To start the Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass, install the pass that matches your game, update the game and console, then reach Wedgehurst Station and battle the Galarian Slowpoke. You do not need to finish the main story: access to the Wild Area is the stated progress threshold.
1. Make sure the Expansion Pass matches your game
The passes are separate: the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass works with Pokémon Sword, and the Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass works with Pokémon Shield. One cannot be used with the other. See Nintendo’s list of available DLC.
2. Update the game and console
Nintendo’s access troubleshooting recommends checking for system and software updates. To check for a game update, highlight the game on the Switch HOME Menu, press + or −, choose Software Update, then Via the Internet. Nintendo also provides instructions for redeeming a DLC download code.
3. Reach Wedgehurst Station and battle Galarian Slowpoke
Progress through the main story until you can reach Wedgehurst Station and have access to the Wild Area. You do not have to beat the game or become Champion to begin the DLC. At the station, battle the Galarian Slowpoke. Nintendo says this encounter unlocks travel to both the Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra. Its DLC access instructions give the same requirement; The Pokémon Company’s game overview also identifies the Wild Area as part of the adventure.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute#1 Best Overall
- Catch, battle, and trade Pokémon on an all-new adventure in the Galar region
- Choose from three new partner Pokémon and encounter never-before-seen Pokémon
- Unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta!
- Team up with other Trainers to participate in Max Raid Battles***!
- Battle wild Dynamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles and try catching them***
If the DLC areas still aren’t accessible
- Check the game and pass pairing: confirm the Expansion Pass is for the version you are playing.
- Check for updates: update the Switch system and the game using the HOME Menu steps above.
- Confirm you own or redeemed the pass: buying or redeeming it is separate from unlocking travel in the game. If needed, follow Nintendo’s code redemption and download guidance.
- Confirm the story trigger: reach the Wild Area, go to Wedgehurst Station, and complete the Galarian Slowpoke battle.
Buying the Expansion Pass
If you still need to buy it, Nintendo’s instructions say to launch the matching game, press X to open the in-game menu, select Expansion Pass, then continue to Nintendo eShop. The pass offered corresponds to the game you launched. Nintendo’s US support page lists the pass at $29.99 USD; that is a regional listing, and the current price may differ, so check your eShop before purchasing. See Nintendo’s purchase instructions and its US price listing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![Nintendo Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass or Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass (Retail Version) - [Switch Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51l34qxMYhL._SL160_.jpg)
- Continue your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield adventure in The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra, two new areas to explore that will be added to the Galar region as part of the Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass or Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass
- Redeem your download code in the Nintendo eShop for either the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass or the Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass. Upon redeeming the code, you will be prompted to select one Expansion Pass. Only redeemable for one Expansion Pass.
- You'll also see some familiar Pokémon that didn't appear in the Galar region before, a total of over 200 Pokémon
- Part 1: The Isle of Armor is available now; Part 2: The Crown Tundra is scheduled for release during the fall of 2020
- If you purchase the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass or the Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass, you'll receive two codes redeemable to get two special uniform sets of in-game apparel as a bonus
Rank #4
![Pokémon Sword + Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51L+MTaoMmL._SL160_.jpg)
- Part 1 - The Isle of Armor releases June 17, 2020; Part 2 - The Crown Tundra is scheduled for release during the fall of 2020
- New Areas Discovered in the Galar Region and expand Your Pokémon Adventure
- This bundle includes both the Pokémon Sword game and the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass
- Catch, battle, and trade Pokémon on a new adventure in the Galar region
- If you purchase the Pokémon Sword + Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass, you'll get some in-game apparel as a bonus.
Rank #3
- A new generation of Pokemon is coming to the Nintendo Switch system.
- Become a Pokemon Trainer and embark on a new journey in the new Galar region!
- Choose from one of three new partner Pokemon: Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble.
- In this all new adventure, you'll encounter new and familiar Pokemon as you catch, battle, and trade Pokemon while exploring new areas and uncovering an all-new story.
- Get ready for the next Pokemon adventure in the Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield games.
Rank #2
- New entries in the main series of Pokémon RPGs arrive on Nintendo Switch simultaneously in late 2019
- The Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games take place in the newly discovered Galar Region
- Galar is an expansive region with diverse environments - an idyllic countryside, contemporary cities, thick forest and craggy, snow-covered mountains
- Fans will have the opportunity to visit Gyms in the Galar region in their quest to become Champion
- Newly discovered partner Pokémon join in this new iteration of the games - Grookey, Scorbunny and Sobble
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
