Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass: Side Order Roguelite DLC Makes a Splash on Nintendo Switch

The Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass has been a hot topic among Nintendo Switch players since its announcement, especially following the initial launch of Wave 1 in early 2023.

Developed and published by Nintendo, Splatoon 3 itself debuted on September 9, 2022, quickly earning critical acclaim and robust sales figures, with millions of copies sold worldwide thanks to its vibrant multiplayer battles and engaging single-player experiences.

The Expansion Pass promised to extend this momentum, beginning with the return of Inkopolis Plaza from the original Splatoon, but its most significant addition, Wave 2—titled 'Side Order'—was highly anticipated to give the DLC real substance for seasoned Inklings and Octolings alike. While Wave 1's nod to Wii U-era nostalgia rekindled memories for long-time fans, its additional hub area and Splatfest functionality were not enough to justify the £22.49 / $24.99 price tag for many buyers.

The real draw, instead, was clearly Wave 2: Side Order, which officially launched on February 22, 2024, via the Nintendo eShop.

Now that Side Order is available, it’s clear the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass is a must-have addition for fans seeking a fresh take on the single-player formula. A notable shift in Splatoon 3’s base campaign was the absence of Marina and Pearl—popular members of the fictional pop duo 'Off the Hook,' who played leading roles in Splatoon 2.

This exclusion, as Nintendo recently clarified, was by design: the duo take center stage in Side Order.

In this new single-player roguelite campaign, players assume the role of Agent 8, the Octoling protagonist introduced in Splatoon 2’s acclaimed Octo Expansion.

After a mysterious train ride, Agent 8 awakens in a stark, colorless world.

There, a mechanized, drone-like Pearl directs players to help locate Marina, who is implied to be trapped atop a towering spire reminiscent of Inkopolis Square. Side Order shakes up the Splatoon formula by introducing a roguelite gameplay loop—a first for the series.

Players must ascend a 30-floor spire, taking on randomized objectives across each level with the help of a drone-assisted Pearl.

Each floor offers a selection of difficulty-labeled missions, with completion yielding 'membux,' the in-game currency used to purchase lives, special abilities (through "color chips"), and weapon upgrades at vending machine stations.

The challenge is heightened by limited lives, and running out means starting over from floor one.

However, previous efforts are not wasted: collected resources convert into 'prlz,' which unlock permanent improvements for future attempts, motivating continued replay and progression. There are five main mission types—ranging from boss battles every ten floors to objectives like zone defense and enemy defeat—which keep the action dynamic.

Notably, completing Side Order is just the beginning.

While the story mode is roughly 4-7 hours long, multiple unlockables, additional weapon types, and cosmetic rewards encourage long-term replayability.

Fully completing every challenge and collecting 100% of items can extend the experience to over 20 hours, granting substantial value to dedicated players. Veteran Splatoon players will find that Side Order’s thoughtful integration of roguelite elements and narrative payoffs—especially for fans of Off the Hook—revitalize expectations for what a Splatoon single-player DLC can offer.

According to recent statements from Nintendo, the campaign was created to expand the 'depth and replayability of Splatoon for players who crave more than multiplayer.' This focus is evident in every challenge and story beat. Ultimately, while the initial Expansion Pass offering may have felt slight, Side Order’s inventive design and compelling story make Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass a recommended purchase for fans and newcomers alike.

Available now through the Nintendo eShop, it adds essential new layers to one of Nintendo Switch’s most colorful and dynamic franchises.

Nintendo Switch Splatoon Nintendo Splatoon 3 Switch Expansion Pass Side Order DLC Off the Hook Agent 8 Pearl Marina Inkopolis Plaza Nintendo eShop