Someone Drained All Water From Pokopia’s Undersea Town

Pokopia’s inaugural premium expansion, Bubbly Basin, hit the market less than a week ago, and already a community member has discovered a method to drain nearly all of its submerged terrain, effectively turning the watery expanse into a sprawling land domain where terrestrial Pokémon can flourish—and potentially vexing the water‑type roster.

On the subreddit r/Pokopia, user DarthSkippyGP shared a series of screenshots titled “Bubble‑less Basin,” showcasing the DLC stripped of its signature water, save for occasional rainfall. The post clarifies that four water sources remain immutable, but these are tied to specific quest locations—such as the sound stage and the watermelon patch—that may become removable once the associated missions are completed.

Players naturally wonder what becomes of the water‑type Pokémon and aquatic fauna in this altered landscape. In practice, the game appears forgiving: I personally relocated several fish‑themed Pokémon, typically associated with aquatic habitats, to the newly exposed surface, and the transition proceeded without issue.

Conversely, the experience is not reciprocal. Water‑type Pokémon that are not native to Bubbly Basin, like Magikarp, continue to thrive beneath the waves, enjoying the environment that the DLC was originally designed to provide.

Even Pokémon that are traditionally land‑bound and unlikely to swim found themselves so uncomfortable that they simply fled the submerged environment.

When I tried to deploy Snorlax, it seemed too bulky to enter the submarine and failed to appear. Likewise, Magby behaved in the same way as Flareon, refusing to engage.

These observations align with Pokémon’s longstanding lore on survivability. From Generation 1 onward, species such as Goldeen and Magikarp could endure terrestrial environments—players could deploy them in battle without significant issues. However, Generation 3’s introduction of underwater exploration did not include submerged combat, and the game offered no guidance that non‑water types could withstand the depths.

In short, to keep your terrestrial Pokémon in Bubbly Basin, you must either drain the sea or construct a makeshift tunnel, as demonstrated by one player.

In a bold move that redefines underwater exploration in the Pokémon universe, the latest update introduces a fully functional tunnel that lets even the most terrestrial Pokémon glide beneath the waves.

When the new passage opens, the world transforms into a vibrant, floating aquarium, giving the impression of a school field trip through an ocean park. The tunnel’s shimmering glass walls and subtle bioluminescent lighting create an immersive experience that feels both playful and awe‑inspiring.

Beyond the visual spectacle, this addition unlocks a host of gameplay possibilities—non‑aquatic Pokémon can now access hidden caves, interact with marine life, and discover rare treasures without the need for breathing gear. The change not only expands the game’s map but also encourages players to rethink how they approach exploration and strategy.