The Bubbly Basin is the first paid DLC expansion for Pokémon Pokopia, released on August 5, 2026 as part of the Pokopia Expansion Pass. This guide covers everything you need to know about diving into the underwater world of Bubbly Basin.
Expansion Pass Overview
| Content | Release Date | What's New |
|---|---|---|
| Bubbly Basin (Part 1) | August 5, 2026 | New underwater town, ocean-themed Pokemon, new Dive ability, ocean furniture |
| Part 2 | March 31, 2027 | Additional features (TBA) |
| Part 3 | September 30, 2027 | New town (TBA) |
Price: $34.99 USD (or $104.99 USD bundled with the base game)
Version 2.0 Free Update
The free Version 2.0 update launched alongside the DLC on August 5, 2026. All players receive:
- Dive ability — Ditto creates an air bubble helmet, allowing underwater exploration off the shores of Bleak Beach and Withered Wasteland
- Ability to build, plant, and interact with Water-type Pokémon underwater
How to Unlock Dive (How to Find Manaphy)
Before you can explore the Bubbly Basin, you need to learn the Dive ability from Manaphy. Here's how:
- Reach Environment Level 5 in Bleak Beach
- Learn Surf from Lapras
- Talk to Professor Tangrowth outside the Bleak Beach Pokémon Center
- Surf northwest to the mysterious island that appeared off the Bleak Beach coast
- Find Manaphy passed out on the beach
- Collect 5x Seaweed from the island and give it to Manaphy
- Manaphy teaches you the Dive ability
Dive Controls
| Button | Action |
|---|---|
| B | Swim faster |
| L | Swim down |
| R | Swim up |
| ZL | Hover in place |
How to Reach Bubbly Basin
After learning Dive and meeting Popplio at the Pokémon Center:
- Dive underwater behind the Bleak Beach Pokémon Center
- Swim west along the seafloor to find the Bubbly Basin gate
- Interact with the gate (no Trainer Rank required — just Dive and the Expansion Pass)
- Enter to begin your Bubbly Basin adventure!
Tip: Look for white whirlpools while diving — these contain collectible items, just like item pickups on land.
Story Requests
| Request | Key Pokémon |
|---|---|
| Find the Gate! | Popplio |
| Raise the Environment Level! | Popplio (reach level 3) |
| Rebuild the Pokémon Center! | Professor Tangrowth |
| Show Off a Building Kit! | Corphish |
| Grow a Crop Field! | Corsola |
| Build the Beautiful Building! | Popplio |
Rebuilding the Pokémon Center
Once you reach Environment Level 3, purchase a building kit for 1,000 coins at the ruined Pokémon Center. You'll need:
- Star-Spotted Rock x25
- Shiny Pearl x5
- Seashell x10
- Sea Glass Fragments x10
- A team of 8 Pokémon to help with construction
New Pokémon in Bubbly Basin
The Bubbly Basin introduces 50 new Water-type and ocean-themed Pokémon. See the full Bubbly Basin Pokédex for details.
Highlights:
- Popplio, Brionne, Primarina
- Totodile, Croconaw, Feraligatr
- Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert
- Manaphy — teaches you the Dive ability
- Phione — Manaphy's smaller companion
New Items
- Smoothies — a new food type made with the new Blender item
- Watermelon — a new crop to grow in Bubbly Basin
- Bouyant pre-fab houses for underwater living
- New Corals, Flowers, Seaweed, and Grass Blocks
- Corner Glass Blocks
- Starmie Dream Island Doll — and a new Dream Island type
Pre-Purchase Bonuses
If you purchased the Expansion Pass early, you can claim:
- Dynamic Ditto print block (crafted with 2x Twine)
- Dynamic Ditto print wallpaper (crafted with 6x Paper)
- 30 Rare Pokemetal Ingots (claimed via Mystery Gift code)
How to Claim Dynamic Ditto Print Recipe
- Press + to open the Pokédex menu
- Navigate to the shopping bag icon (bottom right)
- Open the Downloadable Content menu
- Select Check Items → Receive
How to Claim Rare Pokemetal Ingots
Use your purchase confirmation code at any restored Pokémon Center PC: PC → Get Items → Mystery Gifts → Get with Code/Password