Game Freak have just revealed the release date for The Isle of Armor expansion in Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield; along with Galarian Slowbro.
While we only have access to the Japanese trailer and website at this time (along with our prior report on the expansion pass content), we will continue to update this article as we learn more.
Along with old Pokemon returning, we see Galarian Slowbro for the first time, along with a look at Gigantimax Venusaur and Blastoise, the new Regi Pokemon, and the Galarian Legendary Bird trio in-game.
You can find all the new information via the official website [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15] below. Content relevant to The Isle of Armor or The Crown Tundra will be marked as such.
THE ISLE OF ARMOR
The first new adventure unlocked by your Expansion Pass will take place on the Isle of Armor, an island of the Galar region.
The Isle of Armor is full of environments not seen in Galar before—you’ll find wave-swept beaches, forests, bogs, caves, and sand dunes!
There are also plenty of Pokémon that make this island their home, living freely amid the lush nature.
The island is home to a dojo for Pokémon battles. You and your Pokémon will train hard to become even stronger under Mustard, the Trainer who is the master of this dojo.
GALARIAN SLOWBRO
[The Isle of Armor]
CATEGORY: Hermit Crab Pokémon
TYPE: Poison/Psychic
HEIGHT: 5’3″
WEIGHT:155.4 lbs.
ABILITY: Quick Draw
It gained the Poison type from the shock of Shellder’s bite!
A Shellder bite set off a chemical reaction with the spices inside Galarian Slowpoke’s body, causing Galarian Slowbro to gain the Poison type.
The Shellder sometimes unconsciously bites down harder on Slowbro’s arm, causing an itch that drives Slowbro to start swinging its arm around indiscriminately and smashing its surroundings. This makes Galarian Slowbro a highly dangerous Pokémon.
Beats strong opponents to the draw!
Although this Pokémon is normally zoned out, facing off against strong opponents activates the stimulants in its body, sending them coursing through its nervous system and delivering a jolt.
When this happens, Slowbro’s expression sharpens. With a speed that puts even the quickest reflexes to shame, Slowbro readies its Shellder and makes poisonous liquid shoot from the Shellder’s tip.
Galarian Slowbro’s signature move: Shell Side Arm!
Shell Side Arm is a Poison-type special move in which this Pokémon fires poisonous liquid from the tip of the Shellder attached to its arm. This move may poison the target. Moreover, it inflicts either physical or special damage depending on which will damage the target more.
GIGANTAMAX VENUSAUR
[The Isle of Armor]
TYPE: Grass/Poison
HEIGHT: 78’9″+
WEIGHT: ????.? lbs.
ABILITY: Overgrow
A massive blossom covers the Pokémon’s body!
The power of Gigantamaxing has made Venusaur’s flower bloom so large that it covers the Pokémon’s body. The flower’s petals are extremely thick and springy enough to repel halfhearted attacks.
During battle, the Pokémon uses these petals as a shield and swings its two thick vines around to attack its target.
Enormous amounts of pollen erupt from its blossom!
The flower on the Pokémon’s back spews so much pollen that it resembles a volcanic eruption. Inhaling the pollen can cause uncontrollable sneezing, and breathing in too much of it can even cause fainting. However, the pollen also stimulates plant growth. Places where the pollen falls are said to grow thick with large plants.
The G-Max Move G-Max Vine Lash
Grass-type attacks used by Gigantamax Venusaur will change to G-Max Vine Lash.
G-Max Vine Lash doesn’t just deal damage to an opponent when it hits—it will continue to deal damage for four turns to any Pokémon that isn’t Grass type!
GIGANTAMAX BLASTOISE
[The Isle of Armor]
TYPE: Water
HEIGHT: 82’+
WEIGHT: ????.? lbs.
ABILITY: Torrent
An extra-large shell with extra-large water cannons!
Blastoise’s shell has grown to match its body, and it boasts new extra-large water cannons as well. Gigantamax Blastoise can adapt to different situations by using different combinations of its 31 variously sized cannons. In battle, it doesn’t bother to aim. Instead, it fires dynamic, powerful torrents from multiple cannons to overwhelm opponents.
A superpowerful main cannon!
The main cannon on the center of Blastoise’s shell is staggeringly powerful. Legend says this cannon has blasted holes into mountains. Gigantamax Blastoise can also move the 12 large cannons surrounding its central cannon independently, letting it orient its attacks in any direction, whether toward the ground or the sky.
The G-Max Move G-Max Cannonade
Water-type attacks used by Gigantamax Blastoise will change to G-Max Cannonade.
G-Max Cannonade doesn’t just deal damage to an opponent when it hits—it will continue to deal damage for four turns to any Pokémon that isn’t Water type!
EXCLUSIVE MOVES THAT ONLY THE LEGENDARY POKÉMON URSHIFU CAN LEARN!
[The Isle of Armor]
It seems that Urshifu has two forms—Single Strike Style and Rapid Strike Style—and it appears that each form can learn different moves and G-Max Moves.
SINGLE STRIKE STYLE URSHIFU’S SIGNATURE MOVE: WICKED BLOW!
An Urshifu that has followed the path of darkness can unleash this single, severe blow. This move always results in a critical hit, allowing Urshifu to attack while ignoring the target’s stat changes.
RAPID STRIKE STYLE URSHIFU’S SIGNATURE MOVE: SURGING STRIKES!
An Urshifu that has followed the path of water can unleash this flowing three-hit combo. This move always results in critical hits, allowing Urshifu to attack while ignoring the target’s stat changes.
ABILITY: UNSEEN FIST
Unseen Fist is a new Ability introduced with this expansion and one that only Single Strike Style Urshifu and Rapid Strike Style Urshifu have.
This Ability lets the Pokémon deal damage when it attacks with moves that make direct contact, even if the target defends itself by using moves like Protect.
Note: Kubfu will evolve into either Single Strike Style Urshifu or Rapid Strike Style Urshifu. Which form it evolves into will change depending on choices made during your adventure. The forms are not tied to the game version you are playing.
GIGANTAMAX URSHIFU
[The Isle of Armor]
GIGANTAMAX URSHIFU (SINGLE STRIKE STYLE)
CATEGORY: Wushu Pokémon
TYPE: Fighting/Dark
HEIGHT: 95’2″+
WEIGHT: ????.? lbs.
ABILITY: Unseen Fist
A roiling rage
In this form, Urshifu looks ready to bellow in fury. People call it both “the very embodiment of rage” and “a divine emissary that banishes evil spirits with its fury.”
GIGANTAMAX URSHIFU (RAPID STRIKE STYLE)
CATEGORY: Wushu Pokémon
TYPE: Fighting/Water
HEIGHT: 85’4″+
WEIGHT: ????.? lbs.
ABILITY: Unseen Fist
The anger hidden within
In this form, Urshifu will quietly maintain its stance with a calm expression. When facing this Pokémon, it seems some will become greatly agitated, feeling as if the very depths of their soul have been exposed. Yet others report feeling a sense of relief, as if they’d been cleansed of evil spirits.
THE G-MAX MOVES G-MAX ONE BLOW AND G-MAX RAPID FLOW
Dark-type attacks used by Single Strike Style Gigantamax Urshifu will change to G-Max One Blow. Water-type attacks used by Rapid Strike Style Gigantamax Urshifu will change to G-Max Rapid Flow. G-Max One Blow and G-Max Rapid Flow can deal damage even if a target defends itself by using moves like Max Guard or Protect.
NEW FEATURES ADDED IN THE ISLE OF ARMOR
[The Isle of Armor]
Items that will help you on your adventure
You’ll find new items that will help you along your journey, like an Exp. Charm that’ll come in handy when leveling up your Pokémon!
The Cram-o-matic
The dojo on the Isle of Armor houses a unique take on recycling in the form of a device called the Cram-o-matic. If you feed it four items, it will combine them and give you a new item in exchange. You can receive any of a variety of items, including Poké Balls, PP Ups, and more. Some combinations might produce rare items!
New tutor moves
Completely new tutor moves will also be available on the Isle of Armor. You can have your Pokémon learn these moves in exchange for Armorite Ore, a substance that you can find on the Isle of Armor through Max Raid Battles and other means.
Burning Jealousy
Burning Jealousy is a new Fire-type move that can be taught starting with this expansion. When it hits, it deals damage to all opposing Pokémon and burns all opposing Pokémon that have had their stats boosted during the turn.
Grassy Glide
Grassy Glide is a new Grass-type move that can be taught starting with this expansion. This move has high priority when used on Grassy Terrain!
Max Soup
Max Soup is a special dish made from rare ingredients you can gather on the Isle of Armor. If a Pokémon with great hidden potential drinks Max Soup, it will become a special Pokémon capable of Gigantamaxing.
Some Pokémon you’ve already been traveling with may be able to gain the ability to Gigantamax as well.
A new way to battle: Restricted Sparring
The Isle of Armor will also introduce a way to challenge yourself to some new battles! With Restricted Sparring, you’ll be limited in what types of Pokémon you can use and forced to battle under set conditions! Give it a try, and give some of your Pokémon that are normally overlooked a chance to shine!
THE CROWN TUNDRA
The second area unlocked by your Expansion Pass is the snow-swept realm of the Crown Tundra. See for yourself the beautiful scenery of this shining, silvery landscape! In this frigid area, with its jagged winter mountains, people live in small communities where they support and rely on one another.
A man named Peony will appoint you as the leader of his exploration team in the Crown Tundra.
You’ll then be tasked with investigating the reaches of this frozen land. And remember the Pokémon Dens that you’ve only been able to glimpse during Max Raid Battles? Well, now you’ll be able to explore their depths!
What’s more, it seems a number of previously unseen Legendary Pokémon make the Crown Tundra their home.
REGIELEKI
[The Crown Tundra]
CATEGORY: Electron Pokémon
TYPE: Electric
HEIGHT: 3’11”
WEIGHT: 319.7 lbs.
ABILITY: Transistor
A body with a bottomless supply of electricity!
This Pokémon absorbs electrons to live. Electrical energy makes up most of its body. Its Electric-type moves are said to pack the greatest power of any used by Electric-type Pokémon.
Strength restrained by special equipment!
Researchers have determined that Regieleki’s body is fitted with what appears to be special insulating equipment that does not conduct electricity. Some theorize that in ancient times, people tormented by Regieleki fitted the equipment on the Pokémon to restrain its powers.
Regieleki’s signature move: Thunder Cage!
In this Electric-type special move, the Pokémon fires furious bolts of electricity from its lower half, trapping opponents directly below it in a cage of lightning. Thunder Cage doesn’t only deal damage to opponents when it lands—it will also cause them to be trapped within an electrified cage, causing damage every turn for four to five turns and preventing them from fleeing or being swapped out.
REGIDRACO
[The Crown Tundra]
CATEGORY: Dragon Orb Pokémon
TYPE: Dragon
HEIGHT: 6’11”
WEIGHT: 440.9 lbs.
ABILITY: Dragon’s Maw
A cluster of dragon energy!
Regidrago’s body is composed of crystallized dragon energy. The energy is densest in its central core. Thanks to its body composition, Regidrago can use Dragon-type moves with greater power than other Pokémon.
The sealed Regidrago!
Folklore tells that the Legendary Pokémon Regigigas tried to create a Pokémon from crystallized dragon energy but ran out of crystals and was only able to complete the head. People of old feared that if Regidrago were to be completed, it would rain destruction on their land, so they sealed it away within a temple.
Regidrago’s signature move: Dragon Energy!
The Pokémon assumes a shape similar to a dragon’s head, then fires intense dragon energy from its mouth. The more HP the user has remaining, the higher the move’s power.
GALARIAN ARTICUNO
[The Crown Tundra]
CATEGORY: Cruel Pokémon
TYPE: Psychic/Flying
HEIGHT: 5’7″
WEIGHT: 112.2 lbs.
ABILITY: Competitive
A cruel, arrogant Legendary Pokémon!
Once every several decades, this migratory Pokémon appears in the Crown Tundra. For a long time, it was thought to be the same Legendary Pokémon as the Articuno previously discovered in other regions. Though cold and callous in personality, it moves in a highly refined manner. It keeps itself airborne through constant use of its psychic powers, almost never flapping its wings.
Freezing psychic power!
This Pokémon battles using intense psychic powers that act directly on the cells of living beings. The beams of psychic energy fired from its eyes have a particularly potent effect. The slightest touch of these beams leaves the victim totally immobilized, as if frozen. The Pokémon finishes off immobilized opponents using the condensed psychic power of its wings.
Galarian Articuno’s signature move: Freezing Glare!
Freezing Glare is a Psychic-type special move in which the Pokémon attacks by firing psychic power from both eyes. This move may also leave the target frozen.
GALARIAN ZAPDOS
[The Crown Tundra]
CATEGORY: Strong Legs Pokémon
TYPE: Fighting/Flying
HEIGHT: 5’3″
WEIGHT: 128.3 lbs.
ABILITY: Defiant
A Legendary Pokémon that loves battling mighty opponents!
Once every several decades, this migratory Pokémon appears in the Crown Tundra. For a long time, it was thought to be the same Legendary Pokémon as the Zapdos previously discovered in other regions. This belligerent, battle-hungry Pokémon seems unable to resist challenging Pokémon it senses may be stronger than itself.
Lightning that strikes from stone walls!
In battle, this Pokémon overwhelms opponents with speedy movements and ferocious kicks using its naturally mighty legs. When it leaps down cliffs and rocky mountainsides in ultra-high-speed zigzag movements, it is said to resemble a bolt of lightning. However, its wings seem to have atrophied, and it appears to be a poor flier.
Galarian Zapdos’s signature move: Thunderous Kick!
In this Fighting-type physical move, the Pokémon overwhelms the target with lightning-like movement before delivering a kick. This also lowers the target’s Defense stat.
GALARIAN MOLTRES
[The Crown Tundra]
CATEGORY: Malevolent Pokémon
TYPE: Dark/Flying
HEIGHT: 6’7″
WEIGHT: 145.5 lbs.
ABILITY: Berserk
A Legendary Pokémon that lets nothing get close!
Once every several decades, this migratory Pokémon appears in the Crown Tundra. For a long time, it was thought to be the same Legendary Pokémon as the Moltres previously discovered in other regions. It has a haughty personality and conducts itself calmly, according to its own whims.
An aura like a blazing pillar of fire!
It exudes the energy churning within its body as an aura akin to a column of raging fire, leaving ordinary Pokémon unable to even approach it. It is especially skilled at attacking opponents’ minds by spreading its wings wide and unleashing a wicked aura. Opponents hit by such attacks are overcome with deep fatigue, as if all their energy has been burned away.
Galarian Moltres’s signature move: Fiery Wrath!
In this Dark-type special move, the Pokémon transforms its wrath into a fire-like aura to attack. It may also make opposing Pokémon flinch.
NEW FEATURES ADDED IN THE CROWN TUNDRA
[The Crown Tundra]
Explore Pokémon Dens in Dynamax Adventures!
Team up with three other Trainers to go on a Dynamax Adventure! You’ll be able to venture into Pokémon Dens and maybe even run into Dynamax Pokémon! If you do encounter a Dynamax Pokémon during your exploration, you’ll need to work together with your teammates in a Max Raid Battle! You’ll get a chance to catch the Dynamax Pokémon for your team if you triumph in the battle, but you’ll be kicked out of the den should you lose!
Get ready to take part in the Galarian Star Tournament!
Once you progress far enough in your adventure in the Crown Tundra, you’ll be able to participate in the Galarian Star Tournament, held in the city of Wyndon! In this tournament, you’ll battle with various Trainers you met in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield—but not just as opponents! You’ll also pick a teammate and tackle the tournament together!
New Characters
[The Crown Tundra]
Peony
Upon arriving in the Crown Tundra, you’ll encounter Peony, who has brought his daughter along on an adventure to find the truth behind tales of Legendary Pokémon in the area. Listening isn’t his strongest suit, and his bold behavior draws plenty of attention. But he has a kind side and plenty of affection for his daughter.
You can find the English trailer below.
The Isle of Armor expansion launches June 17th. The Crown of Tundra expansion launches Fall 2020.
Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield are out now on Nintendo Switch. In case you missed it, you can find our review here.
