Which Pokémon is first discovered by the player in Pokémon Pokopia?

Tangrowth is the first Pokémon discovered by the player in Pokémon Pokopia.

The opening story presents a barren former settlement where nature has withered and the residents have disappeared. A peculiar-looking Tangrowth remains there alone. After Ditto awakens and takes human form, the two characters meet and begin working together to restore the area.

Tangrowth is important beyond being an early encounter. Promotional material refers to this character as Professor Tangrowth, a guide who supports Ditto through the early stages of rebuilding. The relationship establishes the game’s cooperative, community-focused tone before additional Pokémon begin arriving.

Players may confuse Tangrowth with Tangela because the two Pokémon are evolutionarily related. Tangrowth is the evolved form of Tangela, introduced in Generation IV, while Tangela is a smaller vine-covered Pokémon from Generation I. Pokopia’s opening companion is specifically Tangrowth, not Tangela.