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How do I get to Crown tundra early?

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Unlock the Frozen Frontier: Your Guide to Reaching the Crown Tundra Early in Pokémon Sword and Shield

So, you’re itching to explore the icy peaks and ancient secrets of the Crown Tundra in Pokémon Sword and Shield, and you want to get there early? The good news is you absolutely can! You can access the Crown Tundra content surprisingly early in your Pokémon journey. All you need to do is reach the Wedgehurst train station and be able to access the Wild Area. Once there, speak to the station attendant next to the ticket booth. Select the Crown Tundra Station as your destination, and you’re on your way! Remember that whilst you may be able to access it early, the Pokémon levels in Crown Tundra do not scale with your progress, and you may struggle with the challenges that it presents.

Exploring the Crown Tundra Before Completing the Main Game

The beauty of the expansion pass system is that it allows you to jump into the new content pretty much as soon as you have a foothold in the base game. Unlike some DLC that requires you to finish the main story, the Crown Tundra throws you into the deep end whenever you’re ready (or think you are!).

The first real challenge in the Crown Tundra is the initial battle with Peony. He’s not messing around, and his Pokémon are around level 60. This highlights the non-scaling nature of the DLC content. Even though you can reach the Crown Tundra early, you’ll need a decent team to make meaningful progress. Just because you can get there doesn’t necessarily mean you should stay too long initially. Think of it as a reconnaissance mission!

Considerations for Early Exploration

While the allure of catching Legendary Pokémon and exploring new environments is strong, there are a few things to keep in mind if you choose to travel to the Crown Tundra early on:

  • Pokémon Levels: As mentioned, the Pokémon levels are fixed around 60. This means catching them early will be difficult, if not impossible, without having progressed far enough into the main game to be able to catch such high-level Pokémon.
  • Gym Badges and Obedience: Your ability to command traded Pokémon (and even Pokémon you catch yourself) is tied to your Gym Badge progress. Early on, traded Pokémon of even moderate levels may disobey you in battle. This can be incredibly frustrating when facing tough opponents.
  • Access to Areas: Certain areas and quests might be locked until you’ve reached a certain point in the main storyline. The Crown Tundra is relatively open, but some progression walls might exist.
  • Story Context: The Crown Tundra’s story makes more sense if you have a solid understanding of the base game’s lore and characters. While not mandatory, it adds to the overall experience.

Is Early Access Worth It?

Ultimately, whether or not you should rush to the Crown Tundra early depends on your play style and goals. If you’re a completionist who wants to see everything the game has to offer, a quick trip early on can be rewarding. You can scout out locations, get a feel for the environment, and maybe even snag a few lower-level Pokémon if you’re lucky. However, if you’re more focused on a smooth, progressive playthrough, it might be best to wait until you’ve earned a few more Gym Badges and built a stronger team before diving in. Games, particularly those with intricate expansion packs like Pokémon Sword and Shield, offer many benefits. These include problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and even social interaction. For more information on the educational aspects of gaming, visit Games Learning Society to find a wealth of resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Crown Tundra

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you navigate the icy expanse of the Crown Tundra:

  1. Do I need to finish Isle of Armor before Crown Tundra? No, you don’t need to complete the Isle of Armor before venturing into the Crown Tundra. They are independent DLCs, and you can access either one as soon as you can reach Wedgehurst Station.

  2. Why can’t I access the Crown Tundra? Double-check that you’ve purchased the correct Expansion Pass for your version of the game (Sword or Shield). Also, ensure you’ve battled the Galarian Slowpoke at Wedgehurst Station, and that you have access to the Wild Area.

  3. When can you catch level 60 Pokémon in Sword and Shield? You won’t reliably catch level 60 Pokémon until you’ve earned all eight Gym Badges. Your ability to control Pokémon in battle is tied to your progress in the main game.

  4. Do you have to beat the game to access Crown Tundra? Nope! You can head to the Crown Tundra as soon as you can reach Wedgehurst Station. However, be prepared for a challenge, as the Pokémon levels don’t scale down.

  5. Which is better, Isle of Armor or Crown Tundra? “Better” is subjective! The Isle of Armor is generally considered more visually appealing, with lush environments. The Crown Tundra offers a more challenging and exploration-focused experience, with a greater emphasis on Legendary Pokémon.

  6. What level should you be for Crown Tundra? While you can enter early, it’s recommended to have Pokémon around level 60 or higher to effectively battle and catch Pokémon in the Crown Tundra.

  7. What level do traded Pokémon stop obeying? Your control over traded Pokémon improves with each Gym Badge you earn. With all eight badges, all Pokémon will obey you without question. At the start of the game, traded Pokémon over level 10 may disobey.

  8. When should you go to Isle of Armor? Similar to the Crown Tundra, you can access the Isle of Armor as soon as you reach the Wild Area Station. The Isle of Armor Pokémon level is also fixed, so be prepared for a challenge if going early.

  9. Where is Gyarados in Pokémon Sword and Shield? Gyarados can be found in the main game at East Lake Axewell in the Wild Area. It also appears in the Isle of Armor DLC.

  10. Can you get Mythical Pokémon in the Crown Tundra? Yes! You can encounter and catch the Mythical Pokémon Keldeo in the Crown Tundra by making curry and leaving the campsite.

  11. How do you evolve Slowpoke into Galarian Slowking? To evolve a Galarian Slowpoke into a Galarian Slowking, you need the Galarica Wreath. Trade 15 Galarica Twigs for the Galarica Wreath on the Island of Armor, and then use it on a Galarian Slowpoke.

  12. Can you get both Crown Tundra and Isle of Armor? Yes, but you’ll need to buy the Expansion Pass for either Sword or Shield, and buying it will allow you to access both. Just ensure you get the correct Expansion Pass for the game version you’re playing.

  13. How do you get Rayquaza in Pokémon Sword and Shield? You can find and catch the Legendary Rayquaza in Pokémon Sword & Shield Crown Tundra DLC through Dynamax Adventures. These adventures will give you a chance to battle and catch it after completing the dynamax adventure missions.

  14. What are the odds of getting a shiny in Dynamax Adventures? The odds of finding a Shiny Pokémon in Dynamax Adventures are significantly increased. They are approximately 1/300 without the Shiny Charm and 1/100 with it.

  15. What is the best horse to pick in Crown Tundra? The “best” horse is subjective and depends on your team composition. Glastrier is generally considered better due to its high overall stats and defense, while Spectrier excels in speed and special attack but is more fragile.

These FAQs, combined with a sound understanding of the game mechanics and the DLC content, should provide you with a solid foundation to start your adventures in the Crown Tundra early in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Remember to be patient, and don’t be afraid to return to the main game to level up your team before tackling the tougher challenges in the icy wilds!

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