Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Game images by RAWG

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Game Freak

Nintendo SwitchPaid (full-price retail & digital)

Health Score

MIXED

Official Website Watch Gameplay

About This Game

Action-RPG set in an early-era Sinnoh (Hisuian) open-area world where players explore, stealthily catch and research wild Pokémon, and complete the region’s first Pokédex. Gameplay alternates between free-form exploration, stealth/throw mechanics to catch Pokémon, and turn-based Pokémon battles; tone is family-friendly and adventure-focused. Release: January 28, 2022. citeturn0search12turn2search0

Score Breakdown

Positive Aspects

Educational Value

1/5

Creativity

2/5

Pro-Social

0/5

Risk Factors

Addictive Monetization

1/5

Time Pressure / FOMO

1/5

Social Risk

1/5

Content Intensity

1/5

Negatives

•Limited online interaction but ESRB notes in‑game purchases
•some younger children may find occasional intense Pokémon encounters frightening.

Positives

•Exploration-driven gameplay encourages observation and planning
•family-friendly presentation and low-intensity fantasy combat.

Gameplay Videos

Pokemon Legends: Arceus - Gameplay Walkthrough Part 1 - Hisui Region Intro (Nintendo Switch)

ZackScottGames

1 of 3

Other Recommended Games

Stardew Valley

ConcernedApe

71/100

Same platform, Similar gameplay style, Higher health score

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Nintendo EPD

70/100

Same platform, Similar gameplay style, Higher health score

The LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game

TT Games / Traveller's Tales (TT Fusion). citeturn3search12

70/100

Same platform, Similar gameplay style, Higher health score

LEGO Harry Potter Collection

TT Games; Double Eleven (remaster)

70/100

Same platform, Similar gameplay style, Higher health score

Official Ratings

ESRB

Mild Fantasy ViolenceUsers InteractIn-Game Purchases. citeturn0search0

Users Interact; In-Game Purchases (ESRB-listed). citeturn0search0

PEGI

Mild cartoon/fantasy violence (PEGI 7). citeturn1search4turn1search1

Age Recommendations

ℹ️Ages 3-5

Not recommended for most in this group; mild fantasy violence and game complexity (menus, reading) may be hard for younger 3–5-year-olds. Parent play/monitoring required.

ℹ️Ages 6-8

Generally OK with parental guidance: game is family-friendly with mild fantasy violence, but younger players may need help with menus, crafting, and occasional tense encounters.

ℹ️Ages 9-12

Recommended: appropriate for most kids in this range. Encourages collection, planning, and exploration; violence is mild and non-graphic.

ℹ️Ages 13-15

Recommended: well-suited and enjoyable; content is family-friendly, with depth for completionists and collectors.

ℹ️Ages 16-18

Recommended: appropriate and safe; older teens may appreciate deeper mechanics and completion challenges.