Arceus (Pokémon)

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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 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. 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

Arceus is a white equine resembling a qilin or centaur with a gray, vertically-striated underside. The striated pattern has similar recurrences on the underside of its mane, tail, and face. Its four pointed feet are tipped with gold hooves. Its long mane juts 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, which depends on the plate that it wields. The wheel also has four jewels attached to it. The pattern of striated gray of Arceus's underbelly resumes past Arceus's waist. Its limbs have gray undersides and 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.

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

Arceus is 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 betrayed by those it considered friends. In Arceus and the Jewel of Life, it is said to "feed" off the energy of the elemental plates. It is the only known Pokémon that can learn Judgment.

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.

Other

An Arceus is set to appear in M12. It is currently unknown if it can change plates like the one as seen from above.

Minor appearances

In Battle Finale of Legend!, although Arceus is neither seen or 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 due to its mistrust of humans. It was the target of Team Rocket's plans to create Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina.

In the TCG

Main article: Arceus (TCG)

Arceus appears in the TCG in all types but Dragon and Fairy, 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.

Other appearances

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U

Arceus appears as a Poké Ball summon in the 3DS version of the game. It will use Gravity to produce a shockwave that brings opponents downwards.

Trophy information

A Pokémon said to have hatched from an egg that appeared from nothing. Newly hatched, it created the world and the sky. Its Gravity attack will bring any fighter in midair crashing down to earth. No ground below you? Looks like you're going to go plummeting off the stage as if you'd been hit by a Meteor Smash!

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation IV.
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
Generation V Black It is said to have emerged from an egg in a place where there was nothing, then shaped the world. White Black 2 It is said to have emerged from an egg in a place where there was nothing, then shaped the world. White 2
Generation VI X According to the legends of Sinnoh, this Pokémon emerged from an egg and shaped all there is in this world. Y It is told in mythology that this Pokémon was born before the universe even existed. Omega Ruby According to the legends of Sinnoh, this Pokémon emerged from an egg and shaped all there is in this world. Alpha Sapphire It is told in mythology that this Pokémon was born before the universe even existed.

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation IV.
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Hall of Origin (Only one) (requires Azure Flute)* Platinum Hall of Origin (Only one) (requires Azure Flute)* HeartGold SoulSilver Trade
Generation V Black White Poké Transfer Black 2 White 2 Poké Transfer
Generation VI X Y Event Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Event

In events

Games	Event	Language/Region	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
	Movie Arceus	Japanese region	Online	100	March 7 to August 31, 2015

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

Arceus and the hero of Pokémon Conquest

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 5/5 ★★★★★ Power 5/5 ★★★★★ Skill 5/5 ★★★★★ Stamina 5/5 ★★★★★ Jump 5/5 ★★★★★ Total 25/25 ★★★★★

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

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  00Start Seismic Toss Fighting Physical 0000— 100100% 20 Tough 3 ♥♥♥ 0   00Start Cosmic Power Psychic Status 0000— ——% 20 Beautiful 1 ♥ 0   00Start Natural Gift Normal Physical 0000— 100100% 15 Clever 1 ♥ 0   00Start Punishment Dark Physical 0000— 100100% 5 Cool 2 ♥♥ 1 ♥ 1010 Gravity Psychic Status 0000— ——% 5 Clever 2 ♥♥ 0   2020 Earth Power Ground Special 09090 100100% 10 Beautiful 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   3030 Hyper Voice Normal Special 09090 100100% 10 Cool 2 ♥♥ 2 ♥♥ 4040 Extreme Speed Normal Physical 08080 100100% 5 Cool 3 ♥♥♥ 0   5050 Refresh Normal Status 0000— ——% 20 Cute 2 ♥♥ 0   6060 Future Sight Psychic Special 120120 100100% 10 Clever 2 ♥♥ 0   7070 Recover Normal Status 0000— ——% 10 Clever 2 ♥♥ 0   8080 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 09090% 5 Cool 4 ♥♥♥♥ 4 ♥♥♥♥ 9090 Perish Song Normal Status 0000— ——% 5 Beautiful 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   100100 Judgment Normal Special 100100 100100% 10 Beautiful 3 ♥♥♥ 0

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

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  TM01 TM01 Hone Claws Dark Status 0000— —}}—% 15 Cute 1 ♥ 0   TM02 TM02 Dragon Claw Dragon Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 Cool 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   TM03 TM03 Psyshock Psychic Special 08080 100}}100% 10 Beautiful 1 ♥ 4 ♥♥♥♥ TM04 TM04 Calm Mind Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 20 Clever 1 ♥ 0   TM05 TM05 Roar Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 20 Cool 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM06 TM06 Toxic Poison Status 0000— 090}}90% 10 Clever 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM07 TM07 Hail Ice Status 0000— —}}—% 10 Beautiful 2 ♥♥ 1 ♥ TM10 TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 Clever 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM11 TM11 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000— —}}—% 5 Beautiful 1 ♥ 0   TM13 TM13 Ice Beam Ice Special 09090 100}}100% 10 Beautiful 1 ♥ 4 ♥♥♥♥ TM14 TM14 Blizzard Ice Special 110110 070}}70% 5 Beautiful 1 ♥ 3 ♥♥♥ TM15 TM15 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 Cool 4 ♥♥♥♥ 4 ♥♥♥♥ TM16 TM16 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 30 Beautiful 2 ♥♥ 0   TM17 TM17 Protect Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 Cute 2 ♥♥ 0   TM18 TM18 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— —}}—% 5 Beautiful 1 ♥ 0   TM20 TM20 Safeguard Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 25 Beautiful 2 ♥♥ 0   TM21 TM21 Frustration Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 Cute 2 ♥♥ 3 ♥♥♥ TM22 TM22 Solar Beam Grass Special 120120 100}}100% 10 Cool 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM24 TM24 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100}}100% 15 Cool 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   TM25 TM25 Thunder Electric Special 110110 070}}70% 10 Cool 1 ♥ 0   TM26 TM26 Earthquake Ground Physical 100100 100}}100% 10 Tough 2 ♥♥ 1 ♥ TM27 TM27 Return Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 Cute 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   TM29 TM29 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 100}}100% 10 Clever 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   TM30 TM30 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15 Clever 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   TM31 TM31 Brick Break Fighting Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 Cool 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   TM32 TM32 Double Team Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 15 Cool 1 ♥ 0   TM33 TM33 Reflect Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 20 Clever 2 ♥♥ 0   TM35 TM35 Flamethrower Fire Special 09090 100}}100% 15 Beautiful 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   TM36 TM36 Sludge Bomb Poison Special 09090 100}}100% 10 Tough 2 ♥♥ 1 ♥ TM37 TM37 Sandstorm Rock Status 0000— —}}—% 10 Tough 2 ♥♥ 1 ♥ TM38 TM38 Fire Blast Fire Special 110110 085}}85% 5 Beautiful 1 ♥ 0   TM39 TM39 Rock Tomb Rock Physical 06060 095}}95% 15 Clever 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM40 TM40 Aerial Ace Flying Physical 06060 —}}—% 20 Cool 2 ♥♥ 0   TM42 TM42 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 Cute 2 ♥♥ 0   TM44 TM44 Rest Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 10 Cute 1 ♥ 0   TM48 TM48 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 Beautiful 2 ♥♥ 0   TM49 TM49 Echoed Voice Normal Special 04040 100}}100% 15 Beautiful 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM50 TM50 Overheat Fire Special 130130 090}}90% 5 Beautiful 6 ♥♥♥♥♥♥ 0   TM52 TM52 Focus Blast Fighting Special 120120 070}}70% 5 Cool 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   TM53 TM53 Energy Ball Grass Special 09090 100}}100% 10 Beautiful 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   TM57 TM57 Charge Beam Electric Special 05050 090}}90% 10 Beautiful 1 ♥ 0   TM59 TM59 Incinerate Fire Special 06060 100}}100% 15 Tough 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM60 TM60 Quash Dark Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 Clever 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM61 TM61 Will-O-Wisp Fire Status 0000— 085}}85% 15 Beautiful 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM65 TM65 Shadow Claw Ghost Physical 07070 100}}100% 15 Cool 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   TM66 TM66 Payback Dark Physical 05050 100}}100% 10 Tough 2 ♥♥ 0   TM67 TM67 Retaliate Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 5 Cool 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM68 TM68 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5 Tough 4 ♥♥♥♥ 4 ♥♥♥♥ TM70 TM70 Flash Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 20 Beautiful 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM71 TM71 Stone Edge Rock Physical 100100 080}}80% 5 Tough 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM73 TM73 Thunder Wave Electric Status 0000— 100}}100% 20 Cool 1 ♥ 3 ♥♥♥ TM75 TM75 Swords Dance Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 20 Beautiful 1 ♥ 0   TM77 TM77 Psych Up Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 Clever 2 ♥♥ 0   TM78 TM78 Bulldoze Ground Physical 06060 100}}100% 20 Tough 2 ♥♥ 2 ♥♥ TM80 TM80 Rock Slide Rock Physical 07575 090}}90% 10 Tough 2 ♥♥ 2 ♥♥ TM81 TM81 X-Scissor Bug Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 Cool 2 ♥♥ 1 ♥ TM84 TM84 Poison Jab Poison Physical 08080 100}}100% 20 Tough 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   TM85 TM85 Dream Eater Psychic Special 100100 100}}100% 15 Clever 2 ♥♥ 0   TM86 TM86 Grass Knot Grass Special 0000— 100}}100% 20 Cute 1 ♥ 0   TM87 TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000— 090}}90% 15 Cute 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM90 TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 Cute 2 ♥♥ 0   TM91 TM91 Flash Cannon Steel Special 08080 100}}100% 10 Beautiful 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   TM92 TM92 Trick Room Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 5 Clever 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM94 TM94 Rock SmashXY Fighting Physical 04040 100}}100% 15 Tough 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   TM94 TM94 Secret PowerORAS Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 Clever 1 ♥ 0   TM95 TM95 Snarl Dark Special 05555 095}}95% 15 Tough 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   TM97 TM97 Dark Pulse Dark Special 08080 100}}100% 15 Cool 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   XTM100 TM100 Confide Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 20 Cute 3 ♥♥♥ 0   ZHM01 HM01 Cut Normal Physical 05050 095}}95% 30 Cool 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   ZHM02 HM02 Fly Flying Physical 09090 095}}95% 15 Clever 2 ♥♥ 0   ZHM03 HM03 Surf Water Special 09090 100}}100% 15 Beautiful 2 ♥♥ 2 ♥♥ ZHM04 HM04 Strength Normal Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 Tough 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   ZHM05 HM05 Waterfall Water Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 Tough 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   ZHM06 HM06 Rock SmashORAS Fighting Physical 04040 100}}100% 15 Tough 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0

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

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  This Pokémon learns no moves by breeding.

Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Arceus in Generation VI 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 VI Other generations: IV - V - VII - VIII - IX

Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  X Y OR AS Aqua Tail Water Physical 90 90% 10 Beautiful 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   X Y OR AS Draco Meteor Dragon Special 130 90% 5 Beautiful 6 ♥♥♥♥♥♥ 0   X Y OR AS Dragon Pulse Dragon Special 85 100% 10 Beautiful 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   X Y OR AS Earth Power Ground Special 90 100% 10 Beautiful 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   X Y OR AS Giga Drain Grass Special 75 100% 10 Clever 1 ♥ 4 ♥♥♥♥ X Y OR AS Gravity Psychic Status — —% 5 Clever 2 ♥♥ 0   X Y OR AS Heat Wave Fire Special 95 90% 10 Beautiful 2 ♥♥ 2 ♥♥ X Y OR AS Hyper Voice Normal Special 90 100% 10 Cool 2 ♥♥ 2 ♥♥ X Y OR AS Icy Wind Ice Special 55 95% 15 Beautiful 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   X Y OR AS Iron Defense Steel Status — —% 15 Tough 1 ♥ 0   X Y OR AS Iron Head Steel Physical 80 100% 15 Tough 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   X Y OR AS Iron Tail Steel Physical 100 75% 15 Cool 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   X Y OR AS Last Resort Normal Physical 140 100% 5 Cute 1 ♥ 0   X Y OR AS Magic Coat Psychic Status — —% 15 Beautiful 2 ♥♥ 0   X Y OR AS Outrage Dragon Physical 120 100% 10 Cool 6 ♥♥♥♥♥♥ 0   X Y OR AS Recycle Normal Status — —% 10 Clever 1 ♥ 0   X Y OR AS Shock Wave Electric Special 60 —% 20 Cool 2 ♥♥ 0   X Y OR AS Signal Beam Bug Special 75 100% 15 Beautiful 3 ♥♥♥ 0   X Y OR AS Snore Normal Special 50 100% 15 Cute 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   X Y OR AS Stealth Rock Rock Status — —% 20 Cool 2 ♥♥ 0   X Y OR AS Tailwind Flying Status — —% 15 Cool 3 ♥♥♥ 0   X Y OR AS Trick Psychic Status — 100% 10 Clever 2 ♥♥ 1 ♥ X Y OR AS Water Pulse Water Special 60 100% 20 Beautiful 3 ♥♥♥ 0   X Y OR AS Zen Headbutt Psychic Physical 80 90% 15 Clever 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0

A black or white 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 Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor 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: Omnipotent 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	Pixie Plate Arceus  Fairy

Sprites

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation IV.
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation V Black White Black 2 White 2 Front Back Front Back
Generation VI X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Front Back Front Back

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

Trivia

• 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", a pronunciation supported by the katakana used to spell its name. 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.
• Arceus has the highest base stat total of all Normal-type Pokémon and all Pokémon without Mega Evolution or Primal Reversion.
  • Arceus has the highest base Defense stat of all non-Mega Evolved Normal-type Pokémon.
• Arceus is the only Pokémon at the end of a generation in National Pokédex order that does not have a base stat total of 600.
• In the Generation IV games, there are sprites for ???-type Arceus, but this is not obtainable as there is no Plate.
• 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.

???-type Arceus

• Arceus is the only event-exclusive trio master.
  • Furthermore, Arceus is the only trio master of two different trios, being the master of both the lake guardians and the creation trio.
• In Generation IV, Trick and Switcheroo will fail if used by a Pokémon with Multitype. However, starting in the Generation V games, it will only fail if used by a Pokémon with Multitype holding a Plate or targeting a Pokémon holding a Plate.
• 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 the Pokémon Global Link promotion poll in both the Japanese poll and the international (non-Japanese and non-Korean) poll.
• Until Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Arceus's Plate variations were not recognized as form differences by the Pokédex. The same was true for Genesect and Furfrou.

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. Based on its official artwork and attack movements in the 3D games, Arceus may be modeled after a horse. 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 by the Shinto gods Kunitokotachi and Amenominakanushi, who summoned Izanami and Izanagi to create Japan with the spear. It may also be a reference to the qilin, a Chinese mythical creature. Its myth is nearly identical to that of the Pangu, the Chinese creation deity. Arceus may also represent or be inspired by 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 Pokédex entry) or in a white, four-armed manifestation (which could look similar to Normal-type Arceus).

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 Areuse'useu 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
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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.