Pokémon Pokopia, the slow-life sandbox game released in March 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, will receive a free update in August 2026 that adds underwater exploration using a new Dive move. The update allows players to have their character Ditto swim and build on the ocean floor, opening up new areas to explore underwater [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Nintendo UK described the update, saying, "Explore the ocean floor with the new Dive ability, coming to #PokemonPokopia this August via a free update!" [1].
Alongside the free update, a paid Expansion Pass containing three downloadable content (DLC) parts goes on sale today, June 10, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 7, 5, 6]. The first DLC part, Bubbly Basin, launches concurrently in August 2026. It introduces a new underwater town complete with new Pokémon species, outfits, and furniture for players to collect [1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 5, 6]. According to an IGN article, "Players will be able to explore the ocean floor using the new move Dive to plant grass, build structures, and create their own underwater towns alongside Pokémon" [3].
Players must complete the "Raise the environment level" quest in Bleak Beach and learn the Surf and Leap moves to unlock access to the Bubbly Basin DLC [2, 6]. The Expansion Pass content is also reportedly available for purchase in individual DLC packs [5].
The second DLC part is scheduled for release in winter 2026 and will add new features but no new town [1, 2, 7, 5, 6]. The third and final DLC part will arrive in 2027 and include another new town for players to explore [1, 2, 3, 7, 5, 6].
Pokémon Pokopia was developed by The Pokémon Company, Game Freak, and Koei Tecmo, and launched March 5, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2 [6]. On June 9, Nintendo directly announced the underwater free update and three-part Expansion Pass DLC to players worldwide [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Today, June 10, players can purchase the Expansion Pass or wait for the free content releasing in August.
The free underwater exploration update and first DLC part, Bubbly Basin, will release in August 2026.
