Is Pokemon Legends Arceus A Main Series Game

Okay, picture this: you're at a family reunion. You’ve got your cool cousin who’s into indie music, your aunt who's obsessed with true crime podcasts, and your grandpa who still rocks a flip phone. Now, imagine you have to decide who's really family and who's just…adjacent.
That's kinda what it's like trying to figure out if Pokemon Legends: Arceus is a "main series" Pokemon game. It's part of the family, sure, but does it get a seat at the head of the table?
The Case for Main Series: It's Still Pokemon, Duh!
Let’s start with the obvious: it's got Pokemon! You're still chucking Pokeballs, battling wild critters, and filling up your Pokedex.
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Plus, it's got a story – and a pretty wild one at that. You get yeeted back in time to the Hisui region (ancient Sinnoh!), and your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to, well, create the first freakin' Pokedex!
It feels like a Pokemon game in your bones, doesn't it? All the familiar creatures like Pikachu, Eevee, and Cyndaquil are ready to be your buddy.

The Charm Factor
And let's be honest, who didn't crack a smile when they first saw a Shinx chilling in the tall grass? The world feels more alive, more dangerous, and more…well, Pokemon-y than ever before.
I mean, you can sneak through fields, get ambushed by angry Rapidash, and even get flattened by a rogue Snorlax. Good times!
The Case Against: It's Doing Its Own Thing
Here's where things get a little…spicy. Legends: Arceus throws out a lot of the Pokemon playbook. Random battles? Gone! Gyms? Nope! The Elite Four? Who are they?

Instead, you’re running around a vast open world, crafting items, sneaking up on Pokemon, and even getting scared stiff by rampaging alpha monsters. It’s less "careful journey" and more "survival horror… with cute monsters."
Think of it this way: it's like your grandpa suddenly showing up to the reunion wearing a leather jacket and riding a motorcycle. Still grandpa, but… different.
![Pokemon Legends: Arceus [Gameplay] - IGN](https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2021/11/04/pokmon-legends-arceus-button-fomn-1636006738698.jpg)
The Changing Landscape
The battling system is also different. There's a new agile and strong style that can change the tides of any battle!
There are no more held items. These differences might make the older titles seems so old fashioned!
So, What's the Verdict?
Honestly? It doesn't really matter! Legends: Arceus is a fantastic game, regardless of whether it's "main series" or not.

It offers a fresh take on the Pokemon universe while still keeping the core elements that we love. It is familiar and new at the same time.
Ultimately, labeling it is less important than enjoying the experience.
So, grab your Pokeballs, brace yourself for some time travel shenanigans, and go catch 'em all (again)!Because, after all, isn't that what Pokemon is all about?
Just try not to get flattened by a Snorlax. Seriously.
