Splatoon Gets New Map, Mode, Weapons, and Ranked Battle In Free Update

Nintendo promised that they would continue to support Splatoon post launch with healthy servings of free updates, and they’ve already begun to come true to their word. Last night saw the first free update for the game, just three days after its launch, which added a new map to the game, as well as a new weapon with a nostalgic twinge, a new game mode, and ranked battles.

The new map is Port Mackerel, a map with narrow corridors limiting and restricting range of movements, and moving tractors and trucks leading to further unpredictability of passage. The new mode is Splat Zones, which is a King of the Hill styled mode where teams have to take, and then maintain, control of demarcated zones on the map to win. Ranked battles use Splat Zones exclusively, and they also offer double the XP upon victory (though you get absolutely nothing if you lose, and could see your overall standing being knocked down).

Splatoon launched exclusively on the Nintendo Wii U on May 29. Stay tuned to GamingBolt for further coverage of the game, including our review.