Embarking on Adventure: When to Tackle the Isle of Armor in Pokémon Sword & Shield
So, you’re itching to explore the Isle of Armor in Pokémon Sword & Shield? Excellent choice! But a crucial question lingers: What level should your Pokémon be before you set sail? The short answer is: any level. The Isle of Armor scales to your current progress in the game. You can access it almost immediately after reaching the Wild Area early in your adventure, even with Pokémon barely over level 10. Conversely, if you’ve already conquered the Pokémon League and boast a team of level 100 powerhouses, the island will adjust accordingly. However, while technically possible at any level, understanding the nuances of this scaling and your own playstyle will help you determine the optimal time to visit.
Understanding Level Scaling and Your Playstyle
The Isle of Armor’s level scaling isn’t a perfect mirror of your team’s strength. Before becoming the Champion, the Pokémon levels within the island vary depending on the area you explore. Locations further from the Master Dojo will generally feature higher-level encounters. Once you’ve defeated the Champion, the island becomes more uniform, with most Pokémon settling around level 60.
While you can jump in early, consider the potential impact on your main story progression. Over-leveling your Pokémon before facing key Gym Leaders or story battles can diminish the challenge and overall enjoyment of the core game. On the other hand, some players relish the feeling of being a powerhouse, breezing through challenges with ease.
Factors to Consider Before Visiting the Isle of Armor
Here are a few things to ponder before hopping on the train to the Isle of Armor:
- Your Desire for a Challenge: Do you prefer a balanced difficulty curve, or do you enjoy being significantly stronger than your opponents?
- Your Team Composition: Are you using a diverse team or focusing on a few select Pokémon? A more balanced team might benefit from the experience boost offered by the Isle of Armor earlier on.
- Your Completionist Tendencies: Are you intent on catching every Pokémon and completing every side quest? The Isle of Armor offers a wealth of new content, which could significantly extend your playtime.
- The Allure of Kubfu: The Isle of Armor introduces Kubfu, a legendary fighting-type Pokémon that evolves into Urshifu. Acquiring Kubfu and beginning its training is a major draw for many players.
- The EXP Charm: Getting the Exp Charm on the Isle also means that you’ll get even more Exp, and the new Exp Share already makes it harder
Ultimately, the best time to visit the Isle of Armor is a matter of personal preference. If you’re seeking a balanced experience, consider venturing to the island after defeating a few Gym Leaders. This allows you to enjoy the new content without drastically disrupting the difficulty of the main storyline. If you’re after Kubfu early on or want a significant power boost, don’t hesitate to visit sooner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Isle of Armor
1. How do I access the Isle of Armor?
You need to purchase the Pokémon Sword & Shield Expansion Pass, which grants access to both the Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra. Once purchased, you can access the Isle of Armor by heading to Wedgehurst Station and speaking to the station attendant.
2. Is the Isle of Armor difficult?
The difficulty of the Isle of Armor is generally considered to be moderate. Its level scaling adjusts to accommodate players of varying skill levels. However, players who have already completed the main game and have high-level Pokémon may find it relatively easy.
3. Does the Isle of Armor have post-game content?
Yes! While you can visit the Isle of Armor at any point in the game, there is still plenty to do after becoming the Champion. The post-game content includes completing the Urshifu training, further exploring the island, and catching all the available Pokémon.
4. How long does it take to complete the Isle of Armor?
The main storyline of the Isle of Armor typically takes around 5 hours to complete. However, achieving 100% completion, including catching all Pokémon and completing all side quests, can take around 16 hours or more.
5. Are there version-exclusive Pokémon on the Isle of Armor?
Unlike the base games (Sword & Shield), the Isle of Armor DLC does not feature a significant amount of version-exclusive Pokémon.
6. Can I catch all the Legendary Pokémon on the Isle of Armor?
The Isle of Armor introduces Kubfu, a new Legendary Pokémon. While it does not contain all Legendary Pokémon, it does offer access to a wide variety of returning Pokémon, many of which are highly sought after.
7. What level are the Pokémon in the Crown Tundra?
Unlike the Isle of Armor, the Crown Tundra does not scale to your level. Pokémon levels in the Crown Tundra are fixed in the 65-70 range.
8. Do I need to complete the Isle of Armor before going to the Crown Tundra?
No, you do not need to complete the Isle of Armor before venturing into the Crown Tundra. You can explore both areas in any order you prefer.
9. What are the shiny odds in the Crown Tundra?
The shiny odds in the Crown Tundra, particularly during Dynamax Adventures, are significantly increased, especially when using the Shiny Charm. With the Shiny Charm, the odds can be as high as 1 in 25.
10. Is there a Ditto location on the Isle of Armor?
Yes, there is! Ditto has its own island located southeast of the Master Dojo. You’ll need to surf across the Workout Sea to reach it.
11. Is Zarude available on the Isle of Armor?
Zarude is a Mythical Pokémon that was initially distributed through special events. While it’s possible to transfer a Zarude into Pokémon Sword & Shield and, therefore, onto the Isle of Armor, it is not natively found within the DLC’s wild areas.
12. What Pokémon are worth getting in Isle of Armor?
Some of the strongest Pokémon added back into the game with the Isle of Armor include:
- Politoed
- Scizor
- Volcarona
- Starmie
These Pokémon can significantly enhance your team’s strength and versatility.
13. What should I do before going to the Isle of Armor?
Preparing beforehand can enhance your experience. Consider doing the following:
- Replenish EXP boosting items.
- Obtain a Shiny Charm.
- Prepare your workforce.
14. How does the Isle of Armor compare to real life?
The Isle of Armor is inspired by the Isle of Man, a British Crown dependency. The orientation is rotated 180 degrees compared to the real-world Isle of Man.
15. Where can I find more information about game-based learning?
For those interested in the educational aspects of gaming and how they can be leveraged for learning, you can visit the website of the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This organization promotes research and collaboration in the field of game-based learning.
Ultimately, the decision of when to visit the Isle of Armor is yours. Weigh the factors, consider your playstyle, and embark on the adventure that best suits your Pokémon journey!