Since we first got an in-depth look at the game, Game Freak was telling fans that the main quest in Pokémon Legends: Arceus was building out the Hisui region’s first Pokédex and interacting with wild Pokémon in ways the franchise has never explored before.
With a game plan like that one, developers made an effort to come up with new ideas for the Pokédex, reworking the concept of the database into something bigger than it has ever been: an evolving, core gameplay mechanic. This was done by making the Pokédex play a role in how you progress through the game—or in simpler terms, having it level up as well.
This was done by creating Star Rank, a ranking that denotes how far you have come in filling out your Pokédex. To increase your Star Rank, you need to earn Research Points by not only catching Pokémon to add entries to your Pokédex, but also completing Research Tasks. These are specific tasks that will have you observing and gathering more data on each species of Pokémon.
You will receive frequent Pokédex Progress Reports as you advance through the game, and your Pokédex will show you your Star Rank in the bottom left-hand corner, along with how many Research Points you need to reach the next level on the bottom right of your screen. There is even a little notice above it, which tells you if you have Research Tasks completed but haven’t turned in the data yet.
In total, there are 10 Star Ranks, with each rank bringing in a reward for the player. These will give players new tools and abilities to become a better member of the Galaxy Expedition Team. This includes access to new areas, the ability to use new types of Poké Ball, and increasing the max level that Pokémon will obey you.
As you progress, here are all of the Star Rank rewards that will unlock at each time you are promoted:
| Rank | Rewards |
| Star Rank 1 | Access to Heavy Balls Heavy Ball Crafting Recipe Revive Crafting Recipe All Pokémon up to level 20 obey your orders |
| Star Rank 2 | Access to Feather Balls Feather Ball Crafting Recipe Super Potion Crafting Recipe All Pokémon up to level 30 obey your orders Access to Crimson Mirelands |
| Star Rank 3 | Access to Great Balls Great Ball Crafting Recipe All Pokémon up to level 40 obey your orders Access to Cobalt Coastlands |
| Star Rank 4 | Access to Leaden Balls Leaden Ball Crafting Recipe Hyper Potion Crafting Recipe All Pokémon up to level 50 obey your orders Access to Coronet Highlands |
| Star Rank 5 | Access to Wing Balls Wing Ball Crafting Recipe All Pokémon up to level 65 obey your orders Access to Alabaster Icelands |
| Star Rank 6 | Access to Ultra Balls Ultra Ball Crafting Recipe Max Potion Crafting Recipe All Pokémon up to level 80 obey your orders |
| Star Rank 7 | Access to Gigaton Balls Gigaton Ball Crafting Recipe All Pokémon obey your orders |
| Star Rank 8 | Access to Jet Balls Jet Ball Crafting Recipe Full Restore Crafting Recipe |
| Star Rank 9 | 10 Rare Candies 20 Grit Pebbles |
| Star Rank 10 (Max) | TBD |
