Nintendo5 min read

Top 5 Pokémon DLCs Ranked

Downloadable content (DLC) has been a transformative addition to the Pokémon franchise, reshaping how fans engage with these beloved games. Introduced with Pokémon Sword and Shield in Generation 8, DLC marked a shift from traditional post-game content to expansive, story-rich additions. This new approach allowed players to dive deeper into the Pokémon universe, while also giving The Pokémon Company the flexibility to extend the life of their games without annual standalone releases.

DLC offerings have varied widely in terms of quality and scope. Some expansions have elevated the series, while others felt more like afterthoughts. Let’s explore the key DLC expansions, ranked from least to most impressive.

While Daybreak isn’t technically a full DLC, this free update for Pokémon Legends: Arceus deserves a mention. Released on February 27, 2022, as part of the 1.1.0 patch, it introduced new features and events to enhance the game. Players could tackle outbreaks of Pokémon across the Hisui region and test their skills in the Eternal Battle Reverie, which offered a challenging showdown with Arceus.

Additional updates included a balloon race challenge in the Coronet Highlands, new battles at the Training Grounds, and expanded options in the Photography Studio. However, despite these updates, Daybreak lacked the depth and substance of other Pokémon DLC. Its limited scope places it at the bottom of the rankings, but it still provided meaningful enhancements for fans of Legends: Arceus.

As the first-ever DLC for Pokémon, The Isle of Armor holds a unique place in the series’ history. Released in June 2020 for Sword and Shield, it invited players to explore a new area, meet new rivals, and embark on a fresh journey. Upon arriving at the titular isle via Wedgehurst Station, players joined a dojo, trained under its master, and formed a bond with Kubfu, the legendary bear-like Pokémon central to the story.

The expansion’s main quest revolved around training Kubfu to evolve into Urshifu, with players climbing one of the Towers of Two Fists to determine the Pokémon’s ultimate form. While The Isle of Armor excelled in creating a charming narrative about the bond between trainers and their Pokémon, it fell short in terms of content. The story wrapped up quickly, leaving players wanting more. Despite its limitations, this expansion helped shape the open-world exploration that would define future Pokémon games.

Teal Mask, the first expansion for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, introduced players to the mountainous region of Kitakami. This richly detailed new area was filled with fresh Pokémon, engaging characters, and a captivating story. The narrative centered around the titular Teal Mask, leading to an encounter with the legendary Ogerpon and the dramatic return of the Loyal Three—a trio of legendary Pokémon whose revival nearly spells disaster.

The DLC didn’t just focus on the main story; it offered an array of side quests, mini-games, and a long list of both new and returning Pokémon. With its strong narrative and robust content, Teal Mask is a standout expansion, delivering a memorable experience for players eager to delve deeper into the world of Scarlet and Violet.

Following the events of Teal Mask, The Indigo Disk is the second expansion for Scarlet and Violet. This time, players journey to the Blueberry Academy in the Unova region, where they face the academy’s champion before gaining access to Area Zero—a vast, open-world region teeming with powerful Pokémon.

Area Zero introduced Paradox Pokémon, unique variations of familiar species like Entei and Raikou, each with enhanced abilities and moves. Among the most notable is Raging Bolt, a Paradox version of Raikou with Electric/Dragon typing and the signature move Rising Bolt.

While The Indigo Disk boasts a more substantial offering than its predecessor, including a new Pokémon League and a wealth of new activities, it lacked the imaginative spark that defined The Crown Tundra. Its emphasis on battling and exploration is enjoyable but feels repetitive compared to the more varied content of higher-ranked expansions.

Released as the second DLC for Sword and Shield, The Crown Tundra stands as the pinnacle of Pokémon expansions. This sprawling frozen wilderness offers players an abundance of content, including new Pokémon, thrilling storylines, and a massive area to explore.

At the heart of The Crown Tundra are three major questlines:

The Sacred Bonds of Sovereign and Steed: This mission teams players with the legendary Pokémon Calyrex to tame its lost steed, culminating in the creation of the Reins of Unity to restore Calyrex’s power.

The Terrible Titans Lurking Locked Away: Players track down the Titan Pokémon, including the newly introduced Regidrago and Regieleki, adding fresh challenges to the expansion.

A Legendary Tree of a Legendary Three!: This quest features the Galarian forms of the legendary birds Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres. Players must explore the Galar region to capture these elusive Pokémon.

The combination of these engaging quests, along with countless secrets and mysteries scattered across the tundra, makes The Crown Tundra a masterpiece. Its depth, variety, and sheer amount of content solidify its status as the best Pokémon DLC to date.

The Future of Pokémon DLC

DLC has become a cornerstone of the Pokémon series, allowing developers to expand their games in innovative ways. From the modest updates of Daybreak to the rich narratives of The Crown Tundra, each expansion reflects the franchise’s evolution. As Pokémon continues to explore this format, fans can look forward to even more adventures, challenges, and stories in the years to come.