Pokemon Sword and Shield: Isle of Armor to Release Next Week

Typically, the main Pokemon video games are standalone experiences released in bundles of two, each offering a small assortment of different Pokemon to catch, an exclusive legendary and a few other differences both narrative and gameplay-wise. These are typically once-off stand-off experiences, with any expansions being limited to a fully-fledged sequel (Eg. Black 2 & White 2) or an enhanced edition at normal retail price (Pokemon Yellow, Pokemon Crystal). The series has maintained this approach for many years now, despite other games – including first-party titles from Nintendo – embracing the DLC platform… until now.

With Nintendo and developers Game Freak fully embracing downloadable content with their first Switch offerings in the franchise, next week will mark the first of two planned downloadable expansions in Pokemon Sword and Shield, titled Isle of Armor.

The Isle of Armor is an island full of environments from wave-swept beaches to sand dunes. The lush natural surroundings are home to many Pokemon not found on the mainland. Also of note is the dojo which “specialises in some very particular training styles”. Your trainer and their Pokemon will take up an apprenticeship at this dojo, and train to become even stronger.

In addition to this new location, you will be able to unlock the Gigantamax forms of Rillaboom, Cinderace and Inteleon – the final evolutions of the game’s three starter Pokemon. Furthermore, several returning Pokemon not available in the base game will be catchable once you have installed it onto your console. These include the other two original starter Pokemon – Bulbasaur and Squirtle – who also have their own Gigantamax versions once they are fully evolved. Also returning are Pokemon such as Seaking, Chansey, Zorua and Azurill. Slowpoke and Slowbro will also be returning, but with unique Galarian forms.

In addition to offering each expansion standalone through the Nintendo eShop, you can also purchase an expansion pass containing both ‘Isle of Armor’ and ‘Crown Tundra’ from the Nintendo eShop or download codes through participating retailers.

You can find artwork and in-game screenshots for several of these Pokemon below:

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