The new Pokémon Sword and Shield DLC, The Isle Of Armor, marks the triumphant return of 100 old Pokémon from past generations, previously not obtainable in the new games. The addition of these old favorites partially reverses Game Freak's controversial decision to implement no National Pokédex in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
Dubbed "Dexit," Sword and Shield's National Pokédex controversy rocked the community after Nintendo's 2019 E3 showcase. Fans expressed outrage online and vowed to boycott the Switch titles, upset they'd no longer be able to carry over their favorite Pokémon from other games in the series. Whether or not fans actually followed through on the boycott, the outrage didn't appear to have much of an effect, if Pokémon Sword and Shield's impressive sales are any indication.
Regardless, players upset about the shrunken Pokédex got some relief when Game Freak announced the Sword and Shield expansion pass would bring back a total of 200 old Pokémon. That's still only 600 available creatures of the series' total 890, but it's an addition equivalent to half of Sword and Shield's initial roster. Read on to see the 100 coming back in The Isle of Armor.
All 100 Returning Old Pokémon In Sword & Shield's Isle Of Armor Expansion
Below is a list of all old Pokémon brought back by Sword and Shield's first DLC, via Serebii.net. To make it easier for players to spot their favorites, the list is organized in alphabetical order. An alternate visual representation is also included below.
- Abra
- Alakazam
- Amoonguss
- Azumarill
- Azurill
- Blissey
- Bouffalant
- Buneary
- Carvanha
- Chansey
- Clauncher
- Clawitzer
- Comfey
- Cubone
- Dedenne
- Dragalge
- Druddigon
- Dunsparce
- Emolga
- Exeggcute
- Exeggutor
- Exploud
- Fletchinder
- Fletchling
- Fomantis
- Foongus
- Golduck
- Happiny
- Heracross
- Herdier
- Horsea
- Igglybuff
- Jigglypuff
- Kadabra
- Kangaskhan
- Kingdra
- Klefki
- Krokorok
- Krookodile
- Larvesta
- Lickilicky
- Lickitung
- Lilligant
- Lillipup
- Lopunny
- Loudred
- Lurantis
- Luxio
- Luxray
- Lycanroc
- Magearna
- Magnemite
- Magneton
- Magnezone
- Marill
- Marowak
- Mienfoo
- Mienshao
- Miltank
- Palossand
- Petilil
- Pinsir
- Politoed
- Poliwag
- Poliwhirl
- Poliwrath
- Porygon
- Porygon-Z
- Porygon2
- Psyduck
- Rockruff
- Sandile
- Sandshrew
- Sandslash
- Sandygast
- Scizor
- Scolipede
- Scyther
- Seadra
- Sharpedo
- Shinx
- Skarmory
- Skrelp
- Slowbro
- Starmie
- Staryu
- Stoutland
- Talonflame
- Tangela
- Tangrowth
- Tauros
- Tentacool
- Tentacruel
- Venipede
- Volcarona
- Whirlipede
- Whismur
- Wigglytuff
- Zoroark
- Zorua
Despite being only a small chunk of the entire National Pokémon, these 100 returning creatures should bring many fans' favorites back. Highlights include Scizor and Heracross, two of the series' coolest Bug-types; the Gen 4-favorite Electric-type, Luxray; and Volcarona, which will make a great companion to Sword and Shield's Frosmoth. The roster of old Pokémon also includes applicable Alolan forms, meaning players can battle with the goofy Alolan Exeggutor once again. For another look at the list, check out this visualization from Reddit user elnomii.
Although these returning Pokémon can only be obtained in-game via the expansion's new area, players who haven't bought the DLC can still bring their old favorites over from previous games. Doing so could require some particularly creative use of the Pokémon Bank and Home transfer apps, which - while complicated - theoretically allow players to bring Pokémon forward from far back in the mainline series' history.
Pokémon Sword and Shield's Isle Of Armor DLC released for Nintendo Switch on June 16, 2020.
Source: Serebii.net