Pokemon Pokopia’s Free Underwater Expansion And Paid DLC Leave Fans Confused

Nintendo’s recent summer Nintendo Direct presentation brought exciting news for Pokémon Pokopia — but also a fair share of confusion. The upcoming free underwater expansion is set to arrive in August, allowing players to explore new depths and interact with aquatic Pokémon. However, Nintendo also announced the availability of an Expansion Pass, which grants access to future paid updates. The details surrounding this new content have left fans scratching their heads.

What’s In The Free Underwater Expansion?

With the free underwater expansion, players can teach their Ditto a new Dive ability, enabling them to explore underwater areas. This expansion also introduces new elements to the game, such as underwater plants and buildings to expand your town, as well as opportunities to interact more closely with friendly water-type Pokémon. To teach Ditto the Dive ability, players must raise the environment level on Bleak Beach and ensure their Pokémon have the Surf ability and the ability to jump.

Expansion Pass Adds More Content, But When?

The Expansion Pass, which is available for purchase today, promises additional content beyond the free underwater expansion. It includes a new underwater town called Bubbly Basin, featuring new furniture and outfits for players to customize their experience. Bubbly Basin is set to arrive in August, alongside the free underwater expansion. However, the Expansion Pass also promises more updates in late 2026 and another new town in 2027 — details that have left the community puzzled about the long-term roadmap for Pokémon Pokopia.

  • The free underwater expansion arrives in August.
  • Bubbly Basin, a new underwater town, will be available in August.
  • The Expansion Pass includes future updates in late 2026 and 2027.
  • Players must raise the environment level on Bleak Beach to teach Ditto the Dive ability.