How to start Pokémon Sword and Shield’s Crown Tundra expansion

The latest expansion for Pokémon Sword and Shield has you traveling to the Crown Tundra, a snowy southern area on the main island of the game. Getting there is easy, but there’s a few things worth knowing before starting your trip.

In this Pokémon Sword and Shield guide, we’ll show you what you need before traveling to the Crown Tundra and what you need to know when you get there.

How to travel to the Crown Tundra

In order to access the second new area in Pokémon Sword and Shield, you’ll need to have purchased the game’s Expansion Pass. With the pass purchased, update your game — which may require you to close and restart — and the next time you start up your adventure, you’ll be informed that you now have a Crown Pass, granting you access to the Crown Tundra.

With your pass, head over to Wedgehurst Station in the south of the Galar Region and speak to the main standing in front of the turnstiles. He’ll notice your Crown Pass and ask you if you’d like to board a train to ride over to the new area.

A train will take you south to the Crown Tundra. From the kiosk in that area’s station, you can also travel to other train stops.

Starting Crown Tundra

Once you exit the Crown Tundra station, you’ll meet two of the expansion’s newest characters, Dia and Peony. After speaking with them, Peony will challenge you to a battle against his Copperjah and a Aggron. They are both steel-type, so make sure you have a fight-, fire-, or ground-type Pokémon ready to go.

If you’re not sure which monsters to bring with you to the Crown Tundra, use our Pokémon Sword and Shield type strength and weakness chart to make sure you have the best companions by your side in each battle.