Nintendo has officially detailed Splatoon 3: Side Order, Wave 2 of the Expansion Pass, unveiling a standalone single-player campaign built around elevator-based rogue-lite tower climbing, customizable color-chip stat modifications, and stark monochrome ink aesthetics.
Available through the Official Nintendo Store Splatoon 3 Product Page, Side Order places players in control of Agent 8 as they ascend the Spire of Order alongside Pearl, battling mechanized Jelfonzo variants known as the Parallel Canon.
“Our objective with Side Order was to deliver a highly replayable single-player mode that pushes Inkling movement and ink-mechanic mastery into endless tactical run variations,” Nintendo stated during the announcement showcase.
Check out Nintendo of America’s official Splatoon 3: Side Order gameplay overview trailer.
Technical Realities: Rogue-Lite Mechanics & Frame-Pacing in Spire of Order
Unlike the sprawling, multi-objective stages of Octo Expansion, Side Order focuses on intense combat arenas contained within multi-floor elevator challenges.
Our technical breakdown examines the performance benchmarks and gameplay systems shaping Wave 2.
- Target Framerates & Resolution: Locked 60fps in both docked (1080p dynamic) and handheld (720p native) modes, maintaining strict frame pacing during heavy ink particle coverage and multi-enemy boss waves.
- Color-Chip Stat Customization: Palette configurations allow players to tune ink capacity, movement speed, dodge-roll recovery, and main weapon damage modifiers before ascending each floor level.
- Monochrome Shaders & Lighting: Custom grayscale lighting passes contrast against vibrant ink splashes, creating high-visibility target acquisition during high-speed combat.
With persistent Prismatic Pearl upgrades retaining progression between failed runs, Side Order expands Splatoon 3‘s solo content suite significantly.
The Verdict: A Refreshing Single-Player Evolution
Nintendo’s decision to embrace rogue-lite deck-building mechanics turns Splatoon 3: Side Order into a compelling solo experience.
For vintage Inkling veterans and new players alike, locked 60fps performance and deep palette customization make Wave 2 an essential chapter in the Splatoon saga.
