Nintendo has unveiled details for the upcoming Splatoon 3 single-player DLC, Side Order, part of the game’s second wave of the Expansion Pass. This DLC presents an interesting premise: a world devoid of color, a scenario that could be considered a worst nightmare for Inkopolis residents. The goal is to ascend the Spire of Order while brightening up the world in true Splatoon fashion.
In Side Order, players assume the role of Agent 8, who awakens in an Inkopolis stripped of color. Accompanied by a drone claiming to be Off the Hook’s Pearl, players must guide Agent 8 to the Spire of Order’s summit to restore color back to the world. The objectives on each level of the Spire change with each attempt, becoming progressively more challenging as you ascend. If this is starting to sound like a roguelite, that’s because it is. As players clear objectives, they’ll receive color chips that can be used to customize their Palette with enhancements such as faster firing speed and more damage. Each failure means resetting the progress, but the color chips that have been collected will be converted into a currency that can be used for permanent and helpful upgrades.
What is seemingly a rising trend, and one we welcome with open arms, are these roguelite modes that are being introduced to existing games as DLC. God of War Ragnarök added it for free with its Valhalla DLC, while The Last of Us Part II Remastered features No Return.
Nintendo also announced the Splatoon 3 “Fresh Season,” launching on March 1, featuring new multiplayer stages, weapons like brella and dualies variants, and new items, including the Fizzbang for use during Splatfests.
