Splitgate is Back and Going Old School
Splitgate is making a comeback, and this time it is leaning hard into its arena shooter roots. Developer 1047 Games has officially revealed Splitgate: Arena Reloaded, a back to basics relaunch of the series that arrives on December 17 for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
The new version is not trying to be a hero shooter or copy modern multiplayer trends. Instead, it focuses on fast movement, sharp aim, and clever use of portals. If you enjoy classic arena shooters like Quake, Unreal Tournament, or the old Halo games, this relaunch is designed with you in mind.
Splitgate: Arena Reloaded keeps the core idea that made the original stand out: you can drop portals across the map to create your own routes, flank enemies, and pull off wild plays. It is you, your gun, and your creativity with portals, without layers of complicated character abilities getting in the way.
What is Changing in Arena Reloaded
Seven months ago, 1047 Games sent Splitgate 2 back to the drawing board. The team has now reemerged with a clear philosophy: remove what did not work and refine what did. That means some big design shifts from the planned sequel.
Here are the major changes and additions coming with Splitgate: Arena Reloaded:
- No factions: Factions have been removed to simplify the experience and keep the focus on the action in each match.
- No character abilities: Gone are the hero shooter style abilities. You will not pick a character with special powers. Gun skill and movement will decide most fights.
- Classic arena vibes: The inspirations are clear. The relaunch aims to feel closer to classic Quake, Unreal Tournament, and early Halo multiplayer, where raw aim and map control mattered most.
- Career progression system: Players will have a long term progression path, giving you goals to chase over time rather than just playing match after match with no sense of growth.
- Player stats and leaderboards: The game is putting a big emphasis on tracking your performance. Stats and leaderboards are front and center, tapping into that old school mindset where your record, K/D, and ranking really mattered.
- Reworked ranked mode: Competitive players will get a refreshed ranked system, giving more structure and meaning to grinding out matches.
- Five new maps: Arena Reloaded adds new battlegrounds to learn and master, which should mix nicely with the portal mechanic for creative plays.
- Four new weapons: On top of the existing arsenal, the game introduces four new guns, including the series first light machine guns, bringing more variety to firefights.
All these changes are meant to strip away the clutter and highlight what makes Splitgate unique. By removing factions and abilities, every player starts on a more even playing field once the match begins. The only real differences come from your positioning, your aim, and how smartly you use portals.
This also means less time spent worrying about meta picks and more time focused on improving your mechanics and map knowledge. For players who miss the simplicity and purity of mid 2000s shooters, that is a big draw.
Why This Matters for Multiplayer Fans
Modern multiplayer shooters are often built around seasons, battle passes, and cosmetic microtransactions. While Splitgate: Arena Reloaded will still live in that modern landscape, its core design is trying to recapture an older competitive spirit.
In that earlier era of Halo and Call of Duty lobbies, leaderboards and stats were everything. Players cared about climbing the rankings, showing off their kill counts, and winning tight matches based on skill alone. Arena Reloaded taps into that nostalgia by giving you:
- Clear performance tracking so you can see yourself improve over time.
- Skill driven combat where movement, aim, and positioning matter more than pre match choices.
- High replay value thanks to ranked play, new maps, and new weapons that keep the meta evolving.
The focus on bragging rights is intentional. By making stats, ranks, and leaderboards a big part of the experience, 1047 Games is encouraging long term competition and rivalries between players.
There is also good news when it comes to access. Splitgate: Arena Reloaded will remain free to play. If you are on PC, you can already add it to your Steam wishlist, and console players on Xbox and PlayStation will be able to jump in at launch without paying an entry fee.
For PC gamers in particular, the combination of classic arena design, tight gunplay, and the unique twist of portals makes Arena Reloaded an appealing option if you want something skill heavy but not overloaded with hero abilities. It is a chance to get in early on a relaunch that is openly targeting the feel of classic competitive shooters, while still bringing modern polish and content support.
With its release set for December 17, Splitgate: Arena Reloaded is positioning itself as a fresh but familiar option in the crowded multiplayer market. If you enjoy the idea of out aiming and out moving your opponents while bending maps to your will with portals, this is one to keep an eye on.
Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/events-conferences/splitgate-2-is-dead-long-live-splitgate-arena-reloaded-the-shooters-back-to-the-basics-relaunch-is-coming-december-17/
