Splitgate 2 officially launched on PC and consoles on June 6, introducing players to a fresh experience and a surprising new battle royale mode. This sequel to the popular arena shooter developed by 1047 Games has garnered attention on Steam, although initial player reviews have been somewhat mixed. The original Splitgate: Arena Warfare made a significant impact in summer 2021, thanks to its unique teleportation portal mechanic.
After two years in early access on PC, it transitioned to consoles. However, just a year later, 1047 Games announced they would halt future development on the original game to focus on a more ambitious sequel. Splitgate 2 is that sequel, aiming to expand on the original’s concept while addressing community concerns about the game’s direction.
Upon its launch, Splitgate 2 was celebrated with a trailer during the Summer Game Fest 2025. Notably, while the open beta provided a glimpse into the game, the inclusion of a battle royale mode, aptly named Splitgate: Battle Royale, was kept under wraps until launch day. This new mode accommodates 60 players split into 15 teams of four, taking place in the expansive Split Worlds arena, featuring five interconnected biomes linked by World Portals.
Four biomes, including Glacier, Inferno, Drought, and Fracture, are available for players to explore, while a fifth biome is accessible to those who survive longer, offering powerful loot opportunities. Beyond the battle royale mode, Splitgate 2 introduces new maps like Simulation Hectic, Sanctum, Grit, and Academy, along with a water-themed map creator and a powerful new shotgun called Gravitas. Despite reaching a peak of nearly 26,000 concurrent players shortly after launch, Splitgate 2’s player reception has been mixed on Steam, with many users expressing dissatisfaction with its battle royale mechanics and cosmetic pricing, although the core gameplay has been generally well-received.