Instead of releasing the third game to complete the eighth generation of Pokémon, like Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon Emerald, Pokémon Yellow or Pokémon Ultra Sun and Moon in the previous generations, Game Freak and The Pokémon Company are jumping into the DLC business.
In an effort to keep players eyes on the games for a long time, the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield expansion packs add new content and more adventures for the players.
Once the main story is completed (or during the story if you are just buying the game for the first time), Trainers can explore an additional Galar region area.
Here is a rundown of the second Pokemon Sword and Shield Expansion.
Second expansion?! There was a First?
The first Sword and Shield expansion titled “The Isle of Amor” was released back in June 2020. As the player, you explore a whole new area of the Galar region.
You encounter Pokemon from the past and present while completing a new challenge created by a new character named Mustard, the previous champion of the Galar region for 18 years. There was a mixed reaction about the DLC but none the less it received fair scores from critics.
When will it be released?
The Crown Tundra is scheduled to be released in fall 2020. As of now, there is no specific date.
Location, Location, Location!
The second expansion in Sword and Shield will take trainers on a journey to a whole new area called the Crown Tundra. The inspiration behind the tundra came from Scotland. Players will be introduced to a “snowy wonderland” like area.
New Characters. Who Dis?
Players will also be introduced to a new character named Peony. According to the Sword and Shield website, Peony can be described as “bold” and has a “kind side to him.”

Photo Courtesy: Swordshield.pokemon.com
“Listening isn’t his strongest suit, and his bold behavior draws plenty of attention. But he has a kind side and plenty of affection for his daughter“
Peony will not be the only new character introduced in the Crown Tundra. However, both Game Freak and The Pokemon Company have yet to make that announcement.
Pokemon of the Past and Present
The Crown Tundra will also serve as the stage for some returning Pokémon favorites. Over 100 Pokémon from generations of the past including powerhouses Nidoking, Metagross, Electabuzz, and Crobat, just to name a few. Majority Legendary Pokemon from the previous generation will also be making a comeback.
While most old-school pokemon will be returning in their original forms, a few legendary pokemon will be getting a makeover. Pokemon Trainers will be able to find and catch new Galarian forms of the original Kanto region Legendary bird trio: Moltres (Dark/Flying), Zapdos (Fighting/Flying), and Articuno (Psychic/Flying).
There be three new Legendary Pokémon joining the Pokémon world. The Psychic/Grass-type Calyrex, the Electric-type Regieleki, and the Dragon-type Regidrago.
What more could there be?
There will be two new game modes coming when the Crown Tundra is released. The first mode is called Dynamax Adventures, a new feature that will allow players to team up with up to three trainers and compete in Max Raid battles. Dynamax Adventures will give trainers the chance to catch legendary Pokémon including Mewtwo, Ho-oh, and many more.
Also coming soon will be the Galarian Star Tournament. It will be set in the City on Wyndon, where the Champion Cup is help and inspired by the real-life city of London. It will allow players to compete in a 2v2 tournament against various trainers. Game Freak and The Pokemon have not commented on what rewards players will get if they win the tournament in the game.
Finally, new cosmetics items will be added to the character customization feature in Pokemon Sword and Shield. There will be brand new clothing options that are exclusive to the expansion, including a new winter-themed outfit and all-new league card designs.
Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield are available now.