as it appears in Pokémon Adventures

Arceus and the Jewel of Life

Arceus appears as a central character in the Arceus and the Jewel of Life manga adaptation, reprising its role from the film. 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 rich and fertile. Damos then "betrayed" Arceus, and it has been outraged ever since.

Pokémon Adventures

In Pokémon Adventures, Gold and his team battle a wild Arceus in the opening pages of the HeartGold & SoulSilver arc, and even Exbo's powerful Blast Burn attack is unable to damage the incredible beast.

A few rounds later, it is revealed that it showed up in front of Crystal and the Team Rocket Executives, and the former tried to catch it.

In the TCG

Main article: Arceus (TCG)

Arceus appears in the TCG in all nine elemental types, 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.

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation IV.
Generation I Red {{{redbluedex}}} Blue Yellow {{{yellowdex}}} Stadium {{{stadiumdex}}}
Generation II Gold {{{golddex}}} Silver {{{silverdex}}} Crystal {{{crystaldex}}} Stadium 2 Unknown
Generation III Ruby {{{rubydex}}} Sapphire {{{sapphiredex}}} Emerald {{{emeralddex}}} FireRed {{{firereddex}}} LeafGreen {{{leafgreendex}}}
Generation IV 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 {{{soulsilverdex}}}
Generation V Black It is said to have emerged from an egg in a place where there was nothing, then shaped the world. White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 {{{black2dex}}} White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation IV.
Generation I Red Blue None Trade Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow None Trade
Generation II Gold Silver None Trade Crystal None Trade
Generation III Ruby Sapphire None Trade Emerald None Trade FireRed LeafGreen None Trade Colosseum None Trade XD None Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl One Hall of Origin (requires Azure Flute) Platinum One Hall of Origin (requires Azure Flute) HeartGold SoulSilver None Trade Pal Park None Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White One Pokémon Global Link (event) Black 2 White 2 None Trade Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs	Sky Fortress (Ranger Net mission) Light Temple

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

Held items

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

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 120		180 - 227	350 - 444
Attack: 120		112 - 189	220 - 372
Defense: 120		112 - 189	220 - 372
Sp. Atk: 120		112 - 189	220 - 372
Sp. Def: 120		112 - 189	220 - 372
Speed: 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

Main article: Arceus (Pokémon)/Pokéathlon stats

Arceus (Pokémon)/Pokéathlon stats/Psychic

Type effectiveness

Main article: Arceus (Pokémon)/Type effectiveness

Arceus (Pokémon)/Type effectiveness/Psychic

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation V Other generations: IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  00Start Seismic Toss Fighting Physical 0000— 100100% 20 00Start Cosmic Power Psychic Status 0000— ——% 20 00Start Natural Gift Normal Physical 0000— 100100% 15 00Start Punishment Dark Physical 0000— 100100% 5 1010 Gravity Psychic Status 0000— ——% 5 2020 Earth Power Ground Special 09090 100100% 10 3030 Hyper Voice Normal Special 09090 100100% 10 4040 ExtremeSpeed Normal Physical 08080 100100% 5 5050 Refresh Normal Status 0000— ——% 20 6060 Future Sight Psychic Special 100100 100100% 10 7070 Recover Normal Status 0000— ——% 10 8080 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 09090% 5 9090 Perish Song Normal Status 0000— ——% 5 100100 Judgment Arceus 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 or alternate form of Arceus Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/HM

Generation V Other generations: IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
TM		Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	TM01	Hone Claws	Dark	Status	0000—	—}}—%	15
	TM02	Dragon Claw	Dragon	Physical	08080	100}}100%	15
	TM03	Psyshock	Psychic	Special	08080	100}}100%	10
	TM04	Calm Mind	Psychic	Status	0000—	—}}—%	20
	TM05	Roar	Normal	Status	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM06	Toxic	Poison	Status	0000—	090}}90%	10
	TM07	Hail	Ice	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM10	Hidden Power	Normal	Special	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM11	Sunny Day	Fire	Status	0000—	—}}—%	5
	TM13	Ice Beam	Ice	Special	09595	100}}100%	10
	TM14	Blizzard	Ice	Special	120120	070}}70%	5
	TM15	Hyper Beam	Normal	Special	150150	090}}90%	5
	TM16	Light Screen	Psychic	Status	0000—	—}}—%	30
	TM17	Protect	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM18	Rain Dance	Water	Status	0000—	—}}—%	5
	TM19	Telekinesis	Psychic	Status	0000—	—}}—%	15
	TM20	Safeguard	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	25
	TM21	Frustration	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM22	SolarBeam	Grass	Special	120120	100}}100%	10
	TM24	Thunderbolt	Electric	Special	09595	100}}100%	15
	TM25	Thunder	Electric	Special	120120	070}}70%	10
	TM26	Earthquake	Ground	Physical	100100	100}}100%	10
	TM27	Return	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM29	Psychic	Psychic	Special	09090	100}}100%	10
	TM30	Shadow Ball	Ghost	Special	08080	100}}100%	15
	TM31	Brick Break	Fighting	Physical	07575	100}}100%	15
	TM32	Double Team	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	15
	TM33	Reflect	Psychic	Status	0000—	—}}—%	20
	TM35	Flamethrower	Fire	Special	09595	100}}100%	15
	TM36	Sludge Bomb	Poison	Special	09090	100}}100%	10
	TM37	Sandstorm	Rock	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM38	Fire Blast	Fire	Special	120120	085}}85%	5
	TM39	Rock Tomb	Rock	Physical	05050	080}}80%	10
	TM40	Aerial Ace	Flying	Physical	06060	—}}—%	20
	TM42	Facade	Normal	Physical	07070	100}}100%	20
	TM44	Rest	Psychic	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM48	Round	Normal	Special	06060	100}}100%	15
	TM49	Echoed Voice	Normal	Special	04040	100}}100%	15
	TM50	Overheat	Fire	Special	140140	090}}90%	5
	TM52	Focus Blast	Fighting	Special	120120	070}}70%	5
	TM53	Energy Ball	Grass	Special	08080	100}}100%	10
	TM57	Charge Beam	Electric	Special	05050	090}}90%	10
	TM59	Incinerate	Fire	Special	03030	100}}100%	15
	TM60	Quash	Dark	Status	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM61	Will-O-Wisp	Fire	Status	0000—	075}}75%	15
	TM65	Shadow Claw	Ghost	Physical	07070	100}}100%	15
	TM66	Payback	Dark	Physical	05050	100}}100%	10
	TM67	Retaliate	Normal	Physical	07070	100}}100%	5
	TM68	Giga Impact	Normal	Physical	150150	090}}90%	5
	TM70	Flash	Normal	Status	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM71	Stone Edge	Rock	Physical	100100	080}}80%	5
	TM73	Thunder Wave	Electric	Status	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM75	Swords Dance	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	30
	TM77	Psych Up	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM78	Bulldoze	Ground	Physical	06060	100}}100%	20
	TM80	Rock Slide	Rock	Physical	07575	090}}90%	10
	TM81	X-Scissor	Bug	Physical	08080	100}}100%	15
	TM83	Work Up	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	30
	TM84	Poison Jab	Poison	Physical	08080	100}}100%	20
	TM85	Dream Eater	Psychic	Special	100100	100}}100%	15
	TM86	Grass Knot	Grass	Special	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM87	Swagger	Normal	Status	0000—	090}}90%	15
	TM90	Substitute	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM91	Flash Cannon	Steel	Special	08080	100}}100%	10
	TM92	Trick Room	Psychic	Status	0000—	—}}—%	5
	TM94	Rock Smash	Fighting	Physical	04040	100}}100%	15
	TM95	Snarl	Dark	Special	05555	095}}95%	15
	HM01	Cut	Normal	Physical	05050	095}}95%	30
	HM02	Fly	Flying	Physical	09090	095}}95%	15
	HM03	Surf	Water	Special	09595	100}}100%	15
	HM04	Strength	Normal	Physical	08080	100}}100%	15
	HM05	Waterfall	Water	Physical	08080	100}}100%	15
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 alternate form of Arceus Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation V Other generations: IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Game				Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
B	W	B2	W2	Draco Meteor	Dragon	Special	140	90%	5
A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Arceus can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Arceus cannot be tutored the move in that game 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 alternate form of Arceus Arceus must be holding the Draco Plate when Draco Meteor is taught. Click on the generation numbers at the top to see move tutor moves from other generations

By events

Generation IV Other generations: V - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Event	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP	S. Contest	Appeal
Toys 'R' Us events	Roar of Time	Dragon	Special	150	90%	5	Cool	2 ♥♥
Toys 'R' Us events	Spacial Rend	Dragon	Special	100	95%	5	Tough	2 ♥♥
Toys 'R' Us events	Shadow Force	Ghost	Physical	120	100%	5	Smart	2 ♥♥
A superscript level indicates that Arceus can learn this move normally in Generation IV at that level 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 alternate form of Arceus Click on the generation numbers at the top to see event moves from other generations

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball  N/A  Not available		Pokémon Pinball RS  N/A  Not available		Pokémon Trozei!  N/A  Not available
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 0% Friend Area: Beau Plains Phrases 51%-100% HP My HP is between 51% and 100%. 26%-50% HP My HP is between 26% and 50%. 1%-25% HP My HP is between 1% and 25%. Level up I leveled up. Partner phrases 51%-100% HP <name>, my HP is between 51% and 100%. 26%-50% HP <name>, my HP is between 26% and 50%. 1%-25% HP <name>, my HP is between 1% and 25%. Level up I leveled up.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 0% IQ group: A
Pokémon Ranger Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None Loops: 0 Min. exp.: 0 Max. exp.: 0 Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Poké Assist: Field move:  Normal  ( Normal ) Past ( Normal ) None Past (Electrify ×1) Browser entry   It protects itself with psychic orbs that bring meteors down.
Pokémon Rumble N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Strong: {{{Park2strong}}} Weak: {{{Park2weak}}} PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
Pokémon Conquest HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}} Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}} Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}} Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}} Does not evolve. Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
	This Pokémon did not appear during Generation I.
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal				Back
	This Pokémon did not appear during Generation II.
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald		FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
	This Pokémon did not appear during Generation III.
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
	V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

For other sprites and images, please see Arceus images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

Normal-color sprite for Template:Type2 Arceus

Shiny sprite for Template:Type2 Arceus

• At level 80, Arceus is the second-highest level Pokémon available for capture in the wild, after the Magikarp in the Resort Area in Pokémon Platinum (which can be caught at any level). However, the Azure Flute needed to encounter it has never been made officially available.
• Arceus's English name has had three different pronunciations. Before it was officially revealed, fans pronounced it as "AR-see-uss", as does Pokémon Battle Revolution. Then, a promotional trailer for Arceus and the Jewel of Life pronounced it as "Ar-SAY-us". Its official pronunciation was then revealed in a Pokémon.com mailbag as "ARK-ee-us". Its original pronunciation is still in popular usage.
• Arceus's base stat total is 720, higher than any other Pokémon.
  • In its base form, Arceus has the highest base stat in Defense of all Template:Type2 Pokémon.
  • It is also the only event Pokémon with a Base Stat Total above 600.
• All Generation IV games have sprites for Arceus using its Multitype ability with all 18 types, including Template:Type2. It is disputed whether the ???-type Arceus is obtainable, as there is no plate in the code that can be used for this. It is possible this sprite was programmed in to prevent game crashes caused by tampering with Arceus's type.
• Arceus's signature move, Judgment, is the only move that Arceus is guaranteed STAB for, as it is always the same type as Arceus itself. However, on the battle screen, Judgment is always displayed as a Template:Type2 attack.
  • Judgment is similar to Genesect's signature move, Techno Blast, as it changes with the held item of the Pokémon.
• Even though it is said that Arceus created the world with its thousand arms, it is not shown to have any arms at all, nor can it learn hand-based or arm-based moves.
• Holding the Toxic Plate, Arceus is the only legendary Template:Type2 Pokémon.
• Earth Power is the only move with a fixed base power, besides Judgment, that Arceus learns by level-up which can receive STAB with a plate attached.
• Arceus is the only event-exclusive trio master, needing the Azure Flute to be encountered in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum Versions.
  • Furthermore, Arceus is the only trio master of two different trios.
• Arceus is the only 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.
• The ring around Arceus's body appears to have a malevolent counterpart in the embodiment of the Red Chain, as a red version of it is shown to ring Dialga and Palkia around the middle when Cyrus takes control of them in The Battle Finale of Legend!
• Arceus is one of three Pokémon that can learn all of the moves ever obtainable as HMs. The two others are Mew and Smeargle.
• Arceus is the one who is rumored to have prevented all Pokémon in the future from disappearing in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky. Dialga explains that it "was no miracle" that they were saved, and that a "greater power" saved them all. Arceus is the leader of the creation trio, of which Dialga is a member.
• In Generation IV an Arceus using Trick would always fail, making the move completely useless on Arceus. However this was fixed in Generation V so that Trick will only fail if a plate is held.
• Genesect and Arceus are the only Pokémon who can minimally change their color scheme according to the item they're holding.

Origin

Arceus is particularly based on a creator deity, present in many world cultures. The conception of the first god might be influenced from Kunitokotachi and Amenominakanushi, who, according to Shinto myth, summoned Izanami and Izanagi to create Japan with the spear. It may also be a reference to the Chinese mythical creature, the Qilin. Its myth is nearly identical to that of the Pangu, the Chinese creation deity. Arceus may also be inspired by (or a representation of) 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 flavor text) or in a white four-armed manifestation (which could look similar to Arceus's Normal form). Some inspiration may have come from a horse, because of its Platinum sprite and attack movements in Pokémon Battle Revolution.

Name origin

Arceus's name may come from the words arch (highest) and deus, which is Latin for god. It may also have a root in the Latin word arcanus, which means secret; sacred mystery. Arceus's name may also come from the word archaic (ancient), which comes from the Greek arkhaios, and is derived from the ancient Greek word for "beginning", arkhē. It could have also come from the Latin word archetypus (original). Alternatively, Arceus's name can be seen as a portmanteau of Zeus, the most powerful of Greek gods and arch (highest). Another theory may be the combination of Zeus and Ra spelled backwards (Zeus being the king of gods and Ra being the solar god and creator, albeit in different pantheons). Those two qualities are shared by the Pokémon. Also, Arceus can also be derived from aureus (golden), possibly referring to its hooves and wheel. Nevertheless, Arceus's name origin and possible theories have led fans to believe that Arceus may be in fact a creator deity in Pokémon form. Arceus's name is pronounced with a soft "c" (or "s" sound) by the announcer in Pokémon Battle Revolution; in keeping with its probable name origin, it is pronounced with a hard "c" (or "k" sound) in television commercials and in Arceus and the Jewel of Life. Its name could also come from arc, as in round/ring, since it's surrounded by one.

In other languages

Language Name Name Origin German Arceus French Arceus Korean 아르세우스 Arceus Chinese (Taiwan) 阿爾宙斯 Ā Ěr Zhòu Sī Transliteration of its Japanese name. Also a portmanteau of 阿爾法 Ā'ěrfǎ and 宙斯 Zhòusī.

Related articles

• Arceus (anime)

Legendary Pokémon

Generation I

Generation II

Generation III

Generation IV

Generation V

Generation VI

Generation VII

Generation VIII

Generation IX

See also: Mythical Pokémon

Event distributions Event Pokémon distributions Generation I: Japanese • European language Generation II: Japanese • European language Generation III: Japanese • English • German • Spanish • French • Italian Generation IV: Japanese (local | Wi-Fi) • English (local | Wi-Fi) • German (local | Wi-Fi) Spanish (local | Wi-Fi) • French (local | Wi-Fi) • Italian (local | Wi-Fi) • Korean (local | Wi-Fi) Trading (GTS) Generation V: Japanese (local | Wi-Fi) • English (local | Wi-Fi) • German (local | Wi-Fi) Spanish (local | Wi-Fi) • French (local | Wi-Fi) • Italian (local | Wi-Fi) • Korean (local | Wi-Fi) Global Link promotions Generation VI: Japanese region (Nintendo Network | serial code) • American region (Nintendo Network | serial code) PAL region (Nintendo Network | serial code) • Korean region (Nintendo Network | serial code) Taiwanese region (Nintendo Network | serial code) Local • Trading Generation VII: 3DS: Japanese region (Nintendo Network | serial code) • American region (Nintendo Network | serial code) PAL region (Nintendo Network | serial code) • Korean region (Nintendo Network | serial code) Taiwanese region (Nintendo Network | serial code) Local Switch: PE Generation VIII: SwSh • BDSP • LA Trading Generation IX: SV Specific events: Gather More Pokémon! Campaign PCNY (Gen II | Gen III) • Trade and Battle Day • Journey Across America • Party of the Decade Other groupings: Movie events • 10th Anniversary • Tanabata • Undistributed Special Pokémon from games In-game: Gen I • Gen II • Gen III (RS • FRLG • E • Colosseum/XD) • Gen IV (DP ​• Pt ​• HGSS) • Gen V (BW • B2W2) Gen VI (XY • ORAS) • Gen VII (SM • USUM • PE) • Gen VIII (SwSh • BDSP • LA) • Gen IX (SV) Gift Pokémon (Eggs) • Wild Pokémon (Roaming Pokémon) • In-game trades (Hayley's trades) Game-based: Gen I • Gen II • Gen III • Gen IV • Gen VI • Gen VII Gen VIII (Wild Area News) • Gen IX (Poké Portal News) Other: Undistributed Non-Pokémon event distributions Gen III • Gen IV • Gen V • Gen VI • Gen VII (Game-based) • Gen VIII • Gen IX (Game-based) Global Link Other lists Notable ID numbers (Gens I-II • III onward) • Wonder Cards (Gen V • Gen VI • Gen VII) • Serial code prefixes

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Pokémon

#494: Victini →

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