Pokémon: Champion’s Story

Pokémon are living creatures that inhabit the Pokémon world, living alongside, and usually helping, humans. Pokémon have been seen within this world as being both supplements and replacements for animals and plants that exist in the real world. Most people respect Pokémon and treat them kindly as equals, yet there exist people who take advantage of them and seek to exploit their abilities for their own gain. Many Pokémon are shown to be sapient, have feelings, and can also understand the human language to some extent. Recreations of natural ecosystems are done with Pokémon. While some Pokémon have abilities that are normal or only slightly distorted from reality, many more Pokémon have completely original abilities and have no counterparts within the real world. Other Pokémon are based on legends that exist in our world such as Ho-Oh being based on a phoenix.

EvolutionThe final evolutions of the first partner Pokémon of Unova

In a Sinnoh myth, it is said that Pokémon and people were originally the same species. Over time, some of these creatures split apart from the rest and became humans. This theory has been explored many times throughout the Pokémon world, but not proven. Mew is said to be the ancestor of all life: it evolved into the other Pokémon. The first human recording was during the Stone Age, millions of years before the modern era. Biological taxonomies of cellular and genetic structure have revealed that Pokémon are all actually a single species of life form and that the individual differences between each creature are actually subspecies.[citation needed] This can also explain why Pokémon can variously interbreed with each other. This explores the myth of evolution in the Pokémon world and makes a reference to evolution of animals and humans in the real world.

In modern times, Pokémon commonly undergo a process called evolution. During the course of a Pokémon's development, under certain circumstances specific to that Pokémon's subspecies, it may become a different Pokémon. This change is not merely physical, however, as Pokémon of a higher evolutionary stage have different and usually more powerful base stats than their predecessors, may have different moves that can be learned, and sometimes change their types, though the primary type is usually preserved. Most Pokémon will undergo this process.

Evolution in Pokémon, for most subspecies, is more akin to metamorphosis than to actual evolution. The Pokémon whose evolution is closest to the real-world definition of evolution is Burmy, who takes on a different appearance depending on the environment.

In the core series games, this is usually referred to as "earth" or "world of Pokémon", occasionally capitalized as "Earth" or "World of Pokémon".

"Pokémon world" or "Pokémon World" have been rarely used in the core series games outside of references to the Pokémon World Tournament in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. There is one instance of "Pokémon World" on a sign at the One Island in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. In the core series games, the first use of "Pokémon world" (as opposed to "Pokémon World") was in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. There is also an animated series opening song named Pokémon World.

Notably, Junichi Masuda once stated in an interview:

"We actually don't think of the world of Pokémon as Earth. If we were to do that, we would kind of be limited by what we could do. By thinking about how physical objects work on Earth and how various elements work on Earth, we would kind of be limited to that if we thought of it as Earth. We think of it as a place that is really similar to Earth but is a different planet of its own with people in it who may be similar to people on Earth, but they have different values so they care about different things. It's the type of place, the Pokémon world, where problems we face on Earth just wouldn't happen. There wouldn't be global warming, water shortages, or anything like that. It's a world where the people in it really want to work together with each other. Their value system is such where they would prefer to work together and eliminate these problems rather than feud."[2]In the core series gamesHistoryMain article: History of the Pokémon world

It is said in many Sinnoh legends that the universe, Pokémon world included, was created by a single Pokémon, Arceus. In a void of nothingness, a single Egg came into being, which then hatched into Arceus. Arceus creates Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina and gives Dialga and Palkia the abilities to control time and space. Giratina is banished into another dimension for its behavior. Then, during very early formation of the world, possibly sooner, Arceus creates Azelf, Uxie, and Mesprit to create willpower, knowledge, and emotion, respectively, attributes that are in all modern humans and Pokémon. After the formation of the Sinnoh region, they dive to the bottom of present-day Lake Valor, Lake Acuity, and Lake Verity, respectively, dubbing the term "the lake guardians." Also in these early times, Mew appeared on the planet, containing the DNA of every Pokémon. There are many scientists who believe that Mew was the ancestor of all Pokémon.[3][4]

Groudon and Kyogre's great battle

The next to come into being during the primal age are Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, and Rayquaza. It has been speculated that Primal Groudon was formed deep inside the earth from magma and Primal Kyogre was formed by the pressure in the deep sea trenches, while Rayquaza was formed by the minerals of the ozone layer. Another theory exists that the three already existed before the oceans, lands, and ozone layer did, and rather proceeded to create these components of the planet themselves. Rayquaza proceeds to fly around in the ozone layer, occasionally coming to rest at the Sky Pillar. Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre proceed to create landmass and fill the sea, respectively. A chance meeting turns the two into rivals, and a conflict for dominance over the Pokémon world begins. Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre also fought for the entry of nature that was overflowing at the time. These endless clashes continued until Mega Rayquaza quells it, causing Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre to retreat to special caverns, where they rest, losing their Primal forms sometime after they went to sleep. The Red and Blue Orbs are created to prevent the reawakening of Groudon and Kyogre, and to trigger the Primal Reversion when either Groudon and Kyogre are awakened by the representing orbs. The Red and Blue Orbs are left at Mt. Pyre for safekeeping.

At this time, Mew may have been plentiful and lived in large numbers. Landmasses such as Mount Coronet are created, and Regigigas moves the continents, forming various regions. The Sinnoh region is created around Mount Coronet. During this violent procedure, Stark Mountain is created and Heatran is formed in lava. Arceus creates the Adamant, Lustrous and Griseous Orbs before falling into a never-ending sleep.

Many years after, the prehistoric era begins and the first prehistoric Pokémon come into being. Scientists have proven that prehistoric Pokémon roamed the land, as Fossils and other archaeological remains have been found to contain the DNA of Pokémon. It is possible that the Mew population on the planet may have decreased at this stage, as they slowly gave way to other Pokémon species. Evolution has come, separating humans from Pokémon, to create the first humans.

During the Stone, Ice, and Iron Ages, the legendary giants are created, and used as keys to seal away Regigigas in the Snowpoint Temple. Regirock, Regice and Registeel are hidden in caves and ruins around the Hoenn region.

20,000 years before the modern day, a meteorite crashes into the planet. Thousands of years later, Eternatus emerges from it, bringing about the cataclysmic event known as the Darkest Day and introducing the world to the concept of Dynamaxing. The legendary heroes Zacian and Zamazenta, accompanied by twin human brothers, rise up and defeat Eternatus, causing it to fall into an inactive state. Pieces of Eternatus, known as Wishing Stars, scatter around the land. In modern times, the power of Wishing Stars is harnessed through Dynamax Bands, allowing humans to control the phenomenon.

Brass Tower after the fire, 150 years later.

1,500 years before modern times, the earliest known system for writing is developed and used at the Ruins of Alph, Tanoby Ruins, and Solaceon Ruins. Archaeologists are currently unsure whether the nearly identical Unown preceded or succeeded the writing system, but it is assumed they share some sort of connection. At this point, the Magikarp population mutated and became weaker.

In recent history, 700 years before modern times, the Bell Tower and the Brass Tower were constructed. These two nine-tier towers were built opposite each other in Ecruteak City. The towers were built to foster friendship and hope between Pokémon and people. The view from the top of the towers was said to be "magnificent". In the west was Brass Tower, which was said to awaken Pokémon, and in the east was the Bell Tower, where Pokémon were said to rest. At the time, an immense silver-colored Pokémon, was said to make its roost atop the Brass Tower, while its counterpart, the glorious rainbow-colored Ho-Oh was said to rest at the Bell Tower. However, around 150 years before the games, a lightning bolt struck the Brass Tower. It was engulfed in flames that raged for 3 days. Lugia and Ho-Oh escaped to the skies unharmed. A sudden downpour put an end to the blaze. In-game lore states that three Pokémon died in the fire, but Ho-Oh was able to revive them as the Legendary beasts, Raikou, Entei, and Suicune. Legends and folklore state that Raikou symbolizes the lightning bolt that struck the tower, Entei symbolizes the flames that raged for three days, and Suicune symbolizes the sudden downpour that extinguished the flames. Around this time, the first Pokémon League competitions started to take place. In the 1990s, a Pokémon was created by scientific engineering for the first time, called Porygon.

Dialga, Palkia and Giratina on the Spear Pillar.

In contemporary history, some years prior to the date, Mewtwo is cloned from Mew, and later escapes and destroys Cinnabar Island's Pokémon Mansion. Soon after, an erupting volcano on Cinnabar Island causes the destruction of many areas on the island. Around this time, the Team Rocket syndicate, under the leadership of Giovanni, spreads its control over various areas of the Kanto region until Red defeats Giovanni, prompting him to disband the organization and pursue a life of training. Despite this, Team Rocket operations continue for a little while longer on the Sevii Islands and in the Johto region. Sometime around the end of Team Rocket's operations, Red climbs and waits at the summit of Mt. Silver. Along with that, the leaders of Team Aqua and Team Magma reawaken Groudon and Kyogre and they continue their great battle, only to be stopped again by Rayquaza. Groudon and Kyogre retreat to the region of Fiore to rest after their battle.

In modern history, the Sinnoh region has become unusually colder, due to the strange circumstances occurring across the region. The Legendary trio of Sinnoh are also awoken by a villainous team; Team Galactic uses a Red Chain forged from the lake guardians to summon Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. Their efforts are halted due to interference from the player. At this time, a rip in time-space has occurred, opening a portal to the Distortion World. Giratina escapes into its dimension along with Cyrus, the Team Galactic leader. The entrance to the Distortion World closes, returning the Sinnoh region back to normal.

Some years after this, Team Plasma attempts to free Pokémon from human capture, but for selfish reasons. Reshiram and Zekrom are awoken due to Team Plasma and the player. The player, siding with one of the two dragons, battles against N to test if N's convictions are correct. After this, the player defeats Ghetsis, and N leaves to a distant land with his dragon, while the player keeps theirs. Two years later, Team Plasma returns, but with the intention to take over Unova. Kyurem is captured by Ghetsis, and fused with N's dragon (either ZekromB2 or ReshiramW2) to form Black Kyurem or White Kyurem respectively. The player defeats the new dragon, and Team Plasma is disbanded for good as Ghetsis suffers a mental breakdown and becomes unable to do any more evil deeds as a result.

Concurrently with Team Plasma's return, in Kalos, Team Flare tries to destroy the world and make a more beautiful one with the help of XerneasX or YveltalY. The player, along with Shauna and Serena/Calem, save XerneasX or YveltalY. Lysandre then uses the last bit of energy the ultimate weapon has, and ends up destroying both the weapon and the Team Flare Secret HQ. Lysandre is not seen again.

In the Galar region, Rose, the president of Macro Cosmos and the chairman of the Galar Pokémon League, foresees the region running out of energy in a thousand years. In his misguided vision to fix this problem, he reawakens Eternatus and brings about the second Darkest Day. The player, along with Hop, stands up against Eternatus in Hammerlocke and summons Zacian and Zamazenta to defeat the threat once more. Rose subsequently turns himself in and is arrested.

CultureSee also: Human → Culture

Culturally, the many depictions of the world all reflect a popular fascination with Pokémon and their interactions with humans, including catching them, training them, battling them, raising them, keeping them as pets, studying them, and utilizing their varied skills. Several myths discuss the relationship between humans and Pokémon as a very close one, and one folktale even says that there was a time when humans and Pokémon were considered one and the same.

The history of the Pokémon world diverges from that of the real world, with human-Pokémon interactions shaping it, lacking a major world religion, but having beliefs tied to ancient myths of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, suggesting Pokémon reverence as a potential pseudo-religion, supported by a general kindness and respect toward Pokémon. Additionally, Shinto shrines and crosses have appeared, as well as a Christian-like church in Hearthome City, and there are cultural references to Christianity and Christian-like elements in animation and manga.

Some individuals in the Pokémon world seek to exploit Pokémon for nefarious purposes, driven by either material gain or misguided ideals to help the world. Wars have also occurred, although firearms and other weapons are less frequently used than Pokémon.

The Pokémon world exhibits linguistic diversity, evident through foreign Pokédex entries, Unown markings, and characters like the Meister, Fantina, and Looker, with regions like Kalos incorporating French, Alola featuring Hawaiian, and Paldea using Spanish words in their language and culture.

PokémonThe world of Pokémon, as shown in Pokémon X and Y

Pokémon are living creatures that inhabit the Pokémon world, living alongside, and usually helping, humans. Pokémon have been seen within this world as being both supplements and replacements for animals and plants that exist in the real world. Most people respect Pokémon and treat them kindly as equals, yet there exist people who take advantage of them and seek to exploit their abilities for their own gain. Many Pokémon are shown to be sapient, have feelings, and can also understand the human language to some extent. Recreations of natural ecosystems are done with Pokémon. While some Pokémon have abilities that are normal or only slightly distorted from reality, many more Pokémon have completely original abilities and have no counterparts within the real world. Other Pokémon are based on legends that exist in our world such as Ho-Oh being based on a phoenix.

EvolutionThe final evolutions of the first partner Pokémon of Unova

In a Sinnoh myth, it is said that Pokémon and people were originally the same species. Over time, some of these creatures split apart from the rest and became humans. This theory has been explored many times throughout the Pokémon world, but not proven. Mew is said to be the ancestor of all life: it evolved into the other Pokémon. The first human recording was during the Stone Age, millions of years before the modern era. Biological taxonomies of cellular and genetic structure have revealed that Pokémon are all actually a single species of life form and that the individual differences between each creature are actually subspecies.[citation needed] This can also explain why Pokémon can variously interbreed with each other. This explores the myth of evolution in the Pokémon world and makes a reference to evolution of animals and humans in the real world.

In modern times, Pokémon commonly undergo a process called evolution. During the course of a Pokémon's development, under certain circumstances specific to that Pokémon's subspecies, it may become a different Pokémon. This change is not merely physical, however, as Pokémon of a higher evolutionary stage have different and usually more powerful base stats than their predecessors, may have different moves that can be learned, and sometimes change their types, though the primary type is usually preserved. Most Pokémon will undergo this process.

Evolution in Pokémon, for most subspecies, is more akin to metamorphosis than to actual evolution. The Pokémon whose evolution is closest to the real-world definition of evolution is Burmy, who takes on a different appearance depending on the environment.

ReproductionMain article: Pokémon breeding

Nearly every Pokémon undergoes some form of reproduction. Fully developed, or Pokémon that passed their baby form can breed with Pokémon of the same Egg Group. Pokémon that have no genders can only breed with Ditto; baby Pokémon and Legendary and Mythical Pokémon cannot breed at all, with the exception of Manaphy and Phione. Like the majority of real animals, most Pokémon have genders which can sometimes be determined by markings and gender-differences. Usually, a Trainer's Pokémon will breed in a Pokémon Day Care. It is unknown how a Pokémon reproduces, as no one has seen a Pokémon reproduce. Based on this, it is safe to assume that they only reproduce when left alone.

Eggs of Togepi and Elekid

All Pokémon that are able to breed lay Eggs. Though nobody has actually seen a Pokémon lay an Egg, they apparently appear by the Pokémon. Pokémon usually lay one Egg at a time, sometimes, in unusual occasions, lay various Eggs at a time. Pokémon Eggs are similar to birds' Eggs, as they have a hard outer shell that protects the growing, undeveloped Pokémon inside. An Egg's shell usually has a pattern reflecting the appearance of the Pokémon inside making each Pokémon Egg unique from one another. Pokémon, like animals, are rather protective of their Eggs. They sometimes nest them, but usually, keep them close to themselves. The growing Pokémon incubates inside its Egg until the time comes for the Pokémon to hatch. The time it takes for a Pokémon to hatch varies from each Pokémon species and the type of Egg. However, placing an Egg into a PC will halt the incubation process.

Some Pokémon species have a baby form when they hatch from their Eggs. Once in their adult stages, these Pokémon are able to reproduce and continue the cycle of reproduction. Most baby Pokémon can only hatch as a baby Pokémon. However, there are some exceptions. Some Pokémon hatch into a more advanced form most of the time, but can also hatch into a baby form when conditions are right.

Pokémon as foodMain article: Pokémon predation

Some Pokédex entries mention Pokémon eating other Pokémon, such as Pidgeot preying on Magikarp. Humans are also implied to eat Pokémon, with examples like Team Rocket selling Slowpoke Tails as a delicacy and Farfetch'd being overhunted due to its suitability as a meal. A Sinnoh myth even suggests that Pokémon can be reborn if their bones are cleaned and returned to their place of origin.

Additionally, some Pokémon are known to produce food products that can be consumed by either humans or Pokémon.

Classification

Pokémon have been enumerated in several different regions by their local Pokémon Professors, taking their primary example from Professor Oak, the developer of the first Pokédex. While Oak's initial development only counted the 151 Pokémon native to the Kanto region, by collaborating with the other Professors to develop separate Pokédex listings for each region, the National Pokédex, which counts all Pokémon known, currently catalogs 1025 Pokémon.

Pokémon are also classified according to several different types, depending on their strengths, weaknesses, and the moves they learn. Each of these types has certain strengths and weaknesses against others, with a total of 18 types identified so far. Pokémon are known to have either one or two types. Pokémon's types can be changed by moves like Soak and Conversion, and through abilities like Color Change.

Geography and nature

The Pokémon world looks and acts like the real world in terms of geography. Each have landforms, oceans of water (the Oceanic Museum has an exhibit claiming over two-thirds of the world is covered by water, the same as Earth), and temperatures to support life—meaning that the Pokémon world is about the same size and same distances from its sun as the real world. Misty even directly refers to the Pokémon world as Earth in Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias. However, if the Pokémon world is not Earth, it must be similar, having a similar moon, similar tides, similar climates, and so on.

Humans and nature in the Pokémon world are linked to each other, as many towns are built around the natural environment. A point of interest, unlike the real world, is that people's links with the nature are strong and they never try to affect the natural environment, with the exception of some villainous teams. Some Pokémon such as Groudon and Kyogre can affect and shape nature causing unexplainable droughts, storms, and earthquakes that can affect the continental plates.

Arcanine's Pokédex entry states that it is considered legendary in China; in The Birth of Mewtwo, Jessie's mother Miyamoto was said to have been lost in an expedition in the Andes; and lab reports in Pokémon Mansion state that Mew was discovered in Guyana, South America. These observations imply some possibility of the Pokémon world being the same as the "real world", only with extra regions.

Before the release of Pokémon Gold and Silver, novelizations of Pokémon the Series by Takeshi Shudō—the chief writer of the animated series—mentioned many real world nations, but none of the future regions the franchise would introduce. At the very least, this may suggest that early on in the franchise, Kanto was conceived as part of the real world. But as the series continued world-building, there are few signs that Shudō's version of the world has been maintained.

StructureIn-game map from HeartGold and SoulSilver showing the connection between Kanto and Johto

The Pokémon world is split into several regions. Typical mainland regions like Kanto, Johto, and Unova are mountainous landmasses with mild climates that resemble continents in the real world. Off these landmasses are often separate, smaller archipelago regions like the Orange and Decolore Islands. Some regions, such as Sinnoh, have very few water-based routes, whereas much travel in other regions, such as Hoenn, is dependent on their many water-based routes. Though there are many similarities between the regions, there are some major differences between them, such as what Pokémon are located there and what legends there are waiting to be uncovered. Visitors from other regions quickly realize that the regions they visit are far from their home, both in the way of the climate change, and in the culture of the people residing there. In Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, Professor Oak states that Pokémon from around the country, such as Kanto and Hoenn, can be brought to Pal Park in Sinnoh. Other regions may also be part of this country due to the use of vocabulary such as "national" or "nationwide", particularly in reference to the National Pokédex, but they are all perhaps part of a world nation. Several small kingdoms have been introduced in Pokémon the Series as well, most of which keep themselves secluded in remote or difficult to reach areas.

Regions in relation to Japan

The geography of the regions is strikingly similar to Japan, but in a much larger scale, as seen in the fifth movie (the only time when the entire planet is clearly shown).

Generation I and II: The Kantō region of Japan is not only identical in name to Kanto in the Pokémon world, it is also very similar geographically; however, the western part of Kanto corresponds to eastern Chūbu. In Japan, the Kanto region is often contrasted with Kansai, which is like Johto, to the west. However, Johto is geographically more similar to the combined region of Kansai and western Chubu.Generation III: Hoenn is based on the southernmost parts of Japan—Kyūshū and Okinawa—with the latter highly condensed. Orre is based on the United States state of Arizona. Fiore is likely based on the Japanese prefectures Okayama and Hyōgo, as well as Shodo Island of the Kagawa prefecture.Generation IV: Sinnoh has been said to be an island like Hoenn, rather than a peninsula. It is based on the northernmost major island of Japan, Hokkaido, part of Sakhalin and Kunashir Island. Almia appears to be based on the Oshima and Hiyama subprefectures of Hokkaido. Oblivia may be based on the Oki Islands in Japan.Generation V: Unova has been said to be based on the island of Manhattan and the New York City Metropolitan Area.Generation VI: Kalos is based on northern France, with many cultural similarities between the country and the region, such as language, music, and architecture.Generation VII: Alola is based on Hawaii, with similar geography to its real life counterpart.Generation VIII: Galar is based on the United Kingdom.Generation IX: Paldea is based on the Iberian Peninsula.

Regardless, the games have referenced real places on Earth, such as South America, Australia, China, Antarctic, the United States, and the Pacific Ocean, while Pokémon the Series and related media have referenced places such as Hollywood, California, Minnesota, England, and Paris.

ClimateDiamond dust twinkles in Snowpoint CityAutumn in the Unova region

Most regions have different climates. Regions and islands like the Hoenn and the Orange Islands further south in the Pokémon world have a warmer climate than northerly regions, possibly due to an equator, much like on Earth. Hoenn's climate is warm, possibly even tropical, and parts of the region are so rainy they are covered in jungles. Meanwhile, the Sinnoh region is cooler than other regions, and becoming colder due to climate change in the region. It is snowing constantly in the northern area of the region. Some Pokémon such as Groudon, Kyogre and Rayquaza can affect climate and weather.

Weather conditions still apply in the Pokémon world, and as clouds and rain exist, so must the water cycle. Many weather conditions that appear on Earth are also in the Pokémon world, such as rain, hailstorms, snow, fog, and sandstorms. Given that plants and trees seem to grow in a normal manner, it can be reasonably assumed that the other major cycles, such as the carbon cycle and the nitrogen cycle, exist as well.

EnvironmentMount Coronet, the tallest mountain in the Sinnoh region

The natural environment in the Pokémon world is very similar to the real Earth's environment. Areas with a high density of trees make up forests, landscapes that receive very little precipitation create deserts, while loose broken-up particles of rock make large coastal beaches attracting people and Pokémon alike. Many regions boast dramatic environments ranging from rainforests to deserts.

The Pokémon world is mainly green and lush, based on factors such as plant structures including trees, shrubs, and grasses. Grass is usually uncontrolled and makes tall grass patches that form prime habitats for wild Pokémon. There are also large mountainous areas that tower above low-lying land areas. The largest mountain range is Mount Coronet, which stretches from the top to the bottom of Sinnoh, splitting the whole region in two. Man-made and natural occurrences form caves in the mountainsides that are able to be explored or passed through to get to other cities and routes. A variety of other natural phenomena also appear in the Pokémon world, such as volcanic ash falling over certain areas from the activity of nearby volcanic activity.

Humans and nature in the Pokémon world are linked to each other, as many towns are built around its environment and they never try to affect the natural environment. Pacifidlog Town, for example, is built on wooden rafts and logs that float on top of a Corsola colony, while Sootopolis City is built in the crater of a hollowed, erupted volcano. An ecosystem is formed when all plants, Pokémon and people in an area function together with all of the non-living physical factors of the environment. It is said that Pokémon are more in tune with nature than humans.

Population

Adding up the town- and city-based populations of every core series game yields a minimum population of at least 4,052 people in the Pokémon world. This is most likely nowhere near the true population of the world, due to the sheer abundance of buildings with inaccessible rooms (particularly in Castelia City and Wyndon).

The animated series consistently shows towns as much larger and populous than their in-game counterparts. The Pokémon world's similarity to Earth may suggest that the canonical population is somewhere in the millions or even billions, since the societal infrastructure and economy shown in the games and animated series would never be able to operate with only a couple thousand of humans to operate it.

Physics and technologyA Time Capsule, used to teleport Pokémon back in time

Science and technology in the Pokémon world is more advanced than the real world. Technological advances have evolved the Pokémon world, scientists have created ways to store Pokémon on computers, send Pokémon around the world, send Pokémon back in time, clone Fossils to create prehistoric Pokémon, and study parallel dimensions, yet people's lives in the games are simple and very natural. Scientific achievements such as cloning and energy conversion mingle with magical elements such as spontaneous evolution and flowers that can replay a short time sequence, giving one the sense that the Pokémon world is very different from our own. The state of technology conceivably places the timeframe we see in either the present day, or perhaps in the future, but this is merely speculative. Scientists at the Devon Corporation and other companies are still working on more advanced and slightly impossible inventions like a Pokémon Dream Projector that makes a visual projection of Pokémon dreams, Pokémon Speaker that allows communication with Pokémon, and a Pokémon Transformator that turns people into Pokémon (which Bill accidentally did when testing his teleporter). Antigravity machines exist alongside basic means of travel such as bicycles and trucks.

One of the most advanced and commonly used technology in the Pokémon world is the Poké Ball which transforms a Pokémon into energy so it can be contained in the small ball. In a battle, once the opposing wild Pokémon has been weakened, the Trainer will throw a Poké Ball at it. Assuming the Poké Ball hits it and is not dodged or hit back to the Trainer, the Poké Ball will open, convert the wild Pokémon to an energy form, pull the energy into its hollow center, and then close. The wild Pokémon will then be given the chance to struggle to try to escape the Poké Ball. Poké Balls originated from Apricorns, which is a non-synthetic Poké Ball. Old Apricorn Poké Balls were able to be unscrewed at the disproportionate top and manually be released, to let the Pokémon out. There are now several different kinds of Poké Balls, each for different occasions, including the Master Ball which is able to capture a wild Pokémon without failure.

A Poké Ball, the most common technology used in the Pokémon world

Despite the amount of advanced technology available, comparatively few modes of transportation are seen. This may be because the world is often shown through the eyes of a Pokémon Trainer, who usually travel on foot for a variety of practical reasons such as cost and finding wild Pokémon. However, there is a possibility that some transportation such as cars and trucks are harmful to the natural environment and Pokémon by the poisonous pollution from the vehicles. The most common transportation used to get to other regions or islands is by sailing by boat or ship, as it is a quick and easy way to get to other lands, while most regions have their own ferry. People can also use Pokémon for transportation by flying or swimming.

While Pokémon are generally tolerant of human settlements being constructed, most will often react with hostility to any human attempts to truly cause harm to the natural environment. In Dig Those Diglett!, not only did a large group of Diglett and Dugtrio constantly hamper construction of a dam that would have destroyed much of the local habitat, the Pokémon of several Trainers invited to the scene to deal with the attacks refused to come out of their Poké Balls, and is one of the rare instances of Ash's Pikachu refusing to fight, which prompted Ash, Misty, and Brock to investigate further. In return, Pokémon are often seen providing several services that in the real world are performed by technology: Water- and Ground-type Pokémon are often used to fight fires, Electric-type Pokémon used as a clean source of electrical power, and so on.

In the animated series, the physics of the Pokémon world are sometimes stretched to unrealistic degrees. Some common examples are unusual feats of strength and agility, surviving lethal attacks, and hammerspace.

In the spin-off gamesPokémon Mystery Dungeon seriesMain article: Pokémon world (Mystery Dungeon)

In the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, Pokémon are the sole inhabitants of a world filled with diverse locations, including idyllic places such as both small rescue team camps and larger settlements, as well as many ever-changing mystery dungeons, where explorers go to complete Jobs, encountering many hostile Pokémon along the way. The connection between this world and the worlds of the core series games and animated series remains a mystery. However, there are hints that suggest travel between the two is possible, such as the Coronet Rock, rumored to originate from the Sinnoh region's Mt. Coronet.

e-Reader games

In the e-Reader short animation Flying Journey, a Dragonite is seen quickly flying through multiple locations. According to the text shown at the end, Dragonite has been traveling around the world a number of times during this animation. For instance:

"Dragonite traveled around the world 5 time(s)"In animationA hologram depicting the Pokémon world, appearing nearly identical to EarthPokémon animated seriesMain article: Timeline of events in Pokémon the Series

The world of the animated series is very similar to that of the core series games, featuring many of the same regions and locations, though offering several original locations as well, such as the Orange Islands and Decolore Islands in Pokémon the Series. Some towns and other locations also differ in a few ways. In Pokémon the Series, the Whirl Islands are populated, but in the games they are just a series of caves, and Littleroot Town is shown to be a coastal town, whereas in the games it is surrounded by woodland on all sides. Furthermore, the roads between locations in the animated series seem to be much longer, often taking days to get from one town to the next. Many towns and cities are also depicted as much larger and more populous than in the games.

In the mangaPokémon AdventuresPokémon world in Pokémon AdventuresMain article: History of the Pokémon world (Adventures)

As seen in a special chapter of the Pokémon Adventures manga, Pokémon names differ between locations.

In the novelsPocket Monsters: The AnimationMain article: Pokémon world (PMTA)

TriviaKanto and Johto are the only regions known to be adjacent to each other.Regular animals have been seen in some older media, while regular plants like apple trees or pine trees are still seen frequently. It is unknown if both animals and Pokémon exist within this world in a complicated ecosystem, but real animals are occasionally referenced in Pokédex entries, especially if the Pokémon being referred to is based on an animal.References↑ Hidden Power of Masuda: Director's Columns↑ Game Informer: Pokémon's Burning Questions (archive)↑ Because it can use all kinds of moves, many scientists believe Mew to be the ancestor of Pokémon. Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum Pokédex entry↑ Because it is able to use every move, there are many scientists who believe that it is the ancestor of all Pokémon. Pokémon Black and White Pokédex entryExternal linksOn Bulbagarden forumsPokémon world discussion forumRelated articlesPokémon world in relation to the real world

Regions in the Pokémon worldCore seriesKanto (Sevii Islands) • Johto • Hoenn

Sinnoh (Hisui • Battle Zone) • Unova (Blueberry Academy)

Kalos • Alola • Galar (Isle of Armor • Crown Tundra)

Paldea • KitakamiSide seriesWhite City • OrreAnimated seriesOrange Islands • Decolore IslandsSpin-off gamesFiore • Almia • Oblivia • Pokémon Island • Mintale Town

Ryme City • Pasio • Ransei • Ferrum • Lental

Mystery Dungeon world • PokéPark • TCG Islands

Carmonte Island • Tumblecube Island • Aeos IslandTCGSouthern Islands • Puzzle Continent • Holon • Parallel WorldsSovereign states in

the Pokémon worldRanger Union • Guyana

Lucario Kingdom • Mirage Kingdom • RotaPokémon worldNature:Pokémon • Humans • Animals • FloraHistory:Games • Pokémon the Series • Horizons • AdventuresCulture:Currency • Magazines • Movies • Radio • TV (Sinnoh)

Transport (Land • Air • Water) • WeaponryMortality:Illness • Death • GhostsPokémon world templatesRegions

This article is part of Project Locations, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on every location in the Pokémon world.Categories: Candidates for movingFeatured articlesArticles needing sourcesRegionsPokémon worldLocationsNavigation menuPage actionsArticleDiscussionView sourceHistoryToolsIn other languagesThis page was last edited on 3 January 2025, at 16:31.Content is available under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5. (see Copyrights for details) Privacy policyAbout BulbapediaDisclaimersMobile viewInformation from your device can be used to personalize your ad experience.

Do not sell or share my personal information.A Raptive Partner Site

I often find that people are confused and/or misinformed when it comes to the story of the creation of the Pokémon World, as well as its history. They claim that it is full of contradictions and makes no sense, asking questions such as "If Mew is the ancestor of all Pokémon, how did Arceus create the universe before its existence?" or "X and Y claims that Lucario was the first Pokémon to Mega Evolve, but Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire claims it's Rayquaza, which is right?" As part of the Pokémon 20th Anniversary celebrations, I will now endeavor to set the record straight.
As this is a website dedicated to my fan fiction and fan game concepts, it will include aspects of my games' canon. For a more realistic timeline for the actual canon, just ignore any references made to the Cosmic Architect and its creations.
First, a note on the multiverse and split timelines. Ever since Zinnia stated that another version of Hoenn existed in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Pokémon has definitively existed within a multiverse. Parallel timelines where events happen similarly, but not quite the same, exist. This timeline will examine the four primary branches of the multiverse, as presented in the games. Events will be marked as follows:
OU: Original Universe. The timeline introduced in the original games and seen up until Black and White 2.

MU: Mega Universe. The timeline where Mega Evolution exists, as introduced in X and Y.

UU: Ultra Universe. A minor branch off of the Mega Universe. So far, only Ultra Sun and Moon exists here.

LG: Let's Go Universe. The timeline where Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee takes place.

It is possible that even more timelines exist, but none are confirmed. If no timeline is marked, then the event is assumed to be exactly the same in all timelines. Due to the nature of parallel universes and timelines, similar events likely exist in all timelines, but have yet to seen and therefore yet to be confirmed.
For a more detailed explanation of the multiverse than what could be fit here, see here.
And as a special addition to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the franchise, here's a visual guide to the Pokémon timeline and the multiverse (Click to enlarge):

Part 1: The Tale of PokéCreation

In the beginning, there was darkness. An absolute void of nothing. But from nothing came something. A single egg of light. That egg hatched into Arceus, a being of creation. With its near unlimited power, Arceus began the process of shaping the Universe. To aid its creation, Arceus created the deities known as Palkia, Dialga, and Giratina and granted them domain over Space, Time, and Antimatter respectively. During the process of creation, Giratina showed violence and anger, traits unfitting for Arceus' Universe, so Giratina was banished to a dimension reverse of Arceus' Universe, the Distortion World. Together, Arceus, Palkia, and Dialga created the Universe. Palkia and Dialga left the Universe to observe from afar in their own domains of time and space.

With the Universe created, the next step was to fill it. To accomplish this goal, Arceus created Cosmogogue, the Cosmic Architect. As the Cosmic Architect, it was Cosmogogue's job to to create the structures that would fill the Universe, one solar system at a time. When creating the solar system that would one day contain the Earth, the Cosmic Architect, following Arceus' model, created three beings to aid it. Terratlas was created to construct planets, Seluna was formed to create moons, and Heliosol created the keystone of the solar system, the Sun.

When it came time for Terratlas to create the Earth, he too did so with help. With the birth of Kyogre, the Earth was covered in oceans. With the birth of Groudon, land rose up from the sea. And with the creation of Rayquaza, the planet was cloaked in an atmosphere. The planet was now set for the creation of life. Similar processes presumably occurred across the Universe, as evident by alien Pokémon life, such as Deoxys and Beheyeem.

The work of the Cosmic Architect causes certain areas of space in the solar system to stretch thin. The largest such area is over what will become the region of Alola. These stretches in the fabric of space become natural occurring wormholes to another world known as Ultra Space. A portion of the Cosmic Architects energy of creation fell into one such wormhole, becoming trapped in Ultra Space. This energy, overtime, took on physical form, becoming the Ultra Beast known as Cosmog. Due to forming from the Cosmic Architect's energy, Cosmog had the ability to mature into either a Pokémon of the Sun or Moon.

With a habitable planet now formed, Arceus prepared for the next step in its creation of the Universe—the creation of wide-scale life. To complete this task, Arceus created Uxie, Azelf, and Mespirit, the embodiments of knowledge, willpower, and emotion. With these three aspects critical to life, life could now evolve naturally. First came Mew, as well as the first humans.

Also born was Regigigas. Using its incredible strength, it towed the landmasses created by Groudon across the seas made by Kyogre, and formed the modern continents. It also created the Legendary Titans, Regirock, Registeel, Regice, Regieleki, and Regidrago in its image. Ancient humans would come to revere this godly Pokémon, but also fear its power, sealing it and its golems away.

Part 2: The Ancient World of Pokémon

Over the course of several million years, the Mew population slowly evolves into a more diverse group of Pokémon, becoming the ancestor of all terrestrial Pokémon. The Mew population also begins to dwindle in numbers. The Pokémon living in this time period are quite different from those seen in the modern day. For not entirely known reasons, most of the Pokémon living in this era go extinct.

After the extinction of fossil Pokémon, many modern Pokémon began to appear for the first time. In some timelines, they were often strange and almost unrecognizable compared to their modern day counterparts.

Multiverse Note: These Ancient Pokémon, which would become known as Paradox Pokémon, only existed in alternate timelines beyond the primary branches.

About a million years in the past, the Great Crater of Paldea was formed, though how it was formed is not known.

Thousands of years ago, a meteor strikes the Galar Region. Inside this meteor is the extraterrestrial Pokémon, Eternatus. Galar Particles would leak out from Eternatus' body over the millennia, creating the Power Spots that allow Pokémon to Dynamax.

Some time later, after life on earth has recovered from the mass extinctions, human society begins to form. After studying the bizarre extra-dimensional Pokémon named Unown, the first system of writing was developed, allowing for humans to begin to advance in the fields of technology and science, giving them a distinct advantage over Pokémon.

With their advances in language and technology, humans begin to build structures that would one day become famous around the world. Many of these structures were built in worship or honor of Legendary Pokémon, some were even built to contain them. Such sites include the Ruins of Alph, Spear Pillar, Sky Pillar, Solaceon Ruins, Celestic Ruins, Sinjoh Ruins, Tanoby Ruins, Abyssal Ruins, Snowpoint Temple, Desert Ruins, Ancient Tomb, Island Cave, Ruins of Conflict, Ruins of Life, Ruins of Abundance, Ruins of Hope, Altar of the Sunne/Moone, and Lake of the Sunne/Moone.

In Hisui, a legendary hero of the ancient Sinnoh people battled against Arceus with the ten Noble Pokémon blessed by the great Lord Sinnoh on his side. The results and purpose of this battle have been completely lost to time. The Temple of Sinnoh, which would become known as the Spear Pillar, was built in honor of this hero.

In Galar, the majestic Pokémon known as Calyrex rose to become the Pokémon king of Galar. It used its powers to bring bountiful harvests to the region and to tame a wild beast that once ravished the land to become its loyal steed. It even used its power to save a forest of Pokémon from a meteor. However, as time passed, the people forgot about Calyrex. As people lost their faith, Calyrex lost its power.

As human society developed, so too did warfare. In the Kalos region, a great war known as the Kalos War raged across the land. In an attempt to save a friend, AZ, the king of Kalos, created a machine of ultimate power, which could either grant or take life. In order to bring a swift end to the war, AZ turned his machine into the Ultimate Weapon and devastated the Kalos Region. This event was so powerful, that it actually caused a split in the Universe. In one version of the Universe, the firing of the weapon caused normal stones to be irradiated with power, becoming Mega Stones (MU). In another, the weapon was never fired, meaning that no Mega Stones were ever formed (OU). It is assumed that the remaining history of the world occurs similarly in both universes, with the one difference being the presence of Mega Evolution.

At around the same time as the Kalos War, in the Galar Region, a violent red light washed over the region, and crimson storm clouds appeared in the skies. This light caused countless Pokémon to transform into giant monsters, the first known instance of Dynamaxing. These giant Pokémon caused devastation and destruction across the region. This day became known as The Darkest Day. The event was caused by Eternatus seeking to re-absorb all of the Dynamax Energy in the region. The terror only stopped when two brave warrior brothers, alongside their Pokémon partners Zacian and Zamazenta, fought back and saved the region by defeating Eternatus. While they were victorious, the Sword and Shield Pokémon were greatly injured, and had to be sealed away to heal themselves. The brothers were crowned as Galar's first human kings. Over time, the event was distorted into myth as the Pokémon were forgotten, and the tale of two brothers were merged into a tale of one.

After millions of years of living apart, Groudon and Kyogre meet. They realize that they both require the same Primal Energy to feed off of, and begin to fight for this energy, absorbing more and more of it, eventually changing into their Primal Reversion forms. The clash of these two titan Pokémon brings the planet to the brink of destruction. The ancient Draconid people of the Hoenn Region pray to Pokémon Rayquaza to save them. Rayquaza descends from the Ozone Layer for the first time in millions of years to answer these prayers. The spiritual energy from these prayers allows Rayquaza to Mega Evolve. It uses this new power to put an end to Groudon and Kyogre's fight, and they are sealed away to remain dormant until awoken again.

Multiverse Note: This event probably occurs the same way in both the OU and MU timelines, as it is unrelated to the firing of the Ultimate Weapon. Therefore, Primal Groudon and Kyogre, as well as Mega Rayquaza, do exist in the Original Universe, but have been forgotten, as there is no modern context of Mega Evolution to remind modern people of the ancient events.

Around the same time as the height of Draconid civilization, the Paldean Empire was founded in Paldea. The Paldean Emperor ushered the Great Age of Exploration with the first known expeditions into the Great Crater of Paldea. The expenses of these expeditions over the course of over a thousand years would eventually lead to the collapse of the empire. Many ruins and watchtowers built by the empire still exist to this day.

MU: At one point, a man and his Lucario partner discover two strange stones. They find out that through the combination of these two stones, the bond between them would manifest itself, and Lucario would grow stronger. This may not have been the first occurrence of Mega Evolution in history, but it is the first traditional Mega Evolution, using a Key Stone, Mega Stone, and bond between trainer and Pokémon.

In one kingdom, the ruling family is aided in its rule by an unknown Legendary Dragon. But when two princes of the of the ruling family end up in a clash of truth and ideals, the Original Dragon splits into two, one for each prince. Reshiram and Zekrom are formed in this manner. Kyurem is left behind as the empty husk of the Original Dragon.

In Hisui, a man named Volo made a pact with Giratina to attack Arceus. Giratina created a rift in time and space that caused havoc across the region. Arceus enlisted the help of a boy named Rei from the future to travel back, quell the frenzied Noble Pokémon, stop the rampage of the enraged Palkia and Dialga, seal the rift, save the region, defeat Volo and Giratina, capture all Pokémon, and eventually meet with Arceus.

In Ultra Space, the Legendary Ultra Beast Necrozma, known to local inhabitants as "The Blinding One," shares its light with all, creating Z-Power. At some point in time, Necrozma is put through a painful experience that causes it to lose its light and become a mangled and twisted version of itself. In this form, the Pokémon felt nothing but pain and went on a rampage to destroy everything and taking the light away from the Ultra Megalopolis. Fearing it, the denizens of the Ultra Megalopolis constructed the Megalo Tower in order to hold Necrozma and serve as an artificial source of light.

Several hundred years ago, the Bell Tower and Brass Tower are constructed in the Johto Region. These magnificent towers serve as a perch for the Legendary Pokémon Lugia and Ho-Oh.

An Ultra Wormhole opens over the Alola Region, releasing the beasts of the Sun and Moon, Solgaleo and Lunala, into the region. The Pokémon turn day to night by devouring the Sun and casting shadows over the region respectively. A war is fought between these two godly Ultra Beasts the Guardian Deities of Alola, until a truce is reached. Before returning to their dimension, Solgaleo and Lunala leave behind an offspring, a Cosmog, in the care of the Alolan royal family, and grant the Island Deities the special Z-Power. The remnants of Necrozma's light from the wormhole that opened also bathed the region in radiation, creating massive Pokémon with special auras known as Totem Pokémon, and shards of Necrozma's broken body fall across the land in the form of sparkling stones, which were used to make Z-Rings.

Part 3: The World of Pokémon Today

Two hundred years ago, an explorer named Heath lead the Area Zero Expedition into the Great Crater of Paldea and became the first to reach to bottom of the crater. Herba Mystica was discovered in the crater, but Pokémon ate all samples of it and became the first Titan Pokémon. Discoveries made in Area Zero would eventually lead to the discovery of the Terastal Phenomenon.

After hundreds of years of standing, the Brass Tower is later burnt to the ground, with three Pokémon trapped inside. Ho-Oh resurrects these Pokémon as the Legendary Beasts, Entei, Raikou, and Suicune, and then it and Lugia flee away from human sight, seeing the fire as representative of human evil.

In the modern day, deep in the rain forest, scientists come across one of the last remaining Mew. Using its DNA, the scientists successfully create an augmented clone of Mew. It was named Mewtwo. However, the scientists could not control Mewtwo, and it escaped from the lab.

OU/MU: A young boy named Red sets out on his journey to become a Pokémon Master. As he journeys across the land of Kanto, catching and training Pokémon, he quickly earns a reputation as one of the strongest trainers in the region. He even single-handedly defeats the criminal organization known as Team Rocket and becomes the Champion of the Kanto Region.

LG: In this timeline, for unknown reasons, Red never faces Team Rocket. Instead, a trainer named Chase ends up encountering events nearly identical to those faced by Red. He battles and defeats Team Rocket, while also becoming the Kanto Champion, the first in this universe to act as a standing member of the Pokémon League. For some reason, trainers in this universe do not battle against wild Pokémon.

OU: At about the same time, another younger trainer destined for greatness begins his journey, this time in the Hoenn Region. Pokémon Trainer Brendan sets out to gather gym badges, but ends up getting caught up in a conflict of legnedary proportions when Team Aqua and Team Magma attempt to revive Kyogre and Groudon. Brendan puts a stop to their plan and saves the region. He then becomes the Hoenn Champion.

MU: In addition, in the Mega Universe, Team Aqua and Magma attempt to control the Primal Reversions of Kyogre and Groudon. Also, only in the Mega Universe does Brendan team up with Mega Rayquaza to save the region once again, this time from a massive meteor. However, it is believed that this meteor would have been sent into the Original Universe from the Mega Universe, if not for the interference of Zinnia.

OU: Three years later, in the region of Johto, new trainer Ethan begins his journey. During his travels, he discovers that Team Rocket isn't as defeated as was thought. He battles them as they attempt to revive their organization and take control over the Johto Region. When he defeats them, they disband for good. Ethan then proceeds to become the Indigo League Champion. Then he travels to Kanto and gathers badges there as well. His journey's finale comes when he defeats Red in a battle.

OU: Soon after, the next trainer destined for greatness begins his journey. Lucas sets out into the Sinnoh Region. Along his way gathering gym badges and training his Pokémon, Lucas is thrust in the middle of a conflict with Team Galactic, an organization that is attempting to recreate the very universe itself. This conflict comes to its finale when Lucas prevents Team Galactic from getting their hands on Palkia and Dialga and travels to the Distortion World, thus saving the entire Universe. He then becomes the Sinnoh Champion.

OU: A few years later, a new trainer named Hilbert begins a journey in the Unova Region. At the time, a group known as Team Plasma is preaching for the freedom of Pokémon, claiming that capturing them and using them in battles is cruel. It turns out their actual intentions are far more devious, as their leader, Ghetsis, wishes to get everyone to release their Pokémon so that he would be the only one left with Pokémon. Hilbert is chosen by one of the Legendary Dragons of the Unova Region to fight against N, pawn of Ghetsis, who has the opposing dragon. After they battle, N sees the error of his ways, and Team Plasma is stopped, or so everyone thinks. Hilbert moves on to become Unova Champion.

OU: Two years later, just as the trainer named Nate is beginning his journey in the Unova Region, Team Plasma makes a sudden reappearance. No longer do they operate under a false goal. Their objective is the complete conquering of the Unova Region and beyond. Nate is pulled into a fight against them. Ghetsis' new plan is to use the power of Kyurem, shell of the Original Dragon, to seize power. Just as he is about to use this power to defeat Nate, N returns with his dragon to save him. However, this is just playing into Ghetsis' hands, as he has Kyurem absorb the dragon and fuse with it. Now Nate has to stop Ghetsis and his dragon, which he does. After becoming Unova Champion, N releases his dragon and allows Nate to capture it himself.

MU: At approximately the same time, yet another new trainer begins his journey, Calem of the Kalos Region. Throughout the course of his journey, he encounters the group known as Team Flare. Their goal seems to be the destruction of the world in order to reset it. In order to accomplish this goal, they take control of AZ's Ultimate Weapon, which can be powered by the Pokémon of life and death. Calem teams up with one of these Pokémon to stop Team Flare from firing the weapon. After becoming Kalos Champion, Calem is awarded the Honor of Kalos for saving the region from Team Flare.

Multiverse Note: Presumably, these events also occur in the Original Timeline, but with the absence of Mega Evolution.

MU: A couple of years later, a boy named Elio moves from the Kanto to Alola Region. Once there, he becomes a Pokémon trainer and takes on Alola's Island Trial. He befriends a girl named Lillie, who protects a Cosmog. As his journey continues, Elio gets drawn into a fight against the Aeither Foundation, a group that normally works to protect Pokémon. Their leader, Lusamine, has grown an obsession with the creatures from another dimension known as Ultra Beasts, and wishes to travel to Ultra Space, while also releasing Ultra Beasts into the Alola Region. With the help of the Legendary Ultra Beast that Cosmog evolves into, Elio saves Lusamine and the region from the Ultra Beasts. He then becomes the first ever champion of the Alola Region.

UU: In an alternate version of events, Necrozma escapes its prison in the Megalo Tower and interrupts these events in order to take control over the newly-evolved Legendary Ultra Beast and regain its true form. Elio battles it to stop its rampage.

MU: The next in the line of trainers destined for greatness is Victor of the Galar Region. He is immediately marked for greatness when he and his friend Hop meet one of the long forgotten Sword and Shield Pokémon at the very beginning of their journey. From there, Victor sets out to defeat the Galar Gym Challenge and battle the then undefeated Galar Champion, Leon. Just before he's about to challenge the champion, his match is interrupted by the Galar League Chairman Rose, who has brought about the second instance of The Darkest Day by empowering the mysterious Pokémon Eternatus. Victor and Hop team up with Zacian and Zamazenta to defeat it, and then Victor goes on to become Champion.

Multiverse Note: Due to the complete lack of Mega Evolution in Sword and Shield, it is impossible to determine if the games take place in the Mega Universe or the Original Universe. However, mentions of Mega Evolution in Scarlet and Violet imply that all post-X and Y games default to the Mega Universe, regardless of the presence of Mega Evolution.

MU: Florian, newly arrived in the Paldea Region, begins his journey. He finds an injured Pokémon stuck out of its time and becomes partners with it. Together, they eventually go on to stop a plan to overrun the region with more Pokémon from alternate timelines enacted by a late professor.

Multiverse Note: It's known that Scarlet and Violet take place in the Mega Universe, as an issue of Occulture in Scarlet mentions that Roaring Moon bears a resemblance to a form of Salamence from a different region, referring to Mega Salamence.

MU: The present: A trainer from the Tenno Region named Brandon is on the road to becoming the Tenno Champion. He is in the middle of a conflict with Team Planetary, who appear like a benevolent organization to the public, but actually are a crime syndicate. They plan on using the power of the Cosmic Architect to further their plans.

Part 4: Events Yet to Come

What the future holds is unknown, but at some point in a possible future, robotic versions of Pokémon somehow come into existence. It is not known if all Pokémon in this timeframe are robotic, or if it's only a select few.

Multiverse Note: These Future Pokémon, which are known as Paradox Pokémon, likely will only exist in a timeline branched from the primary timelines.

Share this:TwitterFacebook9 thoughts on "History of the Pokémon World"Anonymous on March 21, 2024 at 4:24 am said:

this is just not at all accurate

Like

Reply ↓Yuni Oha

In the twentieth anniversary year of the franchise, Pokémon has been making a comeback in a very big way. First, Nintendo announced that they would be releasing the original series of handheld games – Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow versions – on the 3DS eShop back in February. Quickly, these became some of the highest grossing titles on the online store. Over the summer, augmented reality mobile game Pokémon Go became one of the highest-grossing and most downloaded apps almost overnight. Last, but certainly not least, this fan-favorite franchise made history with recent titles, Pokémon Sun & Moon, becoming two of Nintendo's fasting selling games.

In celebration of this anniversary year for the franchise, we have constructed a timeline detailing the history of the Pokémon Universe. While both the anime and the game series have a similar storyline, there are numerous differences. This article, however, will specifically focus on the history as detailed in the fan-favorite video games. From the beginning of the universe to the most current events and nearly everything in between, this article will recall noteworthy events from the Pokémon world.

Here is the Complete History of the Pokémon Universe.

15. Beginning of the Universe

It is not yet known how, but in the midst of a vortex of nothingness an egg was created, and hatched from this egg was the legendary Pokémon Arceus. Arceus, also known as "The Original One," is widely regarded as the creator of the entire Pokémon Universe. In addition to this noteworthy accomplishment (understatement of the year), the legendary beast is also credited with the creation of the Lake Guardians as well as the Creation Trio. The Lake Guardians, of course, refer to Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf who each reside over the three lakes of Sinnoh while the Creation Trio is comprised of Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. At the beginning of the universe, however, it was the Creation Trio that was first given life by The Original One.

In order to assist in the formation of the Pokémon world, Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina were each given power over their own respective dimensions. Dialga was given space, Palkia was given time, and Giratina was given control over antimatter, and later, the Distortion World – an alternate dimension designed as punishment by Arceus. Together, they created the entire Pokémon world as we know it today.

14. More Legendary Pokémon Appear

Arceus' companions may have been among the first to appear in the Pokémon universe, but they were not alone for long. It is believed that millions of years ago, another legendary trio came into being. Formed by the trenches of the deep seas as well as the magma deep below the Earth's crust, both Kyogre and Groudon, respectively, were created. Additionally, Rayquaza is said to have been formed by the elements within the ozone layer.

At this time, it is also believed that Regigigas, a legendary titan Pokémon, divided the continents, therefore creating the various regions of the Pokémon world. Additionally, Regigigas served as the creator for three other legendary titans, Regirock, Regice, and Registeel, and when this trio is gathered together today, it is said that the aforementioned Regigigas will once again come to life. In addition to these numerous legendary beasts, it is widely theorized that mythical first generation creature Mew lived in large numbers around the Pokémon world at this time.

13. Dawn of Man

Some millions of years ago, it is said that the first humans appeared in the Pokémon world. While evolution is known to having taken place in the Pokémon world (thanks to Alolan forms from the latest titles Pokémon Sun & Moon), it is still uncertain where humans came from exactly. Did humans in the Pokémon universe evolve from primates? Are there even animals in the Pokémon universe? Well, it is true that Pokémon are very animal-like, but contrary to popular belief, they are not actually animals. In fact, Pokémon are often referred to in relation to their animal counterparts. For example, the franchise's beloved mascot, Pikachu, is known as an "electric mouse" according to the anime.

Animal references are rare in both the anime as well as the game series, and appearances are even less frequent. That being said, both references and appearances have happened, meaning that animals do, in fact, exist in the Pokémon world. Therefore, it is possible that humans in the Pokémon universe could have evolved from primates, however, it is also possible that Arceus created them outright millions of years ago.

12. The Last Ice Age

Some time before the last Ice Age, prehistoric Pokémon – i.e. Aerodactyl, Cranidos, Kabutops, Shieldon – were believed to have been widespread. However, a number of them eventually went extinct, likely before the last ice age concluded. It is also possible that the Mew population decreased dramatically during this period of time as well.

Contrarily, the Mamoswine population flourished during the last Ice Age, though it decreased again when this period came to a close. For some unknown reason, Magikarp mutated around the same time, perhaps becoming much weaker.

After centuries of human worship, aforementioned legendary titans Regigigas, Regirock, Regice, and Registeel were sealed across the Hoenn region. Regigigas is sealed at the Snowpoint Temple, Regirock resides in the Desert Ruins and the Underground Ruins, Regice in the Island Cave, Iceberg Ruins, or in the mountains, and Registeel in the Ancient Tomb, Iron Ruins, and the Underground Ruins. Again, only when the three titans are gathered can the legendary titan, Regigigas, be brought back to life.

11. Kalos War

One of Pokémon X & Y's more intriguing, albeit bizarre, storylines, was that of mysterious giant AZ who fought in the Kalos War around 3000 years ago. The Kalos War describes a dark period in the history of the series' universe in which Pokémon fought alongside each other as well as against each other in a series of horrifying battles. During this time, many Pokémon on both sides perished.

Legend has it, that during the Kalos War, there was a man who loved his partner Pokémon more than anything in the world. His Pokémon was called off to fight in the war and died in battle several years later. Grief-stricken by this grave tragedy, the man created a device that was designed to bring his beloved Pokémon back to life. It succeeded; however, the man was still angry at the world that took the life of his friend in the first place, so he converted his machine into a weapon and, in one fell swoop, ended the war by taking the lives of countless Pokémon. Sickened by this act, the Pokémon left his partner, leaving the man saddened and full of regret once again.

10. Groudon Versus Kyogre

Thousands of years ago, primal energy flowed freely throughout the Pokémon world. Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre, both of which were introduced during Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, fought over this 'primal energy' in relentless battles that caused the people of the time to fear for their safety. The third piece of the legendary trio (commonly referred to as the weather trio), a legendary Pokémon by the name of Rayquaza, intervened and quelled the fighting between the two beasts. A period of peace then befell the land, at least for the time being.

About 1000 years later, a meteoroid crash landed on the Earth's surface, unleashing even more natural energy. Due to the sudden release of natural energy, Groudon and Kyogre returned to their continuous and dangerous battles. Again, people of the time were scared for their respective lives. Hearing tales about how Rayquaza came down to save mankind once before, humans of the time gathered together and summoned the legendary Pokémon. Once again, Rayquaza returned to stop the fighting between Kyogre and Groudon, saving mankind for the second time.

9. Early Construction of Johto

Both the Bell Tower as well as the Brass Tower were constructed less than a thousand years ago. Both second generation legendary birds, Lugia and Ho-Oh, perched atop these respective towers. The Pokémon rested on top of the towers for the next 550 years until the Brass Tower burned down, unfortunately killing three Pokémon that were inside at the time. Lugia then fled to the Whirl Islands, where it still hides today, and Ho-Oh resurrected the three Pokémon as the legendary dogs, Raikou, Entei, and Suicune. Additionally, the first Pokémon League championships took place around this time.

During this time span, several other notable events took place in the Johto region as well. About 500 years ago, the Cianwood City Pharmacy was built, a pharmacy that still stands just north of Cianwood City today. About 100 years later, Azalea Town in Johto encountered some hardships in the form a long-term drought. Fortunately, Slowpokes in Johto summoned the much-needed rain, and the Pokémon has held an honorable position in the town ever since.

8. First Spiritomb Sealed Away

Pokémon – again, generally referring to the lore within the video games themselves – is infamous for a handful of dark storylines and Pokédex entries. As a family-friendly series, the video game franchise, in addition to the anime, rarely strays into the realm of inappropriateness, but upon further examination, it can be quite grim at times. One of these rare instances of surprisingly dark themes comes in the form of the fourth generation Pokémon Spiritomb.

While there have been numerous Ghost and Dark-type creatures before it, Spiritomb appears to be the first truly evil Pokémon. Said to be comprised of over 100 evil spirits, Spiritomb is certainly much more malevolent than Ghost-type Pokémon from previous generations, which appear to be more of a mischievous nuisance, rather than nefarious. This Pokémon is so evil, in fact, that its spirit was sealed away into an item, simply referred to as a Keystone, due to numerous destructive deeds committed while at large, with the first known sealing of a Spiritomb said to have occurred over 400 years ago.

7. Invention of the Pokéball

It is hard to imagine Pokémon without the Pokéball. Completing the main objective of the game series, coinciding with the franchise's famous mantra, requires Pokéballs to capture new, undiscovered Pokémon. In fact, the modern Pokéball an iconic image, recognizable to millions (perhaps even billions) across the globe. That said, the modern Pokéball was not even invented until 1925, in which it was being developed by Professor Westwood of Celadon University. It is true that Pokéballs existed in one capacity or another for at least 300 years prior to Professor Westwood's invention, but the modern ball, as we know it today, is less than 100 years old.

Before Pokéballs, the task of training Pokémon was considered quite dangerous. Numerous trainers lost their lives in the process of doing so. In fact, the notoriously short-tempered Primeape was cited as being directly responsible for its creation. So, not only is the Pokéball an excellent invention for the trainer wishing to capture and transport his or her Pokémon with ease, but it is also a safety precaution.

6. Kanto and Johto Pokémon Come to Alola

With Pokémon being much easier to transport, thanks to the invention of the modern Pokéball, several trainers decided to bring their favorite Pokémon along on their travels to various locations. As a popular tourist destination, Alola has always been bustling with people from outside lands, oftentimes resulting in foreign Pokémon finding new habitats on one of the four islands. This has even resulted in some very interesting evolutionary outcomes.

Those who have picked up a copy of the latest titles in the Pokémon franchise, Sun & Moon, may have noticed that quite a few first-generation Pokémon have received Alolan forms, a variant version of previously established creatures – each of which, containing their own evolutionary explanation. While numerous first Pokémon from previous generations can be found throughout the Alolan Islands, only a small handful received an Alolan form: Rattata, Raticate, Raichu, Sandshrew, Sandslash, Vulpix, Ninetails, Diglett, Dugtrio, Meowth, Persian, Geodude, Graveler, Golem, Grimer, Muk, Exeggutor, and Marowak.

5. Red is Born

Many confuse Ash, the anime's main protagonist of over 900 episodes, with Red, the video game series' main protagonist. This is an honest mistake considering that Ash was based on Red, but nevertheless, both heroes remain different characters entirely.

Following the story of an 11-year-old kid (10 in the Western version of the game series) from Pallet Town, Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, Fire Red, and Leaf Green feature this bright-eyed protagonist as he journeys across the Kanto region, collecting brand new Pokémon and earning gym badges. His dream to become the world's greatest Pokémon trainer leads him to eventually challenge the Elite 4 as well as the Pokémon League Champion, childhood rival Blue.

While Red is the unequivocal star of the original Pokémon titles as well as their subsequent remakes, this character has popped up in several mainline Pokémon titles since. With Red being born sometime in the mid-'80s, this fan-favorite character grew up alongside gamers and Pokémon fanatics for the past 20 years.

4. Saffron City Gym is Chosen

Those familiar with the original Pokémon titles, Red, Blue, and Yellow versions, or perhaps even those who have revisited these classic entries after Nintendo placed them on the eShop last February to celebrate the franchise's twentieth anniversary, may recall Saffron City had two gyms. Only one of the city's two gyms would offer players a Pokémon League recognized gym badge, but for those looking to add either fighting Pokémon, Hitmonchan or Hitmonlee, to their respective Pokédex, a visit to Saffron's legendary fighting gym is a must.

The game series never divulges into great narrative detail concerning its respective backstories, but, interestingly enough, it appears as though Saffron City had a bit of a scuffle surrounding the decision to name an official gym. The decision was between Sabrina's gym and the fighting dojo just to the north, and as fate would have it, Sabrina's psychic-type Pokémon prevailed, leading her to be the accredited gym leader of Saffron City.

3. Mewtwo is Created

Mewtwo is perhaps one of the most popular Pokémon in the history of the franchise. Additionally, he is one of the most recently discovered species, having been manufactured in a lab only years before Red started his Pokémon journey. Looking to create the world's most powerful Pokémon, a team of scientists – hired and funded by the nefarious Team Rocket – succeeded in creating a clone of the mysterious legendary creature Mew. Having finally succeeded in their endeavors, the scientists cleverly dubbed this creature the name Mewtwo.

Mewtwo quickly became self-aware, and not to mention a bit moody on top of it all. His subsequent adventures are documented in the franchise's first film Pokémon: The First Movie, which is not too far off from how the video game series describes the events. Essentially, Mewtwo nearly burns down the lab on Cinnabar Island and retreats to Cerulean Cave before being captured by legendary Pokémon trainer Red.

2. Disbandment of Team Rocket

One of Nintendo's greatest set of villains can be found in Giovanni and his band of thugs who answer to the name Team Rocket. Sure, Team Rocket may not have had profound character motivations or rich backstories, but they were diabolical, and gamers of all ages easily grasped that concept.

Team Rocket had been behind countless less than questionable acts that led them to be one of the most feared criminal organizations in the history of the Pokémon universe. Kidnapping, experimenting on Pokémon, and Pokémon theft are just a few examples of crimes that were common among Team Rocket members, but Red quickly put an end to their wicked ways through Pokémon battles. Giovanni and his respective gang lasted two gaming generations until they finally disbanded sometime after the events of Gold and Silver, leaving Red's longtime rival, Blue, the responsibility of tending to the Viridian City Gym where he served as the gym leader.

1. A New Pokémon League Champion

Many events have transpired over the course of the entire history of the Pokémon universe, but in the modern age, perhaps no one person has been a greater catalyst for change than the aforementioned Pokémon trainer Red. Making his way through the entirety of the Kanto region, winning all eight gym badges, and taking on the Elite 4, Red quickly made his name as the best trainer in the Pokémon world.

Not only did Red defeat Team Rocket, forcing them to disband, but he also went on to become Pokémon League Champion after besting Blue in a Pokémon battle. As mentioned earlier, Blue went on to serve as the Viridian City Gym Leader after losing to his childhood rival. After years as acting Pokémon League Champion, Red retreated to Mt. Silver where he continued to train. Dragon-type trainer Lance then resumed his role as Pokémon League Champion and the Elite 4 continued to shuffle around with new members over the years. However, Red has managed to make appearances in various Pokémon titles over the years, including the franchise's most recent, and historically successful games Pokémon Sun & Moon.

What are your favorite storylines from the history of the Pokémon Universe? Make sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments section.