Best Moves for Manaphy in Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Manaphy's best moves in Pokémon Legends: Arceus are Zen Headbutt, Water Pulse, Moonblast, and Hydro Pump. We picked these moves based on Manaphy's base stats and the S.T.A.B (same type attack bonus). This bonus yields a 50 percent increase in damage output if the chosen move shares the Pokémon's typing.

Manaphy's Most Powerful Moves

Since Manaphy is a water-type Pokémon, we'll take a closer look at its best moves in question. Zen Headbutt is a physical psychic-type move learned at level 27 (mastered at 39) with an attack power of 80. Water Pulse is a special water-type move learned early at level 12 (mastered at 23) with an attack power of 90—significantly strong for a move that shares the Pokémon's type. Moonblast is perhaps the best special fairy-type move with an attack power of 95 that doesn't take full advantage of STAB but is a powerful option with great coverage due to its decent PP.

Hydro Pump is a special water-type move and Manaphy's best offensive option, learned last at level 57 (mastered at 71), with a staggering power of 165. Hydro Pump makes great use of the STAB, and in Manaphy's case, its categorization as a special move (as opposed to physical) makes no great difference. Similar to other mythical Pokémon such as Mew, Manaphy's stats are equalized across the board.

Related: Pokémon Legends: Arceus Type Effectiveness Guide

Manaphy's Stats

• Stat Total: 600
  • HP: 100
  • Attack: 100
  • Defense: 100
  • Special Attack: 100
  • Special Defense: 100
  • Speed: 100

This means physical attacks rather than special attacks should usually be Manaphy's forte in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, just as much as special attacks. Many other powerful moves such as Hyper Beam or even Giga Impact can be learned for a price from Zisu at the Training Grounds in Jubilife Village. Still, they require an entire turn to recharge and would nullify any help Manaphy can provide with its good speed base stat.

Purchased moves such as the ice-type Ice Beam or fairy-type Dazzling Gleam, while powerful physical moves, can be considered alternate options to Water Pulse or Zen Headbutt, but they either do not take advantage of the STAB or they offer worse general coverage with lower PP. After all, Manaphy's equalized stats mean you can make great use of it in tough battles as well as have it endure long battles with Pokémon you want to weaken and catch.

Manaphy seems to be the evolved form of Phione, which players can find with Manaphy during The Sea's Legend Request. Yet interestingly, Phione can hatch from a Manaphy egg in other games but cannot evolve into Manaphy. This Arceus request will take you to the Cobalt Coastlands, where you will battle them in a swarm. Manaphy's power is reasonably above average for mythical Pokémon and would be a great choice to strengthen your party while building out your Pokédex. Be sure to also take advantage of its best nature, which adds a further 10 percent special attack increase.

For more Pokémon: Legends Arceus content, check out How to Craft All Pokéballs in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.