Splatoon – August update announcement, screenshots and art

Nintendo has now sent out an official announcement about Splatoon’s next big update. This will be available on August 5 in North America and August 6 in Europe.

The new Splatoon update adds two new matchmaking modes, new weapon types, an increase to the game’s level cap and over 40 pieces of new gear.

Here’s an overview of the upcoming matchmaking options:

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.

And the new weapons:

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.

Following the August update, Splatoon’s level cap will be increased in both Regular Battle and Ranked Battle. It will be possible to reach level 50 (raised from level 20) and rank S and S+. (higher than A+).

Nintendo says that more content will be coming to Splatoon throughout the summer and fall. Players can look forward to the Rainmaker Ranked Battle mode, additional maps and new weapons.

Source: Nintendo PR