The recent Pokemon Direct revealed tons of new features coming to Pokemon Sword and Shield.

Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield were immediately met with open, loving arms by the Pokemon community. These games have certainly proven themselves to be among the ranks of top mainline Pokemon games. With new features being added all the time, this epic continues to grow and change in ways that certainly speak to its longevity.

The recent Pokemon Direct revealed all sorts of awesome goodies being unleashed in the Pokemon universe. One of the biggest pieces of news was possibly the unveiling of the Expansion Pass coming soon to Sword & Shield. The beginning features of the pass will be available to all players, including the ability to get your very own Galarian Slowpoke.

What’s in the Expansion Pass

The Pass begins with meeting one of two new characters to the game, depending on which game you are playing. Upon download of the DLC, you will immediately have access to one of two new areas in the Galar Region, depending when you get the pass. The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra will both feature new trainers and new Pokemon. In total, over 200 Pokemon are being added to the game, including but not limited to Slowpoke, Garchomp, Aurorus, Volcarona and Mareep.

You will be able to access the DLC no matter what point in the game you are currently at. Pre-purchase of the Expansion Pass will start today, and will cost $29.99. “The Isle of Armor is scheduled to be released by the end of June 2020, and The Crown Tundra in the fall of 2020.”

New Features

The Expansion Pass will also bring all kinds of other new goodies to the game, including costumes, clothing, items, moves and Pokemon Dens, a new feature that lets you encounter Legendary Pokemon from past games. As previously mentioned, there will also be a load of new Pokemon coming to the game, including some from previous games that did not make the initial cut.

A sneak peak at the new content will be available to all Sword and Shield players starting today. Just head over to Wedgehurst Station to meet your designated trainer. All players will have access to the beginning of the Expansion Pass story. All purchasers of the pass will get two bonus outfits, one Pikachu themed and one Eevee themed. If you do not purchase the Expansion, the new update will still allow access to the new Pokemon via trading.

For more details about Sword and Shield expansion pass, check out the dedicated page from the official Pokemon website.