Pokemon Legends Arceus reworks the series' formula into a semi-open exploration game set in the Hisui region, long before the modern Pokemon world took shape. Players survey wild areas, observe creature behavior, and catch Pokemon out in the open rather than through scripted encounters.

Crafting, research tasks, and a more physical approach to catching and battling set it apart from mainline entries. It reframes the act of building a Pokedex as an expedition into unfamiliar, sometimes dangerous territory.