Selecting the best starter for Arceus presents a unique challenge that reshapes traditional Pokémon strategy. This singular, god-like entity possesses the Multitype ability, which changes its type based on the held Plate, driving the entire competitive framework around it. Consequently, your choice of partner determines not only your team's synergy but also dictates the offensive and defensive paradigms required to succeed. Understanding this central mechanic is crucial for building a team capable of handling any threat the Sinnoh region or post-game content can throw at you.
Understanding Arceus and the Plate System
The foundation of any Arceus strategy lies in its signature ability and the Plates scattered across the Sinnoh region. Each Plate item, when held by Arceus, changes the Pokémon's type to match the Plate's element, such as the Flame Plate for Fire or the Meadow Plate for Grass. This transformation is absolute, making Arceus a pure version of that type for move calculation and type effectiveness. However, this flexibility comes with a critical vulnerability: Arceus loses 50% of its base Defense stat when holding a Plate, making it exceptionally frail and reliant on careful team support and prediction.
The Role of a Starter in This Context
Given Arceus's inherent fragility and the need to cover numerous threats, the starter Pokémon becomes far more than just a early-game companion; it becomes a foundational pillar of your team. The best starter for Arceus acts as a reliable physical wall, a setup sweeper, or a dedicated utility pivot that can handle common Ground-type attacks. Since Arceus often switches in to change its type and remove a specific threat, the starter must be capable of dealing with the immediate pressure on your team, ensuring you maintain momentum and control of the battlefield.
Evaluating the Starter Candidates
When analyzing potential partners, several factors come into play, including typing, movepool versatility, and synergy with Arceus's own arsenal. You are looking for a Pokémon that can absorb hits that would otherwise force Arceus into a dangerous switch, particularly common Ground-type moves like Earthquake. Furthermore, the ideal starter should provide either offensive pressure against common Steel or Fairy types that trouble Arceus, or utility in the form of hazard control or status application to wear down the opponent.
Leading Contenders and Their Strengths
Among the viable options, certain starters consistently rise to the top due to their exceptional stats and movepool flexibility. Lucario stands out as a premier choice, boasting incredible Speed and Attack that allow it to function as a potent mixed attacker or a bulky pivot. Its Steel/Fighting typing provides crucial resistances, and moves like Swords Dance or Bulk Up allow it to clean teams after Arceus has established type advantage. Another formidable candidate is Gyarados, whose Intimidate ability softens physical attacks for the entire team, and its access to Dragon Dance enables it to sweep through opposing teams with devastating Waterfall and Outrage attacks.
