Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC - Is there an expansion pass?

A Paldean cathedral in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet


A Paldean cathedral in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

If you're thinking of playing the game and wondering if there is Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC, you're in the right place. We'll take a look at why we think an expansion pass like the one featured in Pokemon Sword and Shield is on the way, what we can expect to see from it, and if it will increase the size of the Paldean Pokedex.

Being a bit of a recent phenomenon for Pokemon games, big DLCs have been used to cross the gap between games, almost working like a substitute for the traditional third game in any given generation. DLC is used to further some of the game's ideas and give players more to explore, and there's every reason to believe it'll be used again with Scarlet and Violet.

If you're looking for more information on the game, check out everything we know about the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet gym leaders, clothes, and Pokedex list. If you want even more, here's how to get Vivillon patterns in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and when Pawmi evolves.

Is there Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC?

Months before the launch of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, a well-known leaker named Khu shared that a DLC would be on the way and would come with a brand-new legendary. As well as this, parts of the DLC have been found in the game code by those digging through the game with copies early.

It seems like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are taking after Pokemon Sword and Shield in this sense. As well as this, though it technically could refer to Nintendo Switch Online, the Nintendo Shop version of the game says "includes in-game purchases". This could hint at the next DLC.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet art showing trainers and Pokemon from both games
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When will the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC come out?

We don't yet know when the next DLC is due to come out but, if we look into the release plan of Pokemon Sword and Shield, we have a pretty good guess.

Pokemon Sword and Shield came out on November 15, 2019. The first DLC, The Isle of Armour, arrived on June 17, 2020, with the final, The Crown Tundra, arriving on October 22, 2020.

If it copies this same format, we could see a Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC arriving in Summer 2023 and another in the Autumn. We'll update you here as soon as we get more information.

Will the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC add more Pokemon?

It seems likely that new Pokemon will arrive with any future Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC. As of launch, there are 476 Pokemon in the game.

We know that a new legendary is due to arrive in the future, but we also know that Sword and Shield's DLC brought that game up a total of 660 Pokemon. With trading and future events, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet could eventually eclipse that. There's already mention of the game files including Pokemon that aren't accessible just yet, which could suggest more will be added down the line.

Now that you know all the potential of a new DLC, here's how Terastal Pokemon work in Scarlet and Violet, and what you should know about Tera Raid events. If you're looking for something a little different, check out our Genshin Impact tier list, AFK Arena tier list, and YuGiOh Master Duel Decks tier list.

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