Like every other game in the series, Pokemon Legends: Arceus has you choose just one of three starters: Cyndaquil, Oshawott, and Rowlet. These three Pokemon, all starters from previous generations, make up the Hisuian Starter Squad. The good news? While you can only choose one in the beginning, you can obtain the other two later on. Here’s how to get all of the starter Pokemon in Arceus.

Small spoilers ahead, reader beware.

Where to Catch Hisuian Starters

You can find the Hisuian starters only after completing the main game — whichever two Pokemon you did not choose will be given to you by the Professor upon entering the post-game. However, if you’re not happy with the selection the Professor gives you, you can also find them in the wild very rarely:

Rowlet: You can find wild Rowlet and Dartrix in Space-Time Distortions on Mount Coronet. Decidueye is only obtained from evolving Dartrix.
Cyndaquil: Cyndaquil and Quilava can be found in Space-Time Distortions in the Crimson Mirelands. Typhlosion can only be obtained by evolving Quilava.
Oshawott: Wild Oshawott and Dewott can be found in Space-Time Distortions in the Alabastor Icelands. Samurott can only be obtained by evolving Dewott.

Starters From Previous Generations

While Cyndaquil, Oshawott, and Rowlet all come from various generations — Johto, Unova, and Alola, respectively — you can also obtain the normal Sinnoh starters, as well as Pikachu and Eevee. These Pokemon can be found as you unlock each area during the main story:

Pikachu: Pikachu, who needs no introduction, can be found alongside it’s evolutions Pichu and Raichu in two locations: Obsidian Fieldlands (Nature’s Pantry) and Crimson Mirelands (Golden Lowlands).
Eevee: The alternative starter from the Let’s Go series, Eevee can first be found in the Obsidian Fieldlands (Horseshoe Plains). We have a guide on obtaining all Eevee-lutions here.
Chimchar: Originally appearing in Diamond and Pearl, you can find Chimchar (alongside it’s evolutions Monferno and Infernape) in the Obsidian Fieldlands (Ramanas Island).
Piplup: Another Diamond and Pearl starter, you can find Piplup (alongside it’s evolutions Prinplup and Empoleon) in the Cobalt Coastlands (Spring Path).
Turtwig: The last of the Sinnoh trio, you can find Turtwig (alongside it’s evolutions Grotle and Torterra) in the Crimson Mirelands (Droning Meadow).

Other Fan Favorites in Arceus

While technically not starter Pokemon, some series favorites make an appearance as well, and are obtainable as soon as you unlock their areas:

Snorlax: This chonky boy is found alongside its baby evolution, Munchlax, in two locations: Obsidian Fieldlands (Sandgem Flats) and Alabaster Icelands (Snowfall Hot Spring.)
Chansey: This Pokemon, long a series staple for experience farming and being a Special Defense wall, can be found in multiple locations alongside Happiny and Blissey: Obsidian Fieldlands (Obsidian Falls), Cobalt Coastlands (Hideaway Bay), and Alabaster Icelands (Avalanche Slopes).
Porygon: This digital creation from the future can be acquired alongside its evolution Porygon2 from Space-Time Distortions in the Crimson Mirelands. Porygon-Z requires a Dubious Disc to be used on Porygon2.
Rotom: This Pokemon, infamous for changing forms based on whichever appliance it possesses, is obtainable (alongside its different forms) in Arceus. You can find Rotom at the Coronet Highlands (Sacred Plaza), and you can change forms at your house — assuming you have purchased the appropriate appliance from the Ginko Guild.
Lucario: You can’t have a Pokemon game without Lucario, the most popular Pokemon from Diamond and Pearl. Lucario, and it’s baby form Riolu, can be found in the Alabaster Icelands (Icebound Falls and Snowfall Hot Springs.)

Sadly, no other starter Pokemon from previous generations are making an appearance in Arceus. In addition to the above, you should be aware that the Hisuian starters given to you by the Professor are shiny-locked — no amount of resetting your game will allow them to become shiny. Wild encounters are fair game, however, so best of luck!

Where to Catch All Starter Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Cyndaquil, Oshawott, or Rowlet?

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