The Pokemon Diamond & Pearl event is sparking a backlash for pinning Arceus behind a $60 paywall

ILCA announced that they will finally add the Azure Flute quest to Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl. Some players were outraged when it was revealed that the event would require fans to spend an extra $60 to access it.

After starting from Pokemon Diamond & Pearl in 2006, Game Freak was preparing to release a special event that would give players the Legendary Mythical Arceus. Although the Azure Flute found its way into the game’s code, the item never worked. In 2013, director Junichi Masuda announced that the quest had been discontinued because it was “too confusing” for trainers.

Almost 16 years later, the Nintendo developer announced this They finally finished the storyline in the 2021 Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl remakes. However, excitement over the end of the decade-long mystery was quickly dampened after it was also announced that players would have to pay an additional $60 to attend the event.

After a decade, the lost event in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl is over.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Arceus Event Sparks Outrage

Studio ILCA surprised fans when they announced that Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl would receive the long-awaited Arceus Azure Flute event on March 16, 2022. The special quest would start along with the version 1.3 update.

While players were initially excited that the decades-old quest was finally coming to life, some were quickly upset when it was revealed that the event will only be awarded to those who also purchased Pokemon Legends Arceus – which is priced at $60 im retail is available.

The trainers took to social media to vent their anger as many attacked the Nintendo developer for locking the storyline behind a “paywall”.

Serebii Update: With tomorrow’s new update for Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, if you have Legends Arceus save data, you will receive the Azure Flute to face Arceus in the game pic.twitter.com/zyJsUud3jH

— Serebii.net (@SerebiiNet) March 15, 2022

“This is bullshit, why do I need Legends Arceus to get Arceus in BDSP?” asked a fan. “I don’t like this game and I will never buy it.”

Another player exclaimed, “Buy our other game to access this older game.”

Others argued that the update should have been free. “Bulls**t. I don’t want to buy Legends Arceus just to get a Pokemon that should be free in game!” one commenter posted.

Users were further angered when it was clarified that their Legends Arceus save file must also have completed all main quests in the Hisui region.

“While I’m glad I have it, it’s unfortunate that those unable to record the game lose at this event,” replied one fan.

“And I can’t get Arceus just like that. I’m one of the few who didn’t really enjoy Arceus. I won’t deny the game is amazing but it just wasn’t my cup of tea,” said another in response.

Many players also criticized that they were already able to catch Arceus in Pokemon Legends. However, it should be noted that in Pokemon Legends the Mythical is Shiny-locked. While in BDSP you can theoretically hunt for its rare variant.

Despite fan excitement that the decades-old event is finally over, some aren’t too keen on the quest, which requires them to own two $60 games to gain access. Only time will tell if The Pokemon Company will take the feedback into account.