We may be well into December by now, but the Pop winter tradition is officially on for the third year in a row. All players can find the old man on Home Island to play the Grapple-Gift Side Quest! Here’s our guide.
Just like before, you’ll be asked to deliver a gift to the shut-in, Clareta, in a short journey across a cold cliff. At the end, you’ll win a Grapple-Pop treat that can turn people sickly green! 🤢 Check out our review of The Grapple-Gift here. Cheers — we wouldn’t want ol’ GP to get us for a year!
You may have seen the winter wonderland of Home Island topped with Christmas garlands, but there’s another arrival on the homebase as well: the Baron’s airship! Except, well, the Baron’s still missing…
…and taking the throne inside the Cabin of Curiosities is her nemesis Amelia! Though maybe frenemy is a better word for their curious relationship, as the storekeeper comes with a peace offering of Grapple-Pops for her absent archrival, as she apparently does every year.
Also in the cabin, you can pick up a plethora of gifts, including half a year’s worth of the monthly player-designed costumes for free! The returning outfits were determined by popular vote last month, bringing us the Rockette, Jester, Spa Day (with slippers), The Hair, De-Man, and Boxing Barb (with shoes and gloves).
To the right, you can also purchase Grapple-Pap goodies: a tri-color lamp, totem pole, Christmas garland, gargoyle, and villager outfit.
But back to the case of the disappearing sky pirate. Talk to the detective Amelia, and she’ll share that the Baron’s ship just drifted in on its own.
She’ll also tie in worry for the Baron with the legend of Grapple-Pap, which states that if you don’t spread cheer, the fearsome monster (who shares a name with the holiday) “will get you for one whole year.”
We know the Baron is notoriously un-cheery, so does that mean they’ve encountered Grapple-Pap… whatever that means? Will we not see them for an entire year? Or is Rumpelstiltskin in on this too?
While the plot is only getting thicker up in the skies, down at Adventure Outfitters, Amelia is back to her smiley self with new gear for the holidays. In addition to the wintry wonders on the shop floor introduced earlier, don’t miss the fine fits for players and pets, including the Polar Bear, Slice of Pie, and Ornament costumes for the latter littles!
Last but certainly not least, enjoy these fan art features Poptropica shared on their Instagram stories last week! Feeling inspired? Share something “Grapple-Pap” for our Community Creations this month! ✨
This is a guest post from Blue Moon sharing her My Place in Poptropica story, which is all about one’s Poptropica journey. Enjoy!
Hey there fellow Poptropicans! This is Blue Moon, and this is my first post on the blog. Today it’s all about my tale in Poptropica. Enjoy!
I am kind of an amateur in Pop, and I only lived in the Haxe version. I never got to experience the Flash version—the old islands, everything… it’s only a dream to my friends and I, when it’s at least a memory to everyone else. This post is especially for all the new players—those who’ve heard of but never experienced Poptropica’s golden ages.
Spotlight: One time you may not want to be center stage.
2019: Finding Pop, then leaving
I was in grade three when I first encountered Poptropica, and it was during the Covid pandemic. My mom used to restrict me from screen-time except for academic reasons, and I was dying to get my hands on some free games. One day, when I was over at my friend Icy Fire’s house, she presented me with this free, wonderful game, called Poptropica.
Sadly, at the time I was too stupid to figure out the complicated and confusing islands all by myself. Added with a stir of frustration at the extraordinary members-only products, I left the game before I even finished an island. I didn’t know at the time that I was actually in the Flash version of the game, until, alas, it was too late. Oh well 😐
Up and Away: It helps to be full of hot air.
2022: Revisiting
It was during the lockdown in Shanghai, China, where I live, that I picked up interest in Pop again. One day, I decided to get in touch with my friend Icy Fire, who’d gone to boarding school. In no time, she was asking me about Pop. Not wanting to disappoint my lost-and-found friend, I quickly sat up an account on Pop, and then managed to start a pathetic discussion. At least I found an interest in Pop… which is still going.
With Poptropica’s current state, I completed every single island in a month’s time during the Shanghai lockdown. Of course, Icy Fire and I always stuck together on every single quest and challenge. To me, she was my light in Poptropica. For a short time, I left Pop because of pure boredom, and went off to play other games instead.
Puffed Up: The smoke gets in your eyes.
However, as I became more experienced in other games, I realized that none of them are actually as good as Poptropica. With a jolt, I returned to Pop in September, and made an internal vow never to leave it again. It was at that time that I finally realized that actually, Pop had already taken a place in my heart that no other game would replace, even though some players feel that the game has entered its “downfall.” Since September, I’ve been an active player once again.
I know that players enjoyed Poptropica when it was on Flash. But there are players now that never even got to play the old islands, and now their number is increasing. I’ve read the guides for the old islands time and time again, trying to absorb in the gameplay, but I still can’t really “be in” the quest. Please, Pop Creators, think about how it feels to new players who’ve never experienced the wonders of Poptropica’s past. I want to let them also have a chance to “be in” Poptropica’s golden ages. This is not only for me, it’s for every new player.
Long Thaw: Ice to see you.
To end on a happier note…
Fun (and sometimes embarrassing) facts about Blue Moon the Poptropican:
My first finished island is Fairytale Island, and I got stuck in a plant while helping Red.
I took one whole month and four separate restarts to break out of Pelican Rock.
Even for now, I still can’t beat the “unbeatable” girl in PoptropiCon 2.
My best friend on Pop is Super Star (username piziyu)
My username is Aristah (friend me!)
Skylines: Keep running up that hill.
Still Poppin’ On~
-Blue Moon 🌚
Hope you enjoyed this “My Place in Poptropica” story! If you did, you’ll probably enjoy our other MPIP stories here on the PHB.
If you haven’t already shared your story, we invite you to send in your own. 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!
Hey Poptropicans, this is a guest post by Dizzy Feather. Enjoy!
Hello everyone, Dizzy Feather here, with a tour of my party clubhouse. (You can also check out my other clubhouse tours here and here for my castle room.) Let’s get started!
Now this clubhouse is designed as a movie theater and museum. Like many movie theaters, there are concessions, popcorn, soda, and six flavors of ice cream: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint, fudge swirl, and bubblegum. I’ll just get a chocolate ice cream and a purple soda.
While we wait for the movie to start, we can sit by the fire over on the left — sorry there isn’t room for all of us. Not to worry though, the rest of use can wait in one of the two rooms on the second level.
Up on the left, we have a trampoline. You can jump on it, if you would like. However, you should probably wait till after the movie if you have already eaten your snacks. Anyway, over to the right, there’s a water cooler with two comfy cushions to sit on.
Oh, the movie is about to start. Don’t worry, I chose the Mighty Action Force movie. It’s rated PG and is entertaining.
*yawn* That was a good movie, don’t you agree?
Anyway, let’s start the tour of the museum. First up on the left is a wooden chest, salvaged from the library on Astro-Knights Island. Next to it is yet another chest from the Fairytale Island treasury. The last thing in this room is the ancient charcoal holder, donated by the Museum of Really Old Things on Goofball Island.
Over here, there are a few artifacts from various islands. The model fishes are from Mission Atlantis, the bags of candy are from Great Pumpkin, and the phoenix sculpture is from Back Lot.
Up here, there is a stuffed model of a camel, also donated by the Museum of Really Old Things. Then there’s a crystal skull resembling the one in the old Pathfinders common room, plus a wooden barrel mug salvaged from a shipwreck on Skullduggery.
But what about that thing over there, with a yellow balloon on it? Let’s see here, it says “Remembering Balloon Boy, may he safely return to the ground.” I think the balloon should be green, just saying.
Over here, we have some vintage toys, a tennis racket and ball, a stuffed toy vampire bat, a case full of figurines of villains, and a skateboard locked in place.
Finally, we have a golden statue from the Fairytale Island treasury, which used to be a statue of the king, but now, well… I imagine you can guess. We have a sandstone bust of a cat and a sarcophagus to hold a mummy, both also donated by the Museum of Really Old Things. Finally, there is a bust of Goofball Island’s founder, Emperor Thirsty Flame III.
That’s all for now, I hope you enjoyed the tour! I’ll be back again soon!
-Dizzy Feather
Hope you enjoyed this guest post by Dizzy Feather. If you did, you might also enjoy other clubhouse tours we’ve featured. Consider sharing yours, too!
The Poptropica Help Blog welcomes interesting Poptropica insights from anyone in the Poptropica community with thoughts to share. Interested in writing for the PHB? We’d love to hear from you!
Here comes the final batch of the 12 Days of Member Gifts! 💝 (In case you missed them, check out previous gifts here, here, and here.)
As seen on Poptropica’s Instagram, Day 9 kissed the inventories of members with the Mistletoe Hair and Plaid Scarf by Barefoot Skull, Day 10 drifted in with the Thrift Gift by Serious Star, Day 11 gave sight to a White Christmas by Pink Panda, and Day 12 fluttered in a Snowflake Princess by Neat Crown. Check out the original designs below! 🧣❄️
Mistletoe Hair and Plaid Scarf by Barefoot SkullThrift Gift by Serious StarWhite Christmas by Pink PandaSnowflake Princess by Neat Crown
To get these items, you’ll need to be a member at any point this December and check your inventory. If you aren’t one, try your luck in the PHB’s Free Membership Giveaways! Or, if your design from the Holly Jolly Holiday Design Contest was chosen, you’ll win your item regardless.
That’s a wrap for all 12 member gifts this month! Will the remaining days of the year bring more holiday cheer? That remains unclear…
I was first introduced to Poptropica in 2010, when playing it in elementary school computer labs made you one of the ‘cool kids’. Given that I was one of the ‘quiet kids’ at school, I opted to explore the game where I was most comfortable: with my family.
It started with watching my sister, then my brother, Fierce Flyer, adventure across the Poptropica islands, with me acting as a literal over-the-shoulder commentator. Together we worked through difficult puzzles and boss battles, or simply admired the creative stories and characters Poptropica introduced us to. It was only after seeing my siblings’ mounting medallion count that I decided to experience Poptropica hands-on for myself!
Sporty Boa illustrated by Fierce Flyer
2. Who do you think is the most underrated character? Overrated?
One of the many things I love about Poptropica is its plethora of unique characters. When I first started blogging about the game, this was one aspect I could not stop talking about! I often would give my personal ranking of characters, including those which I considered to be the most underrated. Atop my list was Dr. Spyglass from Spy Island. Not only is he an excellent eye doctor, but he’s also the genius inventor behind iconic spy gadgets such as the chameleon suit and grappling bowtie! Despite this scientist’s creations being the means in which you save the island, I feel he doesn’t get the credit he deserves. I mean, I get he’s all secretive and spy-like, but it would be nice to see him pop up from time to time.
Speaking of popping up from time to time, I would have to say the zombies from Zomberry Island may be Poptropica’s most overrated characters. I may need to get my eyes checked by Dr. Spyglass, but I feel like I keep seeing them show up everywhere! Given their ambiguous purpose, do they really deserve so much of the spotlight?
Dr. SpyglassZombies
3. What are your favorite scenes, aesthetically and to play through?
The first scene that comes to mind is the Jersey Devil jumpscare in Cryptids Island. This scene is just as fun to watch someone else play through as it is to play through yourself! The tense buildup is executed so well, from the unnerving bathroom stall directions, to the dark, creepy house in the middle of the woods, and of course we can’t forget the window peerin’, breath stealing, fate sealing Jersey Devil!
Aesthetically, I have a soft spot for the Nøkken scene in Twisted Thicket Island. On par with the Jersey Devil in terms of creepiness, the Nøkken’s luminescent red paw prints against the dark, verdant forest is just *chef’s kiss*. Absolutely terrifying, but *chef’s kiss*.
Jersey DevilBeware the Nøkken by Sporty Boa
4. From your perspective, how have you seen the Poptropica Help Blog (PHB) and community change over time?
From my perspective, the Poptropica community has had its ebbs and flows. Since joining back in 2017, I’ve always viewed the PHB as not just a blog, but as a cornerstone of the community. While being a reliable source of information and news, the PHB helps bring together Poptropica fans, me included, providing space for people to share valued ideas, theories and stories. Through thick and thin, I’ve learned to appreciate the space we’re granted, and the community we share.
During my time with the PHB, I’m always pleasantly surprised when it comes to our community engagement events such as the Tribal Tournament and the Poppies. It’s such an honor to be a part of these positive, unifying, and genuinely fun experiences in our community!
I can be easily inspired by the natural world, my family, a kind word, and works of art. Though, what inspires me the most is actually the potential to inspire others. Knowing that I can plant a seed within someone that may blossom into something beneficial and beautiful is a rewarding feeling worth striving for.
African folktale trickster, Anansi the spider of storiesBusch Borrower: Pirate of the ForestIllustrations by Sporty Boa
7. What does the Pop community mean to you?
It means so much, honestly. Poptropica is a special game that has a special community. Both hold an equally cherished place in my heart.
8. How have your experiences with the community and Poptropica influenced you IRL?
IRL, I’ve always been a relatively timid person. The Poptropica community was the first online community I had joined and truly felt a part of. It allowed me to open up, both online and in real life, allowing me to recognize that my unique personality wasn’t something to shy away from, but value.
Doctor Trio (Hare, Beev, Nyah) by Sporty Boa
9. Outside of Poptropica and your PHB involvement, what are you passionate about?
Outside of the Poptropica community, I am an avid wildlife enthusiast. Whether extant or extinct, the diversity of life on Earth never ceases to amaze me. Conservation, education, and respect towards the natural world are things I’m quite passionate about.
My Pet Goat: One of these cuddly hircines may have a date with danger.
Favorites
Island: It will always be Cryptids Island for me, but I’ll throw Shark Tooth Island and Reality TV in there solely off nostalgia and good vibes.
Backstory/Lore: Mordred/Binary Bard is such an interesting character with a fascinating backstory. It just adds to the awe and epicness of Astro-Knights Island!
Merlin and Mordred by Sporty Boa
Character: Dr. Beev, Ishmael, Harold Mews… Poptropica has so many notable characters! Some of my personal favorites are:
Shark Guy (Shark Tooth Island): Hilarious, relatable and educational all wrapped up in a shark-shaped package!
Ishmael (SOS): As a fellow whale-lover, I vibe with Ish! (Also, if whale call gadgets are an actual thing, I’d love one!)
Harold Mews (Cryptids): A kind-hearted millionaire with a passion for conservation, who would have thunk?
Director D (Spy Island): He’s got the drip, the wit, and the wig, what more could you ask for in a villain?
Gretchen Grimlock (Cryptids): What makes GG stand out to me in terms of villainous characters is that she’s not just presented as a rival to your Poptropican, but also an imminent and dangerous threat.
Black Widow & The Strange Man (Counterfeit): Poptropica really nailed it with these two! They had cool designs, wove into the story well, and their individual arcs of deceit and redemption were well executed.
Costume: An iconic symbol of do-goodership and courageous adventure, the Robin Hood costume has a special place in my heart… and my closet!
Director DGretchen GrimlockBlack WidowStrange ManRobin Hood
Thanks for having me! Be sure to catch this interview on the Pop Creators’ Blog too. This Boa’s gotta bounce!
🏝️ Poptropica Help Blog 🗺️ 