Pokémon Pokopia is preparing to expand beneath the surface. Bubbly Basin, the first instalment in the game’s three-part expansion pass, arrives on Wednesday, giving players a new underwater area to explore alongside a free update.
Development coverage by Famitsu has revealed further details about version 2.0.0 and the Bubbly Basin content. The expansion adds new Pokémon, underwater abilities and practical quality-of-life improvements for players managing large collections.
Four Pokémon join the Bubbly Basin Pokédex
Diglett, Golisopod, Stunfisk and Sharpedo will be added to the Pokédex through Bubbly Basin. Players can build habitats for these Pokémon and form friendships with them once they are available in the expansion.
The base game already allows players to use Dive and travel underwater. However, Pokémon found in Bubbly Basin cannot be registered without the expansion pass, making the new area important for anyone aiming to expand their collection.
Underwater abilities and an upgraded Surf move
Underwater exploration is not limited to Dive. Players can use their other abilities below the surface, while a powered-up version of Surf is designed to make movement more efficient.
Bubbly Basin introduces a blender that can be used to make smoothies and improve Surf. After the move is upgraded, it provides a speed boost and can smash blocks found underwater, opening up additional routes and obstacles to overcome.
New visual aids aim to reduce motion sickness
Moving through underwater environments can make it difficult for some players to maintain their sense of direction, and the developers have included visual indicators to help. A frame and an icon remain at the centre of the screen, providing a fixed reference point during underwater action.
Accessibility options such as these can make a meaningful difference during extended play sessions. Players interested in broader gaming and arcade news can find more coverage through RETROCADE.
Free update adds shared storage
A separate feature arrives free on 5 August: a special container that can be placed in several towns. Its contents remain accessible regardless of which town originally held the container, removing the need to search individual locations.
The container provides 140 free slots in total. That should help players with storage boxes spread across the map, as well as anyone carrying a large inventory or struggling to remember where a particular item was stored.
What to expect from this week’s update
Bubbly Basin brings underwater exploration, four new Pokémon, habitat-building opportunities and a stronger Surf ability. Version 2.0.0 also adds the orientation aids and the free multi-town storage feature, so there is useful content for both expansion owners and players sticking with the base game.
For readers comparing different ways to enjoy games at home, RETROCADE’s arcade videos and Arcade Machine Buying Guide offer additional gaming-room inspiration. Those planning a dedicated setup can also browse arcade machines or consider a compact bartop arcade.
Leave a Reply