No, the Splatoon 3 DLC will not be free

Let‘s get this clear right away – the upcoming downloadable content (DLC) for Splatoon 3 will not be free. Unlike the Octo Expansion for Splatoon 2, the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass will need to be purchased if you want access to the additional single player and multiplayer content.

I know this may disappoint some Splatoon fans who were hoping the DLC would be included as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. However, based on the details Nintendo has announced so far, it seems the only way to get the Splatoon 3 DLC is to buy it.

In this guide, I‘ll give an overview of exactly what the Expansion Pass includes, why it likely won‘t be free, and whether it‘s worth buying or not as a big Splatoon enthusiast myself. Let‘s dive in!

What‘s included in the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass?

The Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass costs $24.99 and contains two major DLC waves, plus some immediate in-game bonuses:

Inkopolis Wave (2024)

This wave will introduce new story content and features set in Inkopolis, the beloved city from the original Splatoon game. Specific details are still light, but this is likely to include:

• New single player story campaign and levels
• Expanded lore and characters from Splatoon 1
• Fresh multiplayer stages and weapons themed around Inkopolis

As a huge fan of the first game, I‘m really excited to see Inkopolis return! This wave will probably feature Agent 3 and let us learn more about what happened to Inkopolis after the first game.

Side Order Wave (2024)

The second DLC wave will bring more single player content focused on a side story. Again, exact details are still unannounced. But if it‘s anything like the Octo Expansion, we can expect:

• Challenging single player levels with different goals
• Expanded worldbuilding and character backstories
• New bosses to take down
• More lore about the Splatoon world

I‘m interested to see what the "Side Order" focus will be. Octolings? The Squidbeak Splatoon? Or maybe something entirely new.

In-Game Items

Immediately upon pre-purchasing the Expansion Pass, you get in-game items to help boost your abilities for multiplayer:

• Shell-Out Machine Tickets (x10) – Get ability chunks
• Inkling Wig (Blue) – A fresh headpiece for your avatar
• Octoling Boots (Yellow) – Stylin‘ shoes
• Gold Sheldon License – Upgrades weapons faster

These will help give you a leg up in online battles and Splatfests while you wait for the DLC waves to release.

Why isn‘t the DLC free?

Unfortunately for our wallets, Nintendo has decided to charge $24.99 for the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass. Here are some likely reasons why it won‘t be free:

• More substantial DLC – The Octo Expansion was a great addition to Splatoon 2, but relatively small in scope including only 80 single player levels. These new waves seem much more sizable in content.

• Generate more revenue – As one of Nintendo‘s most popular franchises, Splatoon has a huge audience willing to pay for DLC. Paid expansions make good business sense.

• Incentivize full pass purchase – Nintendo wants players to commit to buying the full pass upfront, rather than releasing waves separately.

Based on the details so far, this Expansion Pass seems to add almost sequel-worthy amounts of new content. So as disappointing as it is, I understand Nintendo pricing it as a premium expansion.

Is the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass worth it?

For diehard Splatoon fans like myself, buying the full Expansion Pass is probably a no-brainer. However, more casual players may be on the fence about whether it‘s worth the $24.99 cost. Here are some factors to consider:

Worth it if:

• You really love playing Splatoon single player and multiplayer
• Enjoy splatting octolings, clearing levels, and battling friends for hundreds of hours
• Want to experience Inkopolis again and learn more lore
• Have completed most existing content and want more

May want to wait if:

• On a budget and need to limit game spending
• Not sure if you‘ll invest enough time in the DLC
• Want to see reviews of the content first
• Wish it was free with Switch Online instead

For me, the decision is easy. I‘ve already played over 200 hours of Splatoon 3 so far, and I‘m all about that single player life. I love how Nintendo expands the Splatoon universe with these expansions. I don‘t mind paying for substantial DLC that brings fresh content to one of my favorite franchises.

Splatoon 3 DLC: Free update timeline

While the Expansion Pass won‘t be free, Nintendo does plan to add free post-launch content to Splatoon 3 via free software updates:

• 2 years of updates promised, adding new weapons, stages, gear, Splatfests, and more
• X Battle themes already added in Version 1.1.0

This live service approach is great for keeping the game feeling fresh. New cosmetics, events, and gear will help keep the existing multiplayer thriving.

But the full-scale expansions with story content seem to be following the paid DLC model rather than free updates.

So in summary:

• Free updates = new weapons, maps, cosmetics
• Paid DLC = substantial expansions & story content

The bottom line: Start saving up!

As both a diehard Splatoon fan and a budget-conscious gamer, I totally wish the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass was free and included with a Switch Online membership. Unfortunately, that doesn‘t seem to be in the cards.

But based on the exciting new content the pass will bring, I still think it‘s worth the price for big fans who will play the DLC for dozens of hours. More casual Splatoon players may want to hold off.

I‘ll be buying it day one myself. Nearly two years after launch, I‘m still splatting in Splatoon 2 daily. So I expect I‘ll be playing these expansions well into 2024 and beyond.

If you‘re a fellow ultra squid kid who wants even more Splatoon lore and levels, I‘d start setting aside the $25 now. The Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass won‘t come cheap, but it looks set to deliver a boatload of great new content. Stay splattastic!