TL;DR
- Use Pokémon Home to transfer creatures from previous games including Let’s Go titles
- Leverage the GTS system for automated trades targeting specific Pokémon species
- Join online Max Raids featuring new Pokémon even without DLC ownership
- Ensure Nintendo Switch Online subscription for multiplayer raid functionality
- Prioritize trading for version-exclusive Pokémon unavailable through other methods
The Isle of Armor expansion has introduced numerous returning Pokémon species to the Galar region, creating exciting new collection opportunities. While these creatures primarily appear in the DLC area, strategic players can acquire them through alternative methods without purchasing additional content.
Pokémon Sword and Shield’s first major expansion, The Isle of Armor, launched alongside a substantial game update that expanded the available Pokémon roster significantly. This update enables all players to obtain these monsters through specific channels, regardless of whether they’ve invested in the Expansion Pass.
Multiple acquisition pathways exist for trainers seeking to complete their Pokédex without additional financial investment. Understanding these systems and their requirements is crucial for efficient collection.
Pokémon Home serves as your primary transfer gateway for importing previously caught monsters into Sword and Shield. Generation 1 returnees like Scyther and Kangaskhan can migrate directly from Let’s Go, Pikachu or Let’s Go, Eevee if you possess these titles. For Pokémon originating from later generations, the transfer process requires routing through Pokémon Bank on Nintendo 3DS systems first.
This multi-step transfer procedure can present technical challenges, particularly for players unfamiliar with cloud storage systems. We strongly recommend consulting detailed transfer guides to navigate potential pitfalls during this process. Understanding compatibility restrictions beforehand prevents frustrating transfer failures.
Pro Tip: Focus on transferring Pokémon with beneficial natures or hidden abilities that are difficult to obtain through other methods. Species with competitive value justify the additional effort required for Bank-to-Home transfers.
While the newly reintroduced Pokémon predominantly appear in wild encounters within the Isle of Armor territory, trading remains a viable acquisition method for all players. Direct player-to-player exchanges within Sword and Shield work effectively, but Pokémon Home’s Global Trade Station (GTS) offers superior efficiency for targeted collection.
The GTS system provides automated trading functionality that operates continuously. By depositing a Pokémon and specifying your desired counterpart, the system completes transactions automatically when matching offers align. This eliminates the need for simultaneous online coordination with other trainers.
Advanced Trading Strategy: Offer version-exclusive Pokémon or creatures with desirable abilities to increase trade success rates. Understanding what other players value creates mutually beneficial exchange opportunities. For comprehensive trading tactics, consult our Weapons Unlock guide which covers similar strategic acquisition principles.
When you spot other trainers hosting Max Raid Battles featuring newly reintroduced Pokémon, joining these encounters provides capture opportunities. Successful Dynamax Pokémon defeats grant all participants capture chances, completely independent of DLC ownership status.
However, accessing online raid functionality mandates an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Local wireless raids circumvent this requirement but offer limited encounter diversity compared to global matchmaking.
Raid Mechanics Insight: Capture rates remain consistent regardless of DLC ownership, but raid frequency for specific Pokémon may vary. Coordinating with dedicated raid communities significantly improves encounter rates for desired species. For team composition advice relevant to cooperative gameplay, our Class Guide offers valuable insights.
Common Mistake: Attempting to join raids without verifying Nintendo Switch Online status first. This simple oversight wastes valuable raid invitation opportunities.
Action Checklist
- Audit your Pokémon Home and previous game collections for transfer candidates
- Set up GTS trades offering desirable Pokémon for newly added species
- Verify Nintendo Switch Online subscription status for raid accessibility
- Join online communities tracking Isle of Armor Pokémon raid distributions
- Coordinate with players owning the DLC for exclusive raid invitations
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Pokemon Isle Of Armor: How To Get The Newly Added Pokemon Without Buying DLC Essential strategies to obtain new Pokémon without DLC through transfers, trades, and raid battles
