Pokémon: Sword & Shield is the first original entry of the Pokémon franchise on the Nintendo Switch. Yes, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! released first but they are remakes of a previous entry, whereas Sword & Shield is a wholly new title. Sword & Shield introduced new regions and new Pokémon, with a couple of legendary Pokemon. However, the game excluded many of the previous generations of Pokémon.
A few months later, an expansion pack was announced and includes new and returning Pokémon. The Isle of Armor, the first DLC, released on June 17, 2020, and gave trainers a whole new island to discover. While Pokemon games are straightforward, developer Game Freak always includes hidden details. Here are some hidden details trainers may have missed:
10 Players Can Take A Flying Taxi
With a software update released on January 9, 2020, trainers were told about the upcoming DLC. A Galarian Slowpoke located at Wedgehurst station is able to be caught by trainers as a tease. The Isles of Armor was soon announced as the first DLC, followed by the Crown Tundra later in 2020.
Judging by the location of the reveal, trainers assumed the Isle of Armor can be reached via train. However, the DLC shows that trainers first take a train to another station before they are transported to the Isle of Armor by Corviknight taxi, emphasizing that there is no direct connection from Galar.
9 There's A Separate Pokedex
Upon landing on the Isle of Armor, trainers are given a supplement to their Pokedex. The additional Isle of Armor Pokedex is to account for the several new and returning Pokemon specific to the island. This is a welcomed addition as Pokemon Sword & Shield was criticized for the lack of returning Pokémon from previous games.
The Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra are set to introduce more than 200 Pokémon that are not present in Sword & Shield. As with every new generation of Pokémon, it can be difficult to include every Pokémon in one game. Thankfully, trainers can catch most of their favorites from previous generations with the DLC.
8 Players Can Leave Pokémon: Sword & Shield Incomplete Before Going To The Isle Of Armor
Sword & Shield follows the traditional format of a trainer from the suburbs becoming a champion while facing off against their rival. The classic story allows trainers to earn gym badges and collect Pokemon. There is nothing wrong with the structure, but trainers can become tired of the same thing after several iterations.
Trainers who do not want to complete the Sword & Shield story (though it is recommended) can choose to skip the entire process and travel to the Isle of Armor. This is especially appealing for trainers to literally just want to catch them all.
7 The Isle Of Armor Will Feature Level-Scaling
Not all trainers are the same. Some simply focus on the story and stop playing the game once finished, while others need to complete every aspect of the game before they can put it away. The Isle of Armor caters to every trainer, whether a beginner or an expert.
The DLC features level-scaling, which basically means the Pokémon's levels are determined on the levels of the trainer's Pokémon. Level-scaling is most beneficial to trainers who simply want to improve their Pokedex but did not have the time to maximize their current Pokémon. However, level-scaling makes no difference for trainers with Level 100 Pokémon, as the limit for wild and battling Pokémon is Level 60 with some encounters reaching Level 80.
6 The Wild Area Is Free Game For Trainers
Sword & Shield introduced the concept of the Wild Area. The open-world style area has one objective: catch them all. There is a variety of Pokemon in the Wild Area, just waiting to be caught by trainers. The selection of Pokémon is dependent on the weather and changes frequently.
Trainers who enjoy the open-world concept must love the fact that the Isle of Armor is simply one big Wild Area. Pokémon roaming freely on the island. Unlike Galar, there are no towns or cities.
5 The Bikes Will Get An Upgrade
Bikes are a staple of Pokémon games. Sure, trainers have the option to take a flying taxi between areas, but the bike allows trainers to explore routes are a quicker pace compared to walking. There are times when trainers want to catch a specific Pokemon but an annoying Pokemon just keeps respawning to keep trainers away. The bike is the perfect solution.
The bike gets an upgrade in the Isle of Armor. Trainers can customize their bikes with two options: Glistening White or Glistening Black. The bike will change into the chosen color and vomits out colorful trail behind the bicycle.
4 Leon Is Mustard's Former Student
At the beginning of Sword & Shield, trainers are introduced to Leon, the Champion of the Galar region. Leon is also the older brother of Hop, the trainer's rival throughout the game. Leon guides trainers until they are strong enough to battle him.
Before entering the Master Dojo in the Isle of Armor, trainers are made aware that Leon is a former student of Mustard, the sensei of the Master Dojo. This information gives trainers more insight into how Leon became Galar region's Champion.
3 Cram-o-matic Finally Makes Cramorant (Somewhat) Useful
Cramorant is not a popular nor powerful Pokémon . Most trainers catch the bird to improve their Pokedex and forget about the poor guy afterwards. The developers at Game Freak might have noticed this trend and decided to gave Cramorant a larger role in the Isles of Armor. Well, sort of.
The Isle of Armor introduces the Cram-o-matic, a recycling machine built in the form of the bird. Trainers feed the machine four unwanted items and the Cram-o-matic will combine them into one item. Specific combinations will produce a rare item.
2 Max Soup Can Be Achieved
A popular feature on Sword & Shield is the ability to set up camp almost anywhere and cook curry with a variety of ingredients. No two curries are the same and the best kinds produce either a Copperajah (silver) rank or a Charizard (gold) rank. Both ranks restore the HP, PP, and resets the conditions of Pokémon. Curries also help increase a Pokemon's experience points and overall friendliness towards the trainer.
The Isle of Armor introduces Max Soup to trainers. Max Mushrooms are needed to create Max Soup. Feeding Pokémon Max Soup gives Pokemon the ability to Gigantamax. However, only Pokémon with "great hidden potential" can gain the ability by using this method; the starter Pokémon of Sword & Shield are a few.
1 Mustard's Three Trials
Upon the initial entry into the Master Dojo, trainers are introduced to Mustard, the master or sensei of the dojo. Trainers must first battle Mustard before they become a student of the dojo. Mustard then gives his students three trials, while he chills in his living room, playing on a Nintendo Switch.
Trainers must complete the three trials if they want to receive Kubfu and gain the ability to have a Pokémon them around. If that sounds familiar, it is because it is. Pokémon: Sun & Moon had similar trials, though the Mustard's trials are a watered-down version, where trainers had to complete them for various rewards.
Sources: IGN, CNN
