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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →To access the Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass, buy the pass that matches your game, update the game, and progress to Wedgehurst Station. After you reach the Wild Area, battle the Galarian Slowpoke at the station to unlock travel to the expansion areas. Owning the pass alone does not skip that story progression.
Choose the pass that matches your game
There are two versions: the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass works with Pokémon Sword, while the Shield pass works with Pokémon Shield. A pass cannot be used with the other game. Each version includes both the Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra; Nintendo does not sell them separately. Nintendo’s DLC information
You need the corresponding base game to play the content. Buying Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield by itself does not mean the Expansion Pass is included.
Buy the Expansion Pass from the game
- Update Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield to the latest version.
- Start the game and press X to open the in-game menu.
- Select Expansion Pass and confirm. The game will take you to Nintendo eShop.
- Check that the listing matches the game you are playing, then follow the eShop prompts to purchase it.
Nintendo’s in-game route presents the pass for the game currently being played, so start Pokémon Sword to find the Sword pass or Pokémon Shield to find the Shield pass. Nintendo’s purchase instructions
#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***
Unlock travel to the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra
After purchasing or redeeming the pass, make sure the game is updated. Continue the main game until you have reached Wedgehurst Station and gained access to the Wild Area. Then battle the Galarian Slowpoke at Wedgehurst Station. That encounter unlocks travel to the Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra. Nintendo’s expansion-area access guidance
Quick Recap
Rank #4
![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 #3
- Revisit the Sinnoh region from the original Pokémon Pearl Version game and set off to try and become the Champion of the Pokémon League
- The Pokémon Shining Pearl game brings new life to this remade classic with added features
- Explore the Grand Underground to dig up items and Pokémon Fossils, build a Secret Base, and more.
- Test your style and rhythm in a Super Contest Show
- A reimagined adventure, now for the Nintendo Switch system
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
If the Expansion Pass or areas are missing
- Check the game version: The Sword pass is for Pokémon Sword; the Shield pass is for Pokémon Shield.
- Install updates: Confirm the console and game are updated, then reopen the game.
- Redownload eShop DLC if needed: Nintendo recommends redownloading DLC purchased through eShop when it is not appearing. A physical Pokémon Sword plus Sword Expansion Pass edition does not require a separate DLC redownload.
- Check your story progress: If you own the pass but cannot travel, return to Wedgehurst Station after reaching the Wild Area and battle the Galarian Slowpoke.
Nintendo’s troubleshooting and access guidance
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.
