Pokémon Pokopia: Cloud Islands — Persistent Multiplayer Sandbox Guide
Complete guide to Cloud Islands: the persistent, server-hosted multiplayer world where you and friends can build together. Includes unlock requirements, 5 biomes, item isolation rules, and collaborative mechanics.
Quick Answer: What Are Cloud Islands?
Cloud Islands are persistent multiplayer worlds hosted on Nintendo servers. They require Nintendo Switch Online and allow up to 4 players to build collaboratively. Unlike Dream Islands, Cloud Islands never reset and remain accessible even when the host is offline. However, you cannot transfer items between your main world and Cloud Islands.
Cloud Islands vs Dream Islands — Key Differences
| Feature | Dream Islands | Cloud Islands |
|---|---|---|
| 💾 Persistence | Resets daily | Permanent until manually reset |
| 👥 Multiplayer | Single-player only | Up to 4 players simultaneously |
| 🌐 Online Requirement | No (offline) | Yes (Nintendo Switch Online) |
| 🔒 Item Transfer | Can bring items back | Complete isolation (no transfer) |
| 🗺️ World Size | Small procedural islands | Large persistent continent |
Unlock Requirements
- 1
Nintendo Switch Online Membership
Cloud Islands require an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription (individual or family plan).
- 2
Progress Through Main Story
Complete at least the Withered Wastelands and reach Bleak Beach to unlock online features.
- 3
Access Online Menu
Open main menu → Select "Online" → Choose "Cloud Islands" → Create or join with Link Code.
The 5 Biomes of Cloud Islands
Every Cloud Island contains all 5 biomes, but their exact layout is randomized by seed. However, two locations are always fixed: the Pokémon Center is always in Meadowlands, and ancient ruins are always in Skylands.
🌾 Meadowlands
A restored version of Withered Wastelands with lush grass and thriving vegetation.
🏜️ Desert
Sandy dunes with unique desert Pokémon and rare minerals.
🏖️ Beach
Coastal area similar to Bleak Beach with ocean access.
⛰️ Rocky
Volcanic terrain with hot springs and black rock formations.
☁️ Skylands
Floating islands with ancient ruins and rare resources.
Critical: Item Isolation Rules
You Arrive With Nothing
When entering a Cloud Island, your entire inventory is temporarily disabled. You cannot bring items, tools, or Pokémon from your main world.
You Take Nothing Home
When leaving a Cloud Island, you cannot take any items, resources, or Pokémon back to your main world. Everything stays on the Cloud Island.
Self-Sufficient Economy
All resources must be gathered within the Cloud Island. You can supplement by visiting Dream Islands from within the Cloud Island (using Drifloon if unlocked there).
Multiplayer & Collaboration Mechanics
🎮 Up to 4 Players Simultaneously
Cloud Islands support up to 4 players building and exploring at the same time. All players have equal building permissions.
🔗 Link Code System
Share your Cloud Island's Link Code with friends. They can join anytime, even when you're offline, as long as they have the code.
💾 Persistent Progress
All building progress is saved to Nintendo servers. The island persists indefinitely until the host manually resets it.
🏗️ Shared Resources
All players share the same resource pool. Coordinate with your team to avoid resource conflicts and plan large construction projects together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Nintendo Switch Online for Cloud Islands?▼
Yes, Cloud Islands require an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. This is different from Dream Islands, which are single-player and work offline.
Can I transfer items between my main world and Cloud Islands?▼
No. Cloud Islands have strict item isolation. You arrive with nothing and cannot take anything home. This is a core design choice to ensure balanced multiplayer gameplay.
What happens if the host deletes their save?▼
Cloud Islands are tied to the host's Nintendo Account, not their local save file. Even if the host deletes their local save, the Cloud Island persists on Nintendo servers as long as the account exists.
Can I visit Dream Islands from within a Cloud Island?▼
Yes! If you've unlocked Drifloon and Dream Islands in your main world, you can use the same mechanic within Cloud Islands to gather additional resources. This is the primary way to supplement your Cloud Island economy.