The Shocking Truth: How Old Is Liko In Pokémon Horizons? (It’s Not 10!)
For decades, the standard age for a Pokémon protagonist starting their journey was a firm 10 years old. This tradition, cemented by the legendary Ash Ketchum, has long been a core pillar of the anime's universe. However, as of late December 2025, the new era of *Pokémon Horizons: The Series* has completely shattered this established rule, introducing a main character, Liko, whose age is significantly older than her predecessors, a detail that has been a hot topic of discussion and the subject of recent, major leaks.
The question of "How old is Liko?" has finally been answered, not by an on-screen declaration, but through recent, highly credible leaks and subsequent character design updates that confirm the show is embracing a more mature timeline. Liko's journey began with her already a teenager, and an exciting time-skip has pushed her age even further, marking a monumental shift in the franchise's approach to its heroes.
Liko's Complete Biography and Character Profile
Liko is one of the two main protagonists of *Pokémon Horizons: The Series*, the anime that succeeded Ash Ketchum's 25-year tenure. Her character arc is centered on self-discovery, understanding her partner Pokémon, Sprigatito, and uncovering the secrets of a mysterious pendant gifted to her by her grandmother.
- Full Name: Liko (Japanese: リコ Riko)
- Role: Main Protagonist of *Pokémon Horizons: The Series*
- Hometown/Region: Cabo Poco, Paldea region
- Initial Affiliation: Student at Indigo Academy
- Current Affiliation: Member of the Rising Volt Tacklers
- Partner Pokémon: Sprigatito (evolved into Floragato in later episodes)
- Key Item: Mysterious Pendant (Later revealed to be the Legendary Pokémon, Terapagos)
- Goal: To uncover the truth behind her pendant and find her grandmother, a quest that leads her across the world on the airship, the Brave Asagi.
- Initial Age (Series Start): 13 years old (Based on leaked character data)
- Current Age (After Time-Skip): Approximately 15 years old (Based on aged-up character designs)
The Definitive Answer: Liko’s Age at the Start of Her Journey
For years, the Pokémon community has debated the actual age of its main characters, often settling on 10 due to Ash Ketchum's established starting point. Liko, however, was designed to break this mold. According to a significant "teraleak" of internal character data that surfaced in late 2024, Liko’s age when she first received her Sprigatito and began her studies at Indigo Academy was definitively 13 years old.
This revelation is a game-changer for the franchise, positioning Liko not as a child, but as an early teenager. This older starting age is reflected in her more mature and introverted personality compared to the energetic, impulsive nature of a 10-year-old like Ash. Starting at age 13 allows the narrative to explore more complex themes of self-doubt, family legacy, and the responsibility that comes with possessing the mysterious pendant.
Her co-protagonist, Roy, was also revealed to be slightly younger, starting his adventure at 12 years old. This subtle age difference between the two main characters further solidifies the idea that the *Pokémon Horizons* writers deliberately chose to move away from the traditional 10-year-old trope to tell a more nuanced story.
The Time-Skip: Liko’s New Age and Character Design
In a move rarely seen in the Pokémon anime, *Pokémon Horizons* has introduced a significant time-skip, leading to new designs and a confirmed aging of the main cast. This development is the most recent and compelling evidence regarding Liko's current age.
The news came from a CoroCoro magazine reveal of a new arc, which featured updated character designs for Liko, Roy, and Dot. The accompanying details suggested that the characters had aged up by approximately two to three years.
If Liko started at 13, a two-year time-skip would place her at 15 years old. This new age is consistent with her visibly taller stature, more refined clothing, and the general evolution of her character. The aging of the protagonists is a massive departure from previous series, where characters like Ash famously remained 10 for decades, regardless of the number of regions he traveled or the leagues he won.
Why the Pokémon Company Decided to Age Up the Protagonist
The decision to make Liko older—starting at 13 and later becoming 15—is a deliberate choice to shift the narrative tone of *Pokémon Horizons*. This change provides several key advantages for the storytelling:
- Increased Stakes and Complexity: An older protagonist can handle more mature themes. Liko’s journey is tied to the ancient secrets of her mysterious pendant and the Legendary Pokémon Terapagos, putting her in direct conflict with the villainous Explorers, led by the formidable Amethio. This level of threat feels more appropriate for a mid-teenager.
- Relatability for a Broader Audience: The original audience for the Pokémon anime has grown up. By introducing a teenage protagonist, the show can maintain a connection with its older viewers while still appealing to new, younger fans.
- Breaking the Ash Ketchum Mold: By moving away from the 10-year-old starting age, the anime immediately establishes *Horizons* as a distinct, fresh chapter separate from the legacy of Ash. This allows Liko to forge her own identity without constant comparison to the previous hero.
The Rising Volt Tacklers: Liko’s Found Family and Support System
Liko’s journey is not a solo endeavor; she is a core member of the Rising Volt Tacklers, a group of adventurers who travel the world on their airship, the Brave Asagi. The age diversity within this group further highlights Liko’s status as a young teenager learning from experienced adults.
The group is led by Professor Friede, a charismatic researcher and powerful trainer whose partner is a Captain Pikachu. Other key members who help Liko and Roy on their quest include:
- Orla: The ship’s mechanic and engineer, partnered with a Metagross.
- Murdock: The ship’s cook, whose partner is a Rockruff.
- Ludlow: The old-timer fisherman and ship’s observer, partnered with a Quagsire.
- Mollie: The medic of the group, partnered with a Chansey.
- Dot (and Nidothing): The mysterious online streamer, who is roughly the same age as Liko and Roy, and whose partner is Quaxly (later Quaquaval).
The presence of these adult figures—Professor Friede, Orla, and Murdock—is a major difference from previous series, where the main protagonist was often accompanied by companions closer to their own age. This structure underscores Liko's youth and the guidance she receives as she matures from a timid Indigo Academy student to a brave adventurer.
In conclusion, the answer to "How old is Liko Pokémon?" is a firm and exciting 13 years old at the start of *Pokémon Horizons*, and currently approximately 15 years old following the major time-skip. This makes her the oldest starting protagonist in the history of the Pokémon anime, a fact that promises a richer, more complex narrative for years to come.
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