In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, one of the more intriguing and cryptic quests players encounter is titled Whither the Statues Gaze. This mission is part of the broader journey to uncover the mysteries surrounding Arceus and the ancient Hisui region, which is the predecessor of what fans now know as Sinnoh. The game breaks away from traditional Pokémon gameplay mechanics and focuses heavily on exploration, lore, and environmental storytelling. Whither the Statues Gaze embodies all of these themes, offering players a puzzle-like challenge that encourages observation, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the world around them.
Understanding the Context of Hisui and Arceus
A Region Built on Myth and Mystery
The Hisui region is filled with ruins, strange markings, and legendary Pokémon references. Unlike other mainline Pokémon games, Legends: Arceus is centered on the past before Poké Balls were common and before Pokémon-human relations were as strong. It is in this ancient context that the mission Whither the Statues Gaze takes place, tying into the mythos of Arceus, the deity Pokémon said to have shaped the universe itself.
Arceus stands at the pinnacle of Pokémon lore, and any mission involving its presence usually blends puzzles, symbolism, and environmental storytelling. Statues in ancient temples are not just decorative they’re narrative devices pointing toward greater truths or hidden treasures.
Quest Overview: Whither the Statues Gaze
Initiating the Mission
The quest Whither the Statues Gaze typically becomes available once the player reaches a specific point in the game’s main storyline, usually after unlocking certain locations and progressing through noble Pokémon encounters. Players must have access to the Sacred Plaza in the Coronet Highlands to begin solving the mystery.
Upon examining the area, players will notice a set of statues placed carefully within the ruins. These aren’t random decorations they are specifically aligned and oriented, which leads to the central challenge of the quest: following the line of sight of the statues to uncover the hidden truth.
Statue Orientation and Significance
Each statue in the Sacred Plaza faces a particular direction. The player must interpret the gaze of these statues and determine what lies in the direction they point. It’s not simply about observation, but about triangulation and understanding the spatial layout of the environment.
This mission reinforces the importance of exploration in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, as players must venture beyond the obvious and investigate subtle environmental clues. The designers intended this to push players to engage more deeply with the terrain and atmosphere, rather than rushing from battle to battle.
Solving the Puzzle Step-by-Step
Observing the Statues
The first step involves examining each statue in the plaza and noting their directions. These statues often depict Pokémon such as Regigigas or other ancient figures associated with the region’s lore. The player must stand in front of each one and look straight in the direction it’s facing.
Following the Line of Sight
Once players determine where each statue is pointing, the goal becomes to trace a path from one to the next. This may lead players to hidden items, underground ruins, or clues etched into stone walls. Following these gazes in the correct order will eventually guide the player to the solution of the quest.
It’s important to move in the open world while aligning yourself physically with the statue’s perspective, using the in-game compass and camera to ensure you’re moving in the right direction. This turns the mission into a scavenger hunt, blending logic, observation, and patience.
Finding the Hidden Message or Reward
After interpreting all statue gazes correctly, players are usually rewarded with a rare item or a vital piece of lore. Sometimes this may include a plate a collectible item associated with Arceus and used to change its elemental type. These plates are crucial for endgame content and understanding Arceus’s divine powers.
The reward is not always material; often, it’s narrative. By following the clues and unveiling what the statues point toward, players uncover a piece of the forgotten history of Hisui, deepening the mystery of how Arceus influenced the land.
Lore Connections and Symbolism
Ancient Worship and Arceus’s Influence
Statues in Pokémon Legends: Arceus are often interpreted as remnants of ancient worship. The people of Hisui revered powerful Pokémon as gods, protectors, or even forces of nature. The statues themselves could represent offerings to Arceus, guardians of sacred knowledge, or markers pointing toward divine locations.
Whither the Statues Gaze could be seen metaphorically asking not just where the statues point physically, but where the beliefs and hopes of an ancient people were directed. This adds depth to the game’s spiritual tone and positions Arceus as more than just a powerful entity it becomes a symbol of ancient cosmology.
Echoes of Sinnoh Legends
Players familiar with Pokémon Diamond and Pearl will notice strong connections between Hisui and modern Sinnoh myths. Many of the ruins in Hisui evolve into locations seen in the Sinnoh games, and Whither the Statues Gaze may even reference early forms of puzzles players later encounter in Celestic Town or Spear Pillar.
This intentional design bridges generations of Pokémon games and creates a sense of continuity between ancient and modern. Understanding these gazes is not only about solving a puzzle it’s about witnessing the origin of legends that continue into the future.
Tips for Players Attempting the Quest
Use the Map and Compass Frequently
One of the most helpful tools when solving the statue puzzle is the in-game compass. Keeping track of directions like north, south, east, and west can help interpret where statues are pointing, especially when multiple face toward the same landmark.
Look for Unusual Terrain or Hidden Entrances
Often the path indicated by the statues won’t lead directly to an item or character, but instead to an unmarked cave, a rare rock formation, or a hidden passage. Don’t hesitate to investigate areas that seem ordinary Hisui often hides secrets in plain sight.
Don’t Rush Observe the Environment
Take time to walk slowly around each statue. Look at what lies ahead in the direction it faces. Sometimes even small clues like cracked walls or unique trees can mark points of interest. The environment in Pokémon Legends: Arceus rewards players who are willing to slow down and observe.
Whither the Statues Gaze is more than just a quest in Pokémon Legends: Arceus it’s a symbol of how the game blends puzzle-solving, storytelling, and world-building. It encourages players to engage with the ancient world of Hisui through exploration and reflection, rewarding those who look beyond the surface. The quest subtly connects to Arceus’s divine legacy and deepens the player’s appreciation for the spiritual tone of the game. Whether seeking rare items or ancient truths, following the statues’ gaze offers a memorable and meaningful experience in one of the Pokémon series’ most unique entries.