Do I Need to Buy the DLC Twice for Sword and Shield? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is: yes, if you own both Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield and want to experience the Expansion Pass content on both games, you will need to purchase both the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass and the Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass. The DLC is game-specific and doesn’t transfer between versions. Let’s delve into the specifics and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure you’re making the right purchase decision.
Understanding the Sword and Shield Expansion Pass
The Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass unlocks two significant downloadable content (DLC) packs: The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra. These expansions introduce new areas, Pokémon, characters, and storylines to enhance your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield experience.
However, it’s crucial to remember that the Expansion Pass you purchase is tied to a specific game version. This means that if you own both Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, and you wish to explore The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra in both games, you are required to purchase the respective Expansion Pass for each title.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Sword and Shield DLC
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Pokémon Sword and Shield DLC, designed to give you a complete understanding of the purchasing and usage process:
1. What exactly does the Expansion Pass include?
The Expansion Pass grants access to two major DLC packs: The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra. These packs offer new locations to explore, fresh Pokémon to catch, exciting storylines, unique characters, and additional gameplay features. It’s a substantial addition to the base game.
2. How do I activate the DLC after purchasing it?
To activate the DLC, you’ll need to navigate to the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch. Select the account you used to purchase the DLC, then choose “Enter Code” on the left side of the screen. Input the 16-character download code you received after your purchase, and select the appropriate Expansion Pass from the list of available products. After downloading, ensure that your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game is updated to the latest version.
3. Does the DLC work on all accounts on my Nintendo Switch?
Yes, downloaded content is accessible to all users on the primary console of the account that made the purchase. This means that if you bought the Expansion Pass with your account and your Nintendo Switch is set as your primary console, anyone using that console can enjoy the DLC.
4. How do I ensure I buy the correct Expansion Pass?
Make absolutely sure you are purchasing the Expansion Pass for the correct version of the game. The Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass is only compatible with Pokémon Sword, and the Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass is exclusively for Pokémon Shield. Double-check before completing your purchase!
5. Can I buy the DLC packs individually?
No, the DLC packs are not sold separately. They are only available as part of the Expansion Pass. This means you must purchase the entire Expansion Pass to access both The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra.
6. How much does the Expansion Pass cost?
The Expansion Pass is typically priced around $29.99 USD. Keep an eye out for potential discounts or promotions on the Nintendo eShop. Remember, this price applies to each version (Sword or Shield) if you own both games and wish to access the DLC on both.
7. When can I start playing the DLC content?
You can access The Isle of Armor relatively early in the game. Once you’ve reached the Wild Area, you’ll receive an Armor Pass in-game, prompting you to travel to the Isle of Armor. The Crown Tundra is accessible as well and you don’t have to have beat the game to access either of the locations.
8. Do I need to complete the main game before playing the DLC?
No, you don’t have to beat the main game to start the DLC. You can venture to The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra as soon as you can reach Wedgehurst Station. However, be aware that the content, particularly in The Crown Tundra, may present a challenge if your Pokémon are under-leveled.
9. What happens if I restart my Pokémon Sword game? Do I lose the DLC?
No, you will not lose the DLC if you restart your Pokémon Sword game. As long as the Expansion Pass is associated with your Nintendo Account, you can redownload it from the Nintendo eShop without repurchasing it. This applies even if you have a physical copy of the game.
10. What is the difference between the Sword and Shield Expansion Passes?
While both Expansion Passes grant access to The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra, there are version-exclusive differences. For instance, you’ll encounter different rivals depending on whether you’re playing Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield. In Sword, you’ll face Klara (who uses poison-type Pokémon), while in Shield, you’ll battle Avery (who favors psychic-type Pokémon). There may be slight differences in the Pokémon you can encounter as well.
11. Is it worth buying the Pokémon Sword and Shield DLC?
Whether or not the DLC is “worth it” depends on your personal preferences. If you’re a dedicated Pokémon fan seeking more content, new challenges, and additional Pokémon to collect, the Expansion Pass offers significant value. However, if you’re looking for a completely revamped experience or are on a tight budget, you might want to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Consider if you’re looking to experience all of Sw/Sh, then the DLC is a necessity.
12. What do I do after purchasing the Expansion Pass?
After buying the Expansion Pass and starting the game, you will receive a notification to visit The Isle of Armor. A pop-up will indicate you’ve received an Armor Pass and should head over. This ticket is granted once you’ve reached the Wild Area in the main game.
13. Is there any way to try the DLC before buying it?
Unfortunately, there is no official demo or trial version of the Pokémon Sword and Shield DLC. Your best bet is to watch gameplay videos and read reviews to get a better sense of the content before making a purchase.
14. Can I trade Pokémon caught in the DLC areas with players who don’t have the DLC?
Yes, you can trade Pokémon caught in The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra with players who do not own the DLC. However, those players will not be able to access the DLC areas themselves.
15. I’m experiencing issues with my DLC. What should I do?
If you’re encountering problems with your DLC, first ensure that your Nintendo Switch system and your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game are updated to the latest versions. Check for any available software updates in the Nintendo eShop. If the issue persists, contact Nintendo Support for assistance.
Conclusion
In summary, if you own both Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield and want to experience the rich content of The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra on both games, you’ll need to purchase the respective Expansion Pass for each title. The content offered by the DLC is version-specific, enhancing your adventure on each game separately. Always ensure that you’re buying the correct Expansion Pass for the game you intend to play, and happy exploring!
The realm of gaming extends far beyond just playing; it is also a powerful tool for learning. Explore further the connection between games and learning through resources like those provided by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.