Character guide · Pokémon Horizons
Liko.
Co-protagonist; Paldean student
Key partner Pokémon
Their team across arcs.
Background
Who they are.
Liko is the franchise's first new mainline protagonist since 1997. She debuts in HZ001 as a Paldean student carrying a mysterious pendant inherited from her grandmother Diana, a former adventurer with the Brave Olivine crew. The pendant attracts attention from the antagonist organization that becomes The Explorers; the Rising Volt Tacklers rescue her on the airship Brave Asagi and Liko joins their crew.
Quieter and more introspective than Ash. Where Ash's personality is impulse and grit, Liko's is observation and slow-build determination. Her Sprigatito starter evolves through Floragato into Meowscarada across Seasons 1 and 2; her Hatenna line provides Psychic-type coverage. The pendant arc resolves across the Terapagos storyline (Season 1) and connects to the legendary trainer Lucius across Seasons 2 and 3.
Arc-by-arc · 4 story beats
Their growth across the run.
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Liko and Roy's Departure
Pendant arc begins. Volt Tacklers rescue. Sprigatito partner established.
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The Sparkling of Terapagos
Terapagos arc; Liko's pendant power stabilizes.
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The Search for Laqua
Sprigatito → Floragato. The Explorers antagonist arc.
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Rising Hope
Floragato → Meowscarada. Mega Evolution reintroduced. Pendant's connection to Lucius developed.
Signature episodes · the ones to watch first
Their best episodes.
Legacy
Why this character mattered.
First non-Ash mainline protagonist in 26 years. The character carries the burden of generational hand-off; reception has been strong in Japan and warmer in the West with each season.
Editorial facts hand-verified May 2026 against Bulbapedia, Wikipedia, and Pokemon.com. Pokémon, character names, and series titles © Nintendo, Game Freak, Creatures Inc., The Pokémon Company, OLM Inc. This is an unofficial fan reference.