X Battle

X Battle is a multiplayer mode 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 launched on 2022-12-01 as part of the Chill Season 2022 update.

Description
X Battles are similar to X Rank in Splatoon 2 Ranked Battles and use many of the same mechanics, such as X Power. However, while Splatoon 2 featured rank progression from S+ to X within the Ranked Battle game mode, Splatoon 3 offers X Battle as a separate mode from Anarchy Battles. In X Battle, players have season-long (three-month) sessions to play matches against other skilled players to increase their X Power. There are five placement matches at the beginning of the season to determine starting X Power. After placement, players take on series of matches which end after 3 wins or 3 losses, with X Power points being gained or lost at the end depending on the outcome. Players in the top 500 will also be recognized.

X Battles will be separated into two divisions, each sponsored by a gear brand: Players choose their division the first time they play X Battles in a given season, and are unable to change the division until the next season. It is not yet clear if the brand sponsorships will have an in-game effect, nor whether the sponsors will change in later seasons.
 * Division will cover players from Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand
 * Division will cover players from North America, 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, since all ranks S+10 and above are reset to S+0 each season, while S+9 and lower are reset below the S+0 threshold.

Unlike Anarchy Battle, which has a single rank for all ranked game modes, X Battle features separate rankings for each of them. X Power is tracked separately for Splat Zones, Tower Control, Rainmaker, and Clam Blitz.

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

"Also, quick reminder that X Battles are coming in Chill Season! Players ranked S+0 or higher can get in on some action that is decidedly NOT chill. You'll have to put your own X Power on the line to take part, but don't worry - Anarchy Battles will still be available as well.

If you do decide to take the plunge into X Battles, you'll need to join one of two divisions sponsored by local gear brands. The Takoroka Division covers Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, while the Americas and Europe play in the Tentatek Division."

- @SplatoonNA on Twitter

"X Battles are coming in #Splatoon3's Chill Season 2022! Players ranked S+0 or higher can get in on some action that is decidedly not chill. You'll need to join one of two divisions sponsored by local gear brands. Europe and the Americas play in the Tentatek Division."

- @NintendoEurope on Twitter

Trivia

 * With the post-launch addition of X Battle joining Anarchy Battle (Series) and Anarchy Battle (Open), Splatoon 3 achieved a first for the series by making three different ranked rotations available simultaneously to solo players.
 * After the future addition of League Battle to Splatoon 3, all four ranked modes will be available simultaneously, though League Battle cannot be played solo.