When you enter the game world with the latest version update installed, you’ll immediately be greeted with a pop-up window. It’ll inform you that the Crown Tundra can be accessed via the Wedgehurst train station, just like the Isle of Armor. Similarly, a Crown Pass will appear out of nowhere (don’t ask how it got there).

As soon as you’ve made the necessary preparations (at the very least, you’ll want your party to be healthy), head for good ol’ Wedgehurst train station. If you’ve forgotten, it’s located near the southern entrance of the first town in the game. Obviously, if you’re faraway, use the flying taxi if you can.

Chat to the station staff standing by the ticket gates and he’ll notice your Crown Pass. Without further ado, select “Crown Tundra Station” as your destination. You’ll ride the train to the southernmost part of Galar, which–considering Galar is an upside down United Kingdom–would be equivalent to Scotland in the real world.

Crown Tundra Station¶

When you arrive at Crown Tundra Station, another female scientist will greet you. Noticing you’re a new face, she’ll kindly upgrade your Pokédex to add the Crown Tundra Pokédex. This will let you record info on the 210 native Pokémon found here, including around 100 returning Pokémon that are new to Sword and Shield!

Before leaving the station, feel free to stock up on items such as Poké Balls and Potions from the man at the kiosk. A large portion of the Crown Tundra involves running around all over the place catching Legendary Pokémon. So you’ll want to have enough supplies, lest you run out at a crucial moment!

Slippery Slope¶

Outside, you’ll gaze at the magnificent snowy landscape that is the Crown Tundra, before being interrupted by a loud pair of voices. Pluck up the courage and approach the two standing next to the open gap in the fence; you won’t be able to proceed otherwise. Agree to help out and you’ll be forced into a Pokémon battle.

Pokémon Trainer Peony¶

This is the one and only trainer battle in the whole Crown Tundra. Depending on when you arrive here, this can be a pretty simple fight–or it can be an impossible one. Regardless, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose.

Peony’s first creature is Copperajah, an evolved Cufant. It’s a pure Steel-type, so smack it with Fire, Ground or Fighting moves. It’s carrying High Horsepower, so Fire-types will need to be careful, unless they’re not touching the ground.

His next and last Pokémon is Aggron, a fully evolved Aron. It packs a double weakness to Ground and Fighting, so use moves of those types if you can. Water moves are also good. Be wary of its Sturdy ability, which lets it survive a one-hit KO.

After the fight, Peony will run off towards the Max Lair in the distance, to chase after his daughter. You can follow him if you want–doing so will unlock Dynamax Adventures and progress the story. Or you can explore the Crown Tundra to your heart’s content. We recommend following him.

From the entrance, head through or around the tall grass in the centre. There’s a max raid den on its left. Continue onwards, underneath the pine trees, towards another patch of tall grass further ahead, down a minor slope. There’s another max raid den on its left. As you get near, the camera will pan towards Peony in front of the Max Lair.

When you’re back in control, keep going forward, towards the glowing pillars ahead and to the left. Then go inside the cave between the glowing pillars, which leads to the Max Lair.