Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass



Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass is paid downloadable content for. The bundle consists of battle-boosting bonuses, Wave 1 - Inkopolis and Wave 2 - Side Order. It was revealed during the 2023-02-08 Nintendo Direct.

The first wave of downloadable content was released on 2023-02-28 at July 27, 2024 along with the Version update.

Battle-boosting bonuses


"When you purchase Splatoon™ 3 Expansion Pass, whether in advance or after launch, you'll receive immediate access to additional in-game currency, plus food and drink tickets."

- eShop description

Included in the bundle are bonuses consisting of, three tickets for Pescatariat Royales, one ticket for each of the fourteen available drinks, and a banner of the Squid Sisters.

Pre-ordering the DLC awarded the bonuses to the player immediately. After the DLC's launch, they are received upon purchase. The bonuses can be picked up via the Lobby Terminal.

These bonuses were added to the game when pre-orders were made available in Version, though the banner was not added until Wave 1 released in Version.

Wave 1: Inkopolis


"Make Inkopolis from the first Splatoon game your stomping (err...splatting?) grounds with the first wave of the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass paid DLC! Another major metropolis of the Splatoon universe, Inkopolis has changed a bit in the past several years with some new shopkeepers. Ready to jam? Then come to Inkopolis to see some fresh Squid Sisters performances during Splatfests."

- eShop description

Wave 1 was released on 2023-02-28 and added Inkopolis Plaza from as a hub world accessible via the subway station found in Splatsville. From here, players have access to shops originally available in Booyah Base in Splatoon, including Ammo Knights, Cooler Heads, Jelly Fresh, and Shrimp Kicks. Certain shops are run by new characters. Additionally, the Squid Sisters perform a new version of City of Color in concerts during Day 1 of Splatfests, and sing Brandnew Hometown in concerts during Day 2 of Splatfests, both while wearing their original outfits from Splatoon. Spyke can also be visited.

Additionally, the Great Zapfish can be seen atop Inkopolis Tower and the amiibo box retains its functionality. Other features from have also been added, such as a Grizzco Industries building and a Tableturf Battle Dojo hidden behind several buildings. The grate leading to Octo Valley is blocked off by a tire and a stack of boxes, while the arcade machine is covered up and replaced with a terminal to remotely access Hotlantis.

Wave 2: Side Order


"A new single-player campaign called Side Order super jumps to the Splatoon 3 game in the second wave of this DLC. See what has become of Inkopolis Square, the central area featured in the Splatoon 2 game!"

- eShop description

Wave 2: Side Order is a new single-player campaign mode featuring an Octoling. The campaign is set in Inkopolis Square, though instead of being filled with color as in, it is now all white and more modern-looking. Branches of presumed dead or bleached coral can be seen throughout the plaza. Bits of snow-like specks can also be seen floating in the distance. Deca Tower looks entirely different, resembling a normal building more than a battle tower. The Great Zapfish is also absent from its resting spot.

Still images of Off the Hook are interspersed throughout the Wave's trailer, suggesting they will play a major role in the campaign. This suggestion would align with information revealed in the August 2022 Splatoon 3 Direct, which suggested they would be featured in upcoming DLC.

The Direct states Wave 2 will arrive in the future, separate from Wave 1. The eShop listing's description says it is planned for release by 2024-12-31, though this is likely just to be a placeholder date.

Quotes
"SRL checking in - did you catch the Nintendo Direct? Our team sure did, and we're already overanalyzing the news about the Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass – Inkopolis & Side Order DLC! Here, take a look at this video and join us!"

- @SplatoonNA on Twitter

"Introducing the #Splatoon3: Expansion Pass! Make Inkopolis your stomping ground when Wave 1 launches this spring, then look forward to a new story when Wave 2's Side Order launches in the future."

- @NintendoEurope on Twitter