Pokémon Pokopia’s first paid expansion, Bubbly Basin, arrived earlier this year as the opening installment of a three-part DLC pass for the simulation-adventure title.
The update expands the base game with a new underwater area, additional Pokémon, fresh items and blocks, and new mechanics tied to Ditto — all delivered to Nintendo platforms via the game's downloadable update.
Background and context
Bubbly Basin adds roughly 50 new Pokémon to the game’s roster and introduces a new Dream Island alongside a sizeable underwater region that expands Bleak Beach with a new gated access point.
The update ships as part one of the Pokopia DLC pass; according to the expansion notes, parts two and three are scheduled for release in late 2026 and in 2027, respectively.
Gameplay and new mechanics
Reviewers and players who typically balk at aquatic levels noted that Bubbly Basin reframes underwater design through Pokopia’s established, cozy-sim systems.
The reviewer made clear they normally avoid water levels because swimming can feel sluggish, but welcomed this area for the opportunity to “meet more friends” — in journalistic terms, they said they were less concerned about an underwater environment than excited by the prospect of discovering additional Pokémon.
In-game progression begins when Ditto meets Manaphy on Bleak Beach; after feeding Manaphy, Ditto learns a Dive ability that unlocks a submerged gate leading to Bubbly Basin.
The expansion retains the core structure of the base game: quests ask Ditto to help local Pokémon rebuild town infrastructure, locate habitats, and gather resources.
Professor Tangrowth continues to support the player remotely — he requests repairs to the local Pokémon Center and PC but does not accompany Ditto into the water.
Design and player experience
Approximately 80% of Bubbly Basin lies beneath the waves, with some surface islands and a dry land pocket that contains the Pokémon Center.
Swim controls were reported as responsive; players can swim freely with a designated button, use an underwater surf power-up, or run along the seabed without forced floating.
The area includes whirlpools that yield items and crafting recipes, and the DLC’s quests are concise enough to be approachable whether or not players have completed the base game’s main story.
Conclusion
As part one of the Pokopia DLC, Bubbly Basin expands the game’s collectible and rebuilding loop with a largely successful underwater twist.
It preserves the base game’s pacing while adding Pokémon, items, and a new Dream Island to explore — offering substantial post-launch content for Nintendo Switch players eager to extend their time in Pokopia.
The update expands the base game with a new underwater area, additional Pokémon, fresh items and blocks, and new mechanics tied to Ditto — all delivered to Nintendo platforms via the game's downloadable update.
Background and context
Bubbly Basin adds roughly 50 new Pokémon to the game’s roster and introduces a new Dream Island alongside a sizeable underwater region that expands Bleak Beach with a new gated access point.
The update ships as part one of the Pokopia DLC pass; according to the expansion notes, parts two and three are scheduled for release in late 2026 and in 2027, respectively.
Gameplay and new mechanics
Reviewers and players who typically balk at aquatic levels noted that Bubbly Basin reframes underwater design through Pokopia’s established, cozy-sim systems.
The reviewer made clear they normally avoid water levels because swimming can feel sluggish, but welcomed this area for the opportunity to “meet more friends” — in journalistic terms, they said they were less concerned about an underwater environment than excited by the prospect of discovering additional Pokémon.
In-game progression begins when Ditto meets Manaphy on Bleak Beach; after feeding Manaphy, Ditto learns a Dive ability that unlocks a submerged gate leading to Bubbly Basin.
The expansion retains the core structure of the base game: quests ask Ditto to help local Pokémon rebuild town infrastructure, locate habitats, and gather resources.
Professor Tangrowth continues to support the player remotely — he requests repairs to the local Pokémon Center and PC but does not accompany Ditto into the water.
Design and player experience
Approximately 80% of Bubbly Basin lies beneath the waves, with some surface islands and a dry land pocket that contains the Pokémon Center.
Swim controls were reported as responsive; players can swim freely with a designated button, use an underwater surf power-up, or run along the seabed without forced floating.
The area includes whirlpools that yield items and crafting recipes, and the DLC’s quests are concise enough to be approachable whether or not players have completed the base game’s main story.
Conclusion
As part one of the Pokopia DLC, Bubbly Basin expands the game’s collectible and rebuilding loop with a largely successful underwater twist.
It preserves the base game’s pacing while adding Pokémon, items, and a new Dream Island to explore — offering substantial post-launch content for Nintendo Switch players eager to extend their time in Pokopia.
