How to get Arceus in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

Daniel Megarry
Arceus appearing in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl players will finally be able to catch Arceus thanks to a new update, so here’s how to get this Mythical creature.

Arceus is one of the most in-demand Pokemon of all time. The so-called ‘Original One’ is believed to have created the entire Pokemon universe, so it’s no surprise that players want to add this Mythical creature to their team.

Trainers will be glad to hear, then, that they’re finally going to be able to catch Arceus in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl following the 1.3.0 update, which will be available to download on March 15, 2022, at 6pm PDT.

Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to encountering Arceus in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, as well as the requirements you’ll need to meet before it will appear.

How to catch Arceus in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

The location you can catch Arceus in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
You can encounter Arceus at the Spear Pillar when you’ve got the Azure Flute.

Before you can catch Arceus in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, you’ll need to enter the Hall of Fame by defeating Cynthia and completing the main story, then obtain the National Pokedex from Oak.

You’ll also need to download the latest update (1.3.0) and have a Pokemon Legends Arceus save file on your Nintendo Switch system with all of the main story missions completed.

When you’ve met all of these requirements, the Azure Flute item will appear in your character’s room. Grab this, then visit Spear Pillar at the top of Mount Coronet to start your battle with the Mythical Arceus.

Here’s a summary of what you need to do to catch Arceus in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl:

  1. Update your copy of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl to the latest version.
  2. Make sure you’ve entered the Hall of Fame and obtained the National Pokedex.
  3. Have a Pokemon Legends Arceus save file with all the main missions completed.
  4. Return to your room, where you’ll find the Azure Flute item.
  5. Make sure that Dialga or Palkia is on your team, just in case.
  6. Head to the Spear Pillar at the top of Mount Coronet and Arceus will appear.

It’s a good idea to save before battling Arceus, as this is your only chance to encounter it – if you defeat it by accident, you won’t be able to catch it!

The Japanese announcement states that you need to have Dialga or Palkia by your side to meet Arceus, but the English announcement doesn’t include this detail, so we’re not 100% sure about this step yet.

It’s probably a good idea to include them on your team before attempting to encounter Arceus just in case.


Now you know how to catch Arceus, check out some of our other Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl guides:

All Rare Candy locations | Where to find Cresselia | How to get the National Pokedex | Best starter to pick | Beating all Gym Leaders | How to get all Sinnoh starters | Best ways to make money | How to unlock Mystery Gifts | How to get Eevee | How to get Leafeon | How to get Glaceon | How to get Umbreon & Espeon | Where to catch Spiritomb | How to get Riolu & LucarioAll trade evolutions

About The Author

Daniel graduated from university with a degree in Journalism and English Language, before spending five years at GAY TIMES covering LGBTQ+ news and entertainment. He then made the switch to video game journalism where he produces news, features, and guides for Pokemon, Fortnite, Nintendo, and PlayStation games. Daniel also has a passion for any games with queer representation.