Pokémon Legends: Arceus is Introducing a New Group of Pokémon

Oliver Pretl-Drummond
·3 min read

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Following months of mounting speculation and excitement, Nintendo has finally offered fans a glimpse into the wild world of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. The game isn’t coming out until January 28th, 2022, but you can pre-order it today.

In celebration of the franchise’s 25th anniversary, Pokémon Legends: Arceus revisits the Sinnoh region’s ancient and unruly past, a time long before Pokédexes and convenient infrastructure for plucky youth-driven Pokémon domestication. Based on brief gameplay footage from the trailer, it’s safe to say that the clever premise of Pokémon Legends: Arceus flips everything you know about the age-old Pokémon formula on its head.

This never-before-seen blast from the past is a fitting companion for Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, which are forthcoming remakes of Sinnoh-based classics Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. These games are scheduled to launch on November 19th — check out our pre-order guide!

A Brand New Pokémon Training Experience

If you’ve ever played a Pokémon game, you know that Pokémon is all about turn-based strategic play. With a few recent exceptions like Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and later editions of the main game, your player character seldom interacts with their Pokémon beyond battle, shared meals and photo sessions. And don’t forget the most important and immutable rule of Pokémon – you do not battle them, they battle each other.

Now that you know how Pokémon usually works, it’s time to forget everything that you know. Similar to how Breath of the Wild blew the classic Zelda format wide open, Pokémon Legends: Arceus ditches turn-based battle, prefabricated Pokéballs and walking around on your own two feet in favor of real-time action RPG dueling, a brand new crafting mechanic and the ability to mount and ride many types of different Pokémon.

Along with these new gameplay developments, the Pokémon Legends: Arceus trailer introduces another mysterious element — Noble Type Pokémon. We don’t know much about where these titanic beasts came from or which Pokémon will appear in Noble form, but the trailer heavily featured a battle between the player-character and Kleavor, a Rock/Bug type Noble Pokémon (and brand new Scyther evolution). Even with help from your trusty team, subduing these behemoth creatures will be no small feat.

For the very first time in Pokémon history, you can personally take damage from a massive rock monster with double-axe hands.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus screenshot
Credit: Nintendo

How to Pre-Order Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Want to lock down your own copy of Pokémon Legends: Arceus ahead of time? Take a look at our comprehensive pre-order guide — it’s worth doing some research, as you have several exciting pre-order bonuses to choose from. No matter where you pre-order your game, you’ll be eligible to claim your own classy Hisuian Growlithe Kimono Set through the Mystery Gifts feature.

Here are the best offers we’ve seen so far:

Nintendo eShop

If you download and install the digital version from the Nintendo eShop, you’ll receive an email code for 30 free Heavy Balls. You can claim this pre-order bonus anytime before 5 PM PT on May 9th, 2022. Heavy Balls have a higher catch rate than standard Poké Balls, which will surely come in handy on your quest to tame Noble Pokémon.

Pokémon Center

For those who prefer physical game cards over digital downloads, consider pre-ordering Pokémon Legends: Arceus from the Pokémon Center. If you order before January 28th, 2022, you’ll get a soon-to-be-revealed Arceus Sitting Cuties Plush along with your purchase. Pre-order plush bonuses are limited to three per person and may ship slightly later than the game itself.

More to consider:

Our editors strive to ensure that the information in this article is accurate as of the date published, but please keep in mind that offers can change. We encourage you to verify all terms and conditions of any product before you apply.