Real-World Inspirations for Pokemon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass Locations Revealed

The regions in Pokemon games tend to be inspired by real-world places, with Galar’s roots in the United Kingdom. Appropriately enough, the two locations in the Pokemon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass are also taken from the UK. The official Pokemon UK Twitter account says The Isle of Armor is based on he Isle of Man, while The Crown Tundra is based on Scotland.

Here’s the tweet, which also shows off concept art for The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra.

Trainers, in the #PokemonSwordShield Expansion Pass, you will explore two brand-new areas, the Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra. Did you know? The Isle of Armor was inspired by the Isle of Man, and the Crown Tundra was inspired by Scotland! pic.twitter.com/Qsbouq7vdZ

— Pokémon UK (@PokemonNewsUK) January 13, 2020

The Isle of Man, the inspiration for The Isle of Armor, is an island in the Irish Sea that is directly between Northern Ireland and the England. Due to its history, Gaelic, Norwegian, and Scottish cultural influences can be found there. In the game, it will be where you get the Galarian Slowbro evolutionary item. It is also where the legendary Kubfu Pokemon will be given to players by Dojo Master Mustard and will eventually become Urshifu.

Scotland, meanwhile, is the European country that was an independent country until 1707, when it became a part of England. In Pokemon Sword and Shield, people will be able to turn a Galarian Slowpoke into Galarian Slowking with its evolutionary item. It will also make you an exploration team member exploring an uncharted and frosty area with new creatures like the legendary Calyrex.

Pokemon Sword and Shield is available for the Nintendo Switch. The Isle of Armor will launch in June 2020, followed by The Crown Tundra in Fall 2020. Both are bundled together in the $29.99 Pokemon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass.