Pokopia Bubbly Basin DLC Guide: Release Date & How to Unlock

Bubbly Basin is the first paid area in the Pokemon Pokopia Expansion Pass. It releases on August 5, 2026 alongside the game's free underwater update.

The key distinction: Dive is free, while entering Bubbly Basin requires the paid Expansion Pass and enough story progress.

Bubbly Basin at a Glance

Detail	Confirmed information
Release date	August 5, 2026
DLC part	Expansion Pass Part 1
Area	Bubbly Basin, a water town
Purchase required	Yes, the Pokemon Pokopia Expansion Pass
Free companion update	Underwater exploration and Dive

Bubbly Basin Unlock Requirements

Nintendo states that access to Bubbly Basin requires:

1. The Expansion Pass with Part 1 installed.
2. The Dive move.
3. Completion of the important "Raise the environment level!" request in Bleak Beach.

Dive Requirements

To learn Dive, first learn Jump and Surf, then complete that same important Bleak Beach request. The practical progression path is therefore:

`Jump` -> `Surf` -> `Raise the environment level!` in Bleak Beach -> `Dive` -> Bubbly Basin access

The final in-game trigger, quest steps, and exact route have not been published yet. This guide will be updated from verified gameplay after launch.

What Is Free and What Is Paid?

Free August 5 update	Paid Bubbly Basin DLC
Dive	Entry to Bubbly Basin
Underwater exploration	Additional furniture
Underwater building	New Ditto outfits
Shared storage, frameless glass, and a new underwater power item	More Pokemon in the DLC area

You do not need the Expansion Pass to use the new Dive mechanic. You do need it to visit Bubbly Basin.

Expansion Pass Price

Nintendo US lists the Expansion Pass at US$34.99. Store prices and currencies differ by region, so confirm the price in your own Nintendo eShop before purchase. The three planned DLC parts are sold together, not individually.

Additional Features Shown Before Release

The free update also adds a craftable shared storage unit. All matching units share the same inventory across towns and locations; the preview showed room for up to 140 items. It also adds frameless glass and a new item for generating electricity underwater.

Bubbly Basin has its own Pokédex, includes some above-water spaces, and has shown Wiglett and Mareanie. Rollout, Rototiller, Rock Smash, and Leafage can be used underwater.

Confirmed and Unconfirmed Content

Nintendo has confirmed a new water town, additional furniture, new Ditto outfits, and more Pokemon. It has not yet published a complete roster, furniture catalog, crafting recipes, request walkthrough, full map, or final patch notes.

For the full three-part schedule and common purchase questions, read the Pokopia DLC FAQ.

Official Sources

• Nintendo: Part 1 Bubbly Basin product page
• Nintendo: Pokemon Pokopia product page and Expansion Pass details