Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass—Part 1: Bubbly Basin launches August 5, 2026, on Switch 2, alongside a free Version 2.0 update that adds the move Dive. Bubbly Basin is a new underwater town built with buoyant blocks, featuring new Pokémon, furniture, Ditto outfits, and a hidden deep-sea area explored via glowing coral.
Courtesy: Pokemon Pokopia Bubbly Basin
Editor's note: Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass—Part 1: Bubbly Basin had not yet launched at the time of publication. Content details, including specific features, cosmetics, and bonus items, are subject to addition or removal by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo before or shortly after release. We'll update this article if official details change.Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Free 2.0 Update: Learning Dive
- What's in Bubbly Basin (Part 1)
- How to Access Bubbly Basin
- The Full Expansion Pass Roadmap
- Pricing and Purchase Bonuses
- Expert Insights: A Measured Rollout
- Practical Takeaways Before You Dive In
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Introduction
Pokémon Pokopia's first major expansion is almost here. Developed by Game Freak with Koei Tecmo's Omega Force and published by The Pokémon Company, the life-sim spinoff — exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 — is getting its first paid DLC content on August 5, 2026, alongside a free update that unlocks the mechanic the whole expansion is built around: underwater exploration.
Here's everything confirmed about Bubbly Basin, how to unlock it, and what's still to come in the rest of the Expansion Pass.
The Free 2.0 Update: Learning Dive
Before Bubbly Basin is playable, every Pokopia owner needs the free Version 2.0.0 update, also launching August 5. It adds the move Dive, taught by Manaphy, which lets players swim alongside Water-type Pokémon and build structures underwater for the first time in the game.
Per the Pokémon Company's official press release, learning Dive requires already knowing Surf and completing the request "Raise the environment level!" in the game's Bleak Beach area—so this isn't something available from the start of a save file.
What's in Bubbly Basin (Part 1)
Courtesy: Pokemon Pokopia Bubbly Basin
- Buoyant blocks — a new block type that allows floating structures, letting players build both above and below the waterline.
- Underwater farming — Pokémon with the Water specialty can grow watermelons on the ocean floor.
- Powered lighting — Pokémon with the Generate specialty (Game Informer specifically names Chinchou) can power bubble machines and streetlights once it gets dark.
- A hidden deep-sea zone — a darker area accessible only by following glowing coral, with its contents left undisclosed ahead of launch.
- A Sharpedo submarine build — a constructible room styled after the mainline series' Secret Base feature.
- New Ditto outfits and ocean-themed furniture — additional cosmetic and decor options tied to the underwater theme.
How to Access Bubbly Basin
Getting into the new area isn't automatic even after purchasing the Expansion Pass. According to Nintendo's official product page, players need to:
- Install the free Version 2.0.0 update.
- Complete the request "Raise the environment level!" in Bleak Beach.
- Learn Surf, then learn Dive (taught by Manaphy).
- Locate and pass through Bubbly Basin's underwater gate.
Courtesy: Pokemon Pokopia Bubbly Basin
The Full Expansion Pass Roadmap
| Part | Name | Release Window | Confirmed Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Bubbly Basin | August 5, 2026 | New underwater town, buoyant blocks, Ditto outfits, new furniture, hidden deep-sea area |
| Part 2 | Not yet named | Late 2026 | Pokémon-themed accessories for Ditto, additional furniture, more Pokémon |
| Part 3 | Not yet named | 2027 | An entirely new town (further details not yet revealed) |
The Pokémon Company has not yet detailed Part 3 beyond confirming a new town is coming; this information could not be independently verified beyond that single confirmed detail at the time of writing.
Pricing and Purchase Bonuses
The Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass costs $34.99 (or the regional equivalent) and covers all three parts as they release—the parts aren't sold individually. Buying the pass also includes:
- A Dynamic Ditto print recipe, redeemable through the in-game "Downloadable Content" menu.
- 30 Rare Pokémetal Ingots, delivered via an emailed serial code or the in-game Mystery Gift feature.
One note on accuracy: sources differ slightly on the exact claim window for the Pokémetal Ingots code — Game Informer's coverage describes claiming the code by August 31 with redemption due by September 30, while other outlets list an August 31, 2027 claim deadline. Given the discrepancy, check the official Nintendo product page directly before assuming either date.
Expert Insights: A Measured Rollout
Our assessment: Splitting the Expansion Pass into three releases spread across roughly 18 months is a fairly deliberate live-service pacing choice for a game that only just launched on Switch 2. Bundling the core new mechanic (Dive) into a free update rather than gating it behind the paid pass is also notable—it means every Pokopia owner gets underwater gameplay, while only Bubbly Basin's specific town, cosmetics, and content sit behind the paywall. That's a more player-friendly split than locking core traversal mechanics behind DLC entirely.
Practical Takeaways Before You Dive In
Update first. The 2.0.0 update is required before Bubbly Basin will even appear as accessible content, regardless of whether you've bought the Expansion Pass.
Check your move list. If your save file hasn't taught your character Surf yet, do that before attempting to learn. Dive—it's a prerequisite.
Don't expect Part 2 or 3 details yet. Only Part 1 has a confirmed release date; Part 2 is "late 2026," and Part 3 is "2027" without specifics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy the Expansion Pass to get the Dive move?
No. Dive comes with the free Version 2.0.0 update available to everyone who owns Pokémon Pokopia. The Expansion Pass is required only for Bubbly Basin's town, cosmetics, and additional content.
Can I buy Bubbly Basin separately from the full Expansion Pass?
No—the three parts are sold together as a single $34.99 Expansion Pass, not as individual purchases.
What's required to access Bubbly Basin?
Installing the 2.0.0 update, completing the "Raise the environment level!" request in Bleak Beach, and learning Surf and then Dive via Manaphy.
When is Part 2 of the Expansion Pass releasing?
Late 2026, according to The Pokémon Company's official announcement. An exact date has not been confirmed.
Is Pokémon Pokopia available on any platform besides Switch 2?
No—it's a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive.
Conclusion
Bubbly Basin gives Pokémon Pokopia its first real content expansion just months after launch, and the free Dive update means every player gets access to underwater exploration regardless of whether they buy in. With two more Expansion Pass parts confirmed but not detailed, this looks like the opening chapter of a longer content plan for the game rather than a one-off DLC drop.
Sources: The Pokémon Company North America Official Press Site, "Launch Date and New Details Revealed for Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass—Part 1: Bubbly Basin"; Nintendo Official Site, Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass product page; Nintendo Life, "Pokémon Pokopia 'Bubbly Basin' Expansion Pass DLC Locks In Switch 2 Release Date"; Game Informer, "Pokémon Pokopia Bubbly Basin Expansion Gets Extended Gameplay Trailer And August 5 Release Date"; RPGFan, "Pokémon Pokopia Bubbly Basin Expansion Pass Content & Free Update Coming August 5th"; Pixelkin, "Pokemon Pokopia DLC Expansion Part 1: Bubbly Basin will arrive August 5, alongside 2.0 update."
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By Marcus Vance — Marcus Vance covers battle royale meta shifts, live-service title updates, and gaming technology for Globe Trigger.