What is Pokémon 493 in Pokémon GO and can you get it?

Every Trainer in Pokémon GO has a huge gaping hole in their PokéDex as it stands, with Pokémon 493 not avaliable in the game. For a lot of Trainers, they might not even know what Pokémon resides in this slot.

Fear not, we've got everything you need to know about that mystery 493 slot and what Pokémon that is, including some speculation about when that Pokémon will release into the game at long last.

Pokémon 493 in Pokémon GO is Arceus. Arceus is a Normal-type Mythical Pokémon that originates from the Sinnon Region. Depending on its type, this Pokémon can actually have up to eighteen forms in theory.

In the mainline Pokémon games, Arceus is known as the creator of the entire Pokémon world. It is a hugely powerful Pokémon with the highest base stat total amongst all Pokémon.

There is even an entire Pokémon game based on this Pokémon, called Pokémon Legends: Arceus. It released in 2022 and you can encounter Arceus right at the end of the game.

The answer is yes, but we don't know when. Arceus is a very powerful Pokémon, but is also highly sought after. Trainers cannot complete their Sinnoh PokéDex without Arceus 493, which is one of just three unreleased Pokémon from the region. Niantic chose not to release Arceus during the 2024 Sinnoh Tour event.

However, while we don't know when 493 Arceus will release we do have a pretty good idea of how it will release. Arceus is a Mythical Pokémon, and there is a clear pattern with how Mythical Pokémon debut in the game. They almost always come via some sort of Research. This could be to coincide with a Tour or GO Fest event or just be released at some point in the game.

As Arceus is such a powerful and hyped Pokémon, it will almost certainly be released through Research. Niantic want to limit how many Mythical Pokémon people have. Using Research restricts Trainers to just one.

We also know that this will almost certainly happen to coincide with a huge event. Each year Pokémon GO Fest releases a new mythical. However, your 493 spot in your Pokémon GO collection will remain empty this year, as we know Volcarona is the Mythical coming in 2025's event.

So, if you want Arceus in Pokémon GO, patience is key. Stay tuned to esports.gg for the latest esports news and more Pokémon GO updates.