Pokémon Legends: Arceus review

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is our pick for the best Pokémon game in 2026. Nintendo's store page calls it a game that blends action and exploration with the RPG roots of the series, and it changes the core loop more than any main entry here. You play in the Hisui region, the Sinnoh of old, taking survey missions from Jubilife Village with the task of building the region's first Pokédex. Instead of always battling first, you sneak up on wild Pokémon and throw a Poké Ball, or toss your partner's ball to start a fight. A Celestica Flute lets you ride Pokémon across land, water and sky, and powerful noble Pokémon guard parts of the map. It costs $59.99 on the US eShop and plays on Switch and Switch 2, where Nintendo says behavior matches the Switch. Multiplayer is limited to 2 players locally or online. For a fan who wants one game that feels new, start here.

Who it is for

Most Pokémon fans who want one game that changes how catching works and still costs the standard $59.99.

Price

$59.99 one-time digital purchase on the US Nintendo eShop.

Pokémon™ Legends: Arceus 1/28/22 Regular Price: $59.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Survey missions from a base in Jubilife Village across the Hisui region
• Catch wild Pokémon by sneaking up and throwing a Poké Ball, no battle needed
• Rowlet, Cyndaquil or Oshawott as your first partner
• New regional forms such as Hisuian Growlithe and Hisuian Zoroark, plus the new Wyrdeer
• Ride Pokémon over land, water and through the sky with the Celestica Flute

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Catching in the open field makes the Pokédex the main goal, not a side task
• Strength: Riding on land, water and air lets you move freely around Hisui
• Strength: Save data from Sword, Shield or the Let's Go games unlocks in-game outfits
• Weakness: Runs on Switch hardware, with no separate Switch 2 edition listed
• Weakness: Local and online play is listed for 2 players only
• Weakness: Noble Pokémon fights and action-style catching differ from classic turn-based play

Key facts

• Developer: GAME FREAK
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Release date: January 28, 2022
• ESRB: Mild Fantasy Violence
• File size: 6.1 GB

Where it ranks

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is No. 1 in our Best Pokémon Games verdict.