“Halo meets Portal.” That’s the description developer 1047 Games has slapped on their own website for Splitgate – an interpretation they’re willing to embrace wholeheartedly. Jump into a match and you’ll understand why almost immediately. If you’ve seen Splitgate popping up on your online feeds and are wondering if this sci-fi shooter should be in your iron sights, we’ve detailed everything you need to know below.
What is Splitgate?
© 1047 Games
Splitgate is a free-to-play sci-fi first-person shooter in which teams of armored warriors duke it out inside arenas packed with verticality. The extra twist is that every single player is packing their own wrist-equipped portal gun.
Arenas in Splitgate are littered with gridded blue walls and surfaces. Fire a portal at two of them and you can link the spaces for traversal or new sightlines. Both players and shots can travel through portals, making awareness of your environment and your opponents’ positions vital for success.
Splitgate gameplay
© 1047 Games
In terms of gunplay and movement, Splitgate is closest to the Halo series, with a good dosage of arena shooter blood flowing through its veins. Players are mobile, and come equipped with a brief, recharging jetpack to help maneuver through the level.
Everyone starts each life with the default rifle, but can grab snipers, shotguns, railguns, and more from key locations across each map. Controlling and rotating through these zones is the key to success, but with portals popping up all over, doing so is far easier said than done.
Splitgate currently features 10 guns and one melee weapon to play with across 11 different arenas. Modes include traditional shootouts, capture the flag, and more.
What platforms is Splitgate on?
Splitgate has been available in beta form on PC since early 2019, but the recent open beta release on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, and Xbox One has seen popularity explode. Interest has rocketed up on all platforms, PC included. Popularity increased so much that 1047 Games had to take down the beta early ahead of the official release date to ensure their server capacity could be improved in time.
Splitgate release date
After a last-minute delay, Splitgate’s release date is August, 2021. It’ll launch simultaneously on all platforms (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One). The game was originally due to launch on July 27, but instead the open beta will be returning with some extra content to tide players over until the title is ready for a full launch.
© 1047 Games
Does Splitgate have crossplay?
Yes, the recent beta featured Splitgate crossplay support between all platforms, including from PC to console. The full release should be the exact same.
How to play Splitgate on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4 and Xbox One
© 1047 Games
As a free to play title, you can pick it up at no cost from the relevant store for your platform (Steam on PC).
PS5 and PS4 players can get Splitgate on the PlayStation Store website. Or search for Splitgate on the PlayStation Store from your consoles.
Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One players will need to search for Splitgate on the Microsoft Store.
And finally, PC Players can get Splitgate from the Steam Store.
There’s also a paid Legendary Edition of Splitgate which unlocks a selection of weapon skins and cosmetics to equip while you play.
How are you finding Splitgate’s portal arenas? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
