Splatoon’s big August update adds new modes, rank cap increases, new gear and more

Full details of the huge August update have been released by Nintendo as well as a release date of August 6th. There’s are  tons of additions and changes to the game coming so let’s take a look.

First up the introduction of Squad Battle and Private Battle matchmaking options. Squad Battle allows you to battle in Ranked matches with friends instead of random players. One person creates a squad and then friends can be recruited into teams of two to four Inklings. You will then always play together on the same team and battle other squads at random.

Private Battle goes one step further with the ability for two to eight friends to battle together, select your favourite maps, modes and weapons. You can have a battle from 1v1 all the way up to 4v4 and the teams don’t even have to be even – its all up to the host.

The level cap for both regular and ranked battle modes has been increased. You can now rank up to Level 50 (instead of 20) and there are no S and S+ ranks in Ranked Battle.

Your arsenal to select from has gained two new weapon types as well. There’s the bucket-like Slosher weapons that hurl ink in a straight line far into the distance. They’re good for taking out players in hard to reach, high, places. The other type is the gatling-gun like Splatling. You’ll need to take time to charge this one up and then unleash a torrid of ink.

There’s also 40 pieces of gear to try on, new jackets, hats and shoes to purchase (with in game currency of course) in store. Urchin Underpass will also be ‘closed’ in the days leading up to the update as it gets some balancing tweaks.

While this update is huge, the free content won’t stop there with continued updates heading all the way into the end of the year.

Well then – not long now to wait for this splash of huge content. Who’s excited?