In Pokémon Pokopia, players take on the role of Ditto, who has finally awakened from a long hibernation and transformed into a human-like form. Ditto meets the eccentric Professor Tangrowth, who has been living all alone in a place where humans and Pokémon once lived, and who seems to have human tools. Seeing the withered grass and trees, Ditto decides to rebuild the area: crafting items and learning moves from other Pokémon, step by step creating a place where everyone can live well.
The player can learn moves from the Pokémon they encounter and use them to create habitats where different Pokémon can appear. Learned moves can also be used for other purposes, such as breaking walls (Rock Smash), increasing greenery (Leafage), jumping from mountain to mountain (Glide), or moving across water (Surf).
Players can also interact with the Pokémon they encounter—for example, jumping rope with Bulbasaur's vines, asking Charmander to light a fire, or building houses together with multiple Pokémon.
Pokémon may ask the player to make their habitat a more comfortable place to live. Some also have important requests related to larger problems and their solutions. Solving these problems will develop the entire area.
Players can also customize their appearance with different hairstyles and outfits, as well as craft items and furniture to personalize their environment. Up to four players can enjoy playing together.
In addition to Professor Tangrowth, players will encounter other mysterious Pokémon.
- Peakychu: A pale Pikachu with floppy ears and mysteriously colored fur
- Mosslax: Moss has grown to cover this Snorlax's entire body, and a flower appears to be blooming on its head. It must have been sleeping for a very long time
- Smearguru: A Smeargle whose body is covered in bright splashes of color. It looks almost like a painter when it uses its tail as a paintbrush
