Why Isn’t My Pokémon Sword DLC Working? A Comprehensive Troubleshooting Guide

Experiencing issues with your Pokémon Sword DLC can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re eager to dive into new adventures on the Isle of Armor or explore the Crown Tundra. The most common culprits behind these issues stem from a few key areas: outdated game or console software, incorrect installation, or failure to complete necessary in-game prerequisites. Let’s break down each area to help you get back to catching ’em all.

The primary reasons your Pokémon Sword DLC might not be working are:

1. Outdated System and Game Software: Your Nintendo Switch console and Pokémon Sword game must be updated to their latest versions for the DLC to function correctly. Incompatibility between different software versions is a frequent cause of DLC issues.
2. Incorrect DLC Download or Activation: The DLC might not have downloaded correctly or might not have been activated on your account. It’s also essential to ensure you’ve purchased the correct Expansion Pass for Pokémon Sword, not Pokémon Shield.
3. In-Game Progression Issues: The DLC requires you to have reached a certain point in the main storyline of Pokémon Sword. You need to have visited the Wild Area at least once to access the Isle of Armor and have received the Armor Pass.
4. Account Mismatches: If you have multiple accounts on your Nintendo Switch, it’s possible you purchased the DLC with one account, but are trying to access it on another.

Understanding these foundational problems is the first step toward resolving your Pokémon Sword DLC woes. Now, let’s dive deeper into practical solutions.

Troubleshooting Steps for Common DLC Issues

Check System and Game Updates

Ensuring your Nintendo Switch console and Pokémon Sword game are fully updated is crucial.

• Console Update: Go to System Settings on the Nintendo Switch Home Menu, select System, and then System Update. Install any available updates.
• Game Update: Return to the Nintendo Switch Home Menu, highlight the Pokémon Sword game icon, press the + button on your controller, select Software Update, and then Via the Internet.

Verify DLC Download and Activation

If your game and console are up-to-date, focus on the DLC itself.

• Check Download Status: Go to the Nintendo eShop, select your profile, and then Redownload. Look for the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass in your download history. If it isn’t there, you might need to re-purchase it. If it’s there, you can redownload it at no cost.
• Activation: If you purchased a digital code, ensure it was entered correctly and redeemed for the correct account within the Nintendo eShop.
• Redownload DLC: In the Nintendo eShop, find your Pokémon Sword game page, and in the DLC section, locate the Expansion Pass. If it’s marked as “Purchased”, you can try to redownload it again. This might resolve any corrupted files from a faulty installation.

Ensure In-Game Prerequisites Are Met

The DLC won’t trigger if you haven’t progressed far enough in the main game.

• Visit the Wild Area: You must have visited the Wild Area to receive the Armor Pass, which is essential to travel to the Isle of Armor. This happens approximately two hours into the main game, after leaving Wedgehurst Station.
• Armor Pass Check: In your Key Items inventory, look for the Armor Pass. If it’s not present, it indicates that you either haven’t met the Wild Area requirement, the DLC hasn’t been installed, or there’s a bug.

Re-Installation as a Last Resort

If all other solutions fail, consider re-installing the game.

• Delete Software (Not Archive): From the Nintendo Switch Home Menu, highlight Pokémon Sword, press the + button, select Manage Software, and then Delete Software. Do not select Archive Software, as this will delete your save data.
• Redownload: Re-download Pokémon Sword from the Nintendo eShop. This will reinstall both the base game and any associated DLC content you’ve purchased.
• Redownload Expansion Pass: After reinstalling, you may need to redownload the Expansion Pass from the eShop. Ensure the same Nintendo Account that purchased it is used to redownload.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions related to Pokémon Sword DLC issues:

1. How do I know if my Pokémon Sword DLC is installed?

Check your in-game Key Items inventory for the Armor Pass. Additionally, check the Nintendo eShop to confirm the Expansion Pass has been purchased and downloaded.

2. How do I access the Isle of Armor?

After installing the DLC and meeting the in-game requirement, you’ll receive the Armor Pass. Show this pass to the attendant at Wedgehurst Station to be transported to the Isle of Armor.

3. Why can’t I find the Armor Pass?

You won’t receive the Armor Pass until you’ve visited the Wild Area at least once. Verify this has been done by checking that you have the corresponding badge (the first badge of the game). Also, make sure the DLC has been installed and fully downloaded.

4. What should I do if the Crown Tundra is not showing up?

The Crown Tundra is part of the same Expansion Pass as the Isle of Armor. Make sure you’ve progressed far enough in the main game and have already visited the Isle of Armor. Once you begin the Isle of Armor campaign, you can proceed to the Crown Tundra.

5. Can I buy the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra separately?

No, they are not sold separately. They are only available as part of the Expansion Pass.

6. Do I need a specific level to start the Isle of Armor?

No. The Isle of Armor scales to your current level, so you can start it at any point after reaching the Wild Area.

7. What is the recommended level for the Crown Tundra?

The Crown Tundra has a fixed level range for encounters, usually between 65-70. It is recommended to have a strong team prepared.

8. How do I redownload the DLC?

Open the Nintendo eShop using the account that purchased the DLC, find the game’s page and redownload it from the DLC section.

9. I have multiple accounts on my Switch; which one needs the DLC?

The Nintendo Account that purchased the Expansion Pass is the account that needs to be used to access the DLC.

10. What happens if I delete the software?

Deleting the software removes the game data but does not remove your saved game data, provided you did not choose to archive the software. Your save file is stored separately. Re-downloading the game will restore the base game and any associated DLC purchases without impacting your in-game progress.

11. How do I know if my game and console are up to date?

Follow the steps outlined earlier in the article in the “Check System and Game Updates” section to verify.

12. What is the difference between Delete and Archive Software?

Delete Software removes the game files but keeps your save data. Archive Software removes the game files and your save data. Be certain to use Delete Software when troubleshooting issues in order not to lose game progress.

13. How long does it take for the Armor Pass to show up in my key items?

The Armor Pass should appear immediately after installing the DLC and meeting the prerequisite of having visited the Wild Area.

14. If I buy the expansion on one profile, does it work for all profiles on the console?

Yes, if you purchase the Expansion Pass on one profile on the console, it is usable by all profiles on that console. However, each user will have to have met the Wild Area requirement to receive the Armor Pass.

15. Are there any known bugs with the DLC?

Like any software, bugs can occasionally occur. The best approach is to ensure you have the latest updates installed. If issues persist, community forums can sometimes provide temporary workarounds.

By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps and frequently asked questions, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the new adventures in the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra in Pokémon Sword! If problems continue after these steps, consult the Nintendo Support website for more advanced solutions, or contact their customer support team.