Pokemon Pokopia Expansion Pass Part 1 Adds Underwater Town Bubbly Basin with New Dive Mechanic

Pokemon Pokopia Expansion Pass Part 1: Bubbly Basin arrives August 5, introducing a fully submerged town where players rebuild structures underwater using a new Dive mechanic. Alongside the paid DLC, a free software update becomes available for all Pokopia owners, enabling access to underwater exploration and construction features previously unavailable in the base game.

Underwater Development System

The expansion centers on reconstructing an ocean-floor town alongside Popplio, a water-type Pokemon that greets players at Bubbly Basin's entrance. The core gameplay loop mirrors the original Pokopia experience but operates entirely underwater, where players fulfill requests from various Pokemon to gradually develop the settlement.

A significant technical addition is the introduction of buoyant blocks—construction materials that float at different depths underwater. These components enable three-dimensional building layouts impossible in surface environments, offering players expanded creative freedom for town design. Water-type Pokemon with building specialties assist in constructing structures, while Pokemon with the Generate specialty (such as Chinchou) power mechanical devices like streetlights and bubble machines that enhance the town's infrastructure.

Resources and Customization

Bubbly Basin introduces watermelon cultivation to Pokopia's farming system. Players plant seedlings in underwater crop fields and request water-specialty Pokemon to cover them with air bubbles. Growth-specialty Pokemon accelerate crop maturation through their abilities. The expansion includes Pokemon such as Mudkip, Chinchou, and additional water-type creatures that inhabit the new area.

Thematic furniture designed for seafloor living allows players to construct underwater homes matching the aquatic environment. New outfit options and prepared foods, including smoothies, expand customization and food variety. A power upgrade to the Surf move provides enhanced functionality, though specific improvements remain undisclosed.

Access Requirements and Phased Content

The paid DLC requires completion of the "Raise the environment level!" request in Bleak Beach before players can enter Bubbly Basin. The mandatory free Ver. 2.0.0 software update, released simultaneously, must be applied before accessing paid DLC content. Nintendo has confirmed a second part of the Expansion Pass exists but has not yet disclosed a release date or detailed features.