Pokémon Legends: Arceus will take players back to a bygone era of the Sinnoh region, at that time known as Hisui, but that doesn't mean the game isn't taking cues from more recent Pokémon titles when it comes to character outfits and customization. Legends: Arceus' character design mimics that of Sword and Shield, and the cosmetic options for the player character appear to be returning. Players will have the opportunity to change their looks, spending Pokémon Dollars for new cosmetic items in Jubilife Village's shops.
Players will also have the option of changing their character's hairstyle. There will be a hairdresser somewhere in Jubilife where players can select the color and style of their hair. The clothier and hairdresser appear to be separate NPCs within Legends: Arceus' Jubilife Village, likely functioning similarly to the clothes shops in Sword and Shield by letting players purchase new cosmetics with their earned Pokémon Dollars and offering a place for the player character to change their outfit.
These details came from a new trailer posted to the Official Pokémon YouTube channel, which gives a quick look at some of the available customization options, including a host of new clothing. A few further details have appeared on the Pokémon website. It looks as it there will be plenty of opportunity for customization, allowing players to make their Trainers their own, plus a photo studio where they can show off each look.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus Lets Players Pose In Their Outfits
Hats, shirts, pants, sandals and shoes, and glasses or other accessories can all be customized. Full outfits are also available, such as a Karate Gi, kimonos, and suits, a number of which are shown off in the trailer, giving a taste of just how many tools fashion-conscious players may have to work with in the final game.
After stopping by the hairdresser and clothier to fine tune their look, players will be able to have their photo taken in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. A man named Dagero operates a photography studio in Jubilife Village, where players can pose for photos with their Pokémon. In the photography studio, players can "change the background and the look of the photo," and "strike different poses and make different faces." It's unclear whether or not anything can be done in-game with the photos taken. Players will be able to use the screen capture function on the Switch in order to export their portraits, but this may not be the extent of the photography studios' purpose.
It also remains unclear whether or not the crafting in Pokémon Legends: Arceus will expand the number of cosmetic items. Players will be able to forage for materials while exploring the Hisui region, using them to craft Poké Balls, Potions, Revives, and more. So far, nothing has indicated that clothes can be crafted - only purchasable at the clothier - but the game's features are only slowly being revealed in the lead up to its release.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus will release on January 28, 2022 for the Nintendo Switch.
Sources: Official Pokémon YouTube, Pokémon