adminPokemon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass
The expansion announcements for Pokémon Sword and Shield have been announced that the DLC content from the latest entry for Game Freak in the main Pokémon series will also bring new features to the game.
Below, we’ve collected all of the information regarding new features coming in expansion passes, as well as general information.
On this page:
What are the new areas of the Pokémon Sword and Shield Extension Pass? Are there any brand new Pokémon coming with the Extensions? Are there any Pokémon or characters exclusive to the version in the Extensions? How much do Pokémon sword and shield extension passes cost? What new features are included in the Pokémon sword and shield extension passes? Are there returning Pokémon from previous generations? Do I have to buy the extension pass to access Max raid battles in new areas? Do I have to buy the Expansion Pass to access the 200+ Pokemon back from past generations? Will there be an ‘Ultra’ version of Pokémon Sword and Shield?
What are the new areas of the Pokémon Sword and Shield Extension Pass?
Here is Nintendo’s official text for each of the two new areas found in the Galar region. First, the Isle of Armor:
In the Armor Island expansion, you will head to Armor Island, the stage of your new adventure in the Galar region. Armor Island is a giant island full of environments never seen in Galar before – you will find wave-swept beaches, forests, bogs, caves, and sand dunes! There are also lots of Pokémon who make this island their home, live freely in the middle of a lush natural environment., There is even a dojo here specializing in some very special training styles! You and your Pokémon will learn under the guidance of this dojo and train hard to become even stronger.
And second, The Crown Tundra:
The Crown Tundra expansion takes place in the snowy kingdom of The Crown Tundra. See for yourself the magnificent landscape of this brilliant and silvery landscape! In this icy region, with its jagged winter mountains, people live in small communities where they support and depend on each other., Someone will appoint you as the leader of their Crown Tundra exploration team. You will then be responsible for investigating the expanses of this frozen land. And do you remember the Pokémon Dens that you could only see during Max Raid battles? Well, now you can explore their depths!
Are there any brand new Pokemon coming with the expansions?
Why yes there are. First, meet Kubfu and its two possible forms of its Urshifu evolution:
Kubfu
Category: Wushu Pokémon
Type: Fighting
Height: 2 ‘
Weight: 26.5 lbs
Capacity: inner concentration
Kubfu will appear on Armor Island. This Pokémon is hardworking and tries to train its body and mind. He uses each defeat as motivation, training even more vigorously after a loss in order to get stronger. He has an organ that produces “combat energy” in his lower abdomen, and before entering into battle, Kubfu will increase this energy through unique breathing techniques and intense concentration. The wild Kubfu lives in mountainous areas far from the region of Galar, but it was formerly a species which had taken up residence in Galar. It is noted in historical texts that this species was heading towards unexplored lands with people who began to trade or explore.
Urshifu
(One-touch style)
Category: Wushu Pokémon
Type: Fight / Dark
Height: 6’3 ”
Weight: 231.5 lbs
Capacity: Invisible Fist(Fast typing style)
Category: Wushu Pokémon
Type: Fighting / Water
Height: 6’3 ”
Weight: 231.5 lbs
Capacity: Invisible fist
Kubfu will evolve into Urshifu after having followed sufficient training. It looks like Urshifu has two shapes – a single hit style and a quick hit style – and it looks like each shape also has different types. Urshifu in the form of a unique striking style promotes combat without holding anything back. When enraged, they will mercilessly attack an opponent until they are completely defeated. A single strike movement Urshifu’s movements are often direct and involve rushing in a straight line. He will keep his distance from his opponents at first to get closer instantly to deliver a powerful blow. Urshifu in the form of a rapid Strike Style maintains a calm demeanor, observing their opponents and measuring their strength while dodging attacks.
Also greet Calyrex:
Calyrex
Category: Pokémon King
Type: Psychic / Grass
Height: 3’7 ”
Weight: 17 lbs
Capacity: Unnerve
Trainers will meet Calyrex in The Crown Tundra. This Pokémon ruled all of Galar in ancient times. Although it seems delicate and light, each of its movements is filled with grace and dignity. He also has extremely high intelligence and is supposed to see every event past, present and future.
In addition to this, Gigantamax versions of the three fully evolved starters of Pokémon Sword and Shield (Rillaboom, Cinderace, and Inteleon) will be featured, as well as regional forms of familiar Pokémon such as Galarian Slowpoke that you can catch right now as you head to Wedgehurst Station after downloading the January 9, 2020 update.
Are there Pokémon or characters exclusive to the versions in the expansions?
There is no word on Pokémon exclusive to the version yet, although the rival trainer you will face will depend on the version of the game you have. Pokémon Sword players will face Klara, a poison-type specialist who trains at the Pokémon Master Mustard dojo. Pokémon Shield players will also run into Avery, a Psychic-type user under the tutelage of Mustard.
When will the Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Passes launch?
Part 1 of the Pokémon sword and shield extension pass – Armor Island – is expected to be released by the end of June 2020. Part 2 – Crown Tundra – is scheduled for fall of 2020.
How much do Pokémon sword and shield extension passes cost?
The two parts of the Expansion Pass are purchased together for £ 26.99 / $ 29.99 and are in pre-purchase now. You will need to purchase the correct pass based on the copy of the game you own.
Pre-purchasing before the Pass arrives will give you an early purchase bonus of a Pikachu uniform and an Eevee uniform (see below) that you can equip right away.
What new features are included in the Pokémon sword and shield extension passes?
Each expansion will bring different new Pokémon, areas, features, items, and moves that weren’t previously available in Pokémon Sword and Shield. The information below comes from the official Pokémon Sword and Shield website:
Additional Features
Armor Island
The Crown of the TundraNew areas
Yes
YesKubfu and Urshifu
YesCalyrex
Yes
Gigantamax forms for Rillaboom, Cinderace and Inteleon
YesNew regional forms
Yes
YesPokémon that did not appear in the Pokémon sword or the Pokémon shield
Yes
YesNew Pokédex
Yes
YesNew clothes
Yes
YesNew Pokémon added to Max Raid battles
Yes
YesNew items
YesNew tutor movements
YesRestricted sparring combat function
YesNew cooperative play mode
Yes
Here is a brief overview of the features:
The new extensions will include more than 100 new garments between them.
In Armor Island, you can find an Exp. Charm used to enhance Pokémon.
New guardian moves will appear in The Isle of Armor expansion.
Restricted sparring will allow battle trainers with Pokémon type limitations and will define battle conditions.
Explorable Dens Pokémon in The Crown Tundra will house legendary Pokémon from previous Pokémon games.
Players’ Galar Pokédex will be updated to reflect the new additions – Armor Island and Crown Tundra will also have their own Pokédex.
Armor Island and Crown Tundra will have Dens Pokémon as they did in the main game Wilderness, although they will contain Pokémon that you won’t find in the Wilderness. Max Raid Battles will be available in those emitting a burst of red light allowing a team of up to three players to fight a Pokémon Dynamax.
Are there returning Pokémon from previous generations?
Yes! Pokémon Direct has confirmed that more than 200 “old” pocket monsters will return to the two new regions. There is not yet a complete list of turners, although you may have seen a few in the Pokémon Direct overview. We will keep an eye out for updates and add them here when they are announced.
Do I have to buy the Expansion Pass to access Max Raid battles in new areas?
No. Friends who do not have the Pass Expansion will still be able to participate in these battles.
Do I have to buy the Expansion Pass to access the 200+ Pokemon back from past generations?
No. Following a free update that will be launched at the same time as the expansion passes, the Vanilla Pokémon sword or shield game will be able to exchange these Pokémon with players who have purchased the extension. Therefore, it will be quite possible to get your hands on this new Pokémon via trading.
Players without the extension will also be able to bring Pokémon from previous games using Pokémon Home, the new service launched in February 2020 (as long as these Pokémon are included in Pokémon Sword and Shield or its extensions).
Will there be an ‘Ultra’ version of Pokémon Sword and Shield?
From the way the designers discussed expansion passes in the announcement, these extensions will replace the more traditional updated versions that we have seen in previous generations.
We will update this guide with more information as we get it.