Splatoon 3’s Side Order DLC is out today

For those of you with conflicting feelings about making calamari of your fellow Octolings and Inklings, you can rejoice as Wave 2 of the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass, Side Order, launched today. With none of that nasty PvP business, you can focus on ethically annihilating other species.

You got Nier: Automata in my Splatoon 3 DLC!

The Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass was announced during the February 2023 Nintendo Direct. Priced at $24.99 and divided into two waves, players were able to return to the original Splatoon hub, Inkopolis, in Wave 1. It didn’t feature a whole lot of new content aside from the Squid Sisters performing during Splatfests and thus, was underwhelming for those without a strong sense of nostalgia.

Side Order puts players in control of Agent 8 who must figure out why Inkopolis Square has been drained of color. Working with Pod, err… Pearl, Agent 8 works up each level of The Spire of Order, much like Aya Brea in Parasite Eve‘s Chrysler Building back in 1998.

Designed as a roguelite, players must ascend as far as possible, collecting Color Chip Enhancements along the way and completing objectives. On each floor, players choose one of three objectives to complete. Each choice gives a Color Chip Enhancement, which goes onto the overall palette and offers a wide range of buffs and modifiers. When you eventually fall, your Chips will be converted into Prlz which can be spent on permanent upgrades. It’s your standard roguelite and while it’s not Vampire Survivors, it’s no slouch either.

In the wake of other, arguably larger, Nintendo news, like practically everything announced yesterday during Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase, it’s understandable that Wave 2 of the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass would slide under the radar. Regardless, if you’ve been looking for a reason to get back into Splatoon 3, this is it.