The eighth generation of Pokémon Games, Sword and Shield, are both getting DLCs this year. Game Freak has announced that two DLC expansions are coming, which points to the company breaking its tradition of releasing an updated version of the game a year or two after the original's launch.
During the latest Pokémon Direct, game developer Game Freak announced two new expansions are coming to both Sword and Shield this year. Both expansions are only available together in each specific game's Expansion Pass. Currently, there is no option to purchase each DLC separately. Additionally, each Expansion Pass is only compatible with the specific game it is purchased for. Those who bought the Expansion Pass for Shield will not be able to use it for Sword.
The first expansion, Isle of Armor, is set to launch as early as June. The second expansion, The Crown Tundra, will be available in the fall (no exact day or month has been announced).
These DLC packs will see the return of many favorite Pokémon, as well as adding new ones to the current roster. By the release of the second DLC, over 200 Pokémon will be added to the Galar Pokedex. While these Pokémon are presumably captured in the new DLC regions, they are not limited to the owners of the DLCs. Those who have not purchased the DLCs can receive these new Pokémon too by either trading with players who own the DLC or by transferring them from their previous Pokémon games through the Pokémon Home service.
Isle of Armor
The First DLC, Isle of Armor, takes place on the aforementioned island, located off the coast of Hulbery. Game Freak stated that the theme of the DLC is "growth." The DLC will feature the return of over a hundred Pokémon, with the following confirmed to appear in the Isle of Armor:
- Psyduck
- Golduck
- Magnemite
- Magneton
- Magnezone
- Happiny
- Chansey
- Blissey
- Hosea
- Seadra
- Kingdra
- Azurill
- Marill
- Azumarill
- Zorua
- Zoroark
- Larvesta
- Volcarona
- Fletchling
- Fletchinder
- Talonflame
- Dedenne
- Rockruff
- Lycanroc
The expansion will also introduce all-new Gigantamax forms. Fan-favorite Generation 1 starter evolution Charizard already had a Gigantamax form, but fellow starter evolutions Blastoise and Venasaur are also slated to receive their own Gigantamax forms. Generation 8 start evolutions Rilaboom, Cinderace, and Inteleon, are also receiving Gigantamax forms.
Two new legendary Pokémon, Kubfu and Urshifu, will also make their debut in the expansion pack. Both of them are also capable of going to Gigantamax.
New features will also be added. Pokeball crafting makes a comeback, as players will once again be able to craft Apricorns into specialized Pokeballs. The all-new Exp. Charm will increase the benched Pokémon's experience in the player's party. New move tutors will be available as well, and all-new player customization options have also been added (such as training clothes, fashion items, and further Rotom Bike customization).
Players will also be able to evolve their Galarian Slowpoke (which can be captured now) into the Galarian Slowbro with the expansion pass' release. There is also a new mode called Restricted Sparing, which will limit the type of Pokémon players can use in a match.
READ: How To Get Each Fossil Pokemon In Sword And Shield
The Crown Tundra
The Crown Tundra is the second DLC, which is located south of Postwick. The second DLC's theme is "exploration". The expansion will also add in over a hundred new Pokémon, with a handful of them being legendary Pokémon.
The following Non-Legendary Pokémon will be added to the game through The Crown Tundra:
- Nidoran (M)
- Nidorino
- Nidoking
- Nidoran (F)
- Nidorina
- Nidoqueen
- Zubat
- Golbat
- Crobat
- Elekid
- Electabuzz
- Electivire
- Spheal
- Sealeo
- Walrein
- Beldum
- Metang
- Metagross
- Gible
- Gabite
- Garchomp
- Cryogonal
- Amaura
- Aurorus
While the following Legendary Pokémon will also appear:
- Mewtwo
- Entei
- Raikou
- Suicune
- Ho-Oh
- Lugia
- Regirock
- Regice
- Registeel
- Latios
- Latias
- Groudon
- Kyogre
- Rayquaza
- Azelf
- Mesprit
- Uxie
- Heatran
- Cresselia
- Dialga
- Palkia
- Giratina
- Tornadus
- Thundurus
- Landorus
- Reshiram
- Zekrom
- Kyurem
- Xerneas
- Yveltal
- Zygarde
- Tapu Koko
- Tapu Lele
- Tapu Bulu
- Tapu Fini
- Solgaleo
- Lunala
- Necrozma
The expansion pass also adds a new Legendary Pokémon, Calyrex, and five other new Legendary Pokémon. Two of them closely resemble the Legendary Pokémon Titans (the Regi- line), and three of them resemble the Generation One legendary bird Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres.
The game also adds a new co-op play mode allowing players to team up with each other to go search for Legendary Pokémon. New customization options will also be added to the expansion's launch.
And for those with a Galarian Slowpoke, they can evolve it into a Galarian Slowking using an item found in the Crown Tundra.
The Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass is currently available for prepurchase.
