Pokémon Sword and Shield are Getting Two Big Expansions

Rather than releasing one or two new games, which is what would normally happen in the series, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield will be getting two big expansions.  The Isle of Armor will release by the end of June and The Crown Tundra will release by the end of this autumn, and both will be playable at any point in either of the two main games.

To access each of the expansions, you will need to purchase the Expansion Pass for £27/$30, which includes both at a value of £13.50/$15, which appears to be a quite a good deal to me.  However, it is worth noting that you’ll need an Expansion Pass each for Sword and Shield, so it can then get pricey if you double-up.

The Isle of Armor is a new area of the Galar region, located on a large island, full of beaches, sand dunes, forests, caves, bogs and more.  While The Crown Tundra is a “snow-swept” realm with a frozen and “silvery” landscape.  Each new area will also have their own unique Pokémon, Gyms, Trainers to battle, as well as new Max Raid battles and more.  Additionally, your character and all your data from the main games will carry on over to the new expansions.

Of course, each of the two expansions will have their own Legendaries to acquire and train, The Isle of Armor will have Kubfu, a fighting-type, who can be evolved into Urshiifu and The Crown Tundra will have Calyrex, which is a psychic/grass-type, both of which can Gigantamax.  New to The Crown Tundra is a co-op mode called Dens, which are located underground and in these Dens, will be Legendary Pokémon from previous games that you’ll be able to encounter and some may even appear in different forms.  In total, there will be around 200 Pokémon (new and existing), and you’ll be able to trade these Pokémon with other players, regardless of whether or not they own the Expansion Pass, which is a nice touch.

Gigantamaxing was a new battle mechanic introduced into Sword and Shield, which essentially super-sized Pokémon during battles and you’d battle against them, while teaming-up with other players in the hope of catching the super-sized Pokémon.  In both expansions, you’ll be able to Gigantamax Sword and Shield’s starter Pokémon, Grookey, Scorbunny and Sobble, as well as Venusaur and Blastoise.

A new form of Galarian Slowpoke will be added also, which can evolve into either Slowbro or Slowking (depending on which version of the game you own).  As an added bonus, you’ll be able to acquire the Galarian Slowpoke without having to own the Expansion Pass by visiting Wedgehurst Station, as well as meeting Avery, a new character that you’ll also encounter in the expansions.

Finally by pre-ordering either Expansion Pass (available now), you will be gifted with a Pikachu Uniform and Eevee Uniform to wear in-game.  Will you be buying the Expansion Pass?  Let us know across our social media channels.