Pokémon Sword and Shield Isle of Armor expansion: New Pokémon, release date and everything we know

The Pokémon Company are breaking the usual tradition with Sword and Shield by having DLC instead of new standalone titles like Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. 

This comes in the form of a new expansion pass for Sword and Shield consisting of two new areas, named Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra. 

The former’s release is on the near horizon, promising new Gigantamax forms, new Pokémon and a whole host of returning monsters. So here’s everything confirmed so far for Isle of Armor. 

What is Isle of Armor?

The Isle of Armor itself is an island off the coast of the Galar region. The key feature on the island is a Pokémon Dojo, where trainers can be taught by Mustard; the longest-reigning Pokémon Champion in Galar history and the person who mentored Leon. 

It isn’t the only feature on the island, with beaches, forests, bogs, caves and sand dunes also scattered around. 

Get ready to explore the Isle of Armor (Picture: Nintendo)

Are there new Pokémon in Isle of Armor? 

You bet. You’ll be granted fighting-type legendary Pokémon when you arrive at Isle of Armor’s dojo, who will evolve into varying kinds of Urshifu depending where you train. 

Once you’re training takes you to the Towers of Two Fists, you have to choose between a challenge in one of two towers - the Tower of Darkness and the Tower of Waters. 

Kubfu is a new legendary Pokemon (Picture: Nintendo) 

If you choose the Tower of Darkness, Kubfu will evolve into Urshifu Single Strike Style, a fighting and dark type Pokémon. Challenge the Tower of Waters however, and Kubfu will evolve into Urshifu Rapid Strike Style, a fighting and water type. 

Kubfu can evolve into two different types of Urshifu (Picture: Nintendo) 

Your Galarian Slowpoke will also be available to evolve into either a Galarian Slowbro or Galarian Slowking depending on exclusive items available in Isle of Armor or The Crown Tundra. 

Over 200+ old Pokémon will also be available to catch in an update coinciding with the Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra expansion packs. You can check out a confirmed list of old monsters returning alongside Isle of Armor's release below.

• Psyduck
• Golduck
• Horsea
• Seadra
• Kingdra
• Magnemite
• Magneton
• Magnezone
• Happiny
• Chansey
• Blissey
• Azurill
• Marill
• Azumarill
• Zorua
• Zoroark
• Fletchling
• Fletchinder
• Talonflame
• Larvesta
• Volcarona
• Dedenne
• Rockruff
• Lycanroc

It’s important to note, even if you don’t purchase the expansions the above list of Pokémon will be available to players through Link Trade and Pokémon Home. 

• Read more: How pro players are taking competitive Sword and Shield into their own hands

Are there new Gigantamax forms too?

All three starter Pokémon in Sword and Shield will also receive new Gigantamax forms when Isle of Armor releases. You can check out the full details of each below. 

Rillaboom Gigantamax

Rillaboom gets a new form (Picture: Nintendo)

• Has grass-type move G-Max Drum Solo

Cinderace Gigantamax

Cinderace sits atop an enormous fireball (Picture: Nintendo) 

• Has fire-type move G-Max Fireball

Inteleon Gigantamax

Inteleon is ready to snipe (Picture: Nintendo) 

• Has water-type move G-Max Hydrosnipe

What else is in Isle of Armor?

If you pre-purchase the expansions, you’ll receive an exclusive Pikachu and Eevee uniform for your trainer. You’ll also get free bonus clothing items for your trainer based on Leon’s cap and tights if you purchase before 31st August.

The Isle of Armor expansion will also offer new outfits, hairstyles and customisation options for the League Card.

Has there been any leaks?

Of course there has. Two new abilities in Quick Draw and Unseen Fist will apparently be released in Isle of Armor, with the latter tied to Urshifu. 

There’s also a number of items and moves leaked in advance which you can check out below. 

Leaked items 

• Max Honey
• Max Mushrooms
• Galarica Twig
• Galarica Cuff
• Style Card
• Armor Pass
• Exp. Charm
• Armorite Ore
• Mark Charm 

Leaked moves 

• Expanding Force
• Steel Roller
• Scale Shot
• Meteor Beam
• Shell Side Arm
• Misty Explosion
• Grassy Glide
• Rising Voltage
• Terrain Pulse
• Skitter Smack
• Burning Jealousy
• Lash Out
• Poltergeist
• Corrosive Gas
• Coaching
• Flip Turn
• Triple Axel
• Dual Wingbeat
• Scorching Sands
• Jungle Healing
• Wicked Blow 
• Surging Strikes

When does Isle of Armor release and how much is the expansion pass? 

Isle of Armor is set to be released on Wednesday 17th June 2020.  The second part of the expansion, The Crown Tundra, will be released later this year. 

Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra are bundled together in the Pokemon Sword and Shield expansion pass, which is priced at $30/£27.

The expansions cannot be purchased separately. If you own both Sword and Shield, you’ll also have to buy two separate expansion passes if you want access in both.