A highly requested feature has finally returned to the Pokémon series in the Isle of Armor expansion for Pokémon Sword & Shield, as Pokémon will now follow the player around on the world map in the new Wild Area. Pokémon Yellow introduced the concept of a party member Pokémon following the player around, as the Pikachu given to the player by Professor Oak would act as a companion throughout the game.
The following Pokémon feature returned in a limited capacity in Pokémon Diamond & Pearl, but it came back in full force in Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver, where it was extended to every single Pokémon in the game. This feature was planned to return during the Nintendo 3DS era, but it was cut from Pokémon Sun & Moon at a late point in development, possibly due to the limitations of the hardware. The feature finally returned in the Pokémon: Let's Go! games on the Nintendo Switch, but was absent from Pokémon Sword & Shield until now.
The Isle of Armor expansion is now available for Pokémon Sword & Shield and the following Pokémon mechanic has returned in a limited form. Once the player has acquired Kubfu, they will be followed by whatever Pokémon is in the top spot in the party roster. It's possible to disable/enable this feature by talking to the kid in the Pikachu outfit inside of the Dojo. There appear to be no limitations as to what Pokémon can follow the player around, from the lumbering Snorlax, a hopping Magikarp, or even a Wailord!
The return of the following Pokémon mechanic has been a huge surprise for players, especially considering how Game Freak revealed pretty much everything about the Isle of Armor before launch. It bears mentioning that this only applies to the new Wild Area on the Isle of Armor itself and doesn't appear to be active in the original Wild Area in the Galar region.
The Isle of Armor expansion doesn't add many new Pokémon, though it does bring back over one hundred creatures that didn't make the cut for Pokémon Sword & Shield. The ability to have Pokémon follow the player around on the map in a fully 3D environment is one of the best aspects of the Isle of Armor and it's surprising that Game Freak didn't hype up its return during the promotion for the game. It's possible that the limited scope of the mechanic has led to Game Freak downplaying its arrival. Hopefully the feature returns in future DLC and in whatever title is coming to the mainline series after Sword & Shield.
The Isle of Armor expansion for Pokémon Sword & Shield is available now.