- Primary Subject: Pokemon Pokopia (Launch Version / Nintendo Switch 2)
- Key Update: The game features "Pokopia Variants" (unique versions of classic Pokemon) with tragic, post-apocalyptic backstories, such as Peakychu, who lost its electricity by sharing it with ill friends.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: April 6, 2026
- Quick answer: Pokemon Pokopia features unique variants like Peakychu and Mosslax, whose backstories explain their distinct designs as results of post-apocalyptic survival or deep emotional trauma.
When Pokemon Pokopia was first teased with clips, screenshots, and official teasers, we already knew that the game was set to tug on some heartstrings thanks to its revelations of a barren setting, a seeming lack of life, and overall atmosphere.
What caught us by surprise was how deep the tragedy was going to be when we finally started playing it, especially with the individual Pokemon tales we hear along the way. Think you got the courage to hold back your tears? Then keep reading and see our ranking of Pokopia's unique Pokemon and their most tragic backstories.
The Most Tragic Pokemon Pokopia Backstories
Pokemon Pokopia is a huge game, not only in scope but in lore as well, so there's bound to be hundreds of stories told that won't make you feel good anytime soon, but among the standouts are Professor Tangrowth and his separation from his family, Mosslax and his slumber to avoid shame, and Peakychu's unwavering love for his friends.
Tinkmaster (Tinkaton Variant)
This is the least tragic Pokemon backstory in the game; in fact, it may not even be tragic at all except for the fact that it also lost its trainer. This Pokemon was left in a city full of machines, where it thrived and was able to use its abilities to help you on your journey as a Ditto.
Being a smart and resourceful Pokemon, it was also able to effectively keep itself alive while also developing the area you find it in. Guess that's what happens when Pokemon are left with their wits and survival instincts.
DJ Rotom (Rotom Variant)
Another entry where tragedy is stretched, but rather, DJ Rotom is actually better off without humans because it gained access to a stereo and blasts endless waves of music for everyone.
If the internet continued to take over, CDs would have been obsolete, but DJ Rotom saw to it that they shouldn't. Now the party can continue with or without the web!
Smearguru (Smeargle Variant)
This Pokemon is one of those who benefitted with the absence of human lives because now it has its own studio, all the paint in the world (or those you can find and give to it) to color life with, and the inspiration.
It's just sad that it has all these resources, but the rest of the world will have to wait to be rebuilt before it gets a glimpse of Smearguru's artistry.
Chef Dente (Greedent Variant)
In case you didn't know, the adorable Chef Dente grew up with a family of chefs. It's this devotion to culinary perfection and love for eating that led it to learn how to cook, and if losing the people who brought you purpose isn't sad, I don't know what is.
It's a good thing that Chef Dente's love for the arts of the tummy never left and gets revitalized when you finally meet it.
Professor Tangrowth (Tangrowth Variant)
Another Pokemon whose life mostly involved living with its family of humans, this gentle giant was taken in by a professor when it was still a Tangela and its family. While humans were being evacuated into space, all Pokemon were expected to be boxed, as part of Pokemon Conservation Project. Tangela ran off, likely trying to get home.
Left behind after the day of departure, Tangela evolves into Tangrowth and wears its now-gone professor's glasses, thus making it look like a scholar itself. That's when Tangrowth became Professor Tangrowth, and Ditto is lucky to have someone like him.
Mosslax (Snorlax Variant)
Snorlax is a Pokemon that has never been associated with the word "tragic," given that it is most famous for two things: eating and sleeping, but Pokopia changed that with Mosslax. According to in-game lore, Mosslax was a Snorlax who once lost a probably important battle and the loss made it very upset.
Unable to cope with the shame, it slept and slept until it forgot the feeling of losing. It dozed off for so long that moss started to grow across its whole body, giving it that distinct, cozy-green look. If Pokemon experienced deep depression, Mosslax is the primary example.
Peakychu (Pikachu Variant)
Of course, the poster Pokemon for the word tragic, because in its initial introduction, we already saw its pale, almost dying design, its weak cheek sparks, and its mellow eyes. But you know what's even sadder? The story behind. Peakychu is pale and almost looks powerless because, prior to the disappearance of humans, this Pikachu generously shared its electricity to its ill Electric-typed buddies, to keep them healthy and alive.
It so wholeheartedly shared its life, quite literally, to its friends that Peakychu lost the ability to generate its own electricity. Now, with the help of Ditto, Peakychu has found its spark back, albeit the power comes from an external source.
Pokemon Pokopia, at a glance, with its whimsy look and highly stylized animation, doesn't seem to be a breeding machine of tragic backstories, but it's these tales that keep living and engaging, a bit more interesting. Need a tissue? Because I think I could use one.