Unlocking the Glacial Heights: Can You Buy Crown Tundra Without Isle of Armor?
The Galar region of Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield received a significant expansion with the introduction of downloadable content (DLC). Specifically, the Expansion Pass offered trainers new areas to explore, new Pokémon to catch, and new adventures to undertake. But a common question arises: Can you purchase the Crown Tundra separately from the Isle of Armor?
The definitive answer is no. The Crown Tundra DLC is only available as part of the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass or the Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass. You cannot purchase it individually. The Expansion Pass is designed as a bundled package, granting access to both the Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra. Think of it as buying a season pass for a thrilling television series—you get all the episodes, not just the finale.
Delving Deeper: Understanding the Expansion Pass
The decision to bundle the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra into a single Expansion Pass was deliberate. Game Freak aimed to create a cohesive experience that expanded the world of Galar in a meaningful way. By offering both DLCs together, players were encouraged to explore both regions, discover their unique stories, and collect a diverse range of Pokémon.
The Expansion Pass is purchased through the Nintendo eShop and is specifically tied to either Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield. Therefore, a Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass will only work with Pokémon Sword, and the same applies to Pokémon Shield. Ensure you purchase the correct pass to avoid disappointment. The cost of the Expansion Pass is typically around $29.99 USD, offering a considerable amount of content for the price.
FAQs: Your Crown Tundra Questions Answered
To further clarify the intricacies of accessing the Crown Tundra, here are 15 frequently asked questions, providing you with all the knowledge you need to embark on your glacial adventure:
How much does the Expansion Pass cost?
The Expansion Pass, which includes both the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra, typically costs $29.99 USD. Prices may vary slightly depending on your region and any ongoing promotions in the Nintendo eShop.
What are the minimum level requirements for Crown Tundra?
While there isn’t a hard level requirement, the wild Pokémon in the Crown Tundra are around level 60. Having a team of Pokémon at a similar level or higher is recommended to avoid constant fainting. You will also need to have all of the gym badges to catch them.
What do you get with the Crown Tundra?
The Crown Tundra offers a wealth of content, including a new open area to explore, new legendary Pokémon to catch, new quests, the Dynamax Adventure feature for shiny hunting, and the ability to catch past legendary Pokémon. It significantly expands the post-game experience of Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.
How do I actually get to Crown Tundra?
To access the Crown Tundra, you must first purchase the Expansion Pass. Once downloaded, you will need to have visited the Wild Area in the main game. After that, head to Wedgehurst Station, where you’ll encounter a trainer who gives you an Expansion Pass. Interact with the station attendant to take a train to the Crown Tundra.
Can you play Crown Tundra before beating the main game?
Yes, you can access both the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra before completing the main storyline. However, be aware that the Pokémon levels in these areas are significantly higher, so it might be challenging without a well-trained team.
Can I transfer Pokémon from Crown Tundra to other games?
You can transfer Pokémon caught in the Crown Tundra to other compatible games using Pokémon HOME. This allows you to use your Crown Tundra Pokémon in other Pokémon titles on the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.
What level should I be for the Isle of Armor?
You can start the Isle of Armor at any level. The Pokémon levels scale to some degree, so it’s accessible regardless of your progress in the main story. However, like the Crown Tundra, higher level Pokémon are present.
Should I do Isle of Armor or Crown Tundra first?
The Isle of Armor is generally recommended to be tackled first. Its story is somewhat more self-contained, and it introduces new mechanics at a slightly less intense pace than the Crown Tundra. However, you can explore them in any order you prefer.
How soon can you access Crown Tundra?
You can access the Crown Tundra relatively early in the game. After reaching the Wild Area and departing from Wedgehurst Station for the first time, you can immediately head to the station and travel to the Crown Tundra.
Is the Isle of Armor free?
No, the Isle of Armor is not free. It is part of the paid Expansion Pass, which also includes the Crown Tundra.
Who is the rival in Isle of Armor?
Your rival in the Isle of Armor depends on the version of the game you have. In Pokémon Sword, your rival is Klara. In Pokémon Shield, your rival is Avery.
What does the Crown Tundra post game entail?
The Crown Tundra post-game mainly focuses on the Dynamax Adventures, where you can encounter and catch various legendary Pokémon from previous generations. There are also additional quests and challenges to complete, adding significant playtime to the game.
Are the Galarian birds shiny locked?
Yes, the Galarian forms of Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres are shiny locked. This means they cannot be encountered in their shiny forms within the game.
Can you catch Calyrex without beating the game?
Calyrex can be caught as part of the storyline in the Crown Tundra, and it does not require you to beat the main game first. You encounter and catch it as part of the quest given by Peony.
Are all Crown Tundra Pokémon level 60?
While many wild Pokémon in the Crown Tundra are around level 60, there are some exceptions. The levels can vary depending on the specific area and the type of encounter. Legendaries scale differently.
The End Game
The decision by Game Freak to offer the Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra as a bundled Expansion Pass provides a cohesive and expansive experience for players of Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. While purchasing the Crown Tundra separately is not possible, the content packed into the Expansion Pass offers substantial value and replayability. Whether you are a seasoned trainer or a newcomer to the Galar region, the Expansion Pass unlocks a world of new adventures, Pokémon, and challenges that are well worth exploring. Remember, exploring the world of gaming is a powerful tool for learning and development, just like the research done at the Games Learning Society, which you can learn more about at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org is dedicated to understanding the educational impact of games, and how they can be used to create engaging and effective learning experiences. Happy adventuring!