The first Pokemon Sword and Shield DLC as part of the Expansion Pass, The Isle of Armor, will be released on June 17. Alongside the release date and new trailer, information on newly discovered Pokemon, new Gigantamax forms, exclusive moves, and more were also revealed. The Isle of Armor is the first new area to be added to the Galar region. It is a large island which features Pokemon not previously found in other areas of the game. On the Isle of Armor, Trainers can gather at a new dojo for Pokemon Battles to master their skills. By training at this dojo, players will receive the Legendary Pokemon Kubfu from the master Mustard. While playing the game and training with Kubfu, Trainers will receive permission to challenge the Towers of Two Fists on the Isle of Armor. Once one of the two towers has been conquered, Kubfu will evolve into Urshifu. Urshifu has two forms—a Single Strike Style and a Rapid Strike Style, and each form can learn different moves and G-Max Moves. A Single Strike Style Urshifu that “has followed the path of darkness,” can unleash a single severe more know as Wicked Blow. This move always results in a critical hit, allowing Urshifu to attack while ignoring the target’s stat changes. A Rapid Strike Style Urshifu that has “followed the path of water,” can unleash a flowing three-hit combo which is known as Surging Strikes. This move always results in critical hits, allowing Urshifu to attack while ignoring the target’s stat changes. Unseen Fist is a new ability introduced with these expansions and one that only Single Strike Style Urshifu and Rapid Strike Style Urshifu possess. This ability lets the Pokemon deal damage when it attacks with moves that make direct contact even if the target defends itself by using moves like Protect. Dark-type attacks used by Single Strike Style Gigantamax Urshifu will change to G-Max One Blow. Water-type attacks used by Rapid Strike Style Gigantamax Urshifu will change to G-Max Rapid Flow. G-Max One Blow and G-Max Rapid Flow can deal damage even if a target defends itself by using moves like Max Guard or Protect. The dojo on the Isle of Amor houses a “unique take on recycling” in the form of a device called the Cram-o-Matic. If players feed it four items, it will combine them and give out a new item in exchange. This will provide you with a variety of items, including Poke Balls, PP Ups, and more. Some combinations might even produce rare items. You will also find Pokemon not found elsewhere in the game such as Galarian Slowbro. The Poison/Psychic-type Hermit Crab Pokemon uses the ability Quick Draw, which works as follows: A Shellder bite set off a chemical reaction with the spices inside Galarian Slowpoke’s body, causing Galarian Slowbro to gain the Poison type. The Shellder that’s latched onto Slowbro sometimes unconsciously bites down harder on Slowbro’s arm, causing an itch that drives Slowbro to start wildly swinging its arm around and smashing its surroundings. With a speed that puts even the quickest reflexes to shame, Slowbro readies its Shellder and makes poisonous liquid shoot from the Shellder’s tip. This is Shell Side Arm, a Poison-type special move that may poison the target. The move inflicts either physical or special damage depending on which will damage the target more. There will also be new Gigantamax Forms available for Venusaur and Blastoise. With the Grass/Poison-type Venusaur, the Pokemon’s flower will bloom to large proportions. It will cover the Pokemon’s body and its petals can be used as a shield. The Pokemon will also swing its two thick vines around to thrash its target. Grass-type attacks used by Gigantamax Venusaur will change to G-Max Vine Lash. G-Max Vine Lash will deal damage when it hits, and it will continue to deal damage for four turns to any Pokemon that isn’t Grass-type. For Blastoise, the Water-type will feature the ability Torrent. Here, its shell will grow to match its body and it will feature larger water cannons as well. Gigantamax Blastoise can adapt to different situations by using different combinations of its 31 variously sized cannons and can move the 12 large cannons surrounding its central cannon independently, letting it orient its attacks in any direction. Water-type attacks used will change to G-Max Cannonade. G-Max Cannonade will deal damage upon a hit and will continue to deal damage for four turns to any Pokemon that isn’t Water-type. There are also two new tutor moves that your Pokemon can learn in exchange for Armorite Ore, a substance found through Max Raid Battles and other means. Burning Jealousy is a new Fire-type move that can be taught starting with these expansions. When it hits, it deals damage to all opposing Pokemon and burns all opposing Pokemon that have had their stats boosted during the turn. Grassy Glide is a new Grass-type move that can be taught starting with these expansions. This move has high priority when used on Grassy Terrain. Finally, there’s also Max Soup, which is made from rare ingredients you can find on the island. If a Pokemon hidden potential drinks Max Soup, it will become a special Pokemon capable of Gigantamaxing. Some Pokemon already traveling with you also gain the ability to Gigantamax. The second DLC coming with the Expansion Pass, The Crown Tundra, will be released in the fall. The Expansion Pass is available for purchase in the eShop. It will run you $29.99 or the regional equivalent.
