Battle Systems Explained: Is Battle Turn-Based?

With Pokemon Legends: Arceus straying away from its typical formula, several changes to the Battle Systems are also in place, including tweaks to the turn-based system. Read on to learn about changes in Wild Pokemon Battles, Trainer Battles, Frenzied Noble Pokemon Battles, and even pre-battle mechanics.

Wild Pokemon Battles

Throw your Poke Ball nearby to start a Battle

You can initiate a battle by throwing a Poke Ball containing one of your own partner Pokemon near a wild Pokemon.

The wild Pokemon will draw its attention to your Pokemon and the battle will ensue seamlessly.

Engaging an unaware Pokemon in battle might afford you an extra turn

You can engage a wild Pokemon in battle by throwing out your Pokemon near or directly at the wild Pokemon. If you throw out your partner Pokemon directly at a wild Pokemon that has not become alert to your presence, there's a chance you'll be afforded an extra move in the battle. The move order can be seen on the right side of the battle menu.

All Wild Pokemon are visible in the Overworld

Wild Pokemon are clearly visible roaming the lands of Hisui, and thus wild Pokemon Battles are completely avoidable. Random encounters appear to be completely absent from the game.

Wild Pokemon may attack the Player

Wild Pokemon vary in behavior and temperament, while some may ignore you and some may flee, some may also choose to attack you.

Alpha Pokemon that are larger than most of their species, also tend to be aggressive and will chase the player down.

When being pursued by an aggressive Pokemon, you may engage in battle, or dodge and run away from its territory.

Turn Order is based on Action Speed

Pokemon games have traditionally had turn-based combat where Pokemon would take turns in dealing out their attacks. However with the new Agile Style and Strong Style moves, turn order can now change.

A menu at the top right of the battle screen will display the turn order of the battling Pokemon, and can be viewed by pressing the Y button. Mastering the use of these new move styles will be key to victorious battles.

Agile and Strong Styles

Trainer Battles

Also take Action Order into Account

Trainer Battles work similarly to how they did in previous games. Two trainers will engage in battle where neither can run nor catch each other's Pokemon.

New to Pokemon Legends: Arceus is the implementation of the Agile Style and Strong Style moves that dynamically change the turn-order.

There are only a few trainers in the Hisui Region

The concept of Trainers or Gym Challenges is not yet a widespread idea during the time period that Pokemon Legends: Arceus takes place in.

With limited people with partner Pokemon, most battles are only conducted between Wardens and other important characters in the game.

List of All Characters

Frenzied Noble Pokemon Battles

A strange phenomenon is causing the nobles to become frenzied, making them rampage. As part of the Survey Corps, you will be recruited to calm these Frenzied Nobles.

Beating Frenzied Noble Pokemon Steps
Throw Balms Send Out a Pokemon to Battle Deplete the Frenzy Gauge to Win the Battle

Throw Balms

Throwing Balms at the Noble Pokemon is the key to quelling its frenzy.

Be sure to observe its movement and attack patterns, dodge its attacks by pressing Y, and throw Balms once you find an opening!

Send Out a Pokemon to Batlle

Over the course of the fight, the Frenzied Noble Pokemon will let down its guard, giving you a chance to send out a Pokemon to battle it!

Deplete the Frenzy Gauge to Win the Battle

After defeating the Frenzied Noble Pokemon in battle, take advantage of its immobility by throwing Balms to further lower its Frenzy Gauge!

Once the Frenzied Noble Pokemon has recovered, simply repeat the steps until you've completely depleted its Frenzy Gauge.

Frenzied Noble Pokemon: How to Beat

Catch Pokemon Without Engaging in Battle

A new mechanic for Pokemon Legends: Arceus is the ability to catch a Pokemon without engaging it in battle. By maintaining stealth and throwing your Poke Ball at an unsuspecting Pokemon, you can capture them without battling, thus preserving your team's health.

Catching Pokemon Outside of Battle Tips
Be Stealthy Don't Alert It Distract It With a Berry

Be Stealthy

Pokemon that are less aware of your presence are easier to catch so be sure to sneak to them as much as you can. Make use of different structures in the overworld like a big rock, a tree, or tall grass and hide behind them.

Once you're near enough, throw a Poke Ball at the Pokemon to try and catch it.

Don't Alert It

If an aggressive Pokemon spots you or if you fail to catch it on your first sneak attempt, it will enter an alert state and will only deflect Poke Balls thrown its way. You'll know a Pokemon has spotted you if a red bar with an eye icon appears at the top of your screen. When this happens, you must battle the Pokemon if you want to catch it.

Distract It With a Berry

Throwing a berry near a Pokemon will distract it. When it starts eating the berry, it becomes less aware of your presence. Thus, making it the perfect time for you to throw a Poke Ball at it!

How to Catch Pokemon

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