Image via Pokémon
New adventures are just around the corner for Pokémon Pokopia fans. After months of waiting, the first big expansion pass update, “Bubbly Basin”, will be released on August 5, 2026, bringing a slew of new information for players to try out. Adventures are Ditto aren’t the only thing this release date trailer has included, however, with an additional detail about the late-2026 DLC update also added in as a special surprise.
Pokopia has been a refreshing addition to the Pokémon franchise, offering a break from intense battles and PvP-focused releases that have dominated the IP the past several years. The cozy adventure has been an expressive sandbox for fans of relaxing genres and has acted as a creative canvas for incredible builds.
However, since the game released, the oceans have been strictly off-limits unless you have learned Surf, leaving the tantalizing beaches nothing more than sandy barriers to the wider world beyond. This limitation has made excitement for the “Bubbly Basin” DLC that much more intense, as it will include the ability to dive beneath the ocean waves.
Pokémon Pokopia Bubbly Basin DLC Release Date
The release date for Pokopia’s “Bubbly Basin” DLC is August 5, 2026. As revealed in the release date trailer, the expansion will include the Dive ability, new Pokémon, additional farming mechanics, the debut of Manaphy, and a whole new town.
If you are looking to access the DLC for Pokopia, you will need to purchase the Pokopia Expansion Pass from the Nintendo eStore for $34.99. While expensive, the expansion pass will include access to all three planned major updates for the game, including “Bubbly Basin”, a cosmetic update in late 2026, and an additional large expansion in early 2027 that will introduce another town.
Surprisingly, while the trailer and updates for “Bubbly Basin” primarily focused on what players will be doing in their new town, a sneaky additional detail was added to the promotional material that gives a sneak peek at how the second expansion will work.
Get Ready To Dress Up in Pokopia
As shown in the screen card for the social media post shared on the Official Pokémon Twitter account, the second expansion will focus on adding accessories to the game. Currently, decorations are primarily for homes and towns, but the second expansion will add contest-like costumes to the game, allowing players to style their companions in any way they fancy.
This adorable mechanic might not be a new town, but depending on how many clothing and accessory options are added, players will have unlimited ways to make their town and its inhabitants that much more special and unique.
Pokopia is a wonderful and relaxing way to explore the world of Pokémon, and this new chapter will add new depth to this incredible cozy adventure.
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