Arceus Pokemon GO: Complete Guide, Best Moveset & Counters

Arceus is a popular Normal-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a maximum CP of 3,989, Arceus is a solid choice for Ultra League battles and various raid encounters.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Arceus in Pokemon GO, including its stats, best moveset, counters, and tips for using it effectively in both PvE raids and PvP battles.

📊 Arceus Base Stats & Overview

Arceus (#493) is a Normal-type Pokemon from Generation 4. As a Mythical Pokemon, Arceus is incredibly rare and usually only available through special research tasks or events.

Base Stats
Attack	238
Defense	238
Stamina	237
Total Stats	713
Max CP	3,989
Buddy Distance	3 km

With 238 Attack, 238 Defense, and 237 Stamina, Arceus has a total stat product of 713. Its impressive Defense stat makes it a bulky option that can take hits while dealing consistent damage.

⚔️ Best Moveset for Arceus

Choosing the right moveset is crucial for maximizing Arceus’s potential in Pokemon GO. The optimal moveset varies depending on whether you’re using Arceus for raids, gym battles, or PvP.

Best Raid & Gym Moveset

For PvE content like raids and gym battles, you want moves that maximize DPS (Damage Per Second). The best Normal-type moves will benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), increasing damage by 20%.

Best PvP Moveset

In PvP battles, energy generation and coverage moves become more important. You’ll want a fast move that charges energy quickly and charged moves that provide good type coverage.

🎯 Arceus Type Effectiveness

Understanding type effectiveness is crucial for both using Arceus effectively and knowing how to counter it. As a Normal-type Pokemon, Arceus has specific strengths and weaknesses.

⚠️ Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage From)

Arceus is weak to: Fighting-type moves. When battling against Arceus, use Pokemon with these types to deal 1.6x (or 2.56x for double weaknesses) damage.

• Fighting – Deals increased damage

🛡️ Resistances (Takes Reduced Damage From)

Arceus resists: Ghost-type moves. This means Arceus takes reduced damage (0.625x or less) from these attack types.

• Ghost – Reduced damage

🏆 Arceus PvP Analysis

Arceus can be used in Pokemon GO’s GO Battle League PvP battles. Here’s how it performs in each league:

Great League (1500 CP Limit)

With a max CP of 3,989, Arceus would need to be under-leveled for Great League. Check if the stats at 1500 CP are competitive before investing resources.

Ultra League (2500 CP Limit)

Arceus can be used in Ultra League but won’t reach its full stat potential due to the 2500 CP cap.

Master League (No CP Limit)

Arceus can hold its own in Master League with proper support, though it may struggle against the top-tier threats like Dialga, Giratina, and Mewtwo.

⚔️ Arceus Raid Guide

Arceus appears as a Tier 5 Legendary raid boss during special events. Here’s what you need to know to defeat and catch it:

Raid Boss Stats

• Tier: 5 (Legendary)
• Recommended Trainers: 4-6 with optimal counters
• Boss CP: ~50,000+
• Catch CP Range: 2,000 – 2,500 (weather boosted: 2,500 – 2,800)

Tips for Defeating Arceus

1. Use Pokemon with moves that exploit Arceus’s weaknesses
2. Dodge charged moves when possible to preserve your Pokemon
3. Coordinate with your raid group for maximum efficiency
4. Use a weather boost when possible for stronger attackers

🎯 Best Counters for Arceus

Whether you’re battling Arceus in raids, gyms, or PvP, knowing the best counters is essential for victory. Here are the top Pokemon to use against Arceus:

Top Counter Pokemon

The best counters exploit Arceus’s weaknesses to Fighting-type moves:

Pokemon	Type	Why It Works
Machamp	Fighting	High DPS with Counter + Dynamic Punch
Lucario	Fighting/Steel	Counter + Aura Sphere deals massive damage
Conkeldurr	Fighting	Excellent attack stat with Fighting moves

Counter Strategy Tips

1. Prioritize Type Advantage: Use Pokemon with moves that are super effective against Arceus
2. Consider Bulk: Tankier counters can survive longer and deal more total damage
3. Watch for Coverage Moves: Arceus may have moves that counter its own counters
4. Weather Boost: Take advantage of weather conditions that boost your counter’s attacks

📍 How to Get Arceus in Pokemon GO

Arceus is a Mythical Pokemon. Mythical Pokemon are typically obtained through:

• Special Research: Complete special research tasks to encounter Arceus
• Paid Events: Sometimes available through ticketed events

Note: Mythical Pokemon cannot be traded in Pokemon GO.

Arceus Evolution

Check the Pokédex for complete evolution information including candy costs and special evolution requirements.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

💡 Pro Tips for Using Arceus

Here are some advanced strategies and tips to maximize Arceus’s potential in Pokemon GO:

1. IV Optimization

For raids and gym battles, prioritize Arceus with high Attack IVs (15 Attack is ideal). The Attack stat contributes most to damage output in PvE content.

For PvP battles, the ideal IVs depend on the league:

• Great League: Look for low Attack, high Defense and HP (0/15/15 is often ideal)
• Ultra League: Similar to Great League, optimize for stat product under 2500 CP
• Master League: Perfect 15/15/15 IVs are best since there’s no CP cap

2. Power Up Priority

Before investing Stardust and Candy into Arceus, consider:

• Do you have enough resources? (Powering to level 50 costs 296,000 Stardust and 296 Candy)
• Will this Pokemon fill a gap in your battle team?
• Are there better alternatives for the same role?
• Do you have the optimal moveset or need Elite TMs?

3. Team Composition

Arceus works best when paired with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses. As a Normal type weak to Fighting, consider adding team members that resist these types.

4. Weather Considerations

Take advantage of weather boosts:

• When catching: Weather-boosted Arceus spawns at higher levels (up to 35)
• When battling: Weather that boosts Normal moves increases your damage output
• When raiding: Spawn weather-boosted counters by raiding in appropriate weather

📚 Arceus in the Pokemon Franchise

Arceus first appeared in Generation 4 of the main Pokemon series. For more detailed lore and information about Arceus’s origins, check out Bulbapedia.

In Pokemon GO, Arceus was introduced as part of the Generation 4 Pokemon rollout. It became available to catch after Niantic released the Generation 4 Pokemon update.

📊 How Arceus Compares

Let’s see how Arceus stacks up against other Normal-type Pokemon:

Stat	Arceus	Type Average	Rating
Attack	238	~180	⭐⭐⭐
Defense	238	~160	⭐⭐⭐
Stamina	237	~170	⭐⭐⭐
Max CP	3,989	~2,500	⭐⭐⭐

🎯 Conclusion

Arceus is a powerful Normal-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to your Pokemon GO roster. With a max CP of 3,989 and solid base stats (238/238/237), it stands as one of the premier options for high-level content including Master League PvP and Legendary raids.

Remember to:

• Optimize IVs based on your intended use (PvP vs PvE)
• Use the recommended moveset for maximum effectiveness
• Build a team that covers Arceus’s weaknesses
• Take advantage of weather boosts when possible

For more Pokemon guides and the complete Pokedex, visit our Pokemon GO Database. Check out our PvP Rankings for the current meta and Raid Guides for battle strategies.

Last updated: January 2026. Information based on the latest Pokemon GO game data.

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