How To Start The Bubbly Basin DLC In Pokémon Pokopia

Bubbly Basin is the first major DLC update for Pokémon Pokopia.

Available for those with the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass, it introduces an underwater town for you to explore, complete with new Water-type Pokémon to befriend.

This guide explains the Bubbly Basin DLC requirements in Pokémon Pokopia, and how to start the Bubbly Basin DLC from there.

Bubbly Basin DLC requirements in Pokémon Pokopia

There are three requirements to access the Bubbly Basin DLC:

1. Own the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass
2. Unlock the move Dive
3. Complete Bleak Beach's "Raise the environment level!" request (reach level 5)

For additional context: the move Dive was introduced in a free 2.0.0 update on 5th August 2026, the same day as the Bubbly Basin DLC. And if you need advice on reaching Environment Level 5, our dedicated raise the environment level guide can help.

How to start the Bubbly Basin DLC

The main requirement is learning how to Dive from Manaphy, who can be found on an island to the north after speaking to Professor Tangrowth outside of the Bleak Beach Pokémon Center.

Full steps are in our how to dive guide, but it's pretty straightforward, and process takes about five minutes to complete.

Once done, return to the Pokémon Center to see a new Pokémon waiting for you - Popplio. Talk to them to learn about the Basin area, and to befriend Popplio for your new Basin Pokédex.

From here, head to the Basin gate, which is found underwater to the west. (Popplio should follow you automatically, but if not, make sure they are first.) Dive underwater, approach the gate, and enter.

From there, the Bubbly Basin DLC awaits. Enjoy!