Pokémon Pokopia's First DLC 'Bubbly Basin' Launches August 5
The first paid DLC for Pokémon Pokopia, Bubbly Basin, introduces an underwater area and a new Dive mechanic. It will be available on August 5 as part of a $35 Expansion Pass.
The long-awaited first paid downloadable content for Pokémon Pokopia has been officially dated. The developer announced that Bubbly Basin will arrive on August 5 on the Switch 2. This expansion introduces a completely new underwater area for players to explore. Players will need to use the newly added Dive mechanic to access this submerged zone, which appears to be modeled after the ruins of Cerulean City. Notably, the Dive move will be available as a free update to all game owners, allowing them to explore deeper parts of previously accessible environments.
The core gameplay loop remains the same: attract Pokémon by building suitable habitats. However, building underwater offers a unique twist. Buoyant blocks that float in water enable players to create three-dimensional structures impossible on land. A variety of new decorative items themed around seafloor living are also included. The area contains secrets, including what developers tease as a 'deep, dark hole' waiting to be discovered. Additionally, the update adds watermelons as a new crop and a new Dream Island that provides relevant resources.
Bubbly Basin is part of the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass, which costs $35. There is no option to purchase this DLC separately. However, the pass grants access to three major content drops planned for the future, as well as bonus recipes and 30 rare Pokémetal ingots. Combined with the game's base price, the total investment reaches around $105.
For those unfamiliar, Pokémon Pokopia is a Switch 2 exclusive that blends elements from Pokémon, Minecraft, Stardew Valley, and Dragon Quest Builders. Players control a Ditto after a cataclysmic event, focusing on rebuilding environments and attracting long-dormant Pokémon.
