It’s in this long-gone era that players will embark on an entirely new adventure to create the region’s first Pokédex.

The fun of exploring while catching Pokémon and filling in a Pokédex has always been a core part of the Pokémon video game series. Pokémon Legends: Arceus was developed with the desire to deliver an experience infused with new action and RPG elements that go beyond the framework established thus far, while honoring the core gameplay of past Pokémon titles.

As Trainers explore the natural expanses in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, they’ll encounter Pokémon that call these grand vistas home. To catch wild Pokémon, players can study the Pokémon’s behaviors, sneak up to them, then throw Poké Balls. Players can also battle wild Pokémon with their ally Pokémon. By throwing the Poké Ball holding their ally Pokémon near a wild Pokémon, players will seamlessly enter battle. This new gameplay angle is intended to provide Trainers with an immersive experience.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus brings Trainers to the vast Sinnoh region as it existed in the past, long before the setting for Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl was established. Rich in nature and with Mount Coronet towering at its heart, this is a Sinnoh unlike anything Trainers have experienced before as they embark to create the region’s first Pokédex.

As they start off on their adventure, Trainers will be able to choose either Rowlet, Cyndaquil, or Oshawott as their first partner Pokémon. These three Pokémon arrived with a Pokémon Professor, who encountered them on research excursions to various regions.

The Pokémon Company revealed special in-game bonuses that will be redeemable in Pokémon Legends: Arceus for Trainers who have played Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!

Trainers who have played Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield will be able to take on a research request in Pokémon Legends: Arceus in which they’ll have a chance to add the Mythical Pokémon Shaymin (Land Forme) to their team. They’ll also be able to claim a Shaymin Kimono Set designed after this Mythical Pokémon.

The request that allows players to meet Shaymin (Lande Forme) will be available to accept in Jubilife Village after viewing the game’s end credits. Players can claim the Shaymin Kimono Set by speaking to the clothier after joining the Galaxy Expedition Team.

Shaymin (Land Forme)

It’s said the blooming of Gracidea flowers confers the power of flight upon this Pokémon and that feelings of gratitude are the message it delivers.

Category: Gratitude Pokémon
Type: Grass
Height: 8” (0.2 m)
Weight: 4.6 lbs. (2.1 kg)

Pikachu and Eevee Masks Bonus

Trainers who have played Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! will be able to claim a Pikachu Mask and an Eevee Mask in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Players can claim both the Pikachu Mask and the Eevee Mask by speaking to the clothier after joining the Galaxy Expedition Team.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is coming to Nintendo Switch on January 28, 2022.