This morning’s Pokémon Direct mainly focused on both the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass and the Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass. The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra are both individual content packs that will release in summer 2020 and autumn 2020 respectively. The expansion packs will bring over 200 Pokemon (included new and returning critters), new story content, new cosmetics for trainers, and all-new wild areas to explore. Here are all the details about the upcoming Pokémon Sword and Shield DLC.
Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass Release
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield will each have their own Expansion Pass, each available for preorder in the Nintendo eShop for $29.99. If you plan on preordering the Expansion Pass for either game, make sure you get the one that matches your version of the game. If you have Shield and accidentally preorder the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass, you won’t be able to use it.
The Expansion Pass content will be rolled out in two waves, beginning with The Isle of Armor. This expansion pack will focus on an island area in Galar called the Isle of Armor, including its own Wild Area and story content. Similarly, The Crown Tundra expansion pack will be set in a snowy, frozen land with its own story content and unique Wild Area. The Crown Tundra will give trainers the chance to catch Calyrex, a new legendary Pokémon.
Over 200 Pokémon, both old and new, will be coming to Pokémon Sword and Shield through the Expansion Pass. The additional Pokémon will be available to those who don’t own the DLC through trading only, after a free update is released later this year.
In addition to new and old Pokémon, the Expansion Pass will bring several new Gigantimax forms with it. Among the Pokémon getting chonky forms are all three final evolutions for the Galarian starters, Venasaur, and Blastoise. Old legendary Pokémon are also coming to Sword and Shield with the update.
You can check out a trailer with early footage for the Expansion Pass below. What do you think about the Expansion Pass announcement? Will you be preordering the DLC or do you feel like Game Freak is just finding new ways to get money out of fans? Sound off in the comments and stay tuned for more Pokémon coverage!
