Are there trainer encounters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a unique entry in the Pokémon franchise, forgoing the traditional formula that the franchise has established over the past two decades. Instead of focusing on battling to become the Champion, players aim to create the world's first Pokédex in an era long past by studying wild Pokémon. While battles aren't the focus of Legends, will there be fights with other trainers at all?

There are trainer encounters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. While players won't battle rival trainers as often as in previous entries in the series, a select few people have become trainers in the Hisui region and will challenge players on their journey. The most notable trainers of the Hisui region are the Wardens, people who look after special Pokémon and protect their territory as part of Hisuian tradition.

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One of the Wardens that players will face is Mai, a trainer in charge of guarding a unique Wyrdeer in the Obsidian Fieldlands. She fights with her partner Pokémon, Munchlax, a friend she's known since childhood.

Mai is just one of the critical characters players will meet on their journey throughout the Hisui region. For a sneak peek at what to expect in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, be sure to watch the official Hisui region trailer below.

Pokémon Legends Arceus launches exclusively on the Nintendo Switch on Jan. 28, 2022.

For more on Pokémon Legends: Arceus, check out our other guides on Pro Game Guides, like How to get the Hisuian Growlithe Kimono set in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.