Splatoon gets special demo this weekend and free post-launch DLC

Nintendo is releasing Splatoon on May 29, and today, they decided to host a special Nintendo Direct dedicated to the upcoming third-person shooter.

One of the announcements Nintendo had to share today was Splatoon’s upcoming special demo, called the Global Testfire, which will allow players to partake in four-on-four Turf War battles. The Turf War battles will take place in several one-hour demo events that are set during optimal times for global play. The first Testfire event will take place on May 8 from 8-9pm with additional opportunities happening on May 9 at 4-5am and 12-1pm.

Splatoon will launch with five Turf War stages, but Nintendo plans on expanding that number by adding free stages throughout summer 2015. New weapons, battle modes and gear are also planned to be released with a major game update event taking place in August that will add two additional matchmaking options. One of these options will include the ability for friends to form a four-squid team to search for others to take down in battle. The second option will allow eight friends to join a single game session to battle in four-on-four matches on any stage and with any rules they want.

Splatoon will also feature themed events called Splatfests that will ask random questions to players, such as if they prefer cats or dogs. Players who rank high enough with their response can receive a valuable Super Sea Snail item that can be used to upgrade a piece of gear. The first Splatfest is scheduled to take place on June 20.

Nintendo has also partnered with GameStop to offer a digital download code for those who pre-order Splatoon that will include two Mii Fighter Splatoon-themed costumes. These costumes are only usable in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and will be downloadable in summer 2015.

Splatoon gets special demo this weekend and free post-launch DLC