Pokémon Introduces an Exciting New Arceus Story

In 2022, Pokémon Legends: Arceus introduced a fresh direction for the Pokémon franchise, pushing boundaries with its innovative gameplay and setting. Although Game Freak has been relatively silent about continuing this storyline, Arceus is back in the spotlight with an intriguing new chapter, albeit not in the form many fans anticipated.

The latest Arceus-related content appears in Pokémon Masters EX, a mobile gacha game developed by DeNA. To celebrate the game’s five-year anniversary, a special Pokémon Masters website has been launched, revealing a brand-new story arc dedicated to the Mythical Pokémon Arceus.

Arceus Joins Pokémon Masters EX With Exclusive Features

In this special event, Pokémon Masters EX introduces three trainers donning the exclusive Arc Suit, a special outfit imbued with the power of Arceus. Players will have the opportunity to obtain Arc Suit versions of Cynthia with Garchomp, Steven with Metagross, and Lance with Dragonite. Additionally, players who participate in the anniversary event will have the chance to recruit Lillie and Solgaleo, replacing the usual Lillie and Polteageist duo, and can aim to level her up to full power for a shot at "luxurious prizes." Expect more Arc Suit pairings to be unveiled as the event progresses.

The event also kicks off a new narrative arc in the game. The Arceus Cup, a unique tournament, challenges trainers to demonstrate their bonds with their Pokémon. This new story arc builds on the previous Mysterious Stones chapter and centers around the Arc Suit sync pairs, exploring their connection to the world of Pasio. New players can jump in now, as logging in by September 14 grants up to 6,000 Gems and a 10-Pair Scout Ticket daily for ten days, offering a fantastic opportunity to snag Arceus-themed items.

This limited-time Pokémon Masters EX event runs until October 6, 2024. Fans eager to delve back into the world of Arceus can join the event to engage with the new content. Although this isn’t a direct continuation like Legends: Z-A, it keeps the Arceus storyline alive in a different format. With the next Pokémon game hinting at a return to Galar, this might be the only Arceus content for some time.

The New Pokémon Story Arc: Arceus Comes to the Present

The new storyline features Akari and Rei, protagonists from Pokémon Legends: Arceus, who joined Pokémon Masters EX in September 2023. The story begins with the appearance of mysterious, powerful stones scattered across the land. Champion Cynthia leads the investigation into these stones, which seem to react to the bond between Pokémon and trainers and might have emerged from the past via a space-time rift. It’s suspected that Arceus itself might be behind these stones, with a message urging trainers to "Show me thy bond."

Arceus' historian and traveling merchant, Volo, also makes an appearance, suggesting that the stones are a test from Arceus and proposing a tournament to identify the most worthy trainers. Players will follow the story as trainers prepare their Pokémon for the new Arceus Cup, but the path is fraught with unexpected challenges. Note that this storyline delves into post-Pokémon Legends: Arceus content and reveals late-game spoilers for those unfamiliar with the original game.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus Breaks New Ground

Pokémon Legends: Arceus offered a unique experience, setting itself apart from previous Pokémon titles with its innovative gameplay and setting. Central to this game is Arceus, a god-like entity driving the protagonists' time-traveling adventures, prominently featured in the new content for Pokémon Masters EX.

Released in 2022, Pokémon Legends: Arceus was a bold addition to the franchise, introducing new gameplay mechanics such as exploration-focused encounters and a departure from the traditional battle system. Trainers could capture Pokémon without initiating battles, leading to a fresh and dynamic gameplay experience that was well-received by both longtime fans and newcomers.

Set in the Hisui region, the game offers a glimpse into a more primal world, exploring the early stages of human-Pokémon relations. The narrative emphasizes the evolving bond between humans and Pokémon, with each character’s journey reflecting real growth. The Pokémon Masters EX update imagines what would happen if characters from the past were transported to the present.

What's Next for Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

The integration of Pokémon Legends: Arceus into Pokémon Masters EX highlights Game Freak’s commitment to expanding the game's legacy. While a direct sequel may not be on the horizon, the Legends series will continue with the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Fans seeking more Arceus content can explore the Pokémon Masters EX mobile game to revisit familiar characters in a brand-new narrative.