Arceus

Arceus
Pokémon character
Arceus artwork by Ken Sugimori
First gamePokémon Diamond and Pearl (2006)
Created byTakao Unno
In-universe information
SpeciesPokémon
TypeNormal

Arceus (/ˈɑːrkəs/; Japanese: アルセウス, Hepburn: Aruseusu) is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise, first introduced in the 2006 video games Pokémon Diamond and Pearl and designed by Takao Unno. Despite being featured in Diamond and Pearl, it was not available through official means, instead available through promotional events. It was not obtainable in game until the 2021 remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. It is a central figure in the game Pokémon Legends: Arceus, where it sends the protagonist back in time to meet all Pokémon. Since Arceus's debut, it has appeared in multiple games including the Pokémon Trading Card Game, as well as various merchandise.

Classified as a Normal-type Pokémon, Arceus is said to be the god of Pokémon, who is claimed to be responsible for the creation of the universe, as well as the Pokémon Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina, which are responsible for space, time, and anti-matter respectively. It is capable of changing to any other type through the use of items called "Plates". It has a white and grey body with a gold circle around its body, its colors changing depending on its type. It is the central figure of the film Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life.