Why Can’t I Access the Isle of Armor? A Comprehensive Guide
You’re excited to explore the Isle of Armor in Pokémon Sword and Shield, but you’re encountering issues accessing it. The most likely reason you can’t access the Isle of Armor is that you haven’t purchased or downloaded the Isle of Armor Expansion Pass DLC. This DLC is not included in the base game and must be bought separately from the Nintendo eShop. Other potential reasons include not having a stable internet connection, not updating your game, or account issues. This guide will explore these reasons in detail and provide solutions so you can begin your adventure!
Understanding the Isle of Armor DLC
The Isle of Armor is the first of two major DLC expansions for Pokémon Sword and Shield. It significantly expands the gameplay experience by introducing a brand-new area to explore, new Pokémon to catch, new characters to meet, and a compelling story to enjoy. To access this content, you must own the appropriate DLC.
Purchasing and Downloading the DLC
The most common reason players can’t access the Isle of Armor is that they haven’t actually purchased or downloaded the DLC. Here’s how to ensure you’ve completed both steps correctly:
- Open the Nintendo eShop: On your Nintendo Switch, navigate to the Nintendo eShop icon on the Home Menu.
- Search for the Isle of Armor: Use the search function and type “Isle of Armor.” Make sure you select the DLC specifically for Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield, depending on which version you own. The DLC is version-specific and cannot be used across different games.
- Purchase the DLC: Follow the on-screen instructions to purchase the Isle of Armor Expansion Pass. You’ll need a Nintendo Account with sufficient funds.
- Download the DLC: After purchasing, the download should begin automatically. If it doesn’t, look for a “Download” option on the Isle of Armor product page in the eShop. Select it to initiate the download.
- Confirm the Download: Check the status of your download on the Nintendo Switch Home Menu. The game icon will show a progress bar indicating the download status.
Game Updates and Requirements
Even if you’ve purchased and downloaded the Isle of Armor, there are a few more requirements to meet:
- Game Update: Your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game must be updated to the latest version. To check for updates, highlight the game icon on the Home Menu, press the “+” button, and select “Software Update” then “Via the Internet.”
- Reaching the Wild Area: You need to have reached the Wild Area in the main game before you can access the Isle of Armor. This happens relatively early in the game after you meet Professor Magnolia and her assistant Sonia. If you’ve just started the game, progress further in the main story.
- Stable Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for downloading the DLC and ensuring your game can access the new content. If you’re experiencing connectivity issues, troubleshoot your internet connection or try downloading the DLC at a time when the network isn’t as busy.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’ve followed the above steps and are still unable to access the Isle of Armor, consider these troubleshooting tips:
- Restart your Nintendo Switch: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve glitches and ensure the DLC is properly recognized.
- Check your Nintendo Account: Verify that you’re using the correct Nintendo Account that you used to purchase the DLC. Ensure the account is linked to your user profile on the Nintendo Switch.
- Check for Corrupted Data: Although rare, game data can sometimes become corrupted. In the Nintendo Switch settings, navigate to “Data Management” and then “Manage Software.” Select Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield and check for options to check for and repair corrupted data.
- Contact Nintendo Support: If all else fails, contact Nintendo Support for assistance. They can help diagnose the issue and provide solutions specific to your situation.
- Ensure Correct Game and DLC Compatibility: Double-check that you purchased the correct version of the Isle of Armor DLC for the game (Sword or Shield) you own.
- Redownload the DLC: Delete the DLC and redownload it from the eShop. This ensures a fresh install and can sometimes resolve installation errors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about accessing the Isle of Armor in Pokémon Sword and Shield:
1. Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to access the Isle of Armor?
No, you do not need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to access the Isle of Armor content after you have downloaded it. Nintendo Switch Online is required for online multiplayer features, trading, and battling, but not for playing the DLC offline.
2. I bought the Expansion Pass, but I still can’t access the Isle of Armor. What should I do?
Double-check that you have actually downloaded the DLC after purchasing it. Navigate to the Nintendo eShop, find the Isle of Armor DLC, and ensure it’s downloaded. Restart your Nintendo Switch if necessary. Also confirm that your game is updated to the latest version.
3. How do I know if the Isle of Armor DLC is installed correctly?
Once installed, you’ll receive an Armor Pass in-game. When you go to the Wedgehurst Station, you’ll encounter a Trainer with a Galarian Slowpoke. Talking to them will trigger the start of the Isle of Armor storyline.
4. Can I access the Isle of Armor immediately after starting the game?
No. You need to progress in the main story until you reach the Wild Area for the first time. This occurs relatively early in the game.
5. I’m playing on a different user profile on the same Switch. Can I access the Isle of Armor?
Yes, as long as the DLC was purchased on the primary account on the Nintendo Switch. All user profiles on that Switch will have access to the DLC.
6. Does the Isle of Armor DLC affect my save data in any way?
The Isle of Armor DLC adds a new area to explore and new Pokémon to your game. It doesn’t overwrite or significantly alter your existing save data. You can switch between the main Galar region and the Isle of Armor freely.
7. Can I trade Pokémon from the Isle of Armor to the base game without the DLC?
No. Players without the Isle of Armor DLC cannot receive Pokémon that were introduced in the Isle of Armor. They will simply be unable to trade for them.
8. I bought the physical version of Pokémon Sword/Shield. Does that affect how I access the Isle of Armor?
No. The physical or digital version of the base game does not affect how you access the Isle of Armor DLC. The purchase and installation process is the same regardless.
9. Do I need to complete the main story of Pokémon Sword/Shield before accessing the Isle of Armor?
No, you don’t need to complete the main story. You only need to reach the Wild Area. However, the difficulty of trainers and wild Pokémon in the Isle of Armor scales with your progress in the main game, so it may be easier to wait until you’re further along.
10. What level are the Pokémon on the Isle of Armor?
The level of the Pokémon you encounter on the Isle of Armor scales with your progress in the main game. This ensures a balanced challenge regardless of when you choose to visit.
11. I keep getting an error message when trying to download the DLC. What can I do?
Check your internet connection and ensure it’s stable. Restart your Nintendo Switch and try downloading the DLC again. If the issue persists, contact Nintendo Support.
12. Can I play the Isle of Armor on another Switch if I own the DLC?
The DLC is linked to your Nintendo Account. You can access it on another Switch as long as you are logged in with the account that purchased the DLC and have downloaded the DLC on that console.
13. Is there a level requirement to enter the Isle of Armor?
No, there is no specific level requirement to enter the Isle of Armor. However, it is recommended that your Pokémon are at least level 60 to face the challenges that await you at the end of the story line, that the trainers bring.
14. What if my save data is corrupted?
If you suspect your save data is corrupted, Nintendo Support may be able to assist you in restoring a previous backup. However, it’s important to note that save data corruption can sometimes result in lost progress.
15. Is the Crown Tundra DLC included in the Isle of Armor purchase?
No. The Crown Tundra is a separate DLC expansion. To access both the Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra, you need to purchase the Expansion Pass, which includes both DLCs, or purchase each one separately.
By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you should be able to resolve any issues preventing you from accessing the Isle of Armor and begin your exciting adventure!