In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, players are constantly engaged in exploration, discovery, and puzzle-solving. One of the more cryptic and intriguing quests you’ll encounter is called Whither the Statues Gaze. This side quest involves locating a hidden treasure based on the direction in which several statues are facing. Unlike standard fetch quests or battles, this task encourages careful observation and a deeper understanding of the geography within the Hisui region. It’s both a mystery and a rewarding adventure for trainers who love solving riddles in the world of Pokémon.
Understanding the Whither the Statues Gaze Request
Where the Quest Begins
The ‘Whither the Statues Gaze’ request becomes available once you’ve made significant progress in the main storyline, typically after unlocking several areas in the Coronet Highlands. To start the quest, you’ll need to speak with a specific NPC in Jubilife Village who gives you clues about statues found in the highlands. This isn’t marked clearly, so players must pay attention to in-game dialogue and subtle visual hints.
The Purpose of the Quest
This quest is not just about finding treasure it’s designed to teach players how to use the environment as a tool. By observing statue positions, players get to experience a different layer of immersion. It also serves as a break from the more intense mechanics like catching Alpha Pokémon or completing Pokédex entries, offering instead a thoughtful exploration challenge.
Locating the Statues in Coronet Highlands
Where to Begin Your Search
The statues referred to in this quest are located in the Celestica Ruins area of the Coronet Highlands. This zone is rich with history and references to the lore of Sinnoh and Arceus. The ruins house multiple stone statues resembling ancient Pokémon or legendary guardians, and they are all positioned in specific directions. Your goal is to find out where they are pointing.
Using the Statues to Find the Treasure
The statues all face a certain direction, and the key is to find where their lines of sight intersect. This forms an invisible line or triangle on your map. As you explore, take note of each statue’s position and the angle of its gaze. Eventually, you’ll be able to determine a central point where their visions converge. That’s where the hidden treasure is buried.
- Statue 1: Located on the eastern side of the ruins, facing northwest
- Statue 2: Found to the west, gazing toward the northeast
- Statue 3: Positioned slightly south, looking directly north
Standing at the intersection of their gaze lines, you’ll likely be close to a dig spot where the treasure is hidden. Use your ride Pokémon Ursaluna to sniff out and unearth the item once you’ve narrowed it down.
Tips for Solving the Puzzle Efficiently
Pay Attention to Map Orientation
Many players struggle with direction because of how the minimap rotates based on camera angle. Be sure to open the full map and align yourself accordingly when tracing the gaze of each statue. This can make a huge difference in narrowing down the final spot.
Use Landmarks to Confirm Positioning
Instead of relying solely on compass directions, use nearby rocks, rivers, and ruins to validate each statue’s line of sight. If two statues seem to be staring toward the same tree or cliff, that’s a strong indicator you’re on the right track.
Ride Ursaluna Frequently
Even if you’re not exactly at the point where all statue gazes meet, Ursaluna’s treasure-sensing ability will alert you when you’re near something diggable. Use this to your advantage, especially when the visual clues become too vague or hard to interpret.
What Is the Reward for Completing the Quest?
Treasure Worth the Effort
Once you solve the riddle and dig up the buried item, you’ll typically receive rare materials or valuable items that enhance your journey. While the specific reward can vary based on in-game version and completion status, many players report finding:
- Nuggets (can be sold for high prices)
- Rare Candies
- Evolution Stones
- Special lore-based items
Aside from the tangible rewards, completing Whither the Statues Gaze offers a deeper appreciation of Pokémon Legends: Arceus design and its environmental storytelling.
Expanding the Lore of Hisui
This quest, like others scattered across the game, helps build the narrative of an ancient civilization that revered powerful Pokémon. The statues are likely early depictions of beings like Regigigas or other titanic figures, hinting at how Pokémon were once worshipped or feared. Completing this quest may unlock subtle dialogues or future references that enhance the world-building.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Ignoring Elevation Differences
Some players assume the statues are all on the same horizontal level, but elevation plays a big role in where they’re pointing. Make sure to consider if a statue is placed on a cliff or ledge that might affect its angle. Use Sneasler to climb up for a better look when necessary.
Overthinking the Puzzle
The riddle can feel complex at first, but try not to overanalyze. Focus on where the statues are literally looking and what’s in their direct visual path. Don’t waste time theorizing beyond what the game is presenting.
Using Ursaluna Too Early
Some players immediately begin sniffing with Ursaluna before identifying statue directions. It’s more effective to first narrow your search zone by observing the gaze directions, then use Ursaluna once you’re in a likely area.
Whither the Statues Gaze
Whither the Statues Gaze is a perfect example of how Pokémon Legends: Arceus encourages curiosity and spatial reasoning. Instead of handing players clear objectives, it invites them to observe, interpret, and interact with the environment in meaningful ways. This quest may not involve battles or catching new Pokémon, but its unique challenge and subtle lore additions make it one of the more memorable side quests in the game.
By understanding the statues’ direction and carefully exploring the Coronet Highlands with Ursaluna, players not only uncover hidden treasures but also experience the creative design philosophy that sets Pokémon Legends: Arceus apart. Whether you’re a completionist or just love unraveling secrets, this quest is definitely worth your time.