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 Hisui Region’s Two Clans: The Diamond Clan and the Pearl Clan

In addition to being home to the Galaxy Expedition Team, two other groups reside in the Hisui region: the Diamond Clan and the Pearl Clan.

The people of the Diamond Clan often speak of the importance of cherishing the present and living in the moment with one’s allies. On the other hand, members of the Pearl Clan frequently advocate the importance of valuing the vast, spacious land shared with others.​

Although the Diamond Clan and Pearl Clan disagree on many of their beliefs, they seem to nevertheless share many similarities. Both clans don clothing designed to resemble certain Pokémon, and both pay respects to special Pokémon they call lords and ladies—or collectively, noble Pokémon.​ Moreover, both clans have wardens who serve these special Pokémon.

The Young Leaders in Charge of the Diamond and Pearl Clans​

• Adaman: Adaman serves as the leader of the Diamond Clan and has Leafeon as his partner Pokémon.​ This daring young man hates to see time go to waste and likes to rush forward without worrying too much about particulars.
• Irida: Irida serves as the leader of the Pearl Clan, and her partner Pokémon is Glaceon.​ As a leader, she feels it is important to have the courage to face the vast Hisui region. Though she is suspicious when first meeting people, she will slowly come to trust the player thanks to the help they provide in quelling the noble Pokémon.​

Introducing the Ginkgo Guild Merchants

A group of merchants known as the Ginkgo Guild also operates in the Hisui region. Not native to Hisui, members of the Ginkgo Guild travel around the various locations of the region, selling the wares they have gathered.​

Add the Mythical Pokémon Darkrai to Your Team in Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Players with play records from the Pokémon Brilliant Diamond or Pokémon Shining Pearl games will be able to take on a research request in Pokémon Legends: Arceus that will lead to an encounter with the Mythical Pokémon Darkrai. They will also be able to claim the Modern Team Galactic Set.

Darkrai​
It’s said this Pokémon is active during nights of the new moon and that it can lull people to sleep and make them have nightmares.​

Category: Pitch-Black Pokémon
Type: Dark
Height: 4' 11'' (1.5m)
Weight: 111.3 lbs. (50.5 kg)

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