Splatoon 2 Reveals New Map and Multiplayer Modes

Nintendo has revealed a few new features for Splatoon 2, including the Musselforge Fitness stage, LAN Play, and Private Battle Spectator View option.

The Squid Research Lab has shared these developments recently, beginning with the Musselforge map, pictured below.

“This state of the art work out facility contains a bouldering gym, a regulation-sized pool, and all the treadmills you could ever want,” writes the Squid Lab. “Judging from our research, today’s Inklings are foregoing the calisthenics and aerobics for more back-to-basics, iron-puming workouts.”

Another “new discovery,” Private Battle Spectator View, works about how it sounds. Two non-players spectate a private eight-player battle.

“In Splatoon 2, a new feature called Private Battle Spectator View will allow up to two non-players to spectate a Private Battle,” explains the Squid Lab. “These two people act as camera operators in order capture all the action. This is, of course, in addition to the 8 players who fight in the Private Battle. Outstanding!”

Nintendo already revealed up to eight Switch systems can connect via local wireless for Private Battles, and now we know LAN Play will allow local inky multiplayer action without the need for a wifi connection.

The Squid Lab continues: “If you’re willing to put in the work to set up LAN Play, you can also use the Private Battle Spectator View feature by hooking up two additional Nintendo Switch systems. Local wireless play is perfect for your regular gaming get-togethers, but LAN Play is where it’s at when you want to organize a serious tournament event with your fellow players.”

This colorful inky sequel is clearly being pushed as a big local multiplayer and eSports game. Splatoon 2 launches exclusively on the Nintendo Switch in Summer 2017.