You remember that first moment in Jubilife Village. Cyndaquil, Rowlet, and Oshawott are staring at you, and Professor Laventon is acting like this is just another day at the office. But it isn't. Not even close. If you went into this game expecting the same Typhlosion or Samurott you’ve used for a decade, you were probably in for a massive shock once you hit level 36.
The Hisui region doesn't play by the rules.
Basically, the pokemon legends arceus starter evolutions represent one of the boldest pivots Game Freak has ever made. They didn't just give us new skins. They fundamentally altered the typing, the movepools, and the "vibe" of these iconic creatures to fit a rugged, ancient, and often terrifying version of the Pokemon world.
The Fire Type That Talks to Ghosts
Hisuian Typhlosion is a mood. Honestly, when the leaks first dropped, people thought it looked "stoned" or tired. But then you see it in battle. Those purple flames ignite around its neck, and suddenly, the lore kicks in. This isn't just a fire badger anymore; it’s a psychopomp.
In the Hisui region, the environment is harsher. The spiritual energy is thick. Because of this, the Johto favorite traded its pure Fire typing for a Fire/Ghost combination. It’s a massive upgrade. You get immunity to Normal and Fighting moves, which are everywhere in the early-to-mid game.
But the real kicker is its signature move: Infernal Parade.
It’s not just about raw damage. If the opponent has a status condition—which is easy to land in Legends: Arceus—the power of this move doubles. It’s mean. It’s tactical. It turns Typhlosion from a glass cannon into a calculated hex-caster. Unlike the original Typhlosion, which mostly just clicked "Eruption" and hoped for the best, the Hisuian version feels like a ghost story come to life.
Decidueye Trades Its Wings for a Hat
Then we have Decidueye. This was the biggest curveball. The Alolan version is a sleek, ghostly archer. The Hisuian version? It’s a wandering ronin.
By losing the Ghost typing and picking up Fighting, Hisuian Decidueye becomes a Grass/Fighting type. This is a double-edged sword, though. You’re now four-times weak to Flying moves. If a Staraptor looks at you funny, you're basically done. But what you gain in exchange is incredible utility.
Triple Arrows is arguably one of the best signature moves in the entire game. It does three things at once:
- Lowers the target's defense.
- Increases your critical hit ratio.
- Has a chance to flinch.
It’s a Swiss Army knife of a move. You aren't just shooting arrows; you’re dismantling the opponent's strategy. The design also reflects the "samurai" aesthetic of the game. Its feathers look like a traditional straw rain cape (a mino). It feels heavy. It feels grounded. It’s a brawler that happens to have wings, even if it doesn't use them to fly much anymore.
The Dark Side of Samurott
If you picked Oshawott, you ended up with what I consider the "meta" choice for this game. Hisuian Samurott is a Water/Dark type, and it’s arguably the most efficient of the pokemon legends arceus starter evolutions for a general playthrough.
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The original Samurott felt a bit... lost? It was a pure Water type that looked cool but didn't have much of a niche. The Hisuian form changes that by leaning into the "dishonorable warrior" trope. It fights dirty.
Its signature move, Ceaseless Edge, is a nightmare for the AI. Not only does it have a high crit rate, but it also leaves jagged splinters on the battlefield. In Legends: Arceus, these splinters function like a hybrid of Stealth Rock and a status ailment, dealing damage every single turn.
In a game where the "Action Order" system lets enemies occasionally move twice in a row, having passive damage ticking away is a lifesaver. Plus, that Dark typing gives you a much-needed immunity to Psychic moves, which helps significantly during the late-game encounters with some of the more "divine" entities in the region.
Why Typing Matters More in Hisui
The world of Hisui is dangerous. It’s not like modern Sinnoh where you follow a path. You’re being chased by Alpha Garchomps that genuinely want to end your career.
Choosing between these pokemon legends arceus starter evolutions isn't just a cosmetic choice. It’s a survival choice.
- Typhlosion offers high special attack and great immunities, but it’s fragile.
- Decidueye provides massive physical pressure and "set-up" potential, but those weaknesses are glaring.
- Samurott is the balanced king, providing consistent chip damage and a solid defensive profile.
The nuance here is that Legends: Arceus changed how stats work. We don't have EVs (Effort Values) in the traditional sense; we have Effort Levels. This means you can actually patch up a starter's weaknesses much easier than in previous games. If your Decidueye is too slow, you can pump Grit items into its Speed stat until it’s outspeeding the local fauna.
Don't Forget the "Old" Evolutions
A common misconception for new players is that you can only get the Hisuian forms.
Actually, the game is quite clever about this. While the starters you get from Laventon will always evolve into their Hisuian forms, you can find the "standard" versions of these Pokemon in Space-Time Distortions later in the game. This creates a weird dynamic where you can have a Johto Typhlosion and a Hisuian Typhlosion on the same team.
The contrast is wild. Seeing the vibrant, fiery Johto version next to the somber, spectral Hisuian version really drives home the theme of the game: things change over time. Nature adapts. The Pokemon we know today are "soft" compared to their ancestors.
Actionable Strategy for Your Team
If you’re currently staring at the evolution screen or just starting your journey, here is how you should handle your starter's growth:
1. Prioritize Grit Items Early Don't hoard your Grit Dust. Use it on your starter immediately. For Typhlosion, focus on Special Attack and Speed. For Samurott, lean into Attack and HP. Because the level scaling in Hisui is aggressive, even a five-level advantage won't save you if your Effort Levels are at zero.
2. Master the "Styles" The Agile Style and Strong Style mechanics change how these evolutions play.
- Use Agile Style Triple Arrows with Decidueye to almost guarantee a turn advantage.
- Use Strong Style Infernal Parade on Typhlosion only when the opponent is already burned or paralyzed to ensure a one-shot.
3. Move Relearning is Free Unlike older games, you can swap moves in and out at any time from the menu. If you’re going into a frosty area, give Samurott some more diverse coverage. If you’re hunting Alphas, make sure Typhlosion has a status-inflicting move to pair with its Ghost attacks.
4. The Post-Game Reward Once you finish the main story, go back and talk to Professor Laventon. He will give you the other two starters you didn't pick. This means you don't need to trade with anyone to complete your Pokédex or experience all the Hisuian forms.
The pokemon legends arceus starter evolutions are more than just a fresh coat of paint. They are a reflection of a time when the world was untamed. Whether you prefer the spectral flames, the jagged splinters, or the ronin’s arrows, each one offers a distinct way to conquer the wilds of Hisui. Use the Grit system to your advantage, master the battle styles, and don't be afraid to experiment with move sets—the Hisui region is too unforgiving for a one-trick pony.