Pokémon Pokopia has launched the first of its three-part paid DLC, alongside a massive Version 2.0 free software update now available to everyone who already owns the game. Of course, we love a free update. Especially when it comes with massive quality of life changes that players have been demanding since the beginning of the game.
So let’s dive (pun intended) right into the updates, starting with the paid expansion then the free update!
What’s The New Content In Bubbly Basin?
The first expansion pass adds a brand new region, Bubbly Basin, a mostly submerged town where Pokémon live beneath the sea. In this submerged space, players can make buildings which float at different levels underwater using buoyant blocks and explore dark areas at the bottom of the sea.
In order to unlock the Bubbly Basin DLC, players must first complete the request “Raise the environment level!” at Bleak Beach. After that, they will receive a new request from Professor Tangrowth to learn the newly added move Dive, which is also included in the free software update. This allows Ditto to explore and craft underwater freely.
Besides a whole new region to explore, and new items and cosmetics to discover, Bubbly Basin also introduces a brand new electricity system that works underwater, bubble machines that help clean up mud, a new drink type to power-up the move Dive, and watermelons that can be grown with the assistance of Pokémon with the Water specialty.
The new region also comes with 50 new Pokémon, most of them Water Type Pokémon from Kanto all the way to Paldea. Some confirmed Pokémon includes Popplio, Cloyster, Mudkip, Wugtrio, Chinchou, and Lanturn.
What’s New In The Free 2.0 Content Update?
The Pokopia Version 2.0 content update is arguably more massive than the DLC, including the long awaited addition of the Portal Pod, a shared chest that can store up to 140 stacks of items shared universally between all placed pods. There are a few ways to get your hands on Portal Pods, although the quickest way is through the Bubbly Basin Expansion Pass.
The free update also adds the move Dive, which allows players to move freely underwater. All players can unlock this new move by completing the request from Professor Tangrowth at Bleak Beach. Although take note that you must have the move Surf unlocked first.
Check out the full list of new features added to Version 2.0 here:
- Added the move Dive, allowing players to move freely underwater.
- The Build specialty can now be used to build houses underwater.
- Added new items such as the portal pod and safe.
- Recipes can be purchased after increasing Palette Town’s environment level.
- Added the new pattern, dynamic Ditto print.
- Can be obtained by talking to Smearguru after acquiring the diploma.
- Added new emotes: Lie Down and Ready, Set, Go!
- Can be obtained in Bleak Beach and on Dream Islands.
- Added five new hair colors: orange, light pink, yellow-green, blue-green, and brown.
- Added a function to move items in bulk between the storage box and bag.
- Added a function to delete items placed inside objects such as the garbage bin.
- Added the ability to fine-tune depth placement when placing windows, doors, and similar items.
- Added an option in Settings to hide the confirmation message shown when canceling Magnet Rise.
- Added an option in Settings allowing movement while the move wheel is open.
- Added motion-sickness reduction settings for the camera.
- The following items can now be painted: stylish stool, handrail, metal chain, workbench, vending machine, bike, bookcase, Pokémon Center counter, arrow sign, rope.
The following quality of life improvements have also been implemented:
- Even if a Pokémon’s habitat is destroyed, it will move back in if the same habitat is rebuilt within a certain area.
- Pokémon that are sad because furniture was removed will now notice more quickly when the same furniture is replaced.
- Pokémon that taught you an emote will now respond with the same emote when you use it.
- If a Pokémon being searched for in the Pokédex is in another town, you can now travel to that town using Return Home.
- Reduced ordinary conversation indicators so that special Pokémon conversations and requests directed at Ditto stand out more clearly.
- Lost relics can now be appraised in batches of up to 10 at a time.
- Paint, Gather Honey, and Collect can now be performed multiple times in the same interaction.
- During crafting, materials in the storage box next to the workbench will be consumed before materials in the bag.
- Increased the placement limit for power generators (excluding furnaces) from 64 to 128.
- Increased the number of different photos that can be displayed in a town from 10 to 40.
- When sucking up liquid, a short press of the move button to hold liquids in Ditto’s mouth will allow liquid to be held in their mouth without removing it from the environment.
- When releasing stored water, adjusted water levels now automatically match nearby water levels.
- Smearguru can now learn patterns from photos stored in References.
- Improved visibility of the target item when painting with paint balloons.
- Increased the amount of treasure discoverable with the Dowsing Machine on Dream Islands.
- Pokémon companions can now follow you while moving with Surf, Glide, Rollout, or Magnet Rise.
- Inhaling items and opening the bag are now possible while rolling using Rollout.
- Rollout can now destroy certain natural objects such as large boulders.
- Surf can now be activated on land by pressing the Surf button while holding the focus button.
- Improved activation conditions for Surf and Waterfall so they occur more smoothly.
- Leafage can now be used on farm soil to revert it to a normal soil block.
- Strength can now be used underwater.
- Added an All tab to both the Pokédex and Habitat Dex.
- Made it clearer that buildings can still be remodeled even when items such as the Ditto Flag are attached to roofs or walls.
- During construction, any Pokémon not assigned to the Build role in a building project can now help with cooking.
- Prevented treasures in Sparkling Skylands from appearing when using the Dowsing Machine in locations where breaking terrain would cause them to fall.
- Improved messaging when there are insufficient materials for copying items using the 3D Printer.
- Items can now be placed on top of square plants.
- Hide-and-sneak can now be canceled midway.
- Adjusted in-game event notifications shown at startup so they are displayed only during specific remaining-day periods.
- Certain roof items now block water.
- Increased output when crafting curved eaves to 10.
- Tidal Bell and Clear Bell can now be triggered using laser sensors and switches.
- Adjusted sound effects for camping chair and sleeping bag.
- Improved performance for certain rendering processes.
Read the full patch notes here.
What’s Next In Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass Part 2 & 3?
The Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass is priced above average at RM125, but the additional content and continuous upgrades to the game might just make it worth the price tag. Scheduled for late 2026, the second expansion will introduced accessories and fashion for Ditto and the other Pokémon. Additionally, more furniture pieces and new Pokémon will also appear, although there will not be a new town in this update.
The final town (for now) will be released in 2027, where additional Pokémon, furniture, and more will be found. More information on the third expansion will be revealed in the future.
