How to get Arceus in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

In Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Arceus made an infamous debut. The mythical Pokémon was technically in the fourth generation, but it was also extremely hard to come by. That’s because Arceus was an event-exclusive Pokémon in Diamond and Pearl — but the event that distributed the needed item never came to the public.

After receiving the spotlight in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, this behemoth has officially arrived in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. This time around, though, you won’t need to use an Action Replay to get Arceus. But, you’ll need to check a few boxes in order to catch Arceus in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

Finish all Pokémon Legends: Arceus missions

Before getting Arceus in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, you’ll need to break out a copy of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. A save file of Pokémon Legends: Arceus on the Nintendo Switch platform is required to unlock the special event. This is very similar to how users can unlock Jirachi and Mew in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, as both of those mythical Pokémon also require save files from past games.

Additionally, all the main missions of Pokémon Legends: Arceus must also be completed — basically meaning that you have to catch Arceus in Legends to catch it in BDSP too.

Obtain the Azure Flute in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

From here, head to Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. If you have beaten the game, made it to the Hall of Fame, and unlocked the National Pokédex, you’ll find the Azure Flute in your upstairs bedroom in Twinleaf Town, next to your character’s Nintendo Switch.

After the Azure Flute has been received, head on back to Mt. Coronet. Go to the Spear Pillar at the mountain, and you’ll be prompted to play the Azure Flute. Do so, and a glowing staircase will appear, leading you to Arceus.

How to catch Arceus in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

As far as catching Arceus goes, here are a few tips. One, please save and get your party ready before heading up the staircase; the battle will automatically begin once you reach the top. Second, Arceus’ original form is Normal, so Fighting-type moves will be super effective. As with any encounter, status effects (mainly sleep) and using False Swipe to whittle Arceus down to 1 HP will certainly help. It’s also best to do this encounter if you have the Catching Charm.

Arceus will mainly use Future Sight, Hyper Beam, and Recover. Future Sight will have a delay by one turn, and Hyper Beam forces Arceus to recharge in its next turn. Recover will undo some damage you do to it, so remain vigilant. Healing Wish from Arceus will have no effect in this wild encounter. Pelt a weakened Arceus with Ultra Balls, or even Timer Balls if this is taking a while. Otherwise, this is a good opportunity for you to finally use your Master Ball.