Unova is the Pokémon region based primarily on New York City and its surroundings.
Unova is the setting of Pokémon Black and White and their sequels, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. Unlike several earlier regions inspired by parts of Japan, Unova was designed from an American location. Its central city, Castelia City, draws strongly on Manhattan, with skyscrapers, bridges, docks, and busy urban streets.
The region also includes areas influenced by places beyond Manhattan. Nimbasa City evokes an entertainment-focused metropolis, while the wider map contains rural landscapes, mountains, caves, and industrial zones. The developers used the contrast between a large city and surrounding environments to give Unova a distinct visual identity.
Unova's design was also paired with a major gameplay decision: Black and White initially emphasized newly introduced Pokémon, limiting access to older species until the main story was completed. The region debuted in Generation V, which added 156 new species. Its name is unrelated to a real-world place; it comes from a Japanese expression associated with unity and diversity.