Bubbly Basin: a new world to explore in Pokémon Pokopia

Pokémon Pokopia is going underwater. The cozy Pokémon life sim is getting its first expansion, Bubbly Basin, on August 5, 2026, and a new seven-minute trailer has revealed what awaits beneath the waves. Bubbly Basin introduces a brand-new underwater area where players can build their own aquatic communities alongside their Pokémon companions. The expansion is part of the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass and adds a surprisingly deep selection of new activities to the game's already relaxed formula.

New ways to explore

The biggest addition is the ability to Dive beneath the ocean, allowing players to explore the seabed and construct buildings underwater. New Buoyant Blocks can be used to create structures at different heights, while a Sharpedo submarine provides a rather stylish way to get around—and even doubles as a room.

Pokémon also have new ways to contribute to underwater life. Water-specialty Pokémon can help grow watermelons, while Pokémon with the Generate specialty can power bubble machines and illuminate the streets. Because apparently underwater cities still need electricity—or at least something that looks like it.

The expansion also adds new Pokémon, outfits, furniture and smoothies, while the Surf move receives an upgrade. Players looking for something a little more adventurous can also venture into darker underwater areas, following glowing coral into the depths. The good news is that some of the underwater fun won't be locked behind the expansion. A free Version 2.0 update arriving alongside Bubbly Basin will allow all players to dive underwater, build on the ocean floor and create aquatic towns.

Bubbly Basin is only the first of three planned parts for the Expansion Pass. Part 2 is scheduled for later in 2026, promising even more Pokémon, furniture and accessories. For now, Pokémon Pokopia is preparing to trade its sunny landscapes for the ocean floor. And if building a peaceful underwater town with Pokémon, growing watermelons and cruising around in a Sharpedo submarine doesn't sound like a good time, frankly, we're not sure what does. As usual, you can use our comparator to buy Pokémon Pokopia at the cheapest price if you don't own this exceptional Pokémon game with an impressive Metacritic score yet.