Splitgate, the “Halo-Meets-Portal” Shooter, Announces Sequel

1047 Games, the creators of the popular arena shooter, Splitgate, have unveiled their highly anticipated sequel: Splitgate 2. This article delves into the details revealed about the upcoming game, promising a fresh take on the beloved portal-powered gameplay.

Splitgate 2: A 2025 Launch

Reimagined Portal Combat

The cinematic announcement trailer, released July 18th, showcases a significant evolution. CEO Ian Proulx highlighted the ambition to create a game with lasting appeal, aiming for a lifespan of a decade or more. This vision led to a complete re-evaluation of the core mechanics. Hilary Goldstein, Head of Marketing, emphasized a redesigned portal system, promising a more balanced and rewarding experience for players of all skill levels.

While remaining true to its roots, Splitgate 2 leverages Unreal Engine 5 for a visually stunning and completely refreshed experience. Confirmed as free-to-play, the game introduces a faction system, adding a new layer of strategic depth. The platforms slated for release in 2025 include PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

The original Splitgate, known for its unique blend of Halo-style combat and Portal's portal mechanics, rapidly gained popularity after its initial demo release, achieving 600,000 downloads within a month. Its immense success necessitated server upgrades to handle the influx of players. After a period in early access, the original Splitgate officially launched on September 15, 2022, with the developers announcing a pause on updates to focus on a game-changing sequel.

New Factions and Enhanced Gameplay

The trailer introduced the Sol Splitgate League and three distinct factions: Aeros (emphasizing speed and mobility), Meridian (tactical and time-manipulation focused), and Sabrask (brute force combat). While not a hero shooter like Overwatch or Valorant, these factions promise diverse playstyles.

Further gameplay details will be revealed at Gamescom 2024 (August 21st-25th). However, the developers assured fans that the trailer accurately represents the visual quality, maps, weapons, and even the return of dual-wielding.

A Lore-Rich Companion Experience

Confirming the absence of a single-player campaign, 1047 Games announced a mobile companion app offering comics, character cards, and a faction quiz to enhance the lore and player engagement.