Species guide · Ages 10+ · July 2026
Arceus
Say it: AR-kee-us
Kids summary (simpler)Tap to expand
Arceus is the Alpha Pokémon — a Mythical that can change type with Plates in Pokémon GO. The base listing is Normal, but equipped Plates switch its typing and moves for raids and Master League. Catch or research Arceus from special Mythical events only — it is not a wild spawn.
Say it: AR-kee-us
Arceus (#493) is a Mythical Pokémon in Pokémon GO. Its typing and role depend on the Plate held (Normal by default; other Plates unlock typed kits for Master League and raids). Against Normal Arceus, lead with Fighting; other Plates change weaknesses. Stats, type chart, moves, and counter picks below use our Game Master snapshot (which may show one Plate typing) — confirm live Plate kits against our Game Master snapshot when available.
Type-colored placeholder — not official Pokémon artwork (see IP notice below).
Pokédex notes
Arceus is a Normal-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO. National Dex #0493. Mythical Pokémon are usually event-gated — watch official GO calendars for return windows.
Where in GO: Legendary raids, research breakthroughs, and GO Tour events
Invest tip: Arceus is a long-term Master League and specialty raid investment. Power a high-IV copy and swap Plates for the cup or raid you need. Shadow Arceus (if available to you) follows Shadow rules — remove Frustration before investing. Plate choice matters more than a single “best” moveset.
Type matchups
- Water moves hit Fire, Ground, and Rock hard.
When Arceus is your opponent, Electric, Grass hits hard.
Full type matchup guide →GO base stats
From Game Master snapshot — IVs, buddy, and power-ups change real battle stats.
- Attack
- 238
- Defense
- 238
- Stamina
- 237
Weak to
Resists
Best Pokémon to use against it
When this species is your opponent (Rocket battle, gym, raid, or PvP), these picks exploit its typings. Each list is a pool of options — not a required 12-Pokémon lobby.
Recommended
Strongest practical attackers for this matchup.
- 1. Zekrom · beats Electric
Charge Beam + Fusion Bolt
- 2. Shadow Zekrom · beats Electric
Charge Beam + Fusion Bolt
- 3. Shadow Raikou · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Wild Charge
- 4. Xurkitree · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Discharge
- 5. Therian Thundurus · beats Electric
Volt Switch + Thunderbolt
- 6. Mega Manectric · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Wild Charge
- 7. Raikou · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Wild Charge
- 8. Electivire · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Wild Charge
- 9. Shadow Electabuzz · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Thunder Punch
- 10. Zapdos · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Thunderbolt
- 11. Magnezone · beats Electric
Spark + Wild Charge
- 12. Luxray · beats Electric
Spark + Wild Charge
Budget
Solid alternatives when you cannot build the Recommended picks.
- 1. Electivire · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Wild Charge
- 2. Luxray · beats Electric
Spark + Wild Charge
- 3. Manectric · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Wild Charge
- 4. Jolteon · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Thunderbolt
- 5. Ampharos · beats Electric
Volt Switch + Zap Cannon
- 6. Zebstrika · beats Electric
Spark + Wild Charge
- 7. Galvantula · beats Electric
Volt Switch + Discharge
- 8. Eelektross · beats Electric
Spark + Thunderbolt
- 9. Heliolisk · beats Electric
Volt Switch + Thunderbolt
- 10. Stunfisk · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Discharge
- 11. Raichu · beats Electric
Thunder Shock + Wild Charge
- 12. Magneton · beats Electric
Spark + Discharge
Recommended moves
Game Master may show one Plate’s typing/moves. Arceus’s real kits change with Plates — check the live Plate list before TMing. No Community Day exclusive applies.
Fast
- Shadow Claw · Standard
Ghost energy / common plate kits
- Iron Tail · Standard
Steel fast option
Charged
- Outrage · Standard
Dragon coverage
- Futuresight · Standard
Psychic coverage
- Hyper Beam · Standard
Normal nuke
Moves in GO
Always-available Game Master learnset (regular TMs). Community Day / Elite TM moves appear above when we have curated notes for this species.
Fast
- iron tail
- shadow claw
Charged
- futuresight
- hyper beam
- outrage
PvP league ranks (family snapshot)
- Great League · rank #169 of 954 · CP 1482
Shadow Claw + Hyper Beam
- Ultra League · rank #116 of 747 · CP 2450
Shadow Claw + Hyper Beam
- Master League · rank #1 of 1023 · CP 4510
Shadow Claw + Hyper Beam
In your Collect
Name match only (text). Cards you have saved in Card Nexus Collect — not official art.
Sign in to see holdings, or open Collect.
Open Collect →Raid and PvP advice uses our Game Master snapshot (updated July 2026).
In the Competitive Guide
- Ch. 20: Lucky Pokémon & Family Trades
When lucky status matters for trades and Stardust savings.
- Ch. 21: Best Friends & Lucky Friends
Friendship steps for raid bonuses and lucky trades.