Pokémon's new installment might have a super dark background! Is it an apocalyptic world where humans have left Earth?

“Pokopia” is a Pokémon-themed game that combines elements of building and farming. Developed by KOEI Tecmo and published by Nintendo, it was officially released on March 5th. Players will take on the role of a shape-shifting Ditto that can transform into a human trainer.

Previously, we reported that even before the game’s official release, some players speculated that the story setting might be extremely dark. Early promotional materials showed a destroyed first-generation Pokédex and ruins that appeared to be remnants of a Pokémon Center, which seemed to suggest that the story would take place after an “apocalypse.”

According to Kotaku, as the game was released, players began exploring it, and the truth behind the story has finally been revealed.

Note: The following contains spoilers for “Pokopia.” If you prefer to experience the story firsthand in the game or learn about it gradually through other channels, please consider carefully before continuing.

Based on scattered files collected within the game, the story is indeed set in the Kanto region after a “catastrophe.” However, it doesn’t seem to involve brutal wars or mass extinctions—there’s no zombie outbreak or uncontrolled nuclear missiles. The region’s transformation appears to be due to a climate crisis.

According to the description, humans once launched a project called the “Pokémon Conservation Project.” The goal was to safely store all Pokémon in a massive computer system—similar to the Pokémon PC system used in mainline games—while humans temporarily evacuated to space. Later, some humans would periodically return to Earth to investigate environmental conditions and maintain the Pokémon storage system.

Image translation:

We have decided to participate in the “Pokémon Conservation Project.”
This project involves safely storing all Pokémon on Earth in a large computer system, while humans go to space to take refuge.
I can’t be sure if this is truly feasible, and parting from my Pokémon will be very painful, but…

Image translation:

Perhaps this is the only way humans and Pokémon can live together again in the future.
After moving to space, I was also invited to join an investigation team, but I haven’t given an answer yet.
Once humans complete their migration, a small group will return to Earth to investigate the environment and maintain the protection system. But considering my age, I don’t know if I will still have the energy to help at that time. I think such tasks are better suited for younger people.

Image translation:

Field investigations have yielded quite good results.
I exchanged ideas with Pokémon researchers from other regions and gained insights that are helpful for my own studies.
Many are very worried that recent climate anomalies might affect Pokémon.
On the way home, I found a young Vineson.

Who would have thought that a seemingly lighthearted Pokémon farming game hides a doomsday setting where humans evacuate Earth? Although the official story isn’t told in a particularly heavy manner, this worldview is clearly very different from traditional Pokémon works. Do you think this darker background adds depth to the story, or does it somewhat ruin the original Pokémon atmosphere? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.