Does Pokémon Sword Expansion Add More Pokémon? A Deep Dive
Yes, absolutely! The Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass dramatically expands the number of available Pokémon in the game. This expansion is delivered in two distinct parts: The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra. Both of these downloadable content (DLC) packs introduce a wealth of new and returning Pokémon, enriching the overall experience for players.
The expansions bring back over 200 Pokémon from previous generations that were not initially available in Pokémon Sword and Shield. This allows players to catch Pokémon they might have missed or revisit old favorites. This significantly increases the Pokédex and adds more diversity to team-building strategies.
Exploring the Expansions
The Isle of Armor
The Isle of Armor focuses on training and mentorship. Players travel to a new island area and become apprentices at a dojo. This expansion features:
- A new storyline centered around the legendary Pokémon Kubfu and its evolution into Urshifu.
- The ability to explore a new open-world area with unique environments and Pokémon.
- The return of many popular Pokémon, such as Heracross, Volcarona, and the entire Slowpoke line.
The Crown Tundra
The Crown Tundra emphasizes exploration and discovery. Players lead an expedition team in a frigid, snowy landscape. This expansion includes:
- A quest to uncover the mysteries of legendary Pokémon, including Calyrex and the Galarian legendary birds.
- The Dynamax Adventure mode, where players can team up to battle Dynamax Pokémon and potentially catch legendary creatures from previous games.
- The return of numerous fan-favorite Pokémon, such as Nidoqueen, Aggron, and many legendary Pokémon.
Both expansions offer a unique adventure and provide ample opportunities to catch new and returning Pokémon, making the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass a worthwhile investment for fans of the series.
The Impact on Gameplay
The addition of these Pokémon has a significant impact on gameplay. Players can now experiment with new team compositions, explore different strategies, and fill out their Pokédex. The expansions provide a fresh challenge for experienced players and a welcoming environment for newcomers.
The Games Learning Society understands the importance of these features and has made significant contributions to the use of games in educational settings, recognizing the value of games in promoting learning and engagement. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many Pokémon are added in total with both expansions?
Together, The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra expansions add over 200 Pokémon to Pokémon Sword and Shield. These include both returning Pokémon from previous generations and brand-new Pokémon unique to the Galar region.
2. Are there any new Legendary Pokémon in the expansions?
Yes, the expansions introduce several new Legendary Pokémon. These include Kubfu and Urshifu in The Isle of Armor and Calyrex and the Galarian forms of Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres in The Crown Tundra.
3. Do I need to complete the main game before playing the expansions?
No, you do not need to beat the main game to access and play the content in the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass. You can start exploring The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra as soon as you have access to the Wild Area in the base game.
4. Is The Isle of Armor or The Crown Tundra better?
While both expansions offer unique experiences, The Crown Tundra is often considered the better of the two due to its more engaging storyline, the addition of Dynamax Adventures, and a greater emphasis on exploration and legendary Pokémon.
5. Do I need to purchase the Expansion Pass twice if I have both Sword and Shield?
Yes, you need to purchase the Expansion Pass separately for Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. Each game requires its own individual purchase to access the DLC content.
6. Can I transfer Pokémon from the expansions to other games?
Yes, you can transfer Pokémon caught in the expansions to other compatible games using Pokémon HOME. This allows you to bring your newly acquired Pokémon to other games in the series or trade them with friends.
7. What Pokémon were cut from the base game?
While the expansions bring back many Pokémon, several Pokémon from previous generations are still absent from Pokémon Sword and Shield. This includes starters from the Johto, Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos regions.
8. Is the Expansion Pass worth the price?
For fans of the Pokémon series, the Expansion Pass is generally considered worth the price. It adds significant content, including new areas to explore, Pokémon to catch, and storylines to experience.
9. Can I get Legendary Pokémon from the expansions through trading if I don’t buy the DLC?
Yes, if you do not purchase the Expansion Pass, you can still obtain Legendary Pokémon introduced in the DLC through trading with other players who have the DLC.
10. What is the difference between the Sword and Shield Expansion Passes?
The primary difference between the Sword and Shield Expansion Passes is the rival character in The Isle of Armor. Pokémon Sword features Klara, who specializes in Poison-type Pokémon, while Pokémon Shield features Avery, who focuses on Psychic-type Pokémon.
11. What happens if my boxes are full when I try to catch a Pokémon in the expansion?
If all your Pokémon boxes are full, the game unlocks a 32nd box to ensure you can capture a new Pokémon. However, if all 32 boxes are full, you will need to release some Pokémon before you can catch any more.
12. Where can I find Mewtwo in Pokémon Sword or Shield?
Mewtwo can be encountered in Dynamax Adventures within The Crown Tundra. Players will need to participate in these adventures and defeat Mewtwo to have a chance to catch it.
13. Can I catch both Zacian and Zamazenta in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
No, you cannot catch both Zacian and Zamazenta in the same game. Zacian is exclusive to Pokémon Sword, and Zamazenta is exclusive to Pokémon Shield. However, you can catch the legendary Eternatus in both versions.
14. Is Cyndaquil available in Pokémon Sword or Shield?
No, Cyndaquil is not available in Pokémon Sword or Shield. It cannot be caught or transferred to these versions of the game.
15. How do I obtain the Mythical Pokémon Zarude in Pokémon Sword or Shield?
Zarude was originally distributed via a code sent to Pokémon Club Newsletter subscribers. These codes have since expired. Zarude was also available to be caught in Pokémon GO during a special event. Currently, obtaining Zarude typically requires trading with other players.
By incorporating the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass, players can enhance their gaming experience and revisit the excitement of the Pokémon world, while also understanding how games can be used in educational settings. This is a concept thoroughly explored by the Games Learning Society.