The Pokémon Company, alongside developers Game Freak and Koei Tecmo, has announced that Pokémon Pokopia will receive its first major content addition on August 5, 2026. The "Expansion Pass Part 1: Bubbly Basin" will release alongside a mandatory 2.0.0 free software update for all players.
New Content in Bubbly Basin
The expansion introduces a new underwater town called Bubbly Basin. Within this setting, gameplay mechanics are expanded to include:
- Water-type interactions: Players can grow watermelons with the help of Water-specialty Pokémon.
- Generation mechanics: Pokémon with the Generate specialty can be utilized to power bubble machines and streetlights.
- Deep-sea exploration: A new passage in the sea floor leads to a dark, deep-sea area where players follow glowing coral to progress.
- Building updates: The addition of buoyant blocks allows for underwater construction at varying depths, including the ability to build a Sharpedo submarine to serve as a Secret Base.
- New items: The expansion adds new outfits, a power-up for the move Surf, and a new prepared food item: smoothies.
Free 2.0.0 Update Details
Launching concurrently with the expansion, the version 2.0.0 update provides a foundational change for all Pokémon Pokopia owners. Players will be able to learn the move Dive from Manaphy. This move is required to swim alongside Water-type Pokémon and is necessary to access the underwater building features introduced in the expansion.
Future Content
The developer has confirmed that "Expansion Pass Part 2" is currently slated for release in late 2026. This subsequent update will allow players to wear accessories alongside their Pokémon and will introduce additional furniture and Pokémon species. Further details regarding the second part of the pass have not yet been disclosed.