"Pokemon Pokopia" players may not have to wait much longer for the game's first major paid expansion. Bubbly Basin is reportedly set to launch on August 5.
Fans will only have to wait a short time before they can explore its new water-themed content.
Pokopia Bubbly Basin Adds a Water-Themed Town
Nintendo first showcased Bubbly Basin during its June Direct presentation. The expansion will introduce a new town centered around water, with underwater exploration expected to be one of its main attractions.
The reported release date comes from a Japanese television commercial, according to Serebii. Although the advertisement appears to have revealed when the expansion will arrive, the company has yet to announce additional details. More information could surface once the full commercial is released in the coming days.
The new area will also feature additional Pokémon residents. Mudkip and Popplio have already been confirmed as part of the expansion, giving players more Pokémon to meet and interact with while exploring the aquatic setting.
The water-focused environment could also provide new opportunities for players to expand their towns and discover resources that were previously difficult to reach.
Free Pokopia Update Introduces Underwater Swimming
One of the most notable features arriving alongside Bubbly Basin is underwater swimming. The mechanic will be included in a free update scheduled for August, meaning players will not need to purchase the DLC or the expansion pass to access it.
The new swimming ability will also be available in areas from the base game. This should be particularly useful for players who have encountered resources beneath the water but had limited ways to reach them.
Previously, accessing certain underwater materials required unconventional methods, such as removing large volumes of water to expose the area. The new swimming mechanic should make underwater exploration considerably more straightforward.
Pokopia Expansion Pass Includes Three Planned Updates
Bubbly Basin is the first of three major content updates included in "Pokopia's" paid expansion pass. According to Kotaku, the second update is planned for later this year, although Nintendo has not yet revealed what new features or content it will bring.
The third update is scheduled for next year and is expected to introduce another new town. The full expansion pass costs $35, and the three DLC releases do not currently appear to be available for separate purchase.
For players who have already invested dozens of hours building communities, exploring the world, and interacting with Pokémon, Bubbly Basin could provide another reason to return to Pokopia.
With a new aquatic town, underwater exploration, and additional Pokémon residents, the upcoming expansion looks set to make the game's world even more expansive.
Pokopia Players Have More Reasons to Dive Back In
If the reported August 5 release date is accurate, Bubbly Basin is just around the corner. The combination of new paid content and a free underwater swimming update should give both expansion owners and existing players something fresh to experience.
In the meantime, check our previous guide about the best Pokemon for building a base.
