Before Splatoon launched, Nintendo confirmed that the game would get quite a lot of its content after its launch, some time in August- and today, they have confirmed that major Splatoon content, including new modes, matches with friends, custom games, and an increased level cap, will all be coming to Splatoon as part of its major game update on August 6.
“The new update introduces Squad Battle and Private Battle matchmaking options,” Nintendo said. “In Squad Battle, players can participate in Ranked Battle rule sets with friends, rather than being teamed up with other players through a random selection. After a player creates a squad, friends can be recruited to form a team of two to four Inklings. Friends will always play together on the same team and battle against other squads at random.
“In Private Battle, friends can splat it up in private, customisable matches. Two to eight friends can battle together by selecting their favourite map, mode and weapons. The number of participants ranges from 1v1 to 4v4, but teams don’t have to be even: if the host chooses, he or she can select a 1v4, 1v2, or any other combination of players.”
That’s not all, either- even if you’re just the kind of person who goes online for a few random unranked games every evening, this update brings with it some good news- the level cap has now been raised. Whereas it has been 20 ever since the game launched at the end of May, Nintendo confirmed that the cap would now be raised to 50. Similarly, the highest rank in Ranked Games is now going to be raised to S+.
Moreover (because, yes, of course there is more), two more weapon types are also being introduced to the game, and both will be unlike anything in Splatoon so far- these are the bucket-like Slosher weapons hurl ink straight ahead at an impressive range. By adjusting the angle, these new weapons can be used to splat opponents who are up high or even on the other side of a wall. With the Gatling-style Splatling, players can charge all-powerful ink. A maximum charge unleashes the full potential of this particular weapon type. In addition to the new weapons, more than 40 pieces of gear, including everything from a leather jacket to a sushi-chef costume are coming to the various in-game shops in Splatoon.
Nintendo will also be redesigning the Urchin Underpass map; the popular map has a choke point that can lead to complete and early domination by one team, if it gains control of that area.
This new update, as well as all of the content coming with it, will be absolutely free for all Splatoon owners. Nintendo has also confirmed its intention to continue releasing free content for Splatoon even after the update, through to at least the end of the year.
Splatoon really is the gift that just keeps on giving.
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