Pokémon Pokopia is set to expand its gameplay horizons next week with the arrival of its first paid expansion, Bubbly Basin, and a significant free update that will unlock underwater exploration. Both will be available to players on August 5.
The free update will grant all players the new Dive ability, which allows the player's Ditto avatar to survive underwater for extended periods by summoning a bubble of air. This ability is central to exploring the newly added underwater environments, where players can build structures and have their collected Pokémon swim alongside them.
The Bubbly Basin expansion, the first post-launch region for Pokopia, will also launch on August 5 for players who purchase the $34.99 expansion pass. This new area is described as featuring submerged land ready for exploration using the Dive ability. Players will encounter new Pokémon such as Popplio, Mudkip, Corsola, Corphish, and Chinchou, who will guide them in underwater activities like planting aquatic flora, growing specialized crops, and powering electronic devices.
The trailer for Bubbly Basin also revealed other Pokémon inhabitants including Buizel, Lumineon, Stunfisk, Frillish, Carvanha, Sharpedo, Lantern, Totodile, Primarina, Golispod, and Dhelmise. The expansion introduces new collectible items, furniture, and a unique Sharpedo submarine base. Deeper sections of Bubbly Basin will feature dark underwater caves illuminated by neon coral.
The Pokémon Pokopia expansion pass is available for purchase now and includes access to Bubbly Basin. The pass will also grant access to a second expansion planned for release later this year, which will add new accessories for Pokémon, and a third expansion scheduled for 2027 that will introduce another new town.