Pokémon Sword & Shield are some of the most successful Pokémon games ever released, despite the National Dex controversy that surrounded their launch. At the end of 2019, Game Freak had already sold 16.6 million copies, making it one of the best-selling Switch games so far. It makes sense that Game Freak wants to release Pokémon Sword & Shield DLC to introduce new content, which is a first for the series. This decision has met with a mixed response from fans, who are eager for more details, but concerned at what this means for the future of the franchise. Have you got your poké-ckt money ready?
11 Already Know: Old Pokémon
This DLC promises to reintroduce over 200 ‘old’ Pokémon, but there’s not a complete list on who made it to Galar yet.
The recent Pokémon Direct confirmed a few fan-favorites though. From Generation 1, players will be able to catch Slowpoke, Slowbro, Magnemite, Magneton, Chansey, Horsea and Seadra. Venusaur and Blastoise will be getting Gigantamax forms to go alongside Charizard. Johto fans will see the return of Marill, Azumaril, Kingdra and Blissey, whilst Generation 3 fans only know of the return of one Hoenn Pokémon - Azurill.
Sinnoh trainers will be able to find Happiny and Magnezone, whilst Generation 5 trainers will be reunited with Zoroa, Zoroark, Larvesta and Volcarona. Generation 6 fans can find Fletchling, Fletchinder, Talonflame and Dedenne and Generation 7 trainers can catch Rockruff and Lycanroc.
Nintendo has stated on Twitter that each version of the Expansion Pass will feature version-exclusive Pokémon and characters, but also assured players that you will be able to trade between versions as normal.
10 Worried About: Which Pokémon Won’t Make The Cut?
Some Trainers will be reunited with their childhood friends. But there will undoubtedly be some Trainers left waiting at the Galar gates for their beloved Pokémon. Following the #BringBackTheNationalDex campaign, some players might feel that their feelings have been ignored in favor of profit and ‘cutting corners.’
9 Already Know: New Pokémon & Galarian Forms
There will also be all-new additions to the Pokedex. One of these Pokémon took the internet by storm - a fighting type named Kubfu. This bear-like Pokémon will appear in the Isle of Armor and is said to help travelers on their journeys. Once Kubfu has “undergone sufficient training” it will evolve into Urshifu, which has two forms. Urshifu’s Single Strike form will be a Fighting/Dark Pokémon which focuses on an offensive strategy, whilst its Rapid Strike form is a Fighting/Water type whom “measures their strength while dodging attacks.”
Regional forms have proven to be a popular Galar feature, and the DLC won’t disappoint. Familiar Pokémon, like the Legendary birds of Kanto, will be getting Galarian forms, which will switch up the original typings and lead to a lot of new strategies.
The fully evolved forms of the three starters - Grookey, Sobble and Scorbunny - will get Gigantamax versions.
The Crown Tundra is where trainers will meet Calyrex, a brand new psychic/grass Legendary that is said to have ruled all of Galar in ancient times. The Crown Tundra will also give players the chance to explore ruins and bring back the Regis, adding two new types that are rumored to be Dragon and Electric.
8 Worried About: Legendaries Dominating Online Play
One thing the Direct revealed is that Legendary Pokémon were back. Almost every Legendary and Mythical creature could be spotted during the trailer, including the infamous Landerous.
This got the online competitive scene wondering what measures would be brought in to balance online play, seeing as Dynamaxing had already tilted the odds in the past.
7 Already Know: Environment
The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra are brand new areas of Galar with vastly different environments that are sure to test the limits of what the Nintendo Switch can do.
The Isle of Armor features bogs, caves, and sand dunes, filled with brand new Pokémon for Trainers to discover. The Crown Tundra is a vast snowy mountainscape which is sure to test even the strongest of Trainers. It’s rumored that The Crown Tundra also has a tree that is connected to a brand new legendary Pokémon, only found in the expansion.
Both expansions will be open-world areas, similar to the Wild Area in the base game. It is unknown at this point whether the DLC will include any updates to help the area run better whilst docked.
6 Worried About: Postgame Facilities
Part of Pokémon’s appeal is the fact there’s always been plenty to keep players engaged after you finish the story part, whether that be the Battle Frontier, the Sevii Isles, the World Tournament, or the Delta Episode.
An Expansion Pass is a new step for Game Freak and some fans are wondering if the new facilities and story the Expansion Pass offers will measure up to the postgames of past.
5 Already Know: Themes
Little is known about the story of the DLC, but the themes are clear. The Isle of Armor, a tropical island, will deal with themes of "growth," whilst The Crown Tundra, a snowy, icy mountainscape, will be more about “exploration” and “mystery.”
Players will travel to the Isle of Armour to ask for the help of Mustard, a legendary Trainer. On the way, you’ll meet your rival. Sword trainers will encounter the Poison-type Trainer Klara, whilst Shield trainers will meet Avery, the Psychic-type trainer.
Players don’t need to have beaten the main story to access the DLC. You just need to have reached the Wild Area. However, each expansion will have additional end-game content, so it’s worth revisiting after you finish.
4 Worried About: The Future Of Pokémon
Game Freak has never released an Expansion Pass for Pokémon before. Usually, they release a third game that fixes bugs, expands the Dex, and changes the story. A lot of gamers just buy this updated game. But with the Expansion Pass, you’ll need the full-priced base game for it to work. Some players are wondering whether this sets a new precedent for the future of Pokémon. Will they have to buy an Expansion Pass to get the true Pokémon experience?
Much like a lot of things Game Freak does, the news of a “pass” rather than another game was met with controversy. Some players love the fact that an Expansion Pass is cheaper than buying another game. They like the new content, rather than having to play through the base game again.
Other fans are concerned that Game Freak are “cashing in” on the National Dex controversy and encouraging players to “buy” half the Pokedex back.
3 Already Know: Customization
A popular addition to Sword and Shield is the varied customization offered to Trainers. The Pokémon Sword & Shield DLC offers the fashion guru in you more options than ever before. Players will find exclusive bags, clothes, and accessories to adorn their character with. You’ll be able to zip up to a Max Raid Battle in style with the new Rotom bike options. There will also be additional hair colors and hairstyles (maybe ginger players will finally get the representation they deserve.)
2 Worried About: DLC Delays
The Sword & Shield website claims the DLC is, “Scheduled for release by the end of June 2020.” This is steadily creeping up on Game Freak. No date has been announced yet. This has led to some players wondering if, given the current COVID-19 crisis, it might be delayed.
1 Already Know: How Much Will It Cost?
Players can purchase the Pokémon Sword and Shield DLC as a bundle for $29.99/£26.99. Pre-purchasing the pass before it's released by the end of June 2020 gives you a bonus. You can pick up a stylish Pikachu and Eevee uniform to let everyone know you're a fan.
You’ll need to make sure you get the right Expansion Pass for the version of the game you own. If you own both versions, you’ll need to buy both Expansion Passes.