Huge Splatoon update coming in August
Nintendo's online shooter Splatoon has been a surprise runaway hit, no doubt bolstered by the huge amount of free DLC the publisher is supporting it with. Coming in August is a new update that adds two new modes and several new weapons. Squad Battle mode matches you with ranked opponents from your friends list instead of strangers, whereas Private Battle lets you customize your own match among friends. This is an important addition I felt was lacking from the initial release of the game.
The August update also contains a huge level cap from 20 to 50, as well as the Slosher bucket weapon and the Splatling Gun, which does exactly what its name implies. Nintendo promises that free content will continue through the rest of the year, so the August update is just the beginning.
Nintendo News: Massive August Update Brings a Boatload of New Content to Splatoon
REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- On Aug. 5, a free software update in the Splatoon game for the Wii U console brings a large amount of new content to the game, including two new matchmaking modes, new weapon types, an increase to the game??s level cap and more than 40 pieces of new gear. Players will now be able to create a winning strategy and fight to be the best and most battle-tested squid squad around.
On Aug. 5, a free software update in the Splatoon game for the Wii U console brings a large amount of new content to the game, including two new matchmaking modes, new weapon types, an increase to the game's level cap and more than 40 pieces of new gear. (Photo: Business Wire)
The new update introduces Squad Battle and Private Battle matchmaking options. 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, customizable matches. Two to eight friends can battle together by selecting their favorite 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.
With this robust new update also comes an increased level cap in both Regular Battle and Ranked Battle modes. After downloading the software update, players will be able to reach level 50 (raised from level 20) and rank S and S+ (both higher than A+).
While Inklings around the world are enjoying and mastering the current arsenal of weapons in Splatoon, two new weapon types will be available with the update, adding a new layer of strategy to the game. 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 blasts of 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.
Despite its size and scope, this massive August update is not the end of the splat-acular free content coming to Splatoon. Following this update, more content will continually roll out through the rest of the summer and fall, including the Rainmaker Ranked Battle mode, additional maps and new weapons. More details about these additions will be revealed in the future.
For more information about Splatoon, visit http://splatoon.nintendo.com/.
