Downloadable content is not a new strategy for the video game industry. Now defunct studio Cavedog offered new content each month for its RTS game Total Annihilation in 1997, and developers have continued to iterated on base games ever since. But not all studios have embraced add-on content. In fact, one of the most successful video game companies of all time has yet to produce any DLC. Until now. In a surprising reveal, the Pokemon Company released an extended trailer packed with new information about its first upcoming Isle of Armor DLC.

Blast(oise) from the Past

At launch, fans expressed disappointment at the hundreds of missing Pokemon from the Sword and Shield games. While the lack of early generation Pokemon was glaring, Game Freak promised to rectify the issue with its Summer 2020 DLC packs. On Tuesday, the Pokemon Company made good on its promise by releasing an extended trailer for the Isle of Armor DLC. The new Pokemon Shield content is scheduled to release on June 17 and is overflowing with surprises. Here is a short list of Gen 1 inclusions:

• The fighting-type Kubfu is the island’s new Legendary Pokemon. Players receive this rare Pokemon by completing a series of challenges found in the island’s dojo.
• Galarian form Slowpoke makes a return and features a new color pallet as well as Shield-exclusive moves.
• The DLC features Blastoise and Venusaur, who both have Gigantamax forms.
• Other Pokemon found in the trailer include Psyduck, Horsea, Exeggutor, Poliwhirl, and many more.

Old Dog New Tricks

Game Freak is not only adding more than 200 Pokemon to its Isle of Armor DLC but also including new gameplay mechanics. Here is what we learned:

• Craftable Items. Players can craft new items by combining items in an oddly shaped recycling machine. Dubbed “Woolobo”, this duck-shaped mechanical wonder can blend up to four items.
• Teaching Technique. Available in Max Raid Battles only, Isle of Armor includes new moves that can damage an opponent’s entire party.
• Cooking. The Legend of Zelda included it with Breath of the Wild so why not Pokemon? Isle of Armor will include collectable ingredients that players can use to cook food. Certain dishes, such as a special soup, have the ability to Gigantimax a number of Pokemon.

Conclusion

With today’s revelation, Game Freak is poised to dominate the summer news cycle with its new content. But we want to know what you think. Are you excited about the Pokemon Shield Isle of Armor DLC releasing on June 17? What do you think about Game Freak adding Gen 1 Pokemon to the game? Let us know in the comments below, and also interact with us on the social media links on the right.

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