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.

As a member of the Galaxy Expedition Team, players will visit Jubilife Village, a bustling settlement that serves as a base of operations. After receiving an assignment or a request, Trainers will set out from the village to study one of the various areas of the Hisui region. After they finish their survey work, Trainers return to Jubilife Village to prepare for their next task. Whenever Trainers leave Jubilife Village to set out on an excursion, their first stop will be one of the base camps that will serve as an outpost for their work. These base camps are more than just starting points—Trainers can stop for a rest during an excursion, letting their team of Pokémon recover their health, or use a base camp’s workbench to craft items.

As Trainers progress toward completing the Pokédex and increase in rank as a member of the Galaxy Team, they will meet interesting characters and encounter unique Pokémon living in the Hisui region.

Wyrdeer
Category: Big Horn Pokémon  
Height: 5′11″
Weight: 209.7 lbs.
Type: Normal/Psychic

In the Hisui region, Stantler can evolve into Wyrdeer. Using the black orbs at the bases of its antlers, this Pokémon generates and unleashes psychic energy powerful enough to distort space.

Basculegion
Category: Big Fish Pokémon
Height: 9ʹ10″
Weight: 242.5 lbs.
Type: Water/Ghost

Basculin in the Hisui region evolve into Basculegion when they are possessed by the souls of other Basculin from their school that could not withstand the harsh journey upstream. Their propulsive power is bolstered by the souls possessing them, letting them swim without tiring.

Hisuian Braviary
Category: Battle Cry Pokémon
Height: 5′7″
Weight: 95.7 lbs.
Type: Psychic/Flying

When Rufflet in the Hisui region evolve, they become Hisuian Braviary. Hisuian Braviary can imbue its eerie screeches with psychic power to generate powerful shock waves. It can also use its psychic power to sharpen its sixth sense, entering a trance that boosts its physical abilities.

Hisuian Growlithe
Category: Scout Pokémon
Height: 2′7″
Weight: 50 lbs.
Type: Fire/Rock

This is Growlithe as it appears in the Hisui region. Hisuian Growlithe has longer, more voluminous fur than the previously discovered form of Growlithe. Highly vigilant, they tend to be seen watching over their territory in pairs.

Preorders for Pokémon Legends: Arceus will be available on Nintendo eShop starting Wednesday, August 18, 2021. As an early-purchase bonus, Trainers will be able to obtain an in-game outfit based on Hisuian Growlithe.

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