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Pokémon Sword and Shield the Crown Tundra gets an October release date

The Crown Tundra expansion is coming to Pokémon Sword and Shield in October!

October 2, 2020: Original, partner, and Hoenn cap Pikachu codes are included below!

A live stream held by The Pokémon Company has revealed The Crown Tundra expansion is coming to Pokémon Sword and Shield on October 23. You can also grab a pack including either Pokémon Sword or Shield and both expansions on November 6, this pack is perfect for new fans looking to get the full experience.

The Crown Tundra is the second area unlocked by the expansion pass, with The Isle of Armor being the first. From the trailer, we can see these areas are significantly different geographically, with The Isle of Armor set on a tropical island and The Crown Tundra set near an icy mountain peak. This should lead to some interesting ice-type Pokémon encounters.

This expansion will bring back over 100 Pokémon from previous generations, including Absol, Relicanth, Swablu, and the legendary Regi trio, who have now expanded into a quintet with the additions of the electric-type Regieleki, and the dragon-type Regidrago. Exciting new Galarian forms of the legendary birds, Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno, will be available to find and catch, along with a brand new legendary, the psychic/grass-type Calyrex.

You can view the stream live right here.

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hat Pikachu codes

A series of eight hat-wearing Pikachu was announced during the Crown Tundra live stream. These codes can be redeemed in Pokémon Sword or Shield. Three codes have been revealed as of yet, but this section will be updated when any further codes are revealed!

  • Original cap Pikachu – P1KACHUGET
  • Partner cap Pikachu – 1CH00SEY0U
  • Hoenn cap Pikachu – P1KAADVANCE

Newly discovered Pokemon

Brand new Pokémon are coming to the Crown Tundra. During the expansion live stream, the poison/psychic type Galarian Slowking and steel type Gigantamax Melmetal were shown off.

What we know about the Crown Tundra

Much like The Isle of Armor expansion, The Crown Tundra will add an assortment of fresh cosmetic items, such as new winter-themed outfits, and all-new League Card designs to help your character stand out from the crowd.

The first brand new game mode is Dynamax Adventures, a co-op mode where players can explore Pokémon dens. In this mode, you will link up with three other players to search Pokémon dens, and compete in Max Raid battles, which will play out similarly to the base games. The major perk in completing a Dynamax Adventure is the opportunity to catch returning Legendary Pokemon, including Mewtwo, Giratina, Lugia, Ho-Oh, and much more.

The second new mode is The Galarian Star Tournament. You unlock this mode while progressing through The Crown Tundra’s story. In this tournament, you will compete in 2v2 battles against the Galar gym leaders, your rivals, and the Galar champion Leon.

Rumours are currently swirling around the potential release of a Pokémon Diamond and Pearl remaster, but for now The Crown Tundra will have to tide restless fans over till we can get the facts on any future releases.