Pokémon Pokopia has been getting steady free updates since launch, but Koei Tecmo has now drawn a line between what's free and what costs extra. The Expansion Pass is the paid side of that line, and at $34.99, it's a meaningful ask on top of a game that already runs $70. Here's a breakdown of every wave, what you actually get, and whether the bundle makes sense for new players.
How much does the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass cost?
The Expansion Pass is priced at $34.99 and is sold separately from the base game. If you already own Pokémon Pokopia, you'll need to purchase it as a standalone add-on through the Nintendo eShop.
For players who haven't picked up the base game yet, a bundle exists that packages both together for $104.99. Do the math and you'll notice that's essentially the same price as buying them separately. The bundle won't save you any money, but it does keep everything in one transaction, which is convenient if you know you want both.
Expansion Pass wave overviewIf you're still deciding whether the base game is worth your time, the Pokémon Pokopia review covers what makes it one of the more compelling Pokémon experiences in recent memory.
What's included in each wave?
The Expansion Pass is split into three waves, each releasing at a different point. Here's what's confirmed for all three:
Bubbly Basin arrives August 5Wave 1: Bubbly Basin
Wave 1 launches on August 5, 2026 and takes players underwater to restore what remains of Cerulean City. The area is called Bubbly Basin, and it introduces four new Pokémon: 
Lumineon, Totodile, Manaphy, and Popplio. The rebuilding focus aligns with the core loop the base game already does well, just in a new setting.
This is the most content-dense wave confirmed so far, and it's the one that justifies the purchase for players who've already finished rebuilding everything in the main game.
Wave 2: Customisation additions
The second wave arrives later in 2026 and focuses on cosmetic customisation, specifically accessories that Pokémon can wear. It's lighter on new areas but adds personalisation depth for players who've invested heavily in their towns and Pokémon relationships.
Wave 3: A new location
The third wave is slated for 2027 and brings another full location to explore and rebuild. Details are scarce at this stage, but the structure mirrors Wave 1, suggesting a new area with its own Pokémon and restoration objectives.
Should you buy the Expansion Pass now or wait?
If Wave 1 has you interested and you're confident you'll want all three waves, buying the full Expansion Pass now makes sense. You get Wave 1 immediately, and Waves 2 and 3 are included when they drop.
If you're on the fence about Wave 2 and 3, there's no option to buy individual waves separately based on current information. It's the full pass or nothing.
For players still building out their main game experience, check out the Pokémon Pokopia best items guide to make sure you're getting the most out of the base game before committing to the DLC. And if you want free rewards in the meantime, the Pokémon Pokopia Mystery Gift codes guide is worth bookmarking.
For everything else related to the game, the full Pokémon Pokopia guides collection covers builds, collectibles, co-op, and more as new content rolls out.