Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass: Everything you need to know - iMore

Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass: Everything you need to know - iMore


Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass: Everything you need to know - iMore

Posted: 17 Jun 2020 12:00 AM PDT

Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion PassSource: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon Sword and Shield are the best-selling Pokémon RPGs of all time. Given this duo's phenomenal success, it's not too surprising that Game Freak has created DLC to expand every player's enjoyment of the games even further. Players who purchase the Expansion Pass can explore new locations and come across new Pokémon that weren't in Gen 8's main story. Here's everything you need to know about Pokémon Sword and Shield's Expansion Pass.

Steel spirit

Pokémon Sword

A whole new region to explore

Travel around the Galar region competing against rivals, battling gym leaders, and encountering a smattering of new and old Pokémon. There are plenty of new game elements to explore.

Iron defense

Pokémon Shield

Discover new Pokémon in Galar

As you travel around the UK-inspired Galar region, you'll come across new and familiar Pokémon. See if you have what it takes to become the Champion and capture the new legendary Pokémon.

How much does it cost?

Players will need to pay $30 to access this Expansion Pass. Just make sure you buy the right Expansion Pass for your version of the game. For example someone with Sword needs to purchase the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass, while a person with Shield needs to buy the Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass.

What's in the DLC?

The Expansion Pass gives you two new locations to explore: The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra. Between these two new locations, you'll find 200 more Pokémon, new legendaries, new rivals, and more challenges to overcome. These locations are similar to the Galar region's Wild Area in that they offer seamless maps where you can control the camera, see other trainers, and discover new Pokémon dens with other players from around the world.

As before, all online elements are only accessible via a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

Can I have a Pokémon follow me in the overworld?

Pokemon Sword Shield Overworld Pokemon

Source: iMore

Yes! This is one of the most exciting things that wasn't revealed before the Expansion Pass released. After completing Mustard's trials on the Isle of Armor, players can have the first Pokémon in their party follow them around in the overworld. This is definitely something we wanted to see in the base Gen 8 game, so we're happy to see it finally is possible in the DLC.

Are Pokémon in the Expansion Pass?

Kubfu Pokemon Sword and Shield

Source: The Pokémon Company

Yes, after completing Mustard's trials at the beginning of The Isle of Armor, players will receive a new Fighting-type Pokémon called Kubfu. There are also new legendary Pokémon to discover. In addition to that, players can encounter familiar Pokémon that weren't previously in the Galar region's main storyline, such as Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Galarian Slowpoke, and many more. As with all Pokémon games, the Pokémon you encounter in the Expansion Pass will differ depending on whether you're playing Sword or Shield.

For more information, here's a list of all the Pokémon that will be in the expansion.

Pokemon Isle Of Armor

Pokemon Isle Of ArmorSource: The Pokémon Company

Two new Regi Pokémon are added including Regidrago, a Dragon-type and Regieleki, an Electric type.

Are Gigantamax Pokémon in the DLC?

Many of the Pokémon you encounter in the Expansion Pass will have Gigantamax forms for you to discover. In fact, your starter Pokémon gains the ability to Gigantamax once they've partaken of a special dish, called Max Soup, that grants them that ability.

There will also be plenty of new Pokémon dens for you to discover, so you'll be able to join in Max Raid Battles to fight and capture Gigantamax Pokémon.

What happens in The Isle of Armor?

Expansion Pass Pokemon Sword and Shield

Source: The Pokémon Company

The Isle of Armor is a place of growth. It's a gorgeous location filled with beaches, caves, and forests. Here players will meet former Champion Leon's mentor, Mustard, and become his apprentice. You'll train to beat other trainers in the island's dojo and will even meet a new rival to compete against.

What happens in The Crown Tundra?

Expansion Pass Pokemon Sword and Shield

Source: The Pokémon Company

This section of the expansion focuses on exploration. This is a frozen land filled with mountains, ice, and snow. You're appointed as the leader of an exploration team to journey through The Crown Tundra. Players will find a new kind of underground Pokémon dens where players can participate in co-op battles to take down and capture legendary Pokémon from past games. What's more, new legendary Pokémon can be found in The Crown Tundra.

Who are the new rivals?

Pokemon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass rivals

Source: The Pokémon Company

Within The Isle of Armor, the rival you encounter will be different depending on if you're playing Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield. In Sword, your rival will be Klara, a Poison-type trainer, whereas Shield players will have Avery, a Psychic-type trainer as their rival.

Will there be new character customization options?

Pokemon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass

Source: The Pokémon Company

Yes, players will find more bags, clothes, and accessories for their trainers to wear. There will also be additional hair colors, hairstyles, and Rotom bike options.

When does the DLC release?

Pokemon Isle Of Armor

Source: The Pokémon Company

The Expansion Pass releases in two parts. The first part is known as The Isle of Armor and released on June 17, 2020, while the second part is dubbed as The Crown Tundra and releases sometime in Fall 2020. You can purchase the DLC from Best Buy for $30.

Make sure you purchase the right version of the Expansion Pass. For instance, if you purchase Pokémon Sword, purchase the Pokémon Sword Expanion Pass. If you purchase Pokémon Shield, purchase the Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass.

Steel spirit

Pokémon Sword

A whole new region to explore

Travel around the Galar region competing against rivals, battling gym leaders, and encountering a smattering of new and old Pokémon. There are plenty of new game elements to explore.

Iron defense

Pokémon Shield

Discover new Pokémon in Galar

As you travel around the UK-inspired Galar region, you'll come across new and familiar Pokémon. See if you have what it takes to become the Champion and capture the new legendary Pokémon.

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Nintendo Switch

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