Why Pokemon BDSP’s Arceus event requiring $60 purchase sparked major fan backlash and controversy
The Controversial Azure Flute Event
The Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Arceus event has generated significant controversy within the gaming community due to its unusual access requirements. Players discovered they needed to make an additional $60 purchase to participate in what many believed should have been included content.
Developer ILCA confirmed they were implementing the long-awaited Azure Flute quest into Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl. Community backlash erupted when players learned the event mandates ownership of another full-priced game to unlock it.
After Pokemon Diamond & Pearl launched in 2006, developers at Game Freak planned a special distribution event featuring the mythical Arceus. The Azure Flute item was embedded in the game code but never activated. In a 2013 interview, Director Junichi Masuda explained the cancellation resulted from concerns about player confusion with the mechanics.
Sixteen years later, the development team announced completion of this unfinished storyline in the 2021 remakes. Initial enthusiasm about resolving this gaming mystery quickly turned to frustration when details emerged about the mandatory secondary game purchase requirement.
ILCA surprised the Pokemon community by announcing the Arceus Azure Flute event would arrive in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl on March 16, 2022. This special content launched simultaneously with the Version 1.3 game update.
Understanding the Requirements
While trainers initially celebrated the revival of this decade-old quest, frustration mounted as they understood the event exclusively targets players who purchased Pokemon Legends Arceus at its $60 retail price.
Trainers expressed their discontent across social platforms, with many criticizing the developers for placing narrative content behind what they perceived as a financial barrier.
Serebii Update: With the new update to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl tomorrow, if you have Legends Arceus save data, you will get the Azure Flute to encounter Arceus in game https://t.co/gDbXkHSvkT pic.twitter.com/zyJsUud3jH
— Serebii.net (@SerebiiNet) March 15, 2022
Community frustration intensified when clarification emerged that save files from Pokemon Legends Arceus must demonstrate completion of all primary story quests in the Hisui region. This additional requirement meant players couldn’t simply borrow or briefly play the game—they needed to invest significant time completing it.
Many players noted the irony that Arceus could already be obtained in Pokemon Legends. However, an important distinction exists: in the original game, the mythical creature cannot be encountered in its shiny form. The BDSP version theoretically permits hunting for this rare variant, adding collector’s value.
Community Response Analysis
“This implementation seems unreasonable—why must I own Legends Arceus to obtain Arceus in BDSP?” one enthusiast questioned. “The gameplay style doesn’t appeal to me, and I have no intention of purchasing it.”
Pokemon Legends Z-A makes shiny hunting a lot harder & players are furious
GameStop blames Pokemon after Shiny Koraidon and Miraidon distribution sparks backlash
Pokemon Legends Z-A fans torn as Kalos starter Mega Evos tied to competitive play
Another player expressed, “Purchase our other title to access content in this previous release.”
Some argued the update should have been freely accessible. “Unacceptable. I refuse to buy Legends Arceus solely for a Pokemon that should be included at no additional cost!” commented one individual.
“Although I’m pleased to qualify for this event, it’s disappointing for those unable to acquire the game who will miss this opportunity,” responded a supporter.
“Suddenly, Arceus becomes unobtainable for me. I belong to the minority who didn’t particularly enjoy the Arceus gameplay. While acknowledging its quality, it simply didn’t suit my preferences,” another participant shared.
Strategic Considerations for Players
Despite excitement about finally concluding this long-unfinished event, many players feel disappointed about needing two $60 games to access the content. The Pokemon Company’s response to this feedback remains uncertain.
For players considering whether to pursue this event, several strategic factors merit consideration. The total investment extends beyond financial costs to include significant time commitments for completing Pokemon Legends Arceus. Players should evaluate whether shiny hunting possibilities justify these investments.
Alternative approaches include waiting for potential future events or distributions that might provide Arceus through different methods. Historical precedent suggests mythical Pokemon often receive multiple distribution opportunities over time through various channels.
Budget-conscious players might consider purchasing pre-owned copies of Pokemon Legends Arceus or waiting for sales to reduce the financial barrier. The completion requirement means players should plan for approximately 20-30 hours of gameplay in the secondary title.
Community resources and guides can help optimize the completion process for those deciding to pursue both games. Efficient playthrough strategies exist that minimize time investment while meeting the save file requirements.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Pokemon Diamond & Pearl event sparks backlash for locking Arceus behind $60 paywall Why Pokemon BDSP's Arceus event requiring $60 purchase sparked major fan backlash and controversy