Revision 3

Overview

Pokemon Pokopia is set in the Kanto region, the same setting as the original Pokemon Red and Blue games. However, the Kanto of Pokopia is drastically different from the one players may remember. An unspecified cataclysm has occurred at some point in the past, forcing the human population to evacuate into space. The region has deteriorated into a wasteland, with its once-thriving cities reduced to ruins and its Pokemon population scattered and struggling to survive.

The Story Behind the Setting

When Ditto awakens from a prolonged slumber, it discovers a world in decay. The sole remaining intellectual presence is Professor Tangrowth, a Tangrowth who has taken on the role of researcher, studying the environment and trying to solve the mystery of why both humans and most Pokemon have left. After finding its former trainer's Pokedex and assuming a human form based on them, Ditto teams up with Professor Tangrowth to restore the region's habitats and bring Pokemon back to the area.

The game's narrative unfolds through exploration, environmental restoration, and the discovery of Human Records scattered throughout each area. These collectible documents (newspapers, diary entries, letters, photos, and more) gradually reveal what happened to the human population and why they were forced to leave. Collecting the complete set tells the full story of the cataclysm.

Game Areas and Their Kanto Origins

Each of the five explorable areas in Pokopia corresponds to a real location from the Kanto region, reimagined in a post-apocalyptic state.

Withered Wasteland (Fuchsia City)

The Withered Wasteland is the first area players explore. Based on Fuchsia City, the lush greenery and famous Safari Zone are long gone, replaced by dry earth and withered vegetation. The area's central storyline, the "Yawn Up a Storm" quest, focuses on restoring rainfall to the parched landscape by increasing humidity levels. The transformation from wasteland to thriving habitat is the player's introduction to Pokopia's core restoration mechanics.

Bleak Beach (Vermilion City)

Bleak Beach reimagines Vermilion City, the port town that was home to the S.S. Anne. The coastline has turned dark and gloomy, with the once-bustling harbor now a shadow of its former self. The area's main quest, "Brighten Things Up", involves restoring electricity and light to the town, awakening Mosslax, and connecting power systems including windmills, furnaces, and water wheels.

Rocky Ridges (Pewter City)

Rocky Ridges is based on Pewter City, known in the original games for its museum and Brock's Rock-type Gym. In Pokopia, the area has been transformed into ash-covered volcanic ruins. The main storyline centers on the "Time to Party!" quest, where players organize a celebration and learn the cooking system from Chef Dente. The volcanic setting provides unique materials not found elsewhere, including Iron Ore, Gold Ore, and Glowing Stone.

Sparkling Skylands (Celadon and Saffron Cities)

The Sparkling Skylands combines elements of both Celadon City (the commercial hub with its department store) and Saffron City (the psychic-themed city). In Pokopia, these cities have been reimagined as floating islands with abandoned high-rise structures. The main quest involves rebuilding the huge building (a former department store) across four floors with the help of Tinkmaster. The rooftop holds a Master Ball, and reaching it grants the Master Trainer Rank.

Palette Town (Pallet Town)

Palette Town is based on Pallet Town, the starting location from the original Pokemon Red and Blue. The name is a play on both "Pallet Town" and an artist's palette. This reflects the area's role as a creative sandbox where players can build freely without story constraints. The ruins of Pallet Town contain clues about the original trainer whose Pokedex Ditto now carries. Eevee and all eight Eeveelutions are exclusive to this area.

Connections to the Original Games

Beyond the area themes, Pokopia includes several references to the original Kanto games. The S.S. Anne appears docked at Bleak Beach, now derelict and partially submerged. The Team Rocket Hideout can be discovered as a hidden dungeon. Professor Tangrowth's research station contains remnants of a Pokemon lab similar to Professor Oak's original laboratory. The Pokemon Centers, once fully operational facilities, must be rebuilt from scratch using crafting materials.

The game's Pokedex numbering follows a custom order specific to Pokopia, not the National Pokedex or Kanto regional Pokedex from the mainline games. This is the first Pokemon spin-off since New Pokemon Snap to feature a regional Pokedex with custom numbering.

Etymology

The game's Japanese title is "Poco a Pokemon" (ぽこ あ ポケモン), shortened to Pocopoke. The name likely derives from the Italian and Spanish musical term "poco a poco," meaning "little by little," reflecting the gradual rebuilding theme. The English title "Pokopia" blends Pokemon, "copy" (referencing Ditto's transformation ability), and "utopia" (the paradise players create).