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Splatoon's big August update raises level cap

New weapons, new matchmaking and new features all explained ahead of August 6 update.

Splatoon's big August update will raise the level cap all the way to 50, introducing a handful of new modes in the progress while making it easier for players to battle together.

The level cap, which previously sat at 20, is also being risen in ranked battles, with S and S+ rankings now available. The update also introduces Squad Battles, in which players can partner up with friends before playing Ranked Battles together as a team, and Private Battles, which allows players to set up their own lobbies where can invite others to partake in their choice of mode. Here, players can also even - or distort - the odds, setting up 1v2, 1v4 or any other combination of players in the 8-player multiplayer.

Two new weapon types are also being introduced, with Sloshers and Splatlings making their debut. Alongside all that, 40 all-new pieces of gear are coming to the in-game stores.

The update's been slated for August 6th, and it's not Nintendo's last for Splatoon. Beyond August, new weapons and maps are planned and, according to our recent interview with Splatoon co-director Tsubasa Sakaguchi, they're going to be free. You can read more of that over here or, alternatively, you can watch Chris Bratt making sushi with him, which is just as valid an option.

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