Pokémon Pokopia’s First DLC Wave Is Scheduled for August 5

The Bubbly Basin content is expected to add underwater exploration in a free update, but Nintendo and Koei Tecmo have not officially confirmed the date.

Mihaela Kicevski3 weeks ago

69 2 minutes read

Pokémon Pokopia promotional image showing a colorful town, additional-content artwork, and Nintendo Switch 2 branding

Pokémon Pokopia‘s first DLC wave is scheduled to arrive on August 5, 2026, according to a date shown in a now-deleted video aimed at Japanese audiences. The date has not received official confirmation from The Pokémon Company or developer Koei Tecmo.

The first wave was previously given an August 2026 window. It will add the Bubbly Basin area for players who own the DLC Pack, alongside a free content update available to everyone. According to Insider Gaming’s report, the free update will add underwater exploration, allowing all players to experience at least part of the new aquatic content.

What’s Coming to Pokémon Pokopia

The three-part DLC plan was announced during a Pokémon Presents presentation earlier in 2026. The first wave focuses on Bubbly Basin, an underwater location described as drawing inspiration from Cerulean City in the Kanto region. The area will give players another place to build, rebuild, and develop their Pokémon community, with Popplio and Corsola among the Pokémon connected to the new content.

Players who own the Expansion Pass will need to reach Environment Level 5 in Bleak Beach to access Bubbly Basin. Manaphy will teach players the Dive skill, opening up further underwater building and exploration. The area will also feature watermelon-based food, bubble machines, and smoothie recipes that power up Surf. A Sharpedo submarine will help players travel farther through the underwater areas.

The first wave is connected to eight Pokémon: Popplio, Carvanha, Corsola, Corphish, Chinchoi, Mudkip, Buizel, and Manaphy.

The second part is planned for late 2026. It will not add another area, but will introduce new ways to coordinate outfits with Pokémon companions. Ditto already has access to different outfits, while the new feature will let players create matching looks for their trainers and Pokémon. Snubbull is the only additional visitor revealed for Part 2 so far, although more Pokémon are expected to join it.

Part 3 is planned for 2027 and will introduce a new town to visit and rebuild. The first wave is expected to arrive before the Pokémon World Championships at the end of August, though the August 5 date remains unconfirmed for now.

The Expansion Pass was not yet available for purchase according to the latest information in the incoming report, so its availability and pricing remain pending ahead of the first wave.

Pokémon Pokopia launched for Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5, 2026. The game sold more than 2.2 million copies worldwide in its first four days, as detailed in the report on Pokémon Pokopia’s early sales.

The expansion pass trailer is available below.

For now, August 5 is the date players can keep in mind, but the final word still needs to come from The Pokémon Company or Koei Tecmo.

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Pokémon and people once lived happily together, but the world has withered and the humans are gone. The only remaining resident appears to be a lone Tangrowth. After waking from a long slumber, a peculiar Ditto decides to restore the desolate land using its transformation skills and its surprising new crafting abilities. Play as a Ditto and build a charming world alongside your Pokémon friends. After a satisfying day of crafting, building, and gardening, relax in your very own paradise or invite Pokémon and your friends to visit. As you restore your world and cultivate its natural beauty, you'll encounter more Pokémon who will teach you useful moves! Your Pokémon neighbors are excited to play together, as well as help you build houses to welcome even more friends! Pokémon might even ask for your help – work with them to build a cozy utopia.