Every Pokemon DLC, Ranked

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Key Takeaways

  • Daybreak update for Pokemon: Legends Arceus lacks depth compared to other expansions, ranking last among Pokemon DLC.
  • The Isle of Armour DLC for Pokemon Sword and Shield offers heartwarming story, but falls short on content.
  • The Crown Tundra expansion for Sword and Shield is the best Pokemon DLC, boasting rich content, new quests, and vast exploration

As a lifelong fan of the Pokémon franchise, I must say that my personal favorite among these three expansions is undoubtedly the Crown Tundra. Having grown up with the original games and following the series ever since, the sheer scale and depth of this DLC resonated deeply with me. It felt like a love letter to the fans, filled with nostalgia and new discoveries that kept me hooked for hours on end.

In the world of Pokemon, Downloadable Content (DLC) is a fresh concept that made its debut in the generation 8 games, specifically Pokemon Sword and Shield. For the first time ever, players could gain access to extra content beyond the regular main games by means of this DLC.

Previous installments in the series featured additional content after the main game, but DLC took this concept further, serving as an amplified form of post-game content. Moreover, DLC allowed The Pokemon Company to prolong the lifespan of their games by releasing smaller updates instead of creating new standalone games every year. The quality and quantity of Pokemon DLC can differ, with some expansions proving superior to others throughout the various games.

5. Daybreak

Less Developer Patch Than DLC

On February 27th, 2022, Daybreak was released as a free, partial expansion for Pokemon Legends: Arceus, accompanying its 1.1.0 update. This addition offered an array of new content, including the ability for players to investigate Pokemon outbreaks across the region of Hisui and participate in a special event called the Eternal Battle Reverie, where they could test their battle prowess against the legendary Pokemon Arceus.

Other novel additions encompass a balloon race contest in Coronet Highlands, fresh fights in the Training Grounds, and enhancements to the Photography Studio within Pokémon Legends: Arceus. While Daybreak isn’t a subpar expansion pack, it falls short in terms of content quantity and quality when compared to other expansions on this list, placing last among the Pokémon DLC offerings.

4. The Isle of Armour

Charming, but Content-Light

Debuted in June 2020, “The Isle of Armour” marked the inaugural DLC expansion for Pokemon games, specifically in relation to “Pokemon Sword and Shield.” On this new island, accessible via Wedgehurst Station following acquisition of the armor pass, players embark on an adventure filled with fresh territories to traverse, adversaries to overcome, and a rich cast of characters to engage. Once there, players join the island dojo and advance through its ranks, forming bonds with the legendary Pokemon (and DLC emblem character) Kubfu, a charming karate-inspired bear figure.

In the ongoing narrative of growth, gamers find themselves assigned a series of tasks aimed at boosting Kubfu’s power. For instance, they might scale one of the Two Fist Towers to trigger its evolution into either a powerful single strike or swift attack form called Urshifu.

Initially, the Isle of Armor served as an engaging expansion pack for the games Sword and Shield, providing players with a vast open-world island landscape to traverse, marking a new direction for the franchise’s environment design. The narrative, centered around the relationship between trainers and their Pokemon, was emotionally resonant. Unfortunately, it fell short in terms of content offerings, leaving players wanting more after the conclusion of its heartwarming storyline. Compared to other DLCs on this list, it lacked the depth and longevity that made those titles stand out.

3. Teal Mask

Engaging, Rich in Content

In the initial extension for “Pokemon: Scarlet and Violet,” titled “Teal Mask,” we’re introduced to the region of Kitakami, a mountainous landscape teeming with fresh characters and Pokémon. The narrative unfolds as players delve into the enigmas surrounding the “Teal Mask.” This investigation leads to an encounter with the legendary Pokémon Ogerpon and the revival of a trio of legendary Pokémon called the Loyal Three, an event that almost culminates in catastrophe.

The “Teal Mask” boasts an intriguing tale, a diverse array of both familiar and fresh “Pokemon” revealed in the DLC, and a variety of new adventures/games for players to delve into. In essence, the “Teal Mask” stands among the top “Pokemon” expansions, offering an engaging storyline and ample content to captivate dedicated “Pokemon” enthusiasts.

2. Indigo Disk

Expansive, but Repetitive

In the concluding chapter of “Pokemon: Scarlet and Violet,” titled “The Indigo Disk,.” this adventure continues from where “Teal Mask” left off. The protagonist ventures to the Unova region, enrolling in its Blueberry Academy. After vanquishing the academy’s champion, Area Zero becomes accessible, providing players with a gateway to encounter and battle an array of formidable Pokemon. Sprawling and vast, Area Zero boasts multiple open-world areas, as well as unique species of Pocket Monsters called Paradox Pokemon.

These beings are modifications of familiar Pokemon like Entei and Raikou, boasting enhanced attack sets, levels, and special skills. A notable instance is the Frenzied Thunderbolt, a puzzling version of Raikou that can be captured at level 75, featuring electric-dragon type and unique abilities such as Elevated Bolt.

In addition to a long lineup of fresh and recurring Pokemon, the DLC offers new experiences, including a brand-new Pokemon League for battles. However, while the Indigo Disk is more substantial than the Teal Mask in terms of depth and quality content, it doesn’t quite capture the magic, enigma, or variety of missions and activities found in The Crown Tundra. This places it second on our list.

1. Crown Tundra

The Best Pokemon DLC

In terms of the latest downloadable content for Sword and Shield, The Crown Tundra stands out as the superior expansion. The Crown Tundra presents a sprawling icy terrain brimming with novel Pokemon, narrative missions, and an expansive area to traverse. This DLC encompasses three primary story arcs: ‘Bonds of Loyalty between Ruler and Steed,’ ‘The Hidden Titans: Giants in Captivity,’ and ‘The Legendary Tree Rooted in Legends!’

1st Quest: In this initial journey, the player teams up with the iconic Pokémon, Calyrex, to subdue its missing steed. This task requires tracking down the elusive creature alongside Calyrex, and crafting the Unity Reins to tame the horse so that Calyrex can reclaim its full power.

The final mission required players to seize and fight against new versions of the legendary bird Pokemon, Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres, found in Galar. This mission entailed traversing through Galar to capture these variations. Remarkably, the blend of three quests and the vastness of content, including hidden secrets and puzzles to solve, makes this DLC not only the finest expansion but one of the best content ever created by the Pokemon Company. It stands out as the best DLC on this list without a doubt.

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2024-12-10 07:11