Build Your Own Pokémon Region: A Step-by-Step Guide

Professor Oak's Introduction

"Ah, every Pokémon adventure begins with a single step! But a Trainer's journey isn't just about collecting Gym Badges—it's about the experiences they gain, the people they meet, and the challenges they overcome. A great Pokémon journey should feel meaningful, immersive, and rewarding. How will the player experience your region? Let's map out their adventure!"

1. The Beginning: The Player's Hometown and First Steps

Every Pokémon journey starts in a small hometown, where the player receives their first Pokémon and meets key characters.

➡ Elements of a Strong Beginning:

The Player's Home – Where they live before starting their adventure.

The Pokémon Professor's Lab – Where they receive their first Pokémon.

Rival Encounter – A friendly (or competitive) rival introduced early.

The First Route – Usually a calm, beginner-friendly area with weak Pokémon.

➡ Examples of Iconic Starting Towns:

Pallet Town (Kanto) – A quiet town by the sea, where Professor Oak gives starters.

New Bark Town (Johto) – A simple village with a windmill.

Littleroot Town (Hoenn) – A small town with a peaceful, rural feel.

Postwick (Galar) – A countryside village near a giant stadium.

Try This!

Where does the player's journey begin, and what makes their hometown unique?

How do they receive their first Pokémon?

➡ Example: The player's hometown is a floating village on a giant tree, and they receive their starter Pokémon from a shrine that blesses Trainers before their journey.

2. The Early Game: Exploring and Learning the Basics

The early part of the game teaches players how to battle, catch Pokémon, and navigate routes.

➡ Early-Game Features to Include:

Pokémon Catching Tutorial – Usually taught by a Professor, Rival, or NPC.

First Pokémon Center & Poké Mart – Introduces healing and shopping.

Early Side Quests – Small tasks that teach game mechanics (e.g., finding an NPC's missing Pokémon).

➡ Examples of Early-Game Challenges:

Viridian Forest (Kanto) – A maze-like Bug-type habitat.

Sprout Tower (Johto) – A location that introduces Pokémon lore.

Oreburgh Mine (Sinnoh) – A side area where the player learns about Rock-type Pokémon.

Try This!

What small challenges does the player face early on?

Does your region introduce special mechanics in the first few hours?

➡ Example: Before challenging the first Gym, the player must solve a puzzle in an ancient ruin, teaching them how Pokémon abilities can be used in the overworld.

3. The Main Journey: Collecting Badges, Exploring, and Facing Challenges

The player's journey throughout the region involves traveling through diverse landscapes, challenging Gym Leaders, and encountering rival Trainers.