My Place in Poptropica: Unknown Shadow

This is the My Place in Poptropica story of Unknown Shadow, who was obsessed with Poptropica until a point of identity questioning that eventually came to pass. See below for details on how to send in your MPIP!

Hello, people! I’m Unknown Shadow! Here’s a “My Place in Poptropica” post. I’m not the best at writing, but here we go!

2013 | The Not-So-Dramatic Beginning

When I was 9 years old, I was bored on a weekend one day, so I went on my computer and decided to search up “Fun Free Games.” I found one with a fun art style called “Poptropica” that didn’t need a download, so I clicked on it.

I spent about an hour creating my first character, or “Poptropican,” as I would later learn it was called. Most of that time was spent randomizing the character’s name until I got one I liked: “Silly Sword.” My username, which I still use today, was lula4schmidt.

When I was ready, I hovered over the blimp and entered the world of Poptropica. I’m pretty sure the first island I stepped into was Super Power Island, though I don’t remember if I ever beat it.

2014 | Is there such thing as TOO obsessed?

Soon, I went into “special interest mode” and became absolutely OBSESSED. I spent all my spare time on Poptropica. If I wasn’t playing Pop, I was begging my parents for a membership. When they finally gave in one day, I got everything in the store that I was able to, since members could get all store items for free.

My most vivid Poptropica memory from back then is having my character in a wolf costume on Shark Tooth Island. I printed out a picture of one of my outfits, and I think I still have it. I also remember that at one point, a bug in the game turned my girl character into a boy.

Also, I found the PHB, and even made my own Poptropica blog. Mine was really bad—the name was something like “The Pop and Bop.” But I was confident and went ahead with it anyway.

2015–2016 | Oh…

In 2015, I was diagnosed with depression. With the depression, I didn’t have the motivation to do anything, not even play Poptropica. I felt sadder and sadder with each passing day.

Then in 2016, I started questioning my gender. (Spoiler: I’m trans.) I also went into therapy. I logged into Poptropica every once in a while, but not much. By the end of the year, I had stopped playing completely.

2017| Yay!

Sometime this year, I found an old bookmark on my laptop that I had some vague memories of. Yup, it was Poptropica. And I clicked on it.

I made a new (boy!) account called “ace-hq” and logged in to my old favorite website. And even now, I’m still playing.

That’s my story, as best as I can remember it. Anyway, I hope you have a good day! Thank you for reading! ❤

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Hope you enjoyed this “My Place in Poptropica” story!

If you haven’t already, we invite you to send in your own. Please include your username and a minimum of 500 words, typed with good spelling and grammar, and divided into labeled sections. If you send in your story, we will continue to post new community MPIPs!

Interested in writing for the PHB under a different Pop-topic? Take a look at our Write for the PHB page for ideas, guidelines, and more. We always welcome new guest posts!

~the Poptropica Help Blog