Nintendo have confirmed that Splatoon will be treated to a software update this week, Special Weapon and Ability adjustments as well as preparing the game for the first western Splatfest.
This will be released on Tuesday 30th June, and users will be required to download and install the update before being able to return to online multiplayer to splatter inky mayhem everywhere.
It is the Inkstrike and Kraken that are being balanced, Nintendo improving the consistency of the area covered by the former and increasing knockback when taking damage as a tyrannical Kraken.
Nintendo have broken down what the software update will contain as follows:
Update details
Splatfest
When there are more members on one team than the other and the match-making process takes too long, members from the same team will be able to battle each other
– Members will still receive Splatfest Points even when they battle against members of the same team
– Note: Only the results from matches against the opposing team will be included in the overall Splatfest results
Adjustments have been made to allow some players at random to participate as early as 5 minutes prior to the official start time of Splatfest in order to make for a more pleasant gaming experience (Note: All players will be able to participate once the event begins)
– This adjustment was made to lighten the server load at the beginning of the Splatfest
Adjustments have been made to the number of Super Sea Snails distributed to members of the losing team that have earned either of the top two Splatfest rank titles
Special Weapon Adjustments
Inkstrike: The amount of area covered will be more consistent regardless of where it lands
Kraken: The amount of knockback is increased when taking damage from an opponent while using Kraken
Ability Adjustments
Ninja Squid: Swim speed will be lowered when using this ability
Stealth Jump: The amount of time it takes to Super Jump will be longer when using this ability
Ink Resistance Up: The effects with respect to the amount of damage and speed when moving through enemy ink will be adjusted
Other
Other adjustments will be made to make for a more pleasant gaming experience