Pokémon Pokopia's first expansion, Bubbly Basin, is an excellent slice of DLC that comfortably exceeds expectations, adding a large underwater map and a wealth of new features. The expansion, part of a three-part pass, introduces the ruins of Cerulean City, sunk beneath the waves, and is just as charming and packed with things to do as the parent game.
A Return to Gaming's Cosiest Post-Apocalypse
Pokémon Pokopia, one of the best games of 2026, takes place in a post-apocalyptic version of Kanto where you, as a Ditto, rebuild towns and create habitats for other pokémon. The game blends Minecraft-like building with Animal Crossing's life sim charm, and this DLC continues that tradition with a unique underwater twist.
The expansion adds a brand new town to the original game's four, plus a fifth empty canvas for creative freedom. Bubbly Basin is the ruins of Cerulean City, which has sunk completely underwater and can be found off the coast of Bleak Beach (formerly Vermillion City).
Underwater Gameplay and New Features
Players can access the new area after a free update introduces the Dive move, learned from a beached Manaphy, allowing you to explore the depths. The swimming controls are praised for their grace, and the update also adds Portal Pods, which let you access stored items from other towns, similar to Minecraft's Ender chest.
Once at the seabed, you discover the destroyed Cerulean City and meet a friendly Popplio who helps you settle in. The underwater setting adds vertical exploration and construction, with floating building blocks and pitch-black depths that require creative lighting solutions. New items include watermelon seeds, pearls, smoothies, underwater-themed furniture, treasure maps, and blueprints.
Verdict: Essential DLC
Pokopia was already a huge game, but Bubbly Basin goes the extra mile with a distinctive gimmick and imaginative content. All new pokémon are water-based, and the lack of voice-acting remains a minor gripe, but these are small issues in an otherwise superb expansion. The DLC is equally as essential as the main game, scoring 9/10.
Formats: Nintendo Switch 2. Price: £29.99 (includes all three expansions). Publisher: Nintendo. Developer: Omega Force and Game Freak. Release Date: 5th August 2026. Age Rating: 3.
