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 Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Normal Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Multitype Cacophony Cacophony Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Cacophony
Gender ratio Gender unknown	Catch rate 3 (1.6%)
Breeding Egg Group Undiscovered Hatch time 121 cycles
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	Footprint {{{form2}}}
Pokédex color   Gray	Base friendship 0
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 Normal-type legendary Pokémon.

While it is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon, it will change type when it is holding a Plate.

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 also 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 and creation trio. Arceus can only be found in the wild legitimately with the Azure Flute, which was never distributed at any official event and can only be obtained by cheating. However, Arceus itself was distributed via multiple Nintendo events in 2009 and 2010 and the Pokémon Global Link in 2012.

It is the trio master of both the lake guardians and the creation trio.

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. According to legend, it has 1000 arms.

Gender differences

Arceus is a genderless species.

Special abilities

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 can change its color and type using 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 Dragon-type (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

Arceus was 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. Arceus does not suffer fools gladly, and it will attack in a violent rampage if betrayed or deceived. It also holds long grudges if angered by those it considered friends.

Habitat

Arceus lives at the Hall of Origin, which can only be accessed by use of the Azure Flute at the 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.

In the anime

Arceus in the anime

Major appearances

Arceus (M12)

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.

Minor appearances

In Battle Finale of Legend!, although Arceus is neither seen nor named, 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.

In the manga

Fire-type Arceus in Pokémon Adventures

In the Arceus and the Jewel of Life manga

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 Town rich and fertile. Damos then "betrayed" Arceus, and it has been outraged ever since.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

In the HeartGold & SoulSilver arc, Arceus appears as one of the main antagonists, where it plans on destroying humanity.

In the TCG

Main article: Arceus (TCG)

Arceus appears in the TCG in all types but Dragon, 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

Arceus and the hero of Pokémon Conquest

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 It is said to have emerged from an egg in a place where there was nothing, then shaped the world. 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 None Poké Transfer Black 2 White 2 None Poké Transfer Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Poké Transporter

In events

Games	Event	Language	Location	Level	Distribution period
	Movie Arceus	Japanese	Japan	100	July 11 to September 30, 2009
	Toys "R" Us Arceus	English	United States	100	November 7 to 15, 2009
	Michina Arceus	English	Australia	100	November 5 to 16, 2009
	Cinema Arceus	Korean	South Korea	100	December 24, 2009 to January 31, 2010
	Michina Arceus	German	Germany	100	February 17 to April 9, 2010
	Michina Arceus	Italian	Italy	100	February 17 to March 26, 2010
	Michina Arceus	English	Europe	100	February 20 to April 10, 2010
	Michina Arceus	French	Europe	100	February 22 to April 11, 2010
	Michina Arceus	Spanish	Spain	100	February 22 to April 11, 2010

Pokémon Global Link promotions

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

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs	Sky Fortress (Ranger Net mission) Light Temple
Pokémon Rumble Blast	Tower: All (Random Legendary Encounter)*
Pokémon Conquest	Aurora (special) Dragnor (special)

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

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

No Plate equipped Speed 4/5 ★★★★☆ Power 5/5 ★★★★★ Skill 4/5 ★★★★☆ Stamina 5/5 ★★★★★ Jump 4/5 ★★★★☆ Total 22/25 ★★★★☆

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 1× Fighting 2× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 0× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting 2× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 0× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting 2× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 0× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting 2× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 0× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Notes: If this Pokémon is given a Ring Target, the effectiveness of  Ghost-type  moves is 1×.

For the type effectiveness when Arceus is holding a Plate, see type chart. In Generation IV, if Arceus was hacked to be ???-type, this Pokémon is damaged normally by moves of all types.

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 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 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 breeding

Generation V Other generations: IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Father	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
This Pokémon learns no moves by breeding.
Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Arceus in Generation V Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation. Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Arceus 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 Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg 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	Aqua Tail	Water	Physical	90	90%	10
B	W	B2	W2	Dark Pulse	Dark	Special	80	100%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Draco Meteor*	Dragon	Special	140	90%	5
B	W	B2	W2	Dragon Pulse	Dragon	Special	90	100%	10
B	W	B2	W2	Earth Power	Ground	Special	90	100%	10
B	W	B2	W2	Giga Drain	Grass	Special	75	100%	10
B	W	B2	W2	Gravity	Psychic	Status	—	—%	5
B	W	B2	W2	Heat Wave	Fire	Special	100	90%	10
B	W	B2	W2	Hyper Voice	Normal	Special	90	100%	10
B	W	B2	W2	Icy Wind	Ice	Special	55	95%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Iron Defense	Steel	Status	—	—%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Iron Head	Steel	Physical	80	100%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Iron Tail	Steel	Physical	100	75%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Last Resort	Normal	Physical	140	100%	5
B	W	B2	W2	Magic Coat	Psychic	Status	—	—%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Outrage	Dragon	Physical	120	100%	10
B	W	B2	W2	Recycle	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
B	W	B2	W2	Signal Beam	Bug	Special	75	100%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Sleep Talk	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
B	W	B2	W2	Snore	Normal	Special	40	100%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Stealth Rock	Rock	Status	—	—%	20
B	W	B2	W2	Tailwind	Flying	Status	—	—%	30
B	W	B2	W2	Trick	Psychic	Status	—	100%	10
B	W	B2	W2	Zen Headbutt	Psychic	Physical	80	90%	15
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 of Arceus Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

By events

Generation V Other generations: IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Event	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
This Pokémon has no special event moves.
A superscript level indicates that Arceus can learn this move normally in Generation V 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 Attack ●●●●● Defense ●●●●● Speed ●●●● Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack 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: Judgment Attack: ★★★★ Ability 1: Omnipotence Defense: ★★★★★ Ability 2: Speed: ★★★★★ Ability 3: Does not evolve into or from anything Range: 4 Perfect Links: Hero/Heroine

Evolution

No Plate Arceus  Normal	Meadow Plate Arceus  Grass	Flame Plate Arceus  Fire	Splash Plate Arceus  Water	Sky Plate Arceus  Flying	Insect Plate Arceus  Bug
Toxic Plate Arceus  Poison	Zap Plate Arceus  Electric	Mind Plate Arceus  Psychic	Stone Plate Arceus  Rock	Earth Plate Arceus  Ground	Dread Plate Arceus  Dark
Spooky Plate Arceus  Ghost	Iron Plate Arceus  Steel	Fist Plate Arceus  Fighting	Icicle Plate Arceus  Ice	Draco Plate Arceus  Dragon	Unobtainable Arceus  ???

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

The Red Chain in the anime, wrapped around Palkia and Dialga in the shape of the ring around Arceus

• Arceus's English name has had three different pronunciations. The announcer of Pokémon Battle Revolution pronounced it "AR-see-uss". A promotional trailer for Arceus and the Jewel of Life used the pronunciation "Ar-SAY-us". In the final release of Arceus and the Jewel of Life, it was pronounced "AR-key-us", which was affirmed as the official pronunciation by a Pokémon.com mailbag and by the Pokémon Essential Handbook.
  • According to Tom Wayland, the "AR-key-us" pronunciation was used due to concerns over the implications behind the first syllable of "AR-see-uss" in the UK and other British English-speaking territories.
• As a Normal type, Arceus has the highest base stat total of all Normal-type Pokémon.
  • Arceus has the highest base Defense stat of all Normal-type Pokémon.
• Arceus is the only Pokémon which ends a generation in National Pokédex order that does not have a base stat total of 600.
• All Generation IV games have sprites for Arceus using its Multitype Ability with all 18 types, including ???-type. 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 Normal-type attack.
• Arceus is the only event-exclusive trio master.
  • Furthermore, Arceus is the only trio master of two different trios.
• 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 Japanese, as well as international (non-Japanese and non-Korean) in the Pokémon Global Link promotion poll.
• 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.

Origin

Arceus is 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. The arc on its back may be inspired by the circle arc used to represent reincarnation in Hinduism. 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 Normal-type Arceus). Some inspiration may have come from a horse, because of its Platinum sprite and attack movements in Pokémon Battle Revolution.

Name origin

Arceus may be a combination of arch (referring to the highest point), archon (a Greek word that means "ruler" or "lord"), arcanus (Latin for secret/sacred mystery), archaic (ancient), αρχή arkhē (Greek for beginning), or archetypus (Latin for original), and deus (Latin for god). It may also derive from aureus (golden, in reference to its hooves and wheel), arc (round or ring), or Archeus (an aspect of the astral plane).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese アルセウス Arceus From a combination of arch, archon, arcanus (Latin for secret/sacred mystery), archaic (ancient), αρχή arkhē (Greek for beginning), or archetypus (Latin for original), and deus (Latin for god). May also derive from aureus (golden), arc (round or ring), or Archeus (an aspect of the astral plane). French Arceus Same as Japanese name Spanish Arceus Same as Japanese name German Arceus Same as Japanese name Italian Arceus Same as Japanese name Korean 아르세우스 Arceus Transliteration of Japanese name Mandarin Chinese 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. Cantonese Chinese

More languages

Related articles

• Arceus (M12)
• Lake guardians
• Creation trio

External links

• Article on Wikipedia
• Grass-type Arceus on Smogon Pokédex
• Fire-type Arceus on Smogon Pokédex
• Water-type Arceus on Smogon Pokédex
• Flying-type Arceus on Smogon Pokédex
• Bug-type Arceus on Smogon Pokédex
• Poison-type Arceus on Smogon Pokédex
• Electric-type Arceus on Smogon Pokédex
• Psychic-type Arceus on Smogon Pokédex
• Rock-type Arceus on Smogon Pokédex
• Ground-type Arceus on Smogon Pokédex
• Dark-type Arceus on Smogon Pokédex
• Ghost-type Arceus on Smogon Pokédex
• Steel-type Arceus on Smogon Pokédex
• Fighting-type Arceus on Smogon Pokédex
• Ice-type Arceus on Smogon Pokédex
• Dragon-type Arceus on Smogon Pokédex

	Event exclusives
Pokémon Pikachu in a cap • Spiky-eared Pichu • Victini • Genesect Ash-Greninja • Vivillon (Poké Ball Pattern) • Diancie • Hoopa Volcanion • Magearna • Marshadow • Zeraora • Melmetal • Zarude Walking Wake • Iron Leaves • Pecharunt Moves Happy Hour • Celebrate • Hold Hands • Hold Back Items Bluesky Mail • Mirage Mail • Egg Ticket • Eon Ticket • MysticTicket AuroraTicket • Old Sea Map • Brick Mail • Member Card • Oak's Letter Enigma Stone • Liberty Pass • Discount Coupon • Dynamax Crystal Mythical Pecha Berry Pokéwalker Routes Yellow Forest • Winner's Path • Sightseeing • Rally • Amity Meadow Other C-Gear Skins

Legendary Pokémon

Generation I

Generation II

Generation III

Generation IV

Generation V

Generation VI

Generation VII

Generation VIII

Generation IX

See also: Mythical Pokémon

← #492: Shaymin

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.