The developers behind the beloved "Halo-meets-Portal" shooter, Splitgate, are back with a thrilling sequel. 1047 Games has officially announced Splitgate 2, set to launch in 2025, and it's poised to redefine the multiplayer FPS genre. Dive into the details of what you can expect in the upcoming Sol Splitgate League.
Splitgate 2 Launches in 2025
Familiar yet Fresh
On July 18, 1047 Games unveiled the cinematic announcement trailer for Splitgate 2, building anticipation for the sequel to their breakout free-to-play shooter from 2019. CEO Ian Proulx emphasized their vision, stating, "Our goal is to create a game that can last a decade or more." The original game drew inspiration from classic arena shooters, but for the sequel, Proulx noted, "To craft a modern game that endures, we needed to build a robust and engaging gameplay loop."
Head of Marketing, Hilary Goldstein, added insight into the game's mechanics, saying, "We've reimagined our approach to portals to ensure that true Portal Gods can shine, while allowing everyone a chance at victory without constant portal usage."
While specific gameplay details remain under wraps, it's confirmed that Splitgate 2 will be powered by Unreal Engine 5, remain free-to-play, and introduce a new "faction system." Although it retains familiar elements, "Splitgate 2 aims to deliver a completely fresh experience compared to its predecessor."
Splitgate 2 is slated for release in 2025 across PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
Nicknamed "Halo meets Portal," Splitgate is a dynamic arena PvP first-person shooter where players utilize wormholes for strategic movement across maps. The original game surged in popularity following a demo release by founders Ian Proulx and Nicholas Bagamian, which garnered around 600,000 downloads in its first month. Its success led to server upgrades due to overwhelming demand.
After years in early access, Splitgate officially launched on September 15, 2022. At that time, the studio announced they would stop updating the game to focus on "building the game fans deserve," hinting at revolutionary changes in the upcoming sequel.
New Characters, Maps, Factions
The trailer introduces the Sol Splitgate League and showcases three distinct factions that promise to enrich the gameplay experience. According to the game’s Steam page, each faction offers a unique playstyle: join Aeros to "dash around the battlefield," opt for "tactical and time-manipulating Meridian" to control the chaos, or embrace "Sabrask’s raw power" for a direct, aggressive approach.
Despite the introduction of factions, 1047 Games clarified that "Splitgate 2 is not a hero shooter" like Overwatch or Valorant, indicating a different approach to character dynamics.
Fans eager for gameplay footage will need to wait until Gamescom 2024, from August 21 to 25. However, the trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse of what's to come. The developers assured fans that "the trailer is an authentic representation of Splitgate 2," confirming that the showcased maps, weapons, and even the trail effect from portals are genuine. They also highlighted the return of dual wielding, a beloved feature from the Halo series.
Splitgate 2 Comics
While Splitgate 2 will not feature a single-player campaign, fans can delve into the game's lore through a mobile companion app. This app allows players to read comics, collect character cards, and take quizzes to determine which faction best suits their playstyle.