With the best selling Pokémon games of all time, Pokémon Sword and Shield have recently dropped their first paid DLC in place of a third game which costs $30 USD. However, was this the best move by The Pokémon Company? Let’s find out in this in-depth review. STORY SPOILERS WILL NOT BE REVEALED!
In early January, The Pokémon Company revealed their first paid DLC in place of a third game, which is a smart move, in my opinion. Reducing the costs for players instead of having to pay for a whole new $60 USD game. The video below showcases both, Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra:
We have to talk about the missing Pokémon that can’t be transferred to Pokémon Sword & Shield’s Galar region. With less Pokémon, it does make it easier for newer players to complete the Pokédex, but the missing monsters have left fans feeling bitter. Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon had a similar take on this, however, all Pokémon were able to be transferred to the games.
The Isle of Armor DLC partially solves this by introducing more Pokémon to the region. These returning Pokémon can now be transferred by all players, even if they don’t buy the Expansion Pass. Unfortunately, there are still many Pokémon that can’t be brought over, and even the second DLC release will not fix this.
In the Isle of Armor, it’s a literal Wild Area, but with the returning Pokémon. The map below showcases the areas players can explore:
Although the map is somewhat small, there is more to do than meets the eye. The fan-favorite feature of following Pokémon becomes available shortly into the story! Diglett hunting, similar to the Zygarde Cores and stickers of Generation VII. The ability to upgrade the bike is also something many people will appreciate. Plus, Pokémon who didn’t have access to their Gigantamax Form can now drink special Max Soup to be able to use it in battle. This includes:
- Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise Rillaboom, Cinderace, Inteleon, Butterfree, Pikachu, Meowth, Machamp, Gengar, Lapras, Eevee, Snorlax, Garbodor, Drednaw, Corviknight, Toxtricity, Alcremie, Duraludon, Orbeetle, Coalossal, Sandaconda, Grimmsnarl, Flapple, Appletun, Hatterene, Copperajah, Kingler, and Centiskorch
So many features, but the questions arises, is this worth $30 USD? If you love this game, the DLC will surely be worth it. If you don’t, you still have access to the 140+ Pokémon that were added.
The Good
- Players can explore the island immediately without participating in the story
- Tons of new Pokémon are now available to catch with their Hidden Abilities
- Pokémon can follow you!
- Isle of Armor has many well-realized and varied environments
- New ways to battle with friends
The Meh
- No other new Pokémon than Kubfu and its evolution
- No other new Galarian forms besides Slowpoke and Slowbro
- Story is rather short
- Pokémon only follow you on the island
- Y-Comm is still as awful to use as ever
Overall, the Isle of Armor is full of exciting features. I would have to rate this 4 out of 5 stars. So many features (the following Pokémon was a surprise) justify the nominal cost of half the Expansion Pass ($15). It delivers on adding the new Pokémon we’d see added to a region in a third installment, along with new game additions, but at a fraction of the cost of a new Switch game. I hope you’re also enjoying the journey!
What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments or join us on Discord for raids and more!