Is the Splatoon DLC free?
Splatoon is a popular multiplayer shooter game developed by Nintendo for the Wii U, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch Lite. The game has seen the release of both free and paid downloadable content (DLC) across its iterations.
Can you access Splatoon 2 DLC for free?
The Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion DLC can be accessed at no additional cost with an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. This DLC would otherwise cost $19.99 if purchased separately.
According to Nintendo‘s website:
Players can access the Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion DLC at **no additional cost with a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership*** or choose to purchase the DLC separately.
What is included in the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass?
Splatoon 3 has a $24.99 Expansion Pass that includes:
- Two waves of DLC releasing over time
- Immediate access to in-game currency, food/drink tickets, and a banner
The DLC packs themselves are only available through the Expansion Pass purchase. They cannot be bought individually.
Does Splatoon 3 have any free DLC?
Yes, Nintendo has confirmed free content updates for Splatoon 3 post-launch. These updates will likely include:
- New stages
- New weapons
- New gear
- New game modes
Most of the major content additions in previous Splatoon games were provided via free updates. Paid DLC has traditionally been reserved for large, standalone campaigns.
What kind of single player content is in Splatoon 2 and 3?
Splatoon 2 Octo Expansion
This paid DLC campaign priced at $19.99 includes:
- 80+ challenging single player levels
- Playable Octoling character
- New lore and story content
The Octo Expansion is critically acclaimed and considered some of the best content in Splatoon 2. It can be purchased separately or accessed for free with a Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
Splatoon 3 Hero Mode
The base Splatoon 3 game includes a full single player Hero Mode campaign. Early impressions suggest Hero Mode will be bigger and more challenging than previous entries.
Completing Hero Mode unlocks access to a secret extra level if all levels have been cleared. This provides incentive to fully complete the campaign.
What factors should influence your decision to buy the Expansion Pass?
Consider if you will play the online multiplayer
The expanded single player content alone may not justify the cost. These games thrive based on their online multiplayer modes. If you don‘t plan on playing online matches, you can likely skip the Expansion Pass.
Value standalone challenge levels and story content
The Octo Expansion demonstrates the high quality of single player content Nintendo can provide. If you crave that type of challenging, narrative-driven content, the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass will likely satisfy.
Assess your desire for cosmetic bonuses
Part of the Expansion Pass value comes from immediate access to cosmetic items, currency, and consumables. These offer no gameplay advantages but allow customization. If you care about aesthetics, the bonuses may enhance enjoyment.
Wait for reviews
Since the Splatoon 3 DLC isn‘t out yet, it‘s hard to definitively judge its quality and amount of content. Waiting for reviews of the first wave can help inform your purchasing decision before committing to the full Pass.
Summary
- Splatoon DLC ranges from free content updates to $20-25 standalone campaigns
- Access all Splatoon 2 DLC at no added cost with a Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership
- Splatoon 3 has a $24.99 Expansion Pass with two future DLC waves
- Assess factors like online play interest, value of solo content, and desire for cosmetics
- Wait for reviews of the first DLC wave to make a fully informed purchase decision