Update:
Nintendo as issued a press release which gives a few more details. The following will all be included in this update:
- Squad Battle - Set up in your own teams with friends in Ranked Battles
- Private Battle - Set up your own custom rooms with any team combinations up to 8 players, with options for uneven teams if desired
- New level caps - Up to level 50 in Regular Battle and new S & S+ rankings in Ranked Battle
- "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."
- "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."
Beyond this update Rainmaker mode and more maps / weapons are still due in the weeks and months to follow.
Original Article:
There's exciting news for Splatoon fans, as the game's major August update is confirmed to be landing on 6th August. That's from Nintendo's Japanese Twitter account, however, though we expect the roll-out to tie-in globally.
This update is particularly high on our wishlist as it'll include Private Lobbies, which has long been in demand for those that want to battle friends or - in the case of this site - arrange community matches. It'll be interesting to see the full functionality in action.
We're also expecting a "Tag Match" option in the update, while more weapons and items are also promised; as always @Cheesemeister3K has provided a translation.
It's also worth noting that the Urchin Underpass stage will go out of rotation from 3rd to 5th August as it'll be 'under maintenance'; a re-design seems to be on the cards.
Are you excited about this major update coming to Splatoon next week? Let us know.
Comments 97
Urchin Underpass redesign? Oh no. I hope it's just a cosmetic change--I love that stage.
Next Thursday i predict a Splatoon direct with the update to be available after it. Not long to wait thankfully.
Hopefully we get parties in public lobbies too and as well being able to change gear/weapon at least in the lobby if not in the game.
Ok, more evidence towards a general Direct on Wednesday.
Sadly, I don't have Splatoon to enjoy it.
Now if they can just patch in CPU AI for people that drop put of team matches...
Hopefully nothing much changes with Urchin Underpass,it's one of my favourites along with Blackbelly Skate Park and Bluefin Depot.I found it strange to see BD as the least popular map among Japanese players,I think it's fantastic for all 3 modes,always happy to see it in rotation.Not sure what a Tag Match is,any ideas ?
I hope they raise the maximum level you can get as well.
Can't wait! That minigun will go very nicely with the Power Armour! I am so conflicted if I should take my Wii U and recording setup away on vacations... Besides this update, Legend of Kai, Devil's Third and Disney Infinty 3.0 will all come out in Europe and I won't be able to play them on release! Vexing proposition...
@NintendoFan990 I hope they do too,I want to feel like I'm making some sort of progression in Turf Wars but will it not mess with the matchmaking even more?I'm foolishly hoping for player stats to be added,I know I'm in the winning side far more than the losing side but I want to know by how much.Things like longest winning streak and how often I've been the best team player would be nice to know too.
@Tsurii The key thing is no Wii U VC, every single time the Nintendo Download article (Europe) doesn't have Wii U VC there's been a Direct on the Wednesday.
@Grumblevolcano really? That's interesting. I've never paid attention to the US line up either.. maybe that's how it always is? Lol
@Plainsville According to the current info, they seem to make some drastic changes to the Underpass stage. (Removing the tree at the start, moving the side corridors, adding structures to the deep middle part, and more.) personally, I've never experienced any major issues with that stage, and it's brilliant for tower control. Arowana Mall however...
@Pierson That pattern doesn't occur for the US, no Wii U VC can be just a typical day for their eshop.
They better not mess up my favorite board!
@Grumblevolcano I thought the lack of VC might be to give Legend Of Kay a chance at some sales.
Please let Tag Match be couch co op! I would drop map and super jumps for that.
Official press release available now. Level cap raised to 50. Ranks raised with S and S+.
Wow. That's unexpected. I would expected it to come later in the month with Rainmaker coming at the end of July or at the beginning of August. This is great news.
I wonder if they'll add any future modes later.
@jariw Yay!! That's great.
There's much need of a third scenario in the rotation cycle. If you want to invest on some longplay, another option would be appreciated.
Also, they should drop the random assignment of people in teams and start considering splitting the low levels players as well as those with higher level.
Full details have been released by Nintendo of Europe (link to news post in English here): https://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2015/July/Ink-tastic-new-content-coming-to-Splatoon-with-a-major-update-releasing-on-6th-August-1037221.html
@jariw Anybody but you I would ask for a link.
Glad to see the level cap raised, I know most people don't seem to care, and maybe it doesn't matter, but it still bothers my kids, who are level 9 and 11, that seemingly everybody else is level 20. At least this way there will be various levels on each team, so even if they remain low it won't be so obvious 9 and 3 20s vs 4 20s. Should probably take at least a couple of weeks before everybody maxes out at 50.
Can't believe August 6th already and not later in the month. And the summer MI I verse up date July 29. Next thing you know Star fox will release before Christmas and Zelda U on the Wii U. And the amiibo restock have been nice too.
Now all we need is an ND w/ a Wii U price drop and maybe I'll be convinced Nintendo actually wants to sell the thing.
@buildz Damn, beat me to it.
@buildz Nice read. I really really really wish they would change rotation to 3 maps though, I still haven't played on Moray towers yet. And Camp Trigger fish is awesome, I'm really going to miss it. Oh well, maybe in a future update, everything else sounds great.
@Grumblevolcano Which wednesday? Also, what other evidence?
@Grumblevolcano where is the source its gonna be on wednsday?
Nintendo has followed through with their promise for lots of content updates. I wasn't sure why the game launched with so little content but I guess Nintendo wanted to keep people hooked? Splatoon is getting the AAA treatment from Nintendo and I bet it's an IP that's here to stay. Probably already working on a template for the NX.
Not really sure what the problem with the underpass is. it's a good stage in my book. The side corridors are good in my book, a bit harder of an avenue to take and flank people, especially on tower control.
Not to keen on raising the level cap to 50. Why? Level means very little. Perhaps it is just for progression oriented people to not ding 20 and say "beat the game, done!" If it's just something else to fill up, I guess it's not awful, just seems rather pointless.
50 more outfits. I thought I almost finally had them all! Am I the only one that levels every piece of gear they get? hello? anyone else insane?
@rjejr I'm all for 3 map rotation, if we are allowed to blacklist one of the 3! I don't really have a most-hated map I would blacklist, but it would be nice to see the option if you had 2 small maps and kelp dome, I know I'd be more prone to blacklist kelp dome.
Level 50! Looks like I'm going to be busy.
Keeps getting better!!!
Level 50?! Damn, as if it didn't take me a full month to get to level 20. Hopefully they add some weapons for the people that try to grind up to Level 50, the only reason I grinded to level 20 in the first place is to have across to every weapon and for the sake of maxing it out.
There's nothing wrong with her underpass it's a really well-balanced stage. Arowana mall however needs to be fixed desperately. On the topic of everything else I'm deprived
WOOOOOO! Steven universe on the 6th of August AND Splatoon!
Can they just add local multiplayer that's more than just a 1v1 balloon batte?
@TomServo_89 And make them as the replaced AI in Smash.
New levels up to 50 and S+ ranking, 2 new weapon types and over 40 different weapons and types of gear I think is the gist of the press release. Also the ability to make your own team of friends for ranked battle vs other random teams and the all important friends lobby for NLife tourneys.
I wonder if we will see a small spike in sales of Wii U's and Splatoon for the update?
@97alexk @manu0 29th July, @BlueBlurIxM found a source suggesting that date but if you exclude that it's more of a prediction and several things backing it up.
We've never had a week where there's been no Wii U VC in a week but we have had plenty of times where the Nintendo Download (Europe) article has no Wii U VC and then a Nintendo Direct follows on Wednesday confirming at least 1 Wii U VC title for either that day or the next day. Also, Nintendo would likely want to show off the Smash and Splatoon updates in video format in addition to Gamescom having Mario Kart 8 as one of the main playable games in Nintendo's lineup despite the last piece of DLC being in April.
Perhaps they should add that they are also raising the level cap to 50
@sinalefa That would be great but how would it work? Every time I come with an idea it seems like it won't make sense. It would have to let you use other account data in one game for it to matter. Maybe? Still, it's tantalizing.
@rjejr 3 map rotation would be nice. I wonder if it keeps most of two levels loaded at once, however, to reduce time between matches. I'm not sure I'd want 3 map rotation if I had to wait longer.
I hate urchin underpass. I doubt that those changes will make it any better.
I just cant play well in that map (i use mostly chargers).
@Chaoz i think i played the game too much when it released (lvl 20 in 2 days)
@Grumblevolcano That's right! SSB is also supposed to get an update in August, I totally forgot about that! Interesting. I guess we'll know by tomorrow.
Oh wow, the update releases on my friend's birthday!
Woah, level 50. I wonder if we get credit for the amount we've already played beyond 20. New gear sounds good too.
Nice, I finally ordered the game on Friday night, my son is gonna be delighted he really wants to play. Can't wait to join in all the fun!
Wish they would update the Battle Dojo. It's so boring.
This sounds awesome! Getting to level 50 is gonna take a seriously long time, but I guess that's how we'll access all the new gear.
@aaronsullivan - The only time I ever have to wait is when I choose "w/ friends", which hasn't happened in over a month as I think everybody is in ranked. Every other time I play I get right in the lobby and then wait 5 or 10 seconds for it to fill up. If I had to wait an extra 5 seconds thats ok. I just won't play if warehouse is in the rotation, and I won't play turf war on the rig anymore either. While it's true I would see them more w/ a 3 map rotation at least I would play. Well unless both those 2 were in turf war or ranked together, then I'd skip it.
This is all going down on my birthday! I'm excited for the new gear and the higher level cap.
Just uploaded a video where I highlight Camp Triggerfish and how to do well with a charger. Here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu69x17u4yE
This is great news, I am sure it hits a lot of want list items!
@glovermist rainmaker mode is like ctf or tower control with a big, heavy, uberpowered inkzooka, your team must guide the inkzooka carrier to a set area so they can "make it rain"
Awesome! Now the question is, is the Squid Girl costume coming outside of Japan? I noticed the sushi-chef costume is, which was the winner of a contest in Japan.
@iphys I highly doubt the game saves any of your progress beyond lvl 20.
Wha bout da squid girl referrence
I'm waiting for that Ika Musume costume so I can enslave humanity!
@SavoirFaire - "blacklist one of the 3"
My hope would be that w/ 3 maps you would actually get a rotation, not play the same map 5 times in a row like happens now. Sometimes I play the same map so often I forget what the 2nd map is. W/ 3 my hope is every time you play it would be a different map, so even if it's 1 I don't like I know I only have to play it once, then maybe get the other 2. If I dont' like 2 of the 3 then I just wouldn't play. I wont play turf war now if it's warehouse or rig.
Update is global right?
Love the upcoming update. I would have hoped that they allowed for loading out within the lobby though. Also, seems like Smash is still the king of options. You should be able to choose time lengths, splatzone time length would also be nice.
Now I just need some friends on the WiiU
@sevex I'll be surprised if they log a lot behind level 50
YES!!! Now we can have a half decent competitive tournament!
oh and, http://i.imgur.com/YnQBo0W.png awesome helmet, here I come!
Fantastic. I can't wait for these new updates. This will be a great treat just before my birthday. The new gear and weapons sounds very fun, and the Squad and Private battles are going to be great. Plus if the best players move to S rank, then I might finally survive in A- rank.
I've been feeling a bit burned out with Splatoon recently, so I'll try to give it a break until the new updates, when hopefully I'll be refreshed.
So if the Splatoon update is one August 5/6, then I'm guessing the Smash update is mid-late August. Granted, Tourney mode is the only thing that comes free with the update as far as we know. There's obviously some paid DLC that'll become available like more Mii costumes and probably the two N64 stages.
This is what me and my friends have been waiting for - TEAMS
Yeay!
No custom match search for randon play sucks. Seems like the top 2 points mostly only favour those who have friends, that own the game, who play 24/7.
This is so absolutely fantastic. I'm crazy excited here.
Well, I was writing a review for Splatoon, but this could change my whole perspective on the game.
This is all really spectacular, but can we have more modes for local battles, or at least more weapons and stages for Battle Dojo!
Squad Battle... bring on Team Architeuthis!
@wisdomsprince Oh I meant the climb to 50 will unlock gear. So even though it'll take a long time, there will be cool rewards along the way.
yes Yes YEs YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE CLANS NOW
This update looks incredible. I need more friends that play splatoon. All my friends that own a wii u have been stuck on Sm4sh and won't give Splatoon a chance. If anyone wants to add me, so that we could play in squad mode my Nintendo Id is bryanlgamer.
Itd be great to have some squad battles with fellow Nintendo Life peeps! Who wants to join my Novice Squad? I'm stuck on level 11 lol
@OorWullie They have confirmed that they are increasing the level cap to 50 in the update.
SOURCE: http://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2015/July/Ink-tastic-new-content-coming-to-Splatoon-with-a-major-update-releasing-on-6th-August-1037221.html
Can the article be updated to show its August 5th in the US?At least thats what Amys Miiverse post says. Probably 10 eastern so 3AM on Aug 6 in the UK. Noon would be really nice though.
@Megumi I'm surprised you even asked here, Im sure there will be more thorough coverage in the forum thread. But I'm guessing global, how could it not be, Im in the US and have the people I play with are in Japan.
Well, Nintendo has made weird decisions before. coughwoollyworldcough lol
My guest is, they are not paying attention to the Wii U because of the lack of sells and the NX will be on their mineds more than the wii u. Lastly, Splatoon update is going to be going on tell the ending of the year I herd.
Ika Musume DLC?
@whodatninja i agree, me and my little brother make up custom rules because balloon battle is really bland
This update is coming on my birthday! Probably gonna be the best present I get ^_^
@bryanlgamer What rank are you? I'm willing to play with you too! (I'm rank A 60) my NNID is ShadowStaraptor
Anyone should feel free to add me!
@japfelix Yeah Nintendo always has the best couch multiplayer but this one was just pathetic. Lacking selection screens, only a couple maps and weapons, only one mode, awkward controls, randomized specials and balloons... What does balloons have to do with Splatoon??!.
They should make a Pro Controller with Gyro controls because it's pretty unfair for whoever has to use the analog sticks for aiming.
@whodatninja Have you tried this?
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/05/weirdness_the_second_player_can_have_motion_controls_in_splatoons_battle_dojo_mode
This is how I play battle dojo with my daughter, and it works quite well. We just use two rubber bands to attach the Wiimote. Makes it a bit easier for me as the 2nd player.
@awesomeunclet Oh that's neat!
@Dark-Chespin I have just barely started to participate in Rank Battle so I am at B-. I just added you btw.
Okay, I will accept it tommorow
WHYYYYYY!!!! I'm leaving to go to florida for a week either the next day or the day after, so I won't be able to grind for a week
@Grumblevolcano Seems like theres not gonna be any Nintendo direct, because Nintendo of america announced 3 new kirby VC titles that are coming to the Wii U this thursday, dont know about europe.
I've not reached level 20 yet, so I really hope the rewards are not all pushed to 50 😫
so 41 outfits confirmed?
thats how it works they say over 40 yet it may end up being 41 lolz...
they should add more compatible amiibos because I have 4 that aren't splatoon
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