Game Freak is breaking the molds of tradition and offering Pokemon DLC for the first time. The post-launch support is being dubbed the Pokemon Expansion Pass, which is designed in two parts for each different version of the game: Isle of Armor (Sword), and The Crown Tundra (Shield). Each will cost $29.99 and have a release window of 2020. However, an update coming to Sword & Shield today will give players a sneak peek at the new areas.
The Expansion Pass content allows players to continue their progress from base versions of Sword & Shield. But players who haven’t completed Sword/Shield will still be able to jump in and enjoy the next content as soon as it’s available.
Both expansions will include a new area to explore, newly discoverable Pokémon, clothing items, handy features, and more. In addition, fans can receive special bonuses when purchasing the Expansion Pass: a Pikachu Uniform and an Eevee Uniform.
Players will be able to receive the Pikachu and Eevee Uniforms in Sword & Shield by using codes that they will receive after they purchase the Expansion Pass.
Game Director at Game Freak, Ohmori-san said of today’s announcement:
“The Galar region in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield was inspired by the United Kingdom. In the Expansion Pass, players will visit two brand new areas, the Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra. The Isle of Armor is a location inspired by the Isle of Man, an island situated just off the coast of the United Kingdom, and the Crown Tundra is a snowy landscape inspired by Scotland.”
A press release sent to Twinfinite details both regions:
The Isle of Armor
The Isle of Armor is a giant island full of environments not seen in Galar before. It features wave-swept beaches, forests, bogs, caves, and sand dunes, in which many new Pokemon can be found.
There’s also a dojo that specializes in some very particular training styles.
The Crown Tundra
The Crown Tundra is said to feature a beautiful shining, silvery landscape. In this frigid area, with its jagged winter mountains, people live in small communities where they support and rely on one another.
A certain person will appoint the player as the leader of their exploration team in the Crown Tundra, where Trainers will be tasked with investigating the reaches of this frozen land. Here, Trainers will be able to explore the full depth of Pokémon Dens, which they’ve so far only been able to glimpse in Max Raid Battles.
Update Incoming!
Thankfully, we won’t have to wait long to at least sample the new expansion pass content. An update to be distributed today will see to that.
We’re told that once you have the update, head to Wedgehurst Station to meet a Trainer who will appear in the Expansion Pass content. In Pokémon Sword, Trainers will encounter Klara, while in Pokémon Shield, they’ll run into Avery.
Players can also add a Galarian Slowpoke to their team. It doesn’t matter whether players have purchased the Expansion Pass or not—anyone who’s playing Pokemon Sword or Pokemon Shield will be able to experience the beginning of the Expansion Pass’s story.
You can check out the trailer below.
In other Pokemon Direct news, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Rescue Team DX was revealed, a remake of the 2006 original.
