Unlocking Alolan Starters in Sword & Shield DLC

The Pokémon Sword and Shield expansions brought fresh excitement to Galar with the Isle of Armor DLC, introducing ways to acquire fan-favorite Alolan starters: Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio. These Grass/ Flying, Fire, and Water types from Pokémon Sun and Moon became accessible through a unique side quest involving elusive Alolan Digletts. This guide breaks down the entire process, from accessing the DLC to claiming your reward and strategies for obtaining all three starters.

Accessing the Isle of Armor Expansion

To begin your journey, ensure you own the Isle of Armor DLC, part of the Expansion Pass. Launch Pokémon Sword or Shield, and after progressing through the main story, visit the Master Dojo on the Isle of Armor. Speak with Mustard, the dojo leader, to unlock key areas like the Fields of Honor. This grassy region near a bridge is ground zero for the Diglett hunt.

Without the DLC, these Pokémon aren’t native to the base game. Transferring via Pokémon HOME from older titles like Sun and Moon is an alternative, but the in-game quest offers level 30 Hidden Ability variants, making it highly rewarding.

The Diglett Collection Challenge Explained

Alolan Digletts hide across the Isle of Armor, identifiable by their distinctive golden tufts of hair poking from the ground. Interact with these tufts to unearth them—there are 150 in total. Return each batch to the Diglett Master, a hiker stationed near the Fields of Honor bridge.

Progress is milestone-based. Rewards escalate with your collection:

• 5 Digletts: Alolan Meowth
• 10 Digletts: Kanto Slowpoke
• 20 Digletts: Alolan Vulpix
• 30 Digletts: Alolan Sandshrew
• 40 Digletts: Alolan Raichu
• 50 Digletts: Alolan Marowak
• 75 Digletts: Alolan Exeggutor
• 100 Digletts: Alolan Starter Pokémon (based on your Galar starter)
• 150 Digletts: Alolan Diglett

These tufts blend into environments like forests, beaches, and cliffs. Use the in-game Diglett Tracker post-milestone for hints on remaining locations. Expect 10-20 hours for full completion, depending on exploration thoroughness.

Which Starter Do You Receive?

Your reward at 100 Digletts ties directly to your initial Galar starter:

This system encourages replaying with different starters or trading. All received Pokémon arrive at level 30 with Hidden Abilities, ideal for competitive play.

Tips for Efficient Diglett Hunting

Hunting Digletts can be tedious, but these strategies streamline it:

• Start Early: Unlock the tracker after 10 Digletts for map overlays.
• Explore Methodically: Check high grass, rock formations, and water edges. Some hide underwater or on rooftops.
• Weather Matters: Certain areas reveal Digletts during rain or night.
• Use Flying Mounts: Cramorant or Corviknight speeds traversal.
• Multiplayer Help: Friends can spot misses via online play.

Interactive maps from community sites (post-DLC launch) pinpoint all 150, cutting time significantly.

Strategies to Get All Three Alolan Starters

Since you get only one based on your save file, here’s how to complete the set:

Trading Within the Community

Link trades via Y-Comm or Surprise Trades yield quick results. Post in forums or Discord groups specifying your needs—many players offer extras from multiple playthroughs. Isle of Armor Max Lair raids sometimes feature these starters, providing trade fodder.

Multiple Save Files Approach

Create three new games, rush to Isle of Armor with each starter, collect 100 Digletts per file, then transfer via Pokémon HOME. Time-intensive but legitimate.

Pokémon HOME Transfers

If you own them from Sun/Moon/Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon, move via Pokémon Bank to HOME, then to Sword/Shield. Requires premium HOME access for bulk transfers.

Evolution Paths and Competitive Value

Once obtained:

• Rowlet → Dartrix (level 17) → Decidueye (level 34)
• Litten → Torracat (level 17) → Incineroar (level 34)
• Popplio → Brionne (level 17) → Primarina (level 34)

Decidueye excels in Trick Room teams with Long Reach; Incineroar dominates as a support tank; Primarina shines in fairy/voice movesets.

Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting

Avoid these errors:

• Missing Hidden Tufts: Rotate camera angles; some are tiny.
• Starter Mismatch: Can’t change post-game; plan trades early.
• DLC Not Loaded: Verify Expansion Pass installation.
• Post-100 Glitches: Save before milestones; rare bugs fixed in updates.

If Diglett Master won’t reward, ensure all prior milestones cleared.

Why These Starters Matter in Galar Meta

Alolan starters fill gaps in Galar’s roster. Decidueye counters waters with Grass coverage; Incineroar walls psychics; Primarina sweeps with Moonblast. Gigantamax forms absent, but Hidden Abilities boost viability in VGC.

FAQ

Collecting these starters enriches your Isle of Armor adventure, blending exploration with rewarding trades. Dive in and expand your team today!