After months of anticipation, Splitgate 2 has officially landed on PC and consoles and it brought an unexpected twist. Developer 1047 Games surprised fans during the Summer Game Fest 2025 by unveiling Splitgate: Battle Royale, a fast-paced 60-player mode that expands the franchise’s signature portal-based combat into the battle royale genre. The follow-up to 2021’s breakout arena shooter Splitgate: Arena Warfare, the sequel promises a broader scope, more content, and long-term support, but it’s the inclusion of the battle royale mode that’s stirring the most conversation.

A New Twist on Battle Royale

Unlike typical battle royale setups, Splitgate: Battle Royale features 15 squads of four players each, dropping into the Split Worlds, a massive, five-biome arena interconnected through colossal World Portals. At launch, players can choose from four unique zones: the icy expanse of Glacier, the scorched landscape of Inferno, the arid Drought, and Fracture, an asteroid cluster designed for chaotic mid-air skirmishes. A mysterious fifth biome, accessible only late-game, offers powerful loot and heightened stakes. Portal mechanics remain central, allowing squads to warp across vast terrain, flank enemies, or escape danger in ways traditional battle royales can't match.

Battle Royale Mode

Splitgate 2 doesn't stop at just one new mode. The game also ships with several fresh multiplayer maps, including Simulation Hectic, Sanctum, Grit, and Academy and a new water-themed map creator template that enhances community-built content. Among the standout new weapons is the Gravitas, a powerful shotgun that’s already earning a reputation in the early meta. 1047 Games also took time to clarify that Splitgate 2 will not adopt hero shooter mechanics, in response to community concerns. Characters remain ability-neutral, keeping the focus squarely on skill-based movement and aim.

Player Numbers and Early Impressions

Splitgate 2 reached nearly 26,000 concurrent players within hours of launch. While that number doesn’t yet match the original’s peak of 68,000, it shows promising traction for a game hoping to rebuild momentum after its predecessor was sunset in 2022.

However, early reviews are mixed. While many players have praised the gunplay and movement systems, criticism has focused on the perceived trend-chasing of adding a battle royale mode and on monetization choices in the cosmetic store. As of writing, the game holds a “Mixed” user rating on Steam based on over 9,000 reviews.

A New Era for Splitgate?

Splitgate 2 marks a bold new chapter for 1047 Games, combining fan-favorite mechanics with the evolving expectations of the modern multiplayer market. Whether the new battle royale mode is a fleeting experiment or a long-term pillar of the franchise remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: the portal shooter is back, and it’s aiming higher than ever.