Legendary Pokémon have always been a mystery in the Pokémon universe. Even the first episode of the Pokémon anime, Ho-Oh makes a surprise appearance. This was long before the community knew anything about Legendary Pokémon. Clearly, Game Freak and Nintendo had generations of Pokémon planned out and lore built long before it was revealed.
As for the actual Legendary Pokémon, there is a lot of them. Some are mythical, creators of the universe or the planet as we know, while others are gods. Choosing which ones are the best is entirely based on personal preference. We’ll break down their appearances, move lists, types, and their actual lore in the game.
1. Arceus
Arceus Lore
Known as the “God” of Pokémon, Arceus is said to have created the Pokémon world. It has incredible stats and can change its type by holding different Plates. That’s right, even the Pokémon have a god.
Move List
Arceus is a unique Pokémon because its type and move options depend on the Plate or Z-Crystal it holds. It can change its type and move list by equipping different Plates or Z-Crystals. Here’s a list of some of the Plates and Z-Crystals Arceus can hold, along with the type and moves it gains when holding each one:
- Normal Plate / Normalium Z:
- Type: Normal
- Moves: Judgment (STAB move), Extreme Speed (STAB move), Recover, Swords Dance, and various coverage moves like Earthquake, Shadow Claw, and Iron Tail.
- Flame Plate / Firium Z:
- Type: Fire
- Moves: Judgment (STAB move), Earthquake, Stone Edge, and various other Fire-type moves.
- Splash Plate / Waterium Z:
- Type: Water
- Moves: Judgment (STAB move), Surf, Ice Beam, Thunder, and various other Water-type moves.
- Meadow Plate / Grassium Z:
- Type: Grass
- Moves: Judgment (STAB move), Energy Ball, Earthquake, and various other Grass-type moves.
- Sky Plate / Flyinium Z:
- Type: Flying
- Moves: Judgment (STAB move), Earthquake, Iron Head, and various other Flying-type moves.
- Mind Plate / Psychium Z:
- Type: Psychic
- Moves: Judgment (STAB move), Calm Mind, Recover, and various other Psychic-type moves.
- Icicle Plate / Icium Z:
- Type: Ice
- Moves: Judgment (STAB move), Ice Beam, Earthquake, and various other Ice-type moves.
- Toxic Plate / Poisonium Z:
- Type: Poison
- Moves: Judgment (STAB move), Toxic, Earthquake, and various other Poison-type moves.
- Earth Plate / Groundium Z:
- Type: Ground
- Moves: Judgment (STAB move), Earthquake, Stone Edge, and various other Ground-type moves.
- Draco Plate / Dragonium Z:
- Type: Dragon
- Moves: Judgment (STAB move), Dragon Claw, Earthquake, and various other Dragon-type moves.
- Dread Plate / Darkinium Z:
- Type: Dark
- Moves: Judgment (STAB move), Shadow Claw, Iron Tail, and various other Dark-type moves.
- Zap Plate / Electrium Z:
- Type: Electric
- Moves: Judgment (STAB move), Thunderbolt, Earthquake, and various other Electric-type moves.
- Fist Plate / Fightinium Z:
- Type: Fighting
- Moves: Judgment (STAB move), Close Combat, Earthquake, and various other Fighting-type moves.
- Pixie Plate / Fairium Z:
- Type: Fairy
- Moves: Judgment (STAB move), Moonblast, Calm Mind, and various other Fairy-type moves.
- Iron Plate / Steelium Z:
- Type: Steel
- Moves: Judgment (STAB move), Iron Head, Earthquake, and various other Steel-type moves.
Arceus Appearance List
- Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
- Arceus was officially introduced in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl as a part of an event distribution.
- Pokémon Platinum
- Arceus plays a significant role in the storyline of Pokémon Platinum, where it is involved in the Sinjoh Ruins event.
- Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
- Arceus can be obtained through an event distribution in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.
- Pokémon Black and White
- While Arceus isn’t available during the main story of these games, it can be transferred into Pokémon Black and White using the Poké Transfer feature.
- Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
- Like in the previous generation, Arceus is not obtainable in the main story but could be transferred from previous games using the Poké Transfer.
- Pokémon X and Y
- Arceus is obtainable through a special event distribution in Pokémon X and Y.
- Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
- Arceus is obtainable through a special event distribution in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.
- Pokémon Sun and Moon
- Arceus is not obtainable in these games without the use of external events and transfers.
- Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
- Arceus is not obtainable in the main story but could be transferred from previous games using the Pokémon Bank feature.
2. Rayquaza
Lore
Rayquaza is revered as the guardian of the sky and the ozone layer. Its origins are linked to a meteorite, and it is considered one of the most powerful and iconic Pokémon.
Its intervention in the battle between Groudon and Kyogre, the Land and Sea Titans, is pivotal in the Hoenn region’s lore. Rayquaza appearance quelled their destructive clash, preventing catastrophic weather extremes and preserving the world’s balance. Rayquaza’s role as a peacekeeper in this legendary conflict has cemented its status as a symbol of harmony and guardian of the natural world.
Move List
Rayquaza has so many options for trainers. Its ability to Mega Evolve into Mega Rayquaza in certain games makes it even more formidable, with boosted stats and access to exclusive moves like Dragon Ascent.
- Dragon Dance Sweeper:
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage / Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Extreme Speed
- Choice Scarf Set:
- Dragon Claw / Outrage
- Earthquake
- Draco Meteor
- V-create / Extreme Speed
- Mixed Attacker:
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Claw / Outrage
- Earthquake
- Fire Blast / Overheat
- Special Attacker:
- Draco Meteor
- Dragon Pulse
- Earth Power
- Flamethrower / Thunderbolt
- Tanky Set:
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Mega Rayquaza (in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire):
- Dragon Ascent
- Dragon Claw / Earthquake
- Extreme Speed
- V-create
- VGC / Doubles Set:
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Protect
- Earthquake
Appearances
- Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
- Rayquaza is the main Legendary Pokémon of the Hoenn region and plays a central role in the storyline, including quelling the battle between Groudon and Kyogre.
- Pokémon Emerald
- Rayquaza plays a significant role in the storyline of Pokémon Emerald.
- Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
- Rayquaza is available in these games through special event distributions, but it does not have a central role in the storyline.
- Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
- Rayquaza plays a significant role in the Delta Episode, a special post-game storyline, and can Mega Evolve into Mega Rayquaza.
3. Mewtwo
Lore
Mewtwo is a product of controversial scientific experimentation, created using the DNA of Mew. Its origin story centers on the ethical dilemmas of genetic manipulation and human ambition. Its extraordinary psychic abilities and existential struggle have made it an iconic and thought-provoking figure in the Pokémon world’s lore.
Move List
Mewtwo is powerful Legendary Pokémon. He’s fast, packs a big punch, and is a perfect addition to your team.
. Psychic Sweeper:
- Psychic
- Psyshock
- Shadow Ball
- Thunderbolt
2. Calm Mind Sweeper:
- Calm Mind
- Psychic
- Aura Sphere
- Recover
3. Mixed Attacker:
- Psystrike
- Shadow Ball
- Aura Sphere
- Thunderbolt
4. Choice Specs Special Attacker:
- Psychic
- Psyshock
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball
5. Mega X Physical Attacker:
- Low Kick
- Drain Punch
- Zen Headbutt
- Ice Punch
6. Mega Y Special Sweeper:
- Calm Mind
- Psychic
- Aura Sphere
- Shadow Ball
Appearances
- Pokémon Red and Blue
- It is a central character in the story and serves as the final boss battle in the Cerulean Cave.
- Pokémon Yellow
- Mewtwo is also featured prominently in Pokémon Yellow.
- Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
- It appears in the Cerulean Cave, as in the original Red and Blue games.
- Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
- Mewtwo is available in the Cerulean Cave in these games.
- Pokémon X and Y (2013):
- It plays a significant role in the storyline of X and Y and is encountered in the Pokémon Village.
- Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (2014):
- Mewtwo is found in the post-game Mirage Cave events.
- Pokémon Sun and Moon (2016):
- It is not available in these games without the use of external events and transfers.
- Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (2017):
- Mewtwo is not available in the main story but can be transferred from previous games using the Pokémon Bank feature.
- Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! (2018):
- It is a prominent character in these games and serves as a challenging battle in the Cerulean Cave.