Do You Lose the DLC if You Restart Pokemon Sword? The Definitive Guide
The short answer is no, you do not lose your Pokemon Sword DLC if you restart your game. Your DLC purchase is tied to your Nintendo Account and the primary console, not the individual save file. However, the specifics of how it all works can be a bit nuanced. Let’s dive deep into the world of Pokemon Sword DLC and what happens when you decide to embark on a fresh adventure in the Galar region.
Understanding DLC Ownership in Pokemon Sword
When you buy a Pokemon Sword Expansion Pass, whether it’s The Isle of Armor or The Crown Tundra, you’re essentially purchasing a license to access that content. This license is linked to your Nintendo Account, the one you use to make purchases on the Nintendo eShop. This is crucial to understand. Your save data on the Pokemon Sword game card (or digital version) is separate from this license.
Deleting your save data, therefore, only removes the progress you’ve made within the game itself. It does not revoke your right to access the DLC content. When you start a new game, you simply need to progress to a certain point (Wedgehurst Station) and you will be able to access The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra again. No additional purchase is required.
How to Re-Access the DLC After Restarting
After deleting your save file and starting a new game, here’s how you reclaim your DLC access:
- Progress in the Main Story: Advance the game until you reach Wedgehurst Station. This is the point where you normally gain access to the DLC areas.
- Receive the DLC Item: Upon reaching the station, you should receive the appropriate item (the Armor Pass or the Crown Pass, depending on the DLC) that allows you to travel to The Isle of Armor or The Crown Tundra.
- Travel to the DLC Areas: Use the train in Wedgehurst Station to embark on your DLC adventure.
Essentially, the game checks with your Nintendo Account to verify that you own the Expansion Pass, and if it confirms the purchase, it grants you access to the DLC content again.
What Happens If You Have Multiple User Profiles on Your Switch?
This is where it gets even better. If you have multiple user profiles on the same Nintendo Switch that is designated as the primary console for the account that purchased the DLC, then all profiles on that console can access the DLC content. So, your siblings, family members, or even just yourself using a different profile, can all enjoy The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra without needing to purchase the Expansion Pass again.
Important Note on Secondary Consoles
If your console is not the primary console for the Nintendo Account that owns the DLC, other users on that console will not be able to access the DLC when playing Pokemon Sword. The Nintendo Switch checks for DLC ownership differently on the primary console compared to secondary ones. To make a console the primary console for a Nintendo Account, you will need to deregister the current primary console through the Nintendo eShop settings on the new primary console.
FAQs: All You Need to Know About Pokemon Sword DLC
Let’s answer some common questions about Pokemon Sword DLC.
1. Do I need to redownload the DLC if I restart Pokemon Sword?
If you completely delete the game including all of its data, you will need to redownload the DLC. However, If you simply delete the game’s save data, the DLC is still installed so you do not need to redownload. To ensure a smooth experience, go to the Nintendo eShop, find Pokemon Sword, and check for any available updates or redownloads related to the Expansion Pass.
2. Do I have to buy Pokemon DLC twice for Sword and Shield?
Yes and no. You only need to buy the Expansion Pass once for either Pokemon Sword or Pokemon Shield. However, if you want to enjoy the DLC content on both games, you’ll need to purchase the Expansion Pass separately for each title.
3. Does deleting save data delete DLC Pokemon Sword?
Deleting save data does not delete the DLC. The DLC is linked to your Nintendo Account, not your save file.
4. Does the Pokemon Sword expansion pass expire?
No, the Expansion Pass for Pokemon Sword does not expire. Once you purchase it, it’s yours to keep and use whenever you want.
5. Can I get a refund on Pokemon DLC?
Generally no. Nintendo has a strict policy against refunds for digital purchases, including DLC. It’s always best to double-check that you’re buying the correct DLC for the correct game before making a purchase.
6. Can you play Pokemon Sword DLC before beating the game?
Yes, you can access The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra as soon as you reach Wedgehurst Station in the main game. However, be aware that the DLC content doesn’t scale down to your level, so you might face some challenging battles early on.
7. How many hours of gameplay is Pokemon Sword DLC?
The Isle of Armor typically takes around 5 hours to complete the main objectives, while The Crown Tundra is slightly longer, closer to 7-8 hours. Completionists can easily spend 15-20 hours exploring both areas and completing all the side quests and challenges.
8. Is DLC saved on the game card or the Switch?
DLC is downloaded and stored on your Nintendo Switch’s internal storage or on a microSD card, depending on your settings. Save data for the main game is stored in the internal memory.
9. Does DLC transfer between accounts?
Yes, but only on the primary console. As long as the console is designated as the primary console for the Nintendo Account that purchased the DLC, all user profiles on that console can access the content.
10. Can DLC be reused?
DLC cannot be reused in the sense that you can’t transfer it to another person’s account. However, as long as you have access to the Nintendo Account that owns the DLC, you can redownload and use it on the primary console.
11. Can you deactivate DLC?
While you can’t directly “deactivate” DLC in Pokemon Sword, you can choose not to access it by simply not traveling to The Isle of Armor or The Crown Tundra.
12. What happens if you buy a DLC without the game?
If you purchase DLC before buying the game, the DLC will be added to your Nintendo Account, but you won’t be able to download or access it until you purchase and install the base game (Pokemon Sword in this case).
13. Can you get Leon’s Charizard in the DLC?
No, you can receive a Charmander from Leon in Hop’s house at the beginning of the game and level it up to get a Charizard with the capability of Gigantamaxing. However, Leon’s Charizard is not directly obtainable through the DLC.
14. Can you get Zamazenta before Leon?
No. You must defeat Leon to progress in the main game and be able to catch Zamazenta.
15. What happens if I delete DLC?
If you delete the DLC, it simply removes the content from your Nintendo Switch. You can easily redownload it from the Nintendo eShop at any time, as it’s still linked to your Nintendo Account. Your save data remains unaffected.
Conclusion: Embark on Your New Adventure with Confidence
Rest assured, restarting your Pokemon Sword adventure doesn’t mean losing your precious DLC content. The Expansion Pass is yours to keep, tied securely to your Nintendo Account. So, go ahead, wipe that slate clean, and dive back into the Galar region, ready to explore The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra all over again!
And, as you delve into the captivating world of gaming and its educational impact, remember to explore resources like the Games Learning Society, a community dedicated to understanding how games can be used for learning and engagement. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more. The work of organizations such as the Games Learning Society is crucial to understanding the broad applications of games.