Tangrowth is the Pokémon living alone in the wasteland at the start of Pokémon Pokopia.
When Ditto awakens in the Withered Wasteland, humans and most other Pokémon have disappeared. Tangrowth is described as the only remaining resident of the desolate area. This makes Tangrowth the first important character Ditto encounters.
Tangrowth later becomes known as Professor Tangrowth. After Ditto and Tangrowth discover a Pokédex, they begin restoring Pokémon habitats and attracting new residents. Tangrowth’s hope is that the return of Pokémon may eventually lead to the return of humans as well.
The opening situation is easy to confuse with the game’s later populated settlements. Pokopia begins in isolation, but the player’s work gradually changes the environment. Building, gardening, and helping Pokémon are the mechanisms that transform the wasteland into a more welcoming Pokémon community.