Pokémon Pokopia takes place in a post-apocalyptic version of the Kanto region.
The story begins in a world abandoned by humans and made difficult for Pokémon to inhabit. Ditto discovers the remains of the old world and works with Professor Tangrowth to restore habitats so Pokémon populations can recover.
Kanto is the setting of the original Pokémon games, Pokémon Red and Blue, and is home to familiar locations and species associated with the franchise's first generation. Pokopia does not simply reproduce the classic region as it appeared in those games; instead, it presents a changed and damaged version that players gradually cultivate.
The setting can be confused with a completely new region because Pokopia introduces unusual environmental conditions, new structures, and a different visual style. Its story still identifies the wider setting as Kanto, while the game includes Pokémon from Generations I through IX.