Expansion Pass For Pokémon Sword & Shield Takes Place For Third Game

This most recent installment in the mainline Pokémon series with the doe of Sword and Shield have really shaken up the formula of the entire franchise since its arrival in November last year. While fans regardless have went to play the ongoing adventures in the Galar Region, many still have plenty of criticisms towards the changes issued to the new games.

And while many would hope these problems that are in the current versions would be dealt with coming the third title for this generation of Pokémon, it looks that might be not apart of the schedule thanks to the latest announcement. Nintendo alongside Game Freak has announced that both Pokémon Sword & Pokémon Shield will be receiving an expansion pass for the first time in the series’ history.

Sharing that new experiences will be brought to the current Galar Region along with introducing more Pokémon to the formula that were not initially included with the base game. Divided into two parts, the expansion pass will offer The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra add-ons.

Cited from the announcement, Nintendo reveals part one The Isle of Armor to transport the player to a diverse landscape of biomes unseen from the Galar Region with beaches, bogs, caves, forests, and sand dunes to paint this new area. Of course, a slew of new Pokémon will also be included to really leave an impression on this new location as well as new cosmetic items for your trainer and new “handy features” that changes the waves of the current formula.

Breaking into the second part with The Crown Tundra again will offer a new location, but this time instead brings the player to a backdrop of snow blanketing the area. Upon discovering this iced over setting, you will be greeted with their new role as the leader of the exploration team scouring the titular location. This new experience will allow players to full explore the Pokémon Dens that were originally only witnessed from Max Raid Battles. Of course, more Pokémon will be introduced alike being appointed more clothing items. Also, Nintendo highlights that a new “co-op play feature” will be introduced from this add-on too.

While the Expansion Pass does not truly arrive until this summer, Nintendo treated their fans with just a taste of what is to come for current owners of Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield. When receiving the software update that went live earlier today, players can then go to Wedgehurst Station and will meet either Klara or Avery based on your respected title and will be rewarded with a Galarian Slowpoke. Players can also expect a Mystery Gift which is comprised of either an Eevee or Pikachu outfit for their trainer.

Nintendo disclosing how many Pokémon exactly will be included between both The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra is said to be roughly 200 new Pokémon. Especially seeing the outcry from its user base, this should compensate for the ones missing at launch. Even more, this taking the role for the third installment also gives Game Frwak to overview their current layout for Sword & Shield so the studio can avoid more obstacles that they faced with this launch.

Do you plan on picking up the Expansion Pass for Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield?

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield is out now for Nintendo Switch; The Isle of Armor is set to arrive in June 2020 and The Crown Tundra is slated for Fall 2020.