Every Ancestor Character In Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Many characters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus are ancestors of NPCs players have come to know and love in the modern era. Before the game was even released, the appearance of ancestor characters in Arceus was confirmed on the game’s official website, and more ancestor characters were teased at the time as well. After playing through the game, it’s clear Legends: Arceus ancestors share more with their descendants than just their looks.

Aside from bearing striking resemblance to their modern-day counterparts, the ancestors in Pokémon Legends: Arceus seem to share some of their personality and character traits as well. Many ancestor characters in Arceus even have the same Pokémon companions on their team as their relatives, further strengthening their connection. While some of these ancestor characters play only minor roles in the game’s story, their presence deepens the lore of the Pokémon series and shows that the bonds between people and Pokémon are stronger than even time itself.

Confirmed Ancestors in Arceus Vs. Assumed Ancestors

Volo from Pokémon Legends: Arceus after he reveals his true appearance.

While the official website for Pokémon Legends: Arceus confirms some ancestor characters that appear in the game and their descendants, there are plenty of other likable characters in the game with potential family ties. Despite not being officially confirmed, it’s safe to say that the physical appearances of these characters strongly suggest a connection, and many of them share the same hairstyles, hair colors, eye colors, and even fashion aesthetics.

Looking for a visual guide on who is and who isn’t a confirmed ancestor in Legends: Arceus? Check out the video from HybridHero on YouTube below, which covers all 36 confirmed and unconfirmed ancestors Pokémon Arceus players have discovered!

Even though not all of the ancestors Arceus features have been officially stated to be such by the game itself, it’s hard to argue when looking at the characters side by side. The art style of Legends: Arceus is purposeful and immersive, and these design choices seem far too deliberate to be mere coincidence.

Commander Kamado Is Professor Rowan’s Ancestor

Commander Kamado and Professor Rowan from Pokemon standing next to each other.

As the commander of Pokémon Legends: Arceus’ Galaxy Expedition Team, Kamado serves as the player’s stern and strong-willed leader, much like his modern-day descendant, Professor Rowan. Commander Kamado was one of the confirmed ancestors that appeared on the Legends: Arceus website before the game’s release, but as the story unfolds, the connections between the two grow even stronger.

After players complete their Pokédex in Arceus and finish their research tasks, Kamado will mention that he’s been thinking about stepping down from his role as the Galaxy Expedition Team’s leader to study Pokémon under Professor Laventon. If his relative’s profession as a Pokémon Professor is anything to go by, it seems he may have ended up pursuing this goal after all.

Captain Cyllene Is Cyrus’ Ancestor

Captain Cyllene and Cyrus from Pokemon standing next to each other

Captain Cyllene is another of the Galaxy Expedition Team’s stern leaders and the game’s website listed her as another of the confirmed ancestors in Legends: Arceus. Cyllene is the ancestor of Cyrus, the leader of the modern Team Galactic, and the two share several physical features as well as a stoic personality.

Some players have also speculated that Cyllene’s diligent record-keeping may be how Cyrus found out about the fabled Red Chain used to control Dialga and Palkia in the first place, which could suggest that his plot to end the world in Pokémon Diamond & Pearl was directly inspired by Volo’s attempt at the same goal in ancient Hisui.

Volo & Cogita Are Cynthia’s Ancestors

An image of Volo and Cogita, Cynthia's ancestors in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and Cynthia

The Ginkgo Guild merchant-turned-villain, Volo, had one of the most interesting character arcs in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, but his ancestral connection to Diamond & Pearl’s Pokémon League Champion deepens the lore surrounding their family. Both Volo and his descendent, Cynthia, share a fascination with the myths and legends of the Sinnoh/Hisui region and love to travel, popping up at random but convenient times throughout the trainer’s adventure in their respective games.

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Their connection becomes even stronger once Volo reveals his team, which consists of Pokémon that Cynthia also battled with throughout the games of the modern era, including her signature Spiritomb and Garchomp. His battle music is also the same as hers, and considering all of these details together, their ancestral connection becomes undeniable.

Split image showing Cogita and Cynthia in Pokémon

However, Cynthia seems to have another ancestor in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, since Mistress Cogita shares some of her physical characteristics as well, not to mention her fashion sense. While Cogita’s ancestral connection to Cynthia isn’t as strong as Volo’s, the three of them seem to form a mysterious trio that could tie into the Legends of Sinnoh themselves.

It’s possible that Cynthia, Cogita, and Volo are meant to mirror the Lake Guardians, Mesprit, Uxie, and Azelf, which would explain their fixation on Pokémon’s ancient creation myths. The name “Volo” is Latin for “want” or “will,” which ties him to Azelf, the being of willpower.

“Cogita,” on the other hand, means “to ponder” or “to think,” much like Uxie, the being of knowledge. Cynthia’s Japanese name, “Shirona,” means “love growing stronger,” which would connect her to the final Lake Guardian, Mesprit, the being of emotion. However, while the potential connection between this trio and the Lake Trio seems plausible, it doesn’t explain how both Volo and Cogita are Cynthia’s ancestors in Pokémon Legends: Arceus considering that the two don’t seem to be related or romantically involved.

Rei & Akari May Be Dawn & Lucas’ Ancestors

Split image showing Rei, Lucas and Dawn, and Akari in Pokémon

Of course, it’s no surprise that the protagonists of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Rei and Akari, are nearly identical to Lucas and Dawn, the player characters of Pokémon Diamond & Pearl. However, Legends: Arceus’ time travel complicates their ancestry since whichever character players choose at the beginning of the game is actually from the modern era of the Pokémon series, not ancient Hisui.

It’s possible that, rather than being their ancestors in Arceus, Akari and Rei actually are the very same Dawn and Lucas from the modern era, but like most time travel theories this proposition raises more questions than it answers.

Volkner’s Ancestor Is Ginter

An image of Volkner from BDSP and Ginter from Legends: Arceus

The leader of Pokémon Legends: Arceus’ Ginkgo Guild, Ginter, appears to be the ancestor of Volkner, the Electric-Type Gym Leader from Diamond & Pearl. In addition to their similar appearance, Ginter shares Volkner’s iconic slouched pose as he sells his wares from the Ginkgo Guild cart in Jubilife Village.

Both characters are also known for their bored and somewhat detached personalities, and while Ginter’s role in the story of Legends: Arceus is less significant than Volkner’s Gym Leader role in Diamond and Pearl, the similarities between the two are undeniable.

Arezu Is Mars’ Ancestor

Split image showing Arezu and Mars in Pokémon

Arezu is one of the Wardens of the Diamond Clan in Pokémon Legends: Arceus charged with the protection of the Noble Hisuian Lilligant, and her appearance has led fans to speculate that she is the ancestor to Commander Mars of Team Galactic from Diamond & Pearl.

Mars and Arezu also share an impulsive nature as they can both be seen rushing into the thick of things without much thought or preparation, and they’re both extremely loyal to their leaders. Additionally, Arezu’s name may come from “Ares,” the Greek God of War that was known as “Mars” in Roman mythology.

Clay’s Ancestor Is Lian

Split image showing Lian, Clay's ancestor in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and Clay from BDSP

Lian is one of the first Wardens players meet in Pokémon Legends: Arceus and the protector of Noble Lord Kleavor. His appearance and great taste in hats seems to connect him to Clay, the Ground-Type Gym Leader from the Unova region of Pokémon Black and White. In fact, Lian’s hat is nearly identical to Clay’s.

Both hats bear the same yellow and blue band. Combined with their similar hairstyle and facial expression, the designs of both characters have all but confirmed Lian is Clay’s ancestor in Arceus. Both characters can be pretty brazen, not to mention stubborn, but they’re both very grounded and compassionate people as well.

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Colza Is Gardenia’s Ancestor

Split image showing Colza, Gardenia's ancestor in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and Gardenia from BDSP

Colza can be found tending to the farm in Pokémon Legends: Arceus’ Jubilife Village, and his familiar hairstyle prompts speculation about his ancestral ties to Gardenia, the Grass-Type Gym Leader from Pokémon Diamond & Pearl. Gardenia is a friendly and laid back Gym Leader, and while Colza doesn’t have as big of a role in the plot of his game, he always greets the trainer with a pleasant demeanor that’s similar to his relative.

Not only do both share similar looks and a nearly identical hairdo, but Colza’s profession as the leader of the Galaxy Expedition Team’s Agricultural Corps suggests that a love of plants runs in the family.

Gaeric Is Wulfric’s Ancestor

Split image showing Gaeric and Wulfric in Pokémon

Gaeric is the Pearl Clan’s Warden of the Noble Hisuian Avalugg in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and much like his descendant, Wulfric from Pokémon X & Y, he prides himself on being as tough as the ice that covers his home in the Alabaster Icelands. Wulfric, on the other hand, is an Ice-type Gym Leader, and in addition to having similar ice-related dialogue to his potential ancestor in Arceus, the two share the same pompadour hairstyle to complement their bold personalities.

Both characters are passionate and determined, and the fact that Avalugg is the strongest Pokémon on Wulfric’s team makes his connection to Gaeric even stronger.

Coin Is Saturn’s Ancestor

Split image showing Coin, Saturn's ancestor in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and Saturn

Coin is one of the three Miss Fortune Sisters, a group of bandits that play a minor antagonistic role in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Not only is her appearance extremely similar to that of Team Galactic’s Commander Saturn from Diamond and Pearl, but the two also play similar roles in their respective stories as occasional enemies that players have to face in battle. Coin’s partner Pokémon is Toxicroak, which is also Saturn’s signature Pokémon in the modern era, strengthening the connection between these two villains.

Candice’s Ancestor Is Clover

Split screen showing Clover, Candice's ancestor in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and Candice

Like Coin, Clover is one of the bandits in Pokémon Legends: Arceus’ Miss Fortune Trio, but her ancestor isn’t nearly as villainous as Coin’s. Clover bears striking resemblance to Candice, the Ice-type leader of Pokémon Diamond & Pearl’s Snowpoint Gym. The two also share exuberant personalities, though Candice is a friendly and supportive Gym Leader while Clover is rude and antagonistic at the best of times. Clover and Candice both have an Abomasnow as their signature Pokémon as well, which all but confirms that the two are related.

Charm, Agatha and Bertha's ancestor in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, in front of Agatha and Bertha from BDSP

Unlike the other two bandit sisters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Charm actually seems to have two descendants in the modern Pokémon world: Bertha and Agatha. Bertha is the Ground-type trainer of Sinnoh’s Elite Four in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, while Agatha first appeared in Pokémon Red & Blue as the Ghost-Type trainer of Kanto’s Elite 4. Due to the similarities in their appearances, it’s possible the two Elite 4 members may be related, and Charm’s ancestral connection to both of them seems to confirm that fact.

Charm’s team consists of a Rhydon and a Gengar as a reference to Bertha’s Rhyperior and Agatha’s Gengar, which not only proves that she’s related to both of them but also confirms the familial ties between the two Elite Four members of the modern era. As the leader of the Bandit Trio, Charm is also notably more mature than the other two sisters, which is likely a nod to Bertha and Agatha’s age.

Mai Is Marley’s Ancestor

Mai, Marley's ancestor in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, next to Marley from BDSP

Mai is one of the Diamond clan’s wardens in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and she’s responsible for tending to the Noble Wyrdeer, which players later obtain as a ride Pokémon. Her appearance and reserved nature are very similar to that of Marley from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, who players meet on Victory Road after defeating the Elite Four.

In the Japanese version of Diamond and Pearl, Marley’s name is also Mai, which may be the inspiration for the warden Mai’s name in Legends: Arceus. Mai and Marley are both stoic characters as well, and they share a quiet disposition when they interact with players in their respective games.

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Peselle Might Be An Ancestor In Legends: Arceus

A split screen showing Peselle, Nurse Joy, and Mira from Pokemon Legends Arceus

While it’s easy to speculate about Peselle’s potential connection to Nurse Joy thanks to her role in the Galaxy Expedition Team’s Medical Corps in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, her appearance is much more similar to that of Mira, the trainer lost in the Wayward Cave of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Not only do their hairstyles match exactly, but the accessories in Mira’s hair are identical to those Peselle wears with her nurse cap.

However, their appearance seems to be all they share, and Peselle’s personality and profession seem to align more with that of Nurse Joy, so it’s possible that Peselle in Arceus is actually the ancestor to both characters.

Rye Is Riley’s Ancestor

Split image showing both Rye, Riley's ancestor in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and Riley

Perhaps one of the most obvious ancestors in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is that of Rye. He is almost identical to Pokémon Diamond and Pearl’s Lucario trainer, Riley. Not only do the two look and behave the same, but their bonds with their Lucarios are extremely similar as well.

In addition, once players defeat Rye and his Lucario in the “Steely Lucario” Request, the Brimmed Hat becomes available from the Jubilife Village Clothier. Players may recognize this as the iconic hat that Riley wears throughout the Pokémon franchise. This perhaps solidifies that the two are indeed relatives.

Sabi Is Cheryl’s Ancestor

Split image showing Sabi and Cheryl in Pokémon

Sabi is the youngest Warden in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, as well as the last Warden that players meet in the game. Her appearance is very similar to Cheryl from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, and her green braids are almost certainly a reference to Cheryl’s similar hairstyle.

However, the connections between these characters end at their appearances since Sabi tends to be playful and elusive while Cheryl is more kindhearted and quiet than her ancestor in Legends: Arceus, and the two don’t share any Pokémon since Sabi doesn’t battle and is instead responsible for the care of the Noble Hisuian Braviary.

Beni Is Wally’s Ancestor

Beni, Wally's ancestor in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, next to Wally from BDSP

Unlike most of the ancestors in Pokémon Legends: Arceus whose descendants stuck around the Sinnoh region, Beni’s descendant is from another region entirely. Beni is the ancestor of Wally, who players may recognize from the Hoenn region of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Beni’s identity as an ancestor in Arceus isn’t revealed until near the end of the main story when he attempts to stop the player from reaching the Temple of Sinnoh, finally unleashing his power as a ninja after staying undercover as Jubilife Village’s potato mochi chef.

His hairstyle is identical to Wally’s despite being gray from age. However, players may have been shocked to learn that Ruby and Sapphires’ gentle rival is actually descended from ninjas. After returning to Pokémon Legends: Arceus’ Jubilife Village, Beni mentions his intention to move to a warmer region, which explains why his descendent is from the more temperate Hoenn region instead of Sinnoh.

  • Pokemon Legends Arceus Key Art Pokémon Legends: Arceus

    Franchise: Pokemon

    Platform(s): Nintendo Switch

    Released: 2022-01-28

    Developer(s): Game Freak

    Publisher(s): Nintendo, The Pokemon Company

    Genre(s): RPG, Adventure, Open-World, Action

    ESRB: E

    Summary: Pokemon Legends: Arceus is set in the distant past as part of the Diamond and Pearl continuity; players are sent back in time after hearing from the creator of Pokemon, Arceus. Now in the Hsui region, known as Sinnoh in the future, the player meets with Professor Laventon, who assists them in getting settled in at Jubilife Village as they try to acclimate to their strange new life in the age of Pokemon centuries past. Arceus marks a significant departure in the Pokemon franchise, as players will engage more in battle with their Pokemon – trainers can even be attacked by wild Pokemon. Instead of instanced battles, players fight directly on the field, encountering them in the big open world, sharing many exploration similarities to games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

    How Long To Beat: 25 Hours

    Prequel: Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

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