How To Catch Arceus In Pokemon Brilliant Diamond And Shining Pearl

Upon the two games' original release back in 2006, "Pokémon Diamond and Pearl" were originally intended to include a quest where aspiring Pokémon Trainers would embark upon a journey to capture the Mythical Arceus, a Legendary Pokémon that was originally intended as part of an event that spanned across "Diamond", "Pearl", and "Platinum." Unfortunately, the event would ultimately be canceled by the game's developer, with game director Junichi Masuda citing it as being "confusing" for the average Trainer.

However, some 16 years later, the Arceus event has been brought back and is now available in the remakes of the original games, "Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl," allowing Trainers both new and old to finally experience what could've been in the games' 1.3 update. However, capturing the Legendary Arceus will be no easy feat and will require some serious legwork for anyone who wishes to add the famed Pokémon to their Pokedex. Here's everything you need to know in regards to catching Arceus in "Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl."

Let's get this one out of the way now. One of the most tedious and controversial steps required for participating in the journey to capturing Arceus involves players also playing "Pokémon Legends: Arceus," a prequel to "Pokémon Diamond and Pearl" released for the Nintendo Switch in January 2022. Players must complete a specific amount of story missions in "Arceus" which will reward them with the Azure Flute, a key component in the event that can be transferred over to "Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl". This particular step caused many Pokémon fans to be infuriated as it limits the event to players who own both games, essentially putting the event behind a $60 paywall.

While in "Pokémon Legends: Arceus", players must complete Mission 27, just one short of the game's 28 main story missions (per Serebii). Arceus itself can be encountered in the titular game by completing the game and catching every Pokémon in the Hisui region.

To put it as simply as possible, you will practically need to beat "Pokémon Legends: Arceus" in order to gain access to the complete event.

Upon completing the main story in "Pokémon Legends: Arceus" and acquiring the Azure Flute, it's time to return back to "Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl" for your next step — becoming the Pokémon Champion of Sinnoh. This in and of itself is a long and arduous task, and one that has likely already been accomplished by players who have been with "Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl" since their release. For those who haven't, here's a basic rundown of what you need to do.

For starters, players will have to defeat all eight of the Sinnoh Gym's Trainers. Upon doing so, players will be granted access to the dangerous and challenging Victory Road before having to face the Elite Four, the best four Pokémon trainers that aren't recognized as the Pokémon Champion. Even once you've gotten past them, Trainers will have to face Cynthia in a winner-takes-all showdown to crown the new Pokémon Champion of Sinnoh and unlock the National Dex. Mind you, Cynthia is arguably one of the most difficult Pokemon Trainers in the lore's history and will require tons of preparation and gall to defeat.

Once you've done all of that and have become the most elite Trainer in the Sinnoh region, players must collect the Azure Flute from TwinLeaf Town. After this, it's finally time to confront Arceus.

OK, you've forked out the $60 for "Pokémon Legends: Arceus," beaten it, and have defeated all challengers in "Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl," your journey to Arceus is almost complete. There's only one thing left for you to do — capture Arceus and become the talk of the town! Now in possession of the Azure Flute, a staircase will now appear at the summit of Mt. Coronet, Spear Pillar. Make a save point (you'll probably need it) and climb said staircase. This brings you to the Hall of Origin where Arceus lies in wait.

Arceus itself is a Level 80 opponent, meaning it will likely be capable of wiping through your entire arsenal of Pocket Monsters and evading any and all efforts to capture lest you're smart and calculated. Because of this, it is recommended that you bring your most powerful collection of Pokemon to the fight, and as many Ultra Balls and Timer Balls that you can get your hands on (via GameRant). Capturing Arceus is sure to be a war of attrition, so be patient. And if you lose too much or suffer defeat, load up your previous save point and start again.