Meet Pokémon Pokopia's Cast
For the first time since the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon era, it looks like we’re getting a Pokémon game without traditional Pokémon Trainers. Pokémon Pokopia doesn’t appear to be built around Gym Leaders, Champions, or villainous teams (aka mildly disruptive teams like we see in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet). Instead, Pokémon Pokopia’s cast appears to be centered on a Pokémon-led community—one where Pokémon themselves may fill key roles within the world.
That shift is immediately apparent in Pokopia’s protagonist. Rather than playing as a human trainer, players take control of a Ditto that has transformed to resemble a human. It’s a bold creative choice that suggests Pokopia’s focus may be on collaboration and coexistence rather than competition.
Much like Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, Pokémon Pokopia’s cast places wild Pokémon at the heart of its narrative. The difference here is tone: where Mystery Dungeon leaned heavily into dungeon crawling and rescue missions, Pokopia appears to emphasize building, creativity, and everyday life within a shared space.
Here are some of the key characters that we’ve already met in Pokémon Pokopia trailers.
Professor Tangrowth
Let’s start as so many Pokémon games do—with Pokémon Pokopia’s Pokémon professor. Affectionately known simply as “Professor Tangrowth,” this Pokémon appears to serve as a vital guide for both the player and the many Pokémon they encounter throughout Pokopia. Rather than functioning as a traditional researcher handing out Pokédex upgrades, Professor Tangrowth feels more like a mentor—helping players understand the world, its residents, and how everything fits together.
Making the professor a Tangrowth is more than just a cute redesign. In fact, it may be one of the clearest signals of what Pokémon Pokopia is trying to be. Tangrowth is a Pokémon defined by natural overgrowth and quiet persistence, embodying the idea of letting communities develop organically and helping life flourish.
For a game centered on building a Pokémon paradise for Pokémon, Tangrowth feels like a thematically appropriate guide—far more so than a human researcher ever could be. By placing Tangrowth in the professor role, Pokémon Pokopia appears to signal a shift away from observation and toward participation: a world where growth may happen through cooperation rather than control.
Peakychu
Not much is known about Peakychu at this time, but one thing is immediately clear—this is an unusually pale Pikachu. Importantly, Peakychu isn’t framed as a regional form or a newly confirmed Pokémon species. Instead, it appears to be a Pokopia-specific variation, designed to feel distinct without being formally categorized.
Peakychu’s subdued appearance gives it an air of mystery, and it’s possible this Pokémon plays a symbolic role within Pokopia. Rather than serving a purely mechanical purpose, Peakychu may help introduce players to the island’s quieter, more enigmatic side—and perhaps even hint at deeper lore surrounding the absence of trainers in this world.
Mosslax
If Pokémon Pokopia truly leans into the cozy life-simulation genre—similar to Animal Crossing: New Horizons—it’s reasonable to assume that certain Pokémon may fulfill specific community roles. With that in mind, Mosslax stands out immediately.
Mosslax is a Snorlax covered in moss, with a single white flower growing atop its head. Visually, it represents a Pokémon that has fully merged with its environment. This design suggests patience, longevity, and harmony with nature.
If Pokopia borrows ideas from other life sims, Mosslax appears designed to fill a plant-focused or caretaker role—perhaps tied to gardening, nature upgrades, or environmental growth. While nothing has been confirmed, Mosslax’s design alone strongly reinforces Pokopia’s emphasis on living in balance with the world.
Smearguru
Smearguru is a Smeargle described as a prolific painter—but Smeargle is already known for its artistic abilities, so what sets Smearguru apart?
The answer may be in the name. Smearguru appears positioned to function as an instructor rather than just an artist. With crafting already confirmed as a core mechanic in Pokémon Pokopia, Smearguru feels well-suited to guide players through DIY recipes, creative projects, or customization systems.
If Pokopia’s Pokémon are meant to fill community roles, Smearguru feels like a natural extension of Smeargle’s long-established identity. Rather than reinventing the Pokémon, Pokopia appears to elevate it, giving its creativity a clearer purpose within the game’s community-driven design.
Final Thoughts
These are the most notable characters we’ve met so far, and each one suggests that Pokémon Pokopia may be less about progression and more about presence. Rather than battling toward a title or trophy, players appear to be invited to live alongside Pokémon, learn from them, and help a community grow naturally.
What do you think of Pokémon Pokopia’s cast so far? Are you excited to uncover the mysteries of Pokémon Pokopia when the game launches this March?
About the Author
Scott (Scotty) Greenhalgh is the founder and owner of Input Lag, an independent Nintendo-focused publication. Scotty brings a player-first perspective informed by years of hands-on experience with Nintendo games to his reviews, rankings, and editorial coverage. His writing focuses on how games feel to play, their long-term value, and the impact Nintendo’s creative and business decisions have on players.
Outside of Input Lag, he also creates Pokémon-focused content online under the name Gr3atScotty.
I am most looking forward to this game!