In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, players will want the best team of six Pokémon to progress through the story and cover the weaknesses of their starter.

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, players can only have six Pokémon on their team of the available 242 catchable options in the Hisui Region. Choosing which six to bring on their journey through the main story can be difficult for players. Optimal teams can vary notably depending on the starter Pokémon the player selected at the beginning of the game. Additionally, as players progress through the story, they will unlock new areas with different Pokémon, so the optimal team is constantly changing.

For the beginning of the game, as players make their way from Obsidian Fieldlands to Crimson Mirelands, there are a few early Pokémon for players to catch in Pokémon Legends: Arceus that will make the journey much easier. Shinx, a cute and mighty Electric-type, and Teddiursa, the adorable Normal-type teddy bear Pokémon, are a must regardless of the player's starter. Starly can be a good Flying/Normal-type Pokémon for players who selected Cyndaquil or Oshawott as their starter but is redundant for those with Rowlett, a Grass-Flying type. Similarly, Chimchar is a powerful early game Fire-type for those with Oshawott or Rowlett on their team but is less useful for those with Fire-type Cyndaquil already on their roster. Finally, Buizel is a Water-type sea weasel Pokémon that makes an excellent addition to a team with Cyndaquil or Rowlett to cover their weaknesses.

As players begin the mid-game from Cobalt Coastlands to Coronet Highlands, their options for Pokémon will increase considerably. Most of their party should have the option to evolve in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Still, some of the most powerful battle Pokémon available, Luxio and Ursaring, evolved forms of Shinx and Teddiursa, make great additions to any team. Machoke can be a solid choice for players using Quilava, the middle evolution of the Cyndaquil line. Similar to the beginning of the game, Staravia and Floatzel, evolved forms of Starly and Buizel, continue to be assets on teams without Dartrix or Dewott, respectively.

Best Late Game Pokémon Team in Pokémon Legends: Arceus

As player make their way to the end of the story and unlock Alabaster Icelands, their options will continue to expand as the battles increase in difficulty. Garchomp is a Ground/Dragon-type Pokémon that is a heavy hitter on any team. For teams with Hisuian Typhlosion or Hisuian Decidueye, Basculegion is a powerful Water-Ghost type, but this will be redundant for players using Hisuian Samurott. Players can also use Basculegion as a mount in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Even into the late game, Luxray continues to be one of the best Electric-type Pokémon available. Additionally, the Fighting-type Machamp is a valuable addition to a team, especially when paired with Hisuian Typhlosion.

Creating the optimal team will require players to consider typing, moveset, and stats. Depending on their team makeup, players may want to also consider the large purple dragon Goodra, a Steel-Dragon type Pokémon. Mr. Mime is Psychic-Fairy type, which can cover often overlooked moves for those who favor raw strength. Additionally, Zoroark is a powerful Normal-Ghost Pokémon that can learn various moves that do significant damage to an opponent. Finally, players looking for a specific nature for the Pokémon on their team can catch the same species in abundance during a mass outbreak in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Next: How to Catch Landorus, Tornadus, & Thundurus in Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is now available for the Nintendo Switch.