Pokémon Sword and Shield Gets Expansion Pass Update

by Chad Paquet · Published October 1, 2020 · Updated October 4, 2020

Nintendo has released a new video as an update to the Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass. This update covers a plethora of new information pertaining to part two of the Expansion Pass, titled The Crown Tundra. The video shows off the new region filled with snowy mountains, frozen waterways, and grassy plains. While adventuring in the tundra players will meet Peony, who appoints them as expedition chief in charge of investigating the area. These investigations will take players into Pokémon lairs, which are a different take on Dynamax Raid Battles called Dynamax Adventures. There are also more Pokémon to catch in this region, including every legendary Pokémon that has appeared across the main series’ storied history. Finally, after adventuring in The Crown Tundra, players will be able to partake in the Galarian Star Tournament where they can create a dream team with the trainers that they have met during their journey through the games. To celebrate the release of The Crown Tundra, Nintendo will be releasing special Pikachu via codes, with the first one — Original Cap Pikachu — available with the code P1KACHUGET.

The update also includes new information about connectivity between Pokémon Go and Pokémon Home which allows transferring between the services as well as to Pokémon Sword and Shield. Sending a Pokémon from Pokémon Go to Pokémon Home will create a mystery box in Pokémon Go that will cause a Meltan to appear on the map, while Pokémon Home will reward players with a mystery gift containing a special Melmetal that can Gigantamax. The link between Pokémon Go and Pokémon Home is expected to go live before the end of the year. Finally, the update ends with a music video collaboration between Pokémon and the Japanese rock band Bump of Chicken. The Crown Tundra will be released digitally on October 22, 2020, while physical versions of Pokémon Sword and Shield that include both parts of the Expansion Pass will be released on November 6, 2020, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.