Pokémon Pokopia will introduce underwater building and exploration next week, with a free update unlocking the Dive ability for all players and the paid Bubbly Basin expansion launching simultaneously
Pokémon Pokopia is set to receive a significant update on 5 August, introducing underwater gameplay for all players and launching its first paid expansion, Bubbly Basin. The update will allow players to explore and build beneath the waves, expanding the creative possibilities within the game's world.
Underwater Gameplay Arrives
From 5 August, every player will gain access to the new Dive ability, delivered in-game by the Mythical Pokémon Manaphy. This feature enables avatars to survive underwater by generating an air bubble, opening up new areas for construction and exploration. Pokémon companions will also be able to swim alongside players, further enhancing the sense of immersion below the surface.
Underwater building will mirror the existing land-based systems, allowing for creative expansion beneath the sea. The update is available to all players at no additional cost, regardless of whether they purchase the expansion pass.
Bubbly Basin Expansion Details
Launching alongside the free update, the Bubbly Basin expansion introduces the game's first post-launch region. Accessible to those who purchase the £34.99 Pokémon Pokopia expansion pass, Bubbly Basin features extensive submerged environments designed to showcase the new Dive mechanic. Players will encounter Pokémon such as Popplio, Mudkip, Corsola, Corphish and Chinchou, who provide tutorials on underwater gardening and powering aquatic electronics.
The expansion also adds new items, furniture, and a Sharpedo submarine base. Deeper exploration reveals neon-lit underwater caves, hinting at further secrets for players to uncover. Additional Pokémon, including Buizel, Lumineon, Stunfisk, Frillish, Carvanha, Sharpedo, Lantern, Totodile, Primarina, Golispod, and Dhelmise, have been confirmed for the new region.
Expansion Pass Structure and Future Content
The Pokémon Pokopia expansion pass is available for purchase ahead of Bubbly Basin's release. In addition to the new region, the pass includes two further expansions: one scheduled for later this year, which will introduce wearable accessories for Pokémon, and a third planned for 2027, adding another town to the game. This structure mirrors the multi-part expansion models seen in other live-service titles, offering a roadmap for ongoing content.
For those interested in the creative process behind Pokémon games, a recent feature on unreleased Pokémon designs from the Diamond and Pearl era provides additional insight into the franchise's development history.
Release Timing and Platform Context
The free update and Bubbly Basin expansion are both scheduled for release on 5 August 2026. The expansion pass is priced at £34.99 and grants access to all three planned expansions as they become available. At the time of writing, platform-specific details remain consistent with the base game, and no changes to platform availability have been announced.
Players can expect the update and expansion to roll out simultaneously, with no early-access period confirmed. The addition of underwater gameplay represents a notable technical and creative milestone for Pokémon Pokopia, broadening the scope of player interaction and world-building.
Downloadable content (DLC) in modern games typically refers to additional content released after the base game's launch, which can include new regions, features, or cosmetic items. Expansion passes often bundle multiple DLC releases into a single purchase, providing players with a roadmap for future updates. This approach allows developers to extend a game's lifespan and maintain player engagement through regular content drops, while giving players clarity on what to expect from their investment.
