Which Pokémon region is primarily based on New York City and its surrounding area?

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Unova is the Pokémon region primarily based on New York City and its surrounding area.

Unova appears in Pokémon Black and White and their enhanced sequels, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. It marked a major geographic shift for the series because it was the first main-series region based outside Japan. Its urban inspiration is especially visible in Castelia City, a large metropolitan center with skyscrapers, bridges, and a layout influenced by Manhattan.

The region is not a direct copy of New York City alone. Its geography also incorporates surrounding landscapes and ideas associated with the broader northeastern United States. This is why Unova includes rural routes, desert areas, forests, and other environments alongside dense city districts. The name is written as Isshu in Japanese, while “Unova” is the international name. Fans sometimes confuse Unova with Kalos, which is based on France, or Galar, which draws heavily from the United Kingdom.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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