Diving Deep into Splatoon 3’s Expansion Pass: A Comprehensive Guide
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The Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass is a paid downloadable content (DLC) bundle for Splatoon 3, designed to enhance and expand the overall gameplay experience. It includes two major waves of content. Wave 1 brings players back to Inkopolis, the vibrant hub area from the original Splatoon, offering a nostalgic trip and fresh activities. Wave 2, titled Side Order, introduces a brand-new single-player campaign, promising a unique and intriguing storyline featuring returning characters like Off the Hook. The Expansion Pass also grants immediate access to in-game bonuses like currency, food and drink tickets, and a special banner. It’s a comprehensive package aimed at both seasoned veterans and newcomers, adding substantial value to the base game.
What You Get With the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass
The Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass is designed to provide a wealth of new content and experiences for players, far beyond simple cosmetic additions. Let’s break down exactly what it includes:
Wave 1: Return to Inkopolis
The first wave of the Expansion Pass centers around a return to Inkopolis, the beloved hub area from the original Splatoon. This isn’t just a reskin of a previous map; it’s a fully realized, interactive space that offers several key features:
- A Nostalgic Hub World: Explore a meticulously recreated Inkopolis, complete with familiar shops, sights, and sounds. Experience the charm that captivated players in the original game, now brought to life in the modern Splatoon 3 engine.
- New Activities and Characters: Interact with Inklings and shopkeepers unique to Inkopolis, unlocking new dialogue and character interactions. While the functionality is largely similar to Splatsville, the aesthetic and character dynamics provide a fresh perspective.
- Unique Photo Opportunities: Capture memorable moments with your Inkling or Octoling in iconic Inkopolis locations. The updated visuals make for stunning screenshots and shareable memories.
- Added Flair: There are exclusive customization options that you can obtain in Inkopolis.
Wave 2: Side Order
The second and more significant wave of the Expansion Pass is Side Order, a brand-new single-player campaign. This content promises a significant departure from the standard Splatoon formula, offering a roguelike experience that is meant to have high replayability.
- A New Storyline: Embark on a mysterious adventure with returning characters. Off the Hook, the iconic duo consisting of Pearl and Marina, play a central role in the story. Expect intriguing plot twists and a deeper dive into the Splatoon lore.
- Roguelike Gameplay: This is where Side Order truly differentiates itself. The campaign will feature procedurally generated challenges, meaning each playthrough is unique. Players will need to adapt their strategies and builds to overcome unpredictable obstacles.
- Character Progression: Earn and upgrade your character’s abilities throughout the campaign. Experiment with different builds and loadouts to find the perfect strategy for tackling Side Order’s challenges. The emphasis on upgradable abilities allows for a unique sense of progression.
- New Enemies and Bosses: Face off against never-before-seen enemies and formidable bosses, testing your skills and strategic thinking.
- Enhanced Lore and World-Building: Delve deeper into the lore of the Splatoon universe. Discover new details about the characters, the world, and the mysteries that lie beneath the surface.
Immediate In-Game Bonuses
Upon purchasing the Expansion Pass, players receive instant access to a range of in-game bonuses designed to give them a head start and enhance their gameplay experience:
- In-Game Currency: A boost of 123,000 in-game currency, allowing you to purchase new gear, weapons, and customizations.
- Food and Drink Tickets: A collection of tickets for Pescatariat Royales, each of the fourteen available drinks, and more. These tickets provide temporary buffs to your character’s experience gain and other stats, giving you a competitive edge in online battles.
- Squid Sisters Banner: A unique banner featuring the iconic Squid Sisters, a symbol of Splatoon’s rich history and vibrant culture. This banner can be displayed in the game to show your support for the franchise and your dedication as a player.
Is the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass Worth It?
The value of the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass ultimately depends on your individual preferences and playstyle.
Pros:
- Significant Content: The Expansion Pass offers a substantial amount of new content, including a nostalgic return to Inkopolis and a brand-new single-player campaign.
- Roguelike Gameplay: The Side Order campaign introduces a unique gameplay experience with roguelike elements, offering high replayability and strategic depth.
- In-Game Bonuses: The immediate in-game bonuses provide a helpful boost, allowing you to quickly access new gear and customizations.
- Lore and World-Building: The Expansion Pass expands upon the lore of the Splatoon universe, providing a deeper understanding of the characters and the world.
- Off The Hook: The addition of Off the Hook to the storyline is a huge win for long-time fans.
Cons:
- Price: The Expansion Pass costs $24.99 USD ($31.99 CAD), which may be a significant investment for some players.
- Wave 1 Reception: Some players have found the Return to Inkopolis in Wave 1 underwhelming, feeling that it doesn’t offer enough new content.
- Single-Player Focus: The Side Order campaign is primarily a single-player experience, which may not appeal to players who primarily enjoy the multiplayer aspects of Splatoon 3.
Overall, the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass is a worthwhile purchase for players who are looking for a significant amount of new content, enjoy single-player campaigns with roguelike elements, and are interested in expanding their knowledge of the Splatoon universe. However, if you are primarily interested in the multiplayer aspects of Splatoon 3, or if you found the Return to Inkopolis in Wave 1 underwhelming, you may want to consider waiting for reviews of the Side Order campaign before making a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass free?
No, the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass is a paid downloadable content bundle available for $24.99 USD ($31.99 CAD). It includes two waves of DLC: Wave 1 – Inkopolis and Wave 2 – Side Order.
2. Can I purchase the DLC waves individually?
No, the DLC packs are only available as part of the Expansion Pass. They are not available for individual purchase.
3. When will Side Order be released?
Splatoon 3: Side Order is scheduled to release in Spring 2024 at the earliest.
4. What is the Side Order DLC about?
Side Order is an upcoming single-player campaign mode that comprises Wave 2 of the Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass. It features a new storyline, roguelike gameplay elements, character progression, and new enemies and bosses.
5. Will Off the Hook be in the Splatoon 3 DLC?
Yes, Off the Hook is set to play a major role in Splatoon 3: Side Order.
6. What immediate rewards do I get for purchasing the Expansion Pass?
Upon purchase, you’ll receive immediate access to 123,000 in-game currency, three tickets for Pescatariat Royales, one ticket for each of the fourteen available drinks, and a banner of the Squid Sisters.
7. How many DLCs will Splatoon 3 have?
The Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass includes two waves of paid DLC. Wave 1 is Inkopolis, and Wave 2 is Side Order. There are no other DLC packs announced at this time.
8. Is Splatoon 3 kid friendly?
Yes, Splatoon 3 is considered a fun game for kids of all ages. It promotes hand-eye coordination and features colorful visuals. While there is some reading involved, it is not essential to understanding the plot.
9. What happens when you 100% complete Splatoon 3?
If you fully surveyed every site and completed the main story, then the Shel-drone will appear on the launch pad next to the Squid Sisters Camp. This unlocks the last Alterna Log. This is the most difficult level in Splatoon 3.
10. Is Frye a squid?
No, Frye is an Inkling with medium brown skin and a round face. Her irises are golden, with yellow pupils in the shape of a plus, similar to that of the Squid Sisters and Pearl.
11. What culture is Frye based on?
Frye is based on Middle Eastern/Indian culture, demonstrated by her design and solo songs during Splatfests.
12. What is Frye wearing on her head?
Frye is wearing a golden-colored hat resembling chunks of fried squid on the top left of her head.
13. How old is Frye?
Dialogue from Anarchy Splatcast, as well as Frye’s Tableturf Battle Deck, implies that she prefers Splatanas. Frye was 22 years old in early concept art in The Art of Splatoon 3.
14. Is Splatoon 2 in Inkopolis?
In Splatoon 2, the hub area is Inkopolis Square.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?
You can explore the Games Learning Society and their research on the intersection of games and education at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. You can learn more about the latest research and thinking about how games can enhance learning.