Pokemon Pokopia Expansion Pass and Free Update Revealed With New Underwater Adventures
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have officially unveiled the first major post-launch content plans for Pokémon Pokopia. During the June 2026 Nintendo Direct, players got their first look at both a substantial free update and a three-part Expansion Pass that will add new locations, Pokémon, customization options, and gameplay features over the coming months and into 2027.
Pokémon Pokopia launched earlier this year as a life simulation game where players take on the role of a Ditto disguised as a human while building homes, decorating environments, and creating a paradise for Pokémon. Since launch, fans have wondered whether the game would receive major downloadable content, and Nintendo has now confirmed that support will continue through both free and paid updates.
The biggest announcement is Version 2.0, a free update scheduled to arrive in August 2026. This update introduces the new Dive ability, allowing players and their Ditto to explore underwater areas for the first time. The new feature opens an entirely new layer of exploration beneath the ocean, where players will be able to expand their settlements and interact with aquatic Pokémon in previously inaccessible environments.
Bubbly Basin Leads the Expansion Pass
Launching alongside the free update is Part 1 of the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass, titled Bubbly Basin. This new downloadable content introduces an underwater town filled with new Pokémon, additional decorations, structures, and customization opportunities. Nintendo has already shown Pokémon such as Mudkip, Popplio, and Corphish as part of the new content.
The Expansion Pass consists of three separate releases. Bubbly Basin arrives first in August 2026, while Part 2 is scheduled for late 2026 and will focus on additional gameplay features. Part 3 is planned for 2027 and will introduce another entirely new town for players to explore. Nintendo has not yet revealed full details regarding the latter two expansions.
Players who purchase the Expansion Pass will also receive bonus items, including a special Dynamic Ditto print recipe and additional resources that can be used within the game. The DLC is being sold as a complete pass rather than separate individual purchases.
A Big Future for Pokopia
The announcement represents the largest content expansion revealed for Pokémon Pokopia since its launch. The addition of underwater exploration significantly expands the game's world, while the Expansion Pass promises a steady stream of new content stretching well into next year.
Although many details remain under wraps, Nintendo's roadmap already gives players a clear picture of what lies ahead. New towns, new Pokémon, expanded customization options, and underwater exploration are all on the horizon. For a game built around creativity and building a Pokémon paradise, the combination of Version 2.0 and the Expansion Pass appears set to greatly increase the number of possibilities available to players.
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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 11:03 AM.