Diving Deep into the Crown Tundra: A Trainer’s Guide to Timing Your Adventure
So, you’ve got the Pokémon Sword or Shield Expansion Pass and you’re itching to explore the icy wilds of the Crown Tundra. The big question is: when should you actually dive in? The short answer is: It depends on what you’re looking for. Ideally, aim to start the Crown Tundra after completing the main story and having a team of Pokémon around level 65 or higher. However, the game is flexible, and there are compelling reasons to visit earlier. Let’s break down the optimal timing and explore everything the Crown Tundra has to offer.
Determining the Ideal Time to Embark
The Crown Tundra is designed with a post-game experience in mind. The Pokémon levels encountered are significantly higher than those in the main game before defeating the Elite Four and Champion Leon. While it’s technically possible to access the Crown Tundra earlier, you’ll face a much steeper challenge.
- Post-Game Advantage: Pokémon encountered will be around Level 65 and higher, making it easier if you have a team that can compete. Furthermore, several quests and legendary encounters are locked behind post-game content.
- Team Strength: Having a well-rounded team of Pokémon with diverse type coverage is crucial. The Crown Tundra throws a wide range of threats at you, and being prepared is essential.
- Story Integration: While the Crown Tundra’s story is self-contained, experiencing it after the main game allows you to appreciate the lore and challenges from a position of strength and understanding.
Early Access: Is It Worth It?
Despite the recommended level, some players may want to visit the Crown Tundra before completing the main game. While this is possible, it comes with caveats.
- Level Scaling: While early areas may seem manageable, Pokémon levels quickly ramp up. Be prepared to grind or rely heavily on strategic battles and type advantages.
- Resource Gathering: Even if you struggle with battles, the Crown Tundra offers valuable items and resources that can aid your main game playthrough. This includes TRs, berries, and rare candies.
- Limited Progress: Story progress will be limited by your Pokémon’s level and strength. Expect to hit roadblocks and need to return later.
- A break from the Main Story: It might also be a good idea to take a break from the main story of Sword or Shield to take a side trip to the Crown Tundra. After all, variety is the spice of life!
Gameplay Mechanics and Impact
The Crown Tundra introduces several new gameplay mechanics, most notably Dynamax Adventures, which are a unique and engaging way to catch Legendary Pokémon.
- Dynamax Adventures: These co-operative Max Raid battles allow you to explore a branching cave system, battling Dynamax Pokémon along the way. The ultimate goal is to defeat a Legendary Pokémon at the end.
- Legendary Encounters: The Crown Tundra boasts a vast array of Legendary Pokémon from previous generations, making it a haven for collectors.
- New Pokémon: Discover new Legendary Pokémon like Calyrex, Glastrier, and Spectrier, each with unique abilities and compelling storylines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Crown Tundra
1. How do I access the Crown Tundra?
If you’ve purchased the Expansion Pass for Pokémon Sword and Shield, you can access the Crown Tundra fairly early on. Players with fully updated games should receive tickets allowing them to travel to the Crown Tundra. Head to Wedgehurst Station and speak to the train station employee to begin your journey!
2. When should I do Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra?
The Isle of Armor can be started at virtually any time and the Pokémon there scale to your level. The Crown Tundra is meant to be played post-game or with Pokémon around level 65+.
3. When should I use my Master Ball in Crown Tundra?
In The Crown Tundra, all of the Regis, along with two new ones, make an appearance. Each of them are equally hard to catch, so it might be the best to use the Master Ball on one of these Pokémon that are giving you trouble. Maybe even save it for Regigigas.
4. Is it worth getting Crown Tundra?
The Crown Tundra DLC is a significant expansion to Pokémon Sword and Shield, offering a better narrative, gameplay, and mechanics.
5. What is the best horse to pick in Crown Tundra?
Selecting Glastrier is often considered the better option by most players, because it has universally high stats and is more well-rounded. While Spectrier is fast and packs quite a punch, its defense stat can get it eliminated quickly.
6. Which Calyrex steed is better: Glastrier or Spectrier?
Together with the Legendary Pokemon Calyrex, Spectrier takes the form of Shadow Rider Calyrex, which is a Psychic/Ghost-type. Glastrier exhibits impressive Attack and Defense stats. Spectrier shines most in the Special Attack and Speed departments. It depends on what you are looking for in the Pokemon.
7. Which is better: Isle of Armor or Crown Tundra?
Most areas of the Isle of Armor are visually appealing. The Crown Tundra, on the other hand, is mostly a barren icy wasteland. There are some nice parts, but overall, the Isle of Armor is far superior in this regard from the perspective of visuals. For story and new content, Crown Tundra is better!
8. Should I buy Isle of Armor or Crown Tundra?
Both expansions have a plotline and main questline, but the Isle of Armor’s is a bit thin. The Crown Tundra’s storyline and quests are much more in-depth and will you keep occupied much longer.
9. Does Crown Tundra have legendaries?
Pokémon Sword and Shield’s The Crown Tundra DLC adds a handful of new and almost all returning Legendary Pokémon. This pages covers how to unlock all of them, including new Pokemon like Calyrex and Regieleki and returning Pokemon like Cobalion.
10. Should I use Master Ball on Calyrex?
You do not have to use the Master Ball to capture Calyrex, although it will speed things along considerably if you do. Ultimately, the decision is yours based on how easily you are capturing the legendary Pokemon.
11. Can I capture Eternatus?
Players will need to break him down until Eternatus is finally beaten. Once this happens, use any ball to snatch him up. Eternatus comes with a 100 percent catch rate, so there should be no problems with which quality ball is at the player’s disposal.
12. Which DLC is better: Sword or Shield?
Because of the large additions to gameplay, battling and Shiny Hunting mechanics, The Crown Tundra comes out on top as the better of the two DLC offerings. Both DLCs can be bought on either game, but be sure to get the correct expansion pass for your base game.
13. How do you get Rayquaza in Pokémon Sword?
To reach the Legendary Rayquaza, players will need to progress the new Dynamax Adventures story missions added to the DLC until they have completed them. After this, they’ll need to speak to Peonia at the Max Raid Dungeon.
14. What are the benefits of The Crown Tundra?
With The Crown Tundra, you’ll be able to encounter every Legendary Pokémon that’s appeared in the main series of Pokémon games! Find Legendary Pokémon during your travels in the Crown Tundra or while you’re on Dynamax Adventures, and you’ll have a chance to catch them! This is a great way to strengthen your team.
15. Which legendary bird is the best in Crown Tundra?
Introduced in the Crown Tundra DLC, Pokémon Sword & Shield’s Zapdos remains at the top of the Galar region’s variant of the Legendary Bird trio.
Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Your Adventure
Ultimately, the decision of when to start the Crown Tundra depends on your playstyle and what you hope to gain from the experience. If you’re a completionist who wants to tackle the content at its intended difficulty, waiting until the post-game is the best option. If you’re looking for a change of pace or want to gather resources early on, a brief visit before finishing the main story can be beneficial.
Whatever you choose, the Crown Tundra offers a compelling and enriching experience for Pokémon trainers of all levels. Remember to have fun, explore the icy landscapes, and catch ’em all!
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