Pokémon Pokopia is the Pokémon series’ first game in what genre?

Pokémon Pokopia is described as the Pokémon series’ first life-simulation game. The genre focuses on managing a leisurely daily routine, developing a home, improving surroundings, and building relationships with inhabitants.

In Pokopia, the player gathers materials, makes items, grows plants, builds structures, and designs habitats intended to welcome Pokémon. The game’s progression comes from expanding and improving the environment rather than from earning Gym Badges or winning a Pokémon League.

This does not mean Pokopia abandons every traditional Pokémon feature. The player still encounters recognizable species and can learn moves from them, but the moves are used to change the landscape and complete practical tasks. The term life simulation also separates Pokopia from earlier spin-offs such as Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, Pokémon Ranger, and Pokémon Snap, each of which has a different primary format.