Splatoon 2 update coming this week raises level cap, adds stages

Splatoon 2 is getting a significant update on Thursday, Nov. 23 that will eventually add five new stages, new gear and a raise in the level cap, plus additional amiibo functionality and more.

The update is free. The newest battle stage, called MakoMart, will join the game on Nov. 24. Three more — Shellendorf Institute, plus the return of Walleye Warehouse and Arowana Mall from the original Splatoon — will arrive soon.

The Salmon Run mode will add the Salmonid Smokeyard stage to the rotation. “In Salmonid Smokeyard, a wide gap on the beach divides two upper platforms, with fan lifts being the quickest way to traverse the two platforms,” Nintendo said. “Teamwork is required to use the fan lifts effectively.”

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• Splatoon 2 Nintendo
• Splatoon 2 Nintendo
• Splatoon 2 Nintendo
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• Splatoon 2 Nintendo

The level cap, currently maxed at 50, will increase to 99. At that point players will have the option of resetting their level display to include a star, while starting over at level 1.

Additionally, more than 140 pieces of new gear ranging from outfits to shoes and headgear, are coming to the game. Some of these will be items returning from the first Splatoon as well. Inklings are also getting four new hairstyles, and players will be able to swap their gear between battles without exiting to the lobby.

Grid View

• Splatoon 2 Nintendo
• Splatoon 2 Nintendo
• Splatoon 2 Nintendo
• Splatoon 2 Nintendo
• Splatoon 2 Nintendo
• Splatoon 2 Nintendo
• Splatoon 2 Nintendo
• Splatoon 2 Nintendo

The amiibo functionality concerns taking and sharing in-game photos. A compatible amiibo allows players to take and share photos from preset locations in Battle Stages. The new photo functions also offer filter settings.

Next up, a mid-December update will introduce “Clam Blitz” to Splatoon 2. In this game, players may collect clams from around the map to throw them in a basket near the opposing base. Players will first have to break a barrier protecting that basket, doing so by collecting 10 clams. Splatted players drop whatever clams they were carrying. The first team to score 100 points will win the mode.

Splatoon 2 launched July 21 on Nintendo Switch. For more, check out Polygon’s guide.