Hurry To Catch Arceus In ‘Pokémon Omega Ruby’ And ‘Alpha Sapphire’

The Pokémon 20th anniversary celebration continues in August with the Mythical Pokémon Arceus. Trainers can download the majestic Arceus to any copy of Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokemon Omega Ruby, or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire using a unique download code that can be obtained for free at participating retailers. Arceus code cards are only being distributed until August 24, or while supplies last. However, the codes on the card are valid through November 30.

To catch Arceus, you’ll first need to obtain a free Arceus card at participating GameStop locations in the U.S. or EB Games locations in Canada. Be forewarned these code cards are only available while supplies last.

Exclusive to GameStop and EB Games this month are the limited edition 8-inch Arceus plush and 2-inch action figure. Trainers who play, trade, or collect the Pokémon trading card game can check out the “Pokémon TCG: Mythical Collection — Arceus” collectible box this month, as well. It includes a unique foil promo Arceus trading card, a code card for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online game, and two limited edition booster packs of the Pokémon Generations trading card game expansion set. Also in the box is a commemorative Arceus collector’s pin. All three of these items are sold separately and limited in supply.

One for me and one for my eldest ? #Pokemon20 pic.twitter.com/i9uLAGPzUr

— Lbabinz ?? (@Lbabinz) August 5, 2016

Once you have obtained an Arceus card with a unique code, simply follow these simple steps:

1. On the Main Menu screen, select the “Mystery Gift” option.

2. Tap the “Receive Gift” button.

3. Choose the “Via Code” option and connect to the Internet.

4. Enter the one-time use code.

5. Receive Arceus and exit the Mystery Gift menu.

6. Visit a Pokémon Center and speak with the Delivery Girl.

Important Notes:

• At least one space must be free in your party to pick up Arceus from the Delivery Girl.
• After adding Arceus to your party, take a moment to save your game.
• It’s important your 3DS or 2DS doesn’t lose power during the transfer, so be sure to double check that your Nintendo 3DS is charged or plugged in using the A/C adapter.

Catching Arceus is quite a bit easier via code than it was when it first debuted. According to the official Pokémon website, “With a special flute, Arceus could first be encountered in the Hall of Origin of Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl.”

Arceus arrives in a Cherish Ball and wearing a Classic Ribbon. It is a Level 100 Pokémon that is Normal-type by default, but that can change thanks to its Multitype ability.

According to Pokemon.com, “Arceus can become any Pokémon type while holding a corresponding Plate, which can be discovered in various locations across Hoenn in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire.” The Plate Arceus is holding can also change the type of its special attack, Judgement.

Players taking Arceus into battle also have Hyper Beam, Perish Song, and Recover at their disposal. Perish Song causes the opposing Pokémon to faint in three turns if it doesn’t switch out of the battle. Hyper Beam is a devastating attack that deals a ton of damage, but it leaves Arceus unable to attack for one turn after using it. Recover can be a major life saver, since it restores half of Arceus’ maximum hit points (Max HP).

In addition to celebrating Arceus in August, the Pokémon World Championships are set to take place in San Francisco from August 19 until August 21. Fans can tune in via Twitch to watch the world’s best video game and trading card game players compete to see just who really is “the very best, like no one ever was.”

Going forward, there are only four distribution events for the 20th anniversary remaining. Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (ORAS) players won’t want to miss the victory Pokémon, Victini, in September. Keldeo rushes in during October, followed by Genesect in November and Meloetta in December.

Are you excited to be able to catch Arceus this month? Will you be watching Worlds? Celebrate 20 years of Pokémon, and share your pocket monster memories in the comments section below.

[Image via Nintendo/The Pokémon Company]