X Battle

X Battle will be one of the multiplayer mode categories in Splatoon 3. It was originally announced as one of two battle modes to be added in free post-launch updates (along with League Battle), and will launch on on December 1, 2022 as part of the Chill Season 2022 update.

Description
X Battles are similar to Splatoon 2 X Rank Ranked Battles and use many of the same mechanics. However, in Splatoon 3, this system operates alongside Anarchy Battles, rather than one of its ranks. In X Battles, players will have three-month sessions to play matches against other skilled players to increase their X Power. Unlike Splatoon 2, players will have five placement matches at the start of the season to determine their starting X Power (rather than ten). Players in the top 500 will also be recognized. Even if X Battles are unlocked, Anarchy Battles (both Series and Open) will still be available. Winning matches will grant X Power points while losing will take some away.

X Battles will be separated into two divisions, each sponsored by a gear brand : It is not yet clear if these brand sponsorships will have an in-game effect, nor whether the sponsors will change per season or stay the same.
 * Division will cover players from Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand
 * Division will cover players from North American, South America, and Europe

Ranks
To play X Battles, one must have a rank in Anarchy Battle of S+0 or higher. Players will need to keep this in mind with the rank reset mechanic. If a player wants to play X Battles at the beginning of the new season, they must have an Anarchy Battle Rank of S+10 or higher before the old season ends.

Quotes
"Don't forget about X Battles, coming in a future update! Not only do you have to reach an elite rank to join an X Battle but you'll have to risk X Power as you fight your way up the leaderboard. Our Tactical Research team is still investigating the details - stay tuned for more."

- @SplatoonNA on Twitter