Even experienced Pokémon players will find themselves starting afresh in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. To help you get to grips the new open format, we’ve rounded up the Pokémon Legends Arceus controls on Nintendo Switch. Check the lists below to find out how to perform each action while exploring the world and while battling.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus controls guide

© Nintendo
You’ll find the Pokémon Legends: Arceus controls split into two different sectors. The first is for the controls when exploring Jubilife Village and the Hisui region, researching new Pokémon as you go. The second set of controls only apply during battles. Note that these include details for how to instruct Pokémon during turn-based battles, while the former set will need to be used during Noble fights while controlling your human character.
General Pokémon Legends: Arceus controls
Control |
Action |
Left Analog Stick |
Move |
Click In Left Analog Stick |
Dash |
Right Analog Stick |
Move camera |
A |
Investigate/Talk |
B |
Crouch |
X |
Swap between Item and Poké Ball Bar |
Y |
Dodge |
L or R |
Change Item or Pokémon |
Zl |
Focus on nearby target (first person if no targets nearby) |
Zr |
Aim and throw item or Pokémon |
Minus |
Check Arc Phone (incl. map) |
Plus |
Ride Pokémon |
D-Pad Up |
Open Menu |
D-Pad Down |
Open Pokédex |
D-Pad Left or Right |
Ride a different Pokémon |
Battle Pokémon Legends: Arceus controls

© Nintendo
Control |
Action |
Left Analog Stick |
Move |
Right Analog Stick |
Move camera |
A |
Select move |
B |
Run away |
X |
Ready item or Pokémon |
Y |
View action order |
L or R |
Change Item or Pokémon |
Zl |
Change target |
Zr |
Throw item or Pokémon |
Plus |
Check status |
D-Pad Up |
Check Items |
D-Pad Down |
Check party Pokémon |
Those are the full Pokémon Legends: Arceus controls for Nintendo Switch. Be sure to visit our hub page for the game to find more useful tips!