Summary
Downloadable content (DLC) is a relatively new concept forPokemon.Introduced in generation 8 ofPokemon Sword and Shieldgames, DLC enabled players to access a trove of additional content outside the usual standard base games for the first time.
While previous titles in the series included post-game content, DLC expanded upon this idea, acting aspost-game contenton steroids. DLC also enabled thePokemonCompany to extend the shelf life of their games, offering incremental releases rather than developing standalone games annually.PokemonDLC varies in quality and quantity, with some expansions being better than others across the games.
While not a fully-fledged DLC, Daybreak was a downloadable update forPokemon Legends: Arceusas part of its 1.1.0 patch on 12 May 2025. The update, free for players, featured a whole host of new content, such as requests (the game’s quests) enabling players to explore outbreaks ofPokemonacross the region of Hisui and a new event known as the Eternal Battle Reverie, which pitted players against thePokemongod Arceus to refine their battle skills.
Other new features include a balloon race challenge in the Coronet Highlands, new battles in the Training Grounds, and added elements toLegends Arceus’sPhotography Studio. Even though Daybreak is not a bad DLC, it lacks the quantity and quality of content compared to the other expansions on this list, ranking last among thePokemonDLC.
Released in June 2020,The Isle of Armourwas the firstDLC expansionin Pokemon history as part ofPokemon Sword and Shield.Isle of Armourfeatured a new expanse for players to explore, rivals to defeat, and a new host of characters to converse with. Upon journeying to the island via Wedgehurst Station (after obtaining the armor pass), players enroll in the island dojo and quickly progress through its ranks, befriending thelegendaryPokemon(and the DLC mascot) Kubfu, a cute bear-like karate warrior.
As the story of the expansion progresses, players are tasked with completing various challenges to increase the strength of Kubfu, such as climbing one of the Towers of Two Fists to evolve Kubfu into either a single or rapid strike Urshifu.
TheIsle of Armour, at the time, was a great DLC that let players explore the open world of the island, helping to developSword and Shields’sopen-world environmentsas a first for the franchise. Similarly, the expansion had a heartwarming story - focused on the bond betweenPokemonand trainers. However, it was let down by the lack of content offered to players, fizzling out after the final chapters of its story came to a close. Consequently, it lacks the depth of the other DLCs ranked higher on this list.
The first expansion forPokemon: Scarlet and Violet,Teal Mask, introduced the land of Kitakami, anew mountainous regionwith a host of new characters andPokemon.The story follows the players as they discover the mysteries behind theTeal Mask, which involves an encounter with the legendaryPokemonOgerpon and the resurrection of a group of legendaryPokemonknown as the Loyal Three, which nearly ends in disaster.
TheTeal Maskhas a great story, a long list of returning and newPokemonintroduced in the DLC, and a range of new sidequests/minigames for players to explore. Overall, theTeal Maskis one of the bestPokemonexpansions, featuring a great story and substantial content to satisfyPokemonfanatics.
2Indigo Disk
Expansive, but Repetitive
The final expansion ofPokemon: Scarlet and Violet,The Indigo Disk, follows on from the events of theTeal Mask, with the player traveling to the Unova region, and attending its Blueberry Academy. Upon joining the school and defeating its champion, Area Zero is unlocked, enabling players to access the area and face off against the numerous powerfulPokemonthat lurk there. Area Zero is immense, featuring numerous open-world areas and new variations ofPocket Monsters known as ParadoxPokemon.
These creatures are variations of knownPokemonsuch as Entei and Raikou, featuring stronger move sets, levels, and abilities. A notable example is Raging Bolt, a paradoxical variation of Raikou obtainable at level 75 with electric dragon typing and signature moves such as Rising Bolt.
Alongside an extensive list of new and returningPokemon, the DLC features new activities, such as a new Pokemon League to battle. While theIndigo Diskis more substantial than theTeal Mask, with greater levels of higher-quality content, it lacks the magic, mystery, and variation of missions and activities of TheCrown Tundra, placing it second on this list.
1Crown Tundra
The Best Pokemon DLC
The last DLC released forSword and Shield,The Crown Tundrais the bestPokemonexpansion.The Crown Tundrais a massive frozen expanse that features a boatload of newPokemon, story missions, and a vast land to explore. The DLC includes three core quest lines: ‘The Sacred Bonds of Sovereign and Steed,’ The Terrible Titans Lurking Locked Away and A Legendary Tree of a Legendary Three!
The first quest involves the player working with the legendaryPokemonCalyrex to tame its lost horse. The mission involves hunting the creature alongside Calyrex and forging the Reins of Unity to tame the steed so that Calyrex can regain its complete strength. The second quest had players capture the TitanPokemon, including the newly introduced Regidrago and Regieleki, which made their debut in the DLC.
The final mission had players capture and battle new Galarian forms of the Legendary BirdPokemon,Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres - the mission involved traveling across Galar to capture the variants. Combined, the quality of the three quests incorporated with the sheer quantity of content, such as secrets and mysteries to uncover, makes the DLC not just the best expansion but one of the best pieces of content produced by the Pokemon Company. It is easily the best DLC on this list.
