'Splatoon 2' patch update, news: Big update adds new game mode

A promotional photo for Nintendo's "Splatoon 2"Facebook/Splatoon

"Splatoon 2", a popular shooter game exclusive for the Nintendo Switch, has been out for a few months now, but developers Nintendo has just recently dropped their biggest update yet, adding an entirely new game mode to the game.

The recent 2.1.0 update has added a game mode called "Clam Blitz." It is similar to basketball but instead of shooting balls, players have to shoot clams. However, before being able to shoot in their baskets, the team must first be able to break the barrier of these baskets. To break the baskets, a player must be able to collect 10 clams. By then, the player with these clams can hurl the Power Clam at the basket removing its barrier.

It is possible that two players have 10 clams at the same time. In that case, the other player may be able to shoot that power clam into the basket, which will give the team a whopping 20 points. Players should note that normal clams only give three points. The clams appear on the ground randomly and can be shared with teammates which will allow them to get ten clams right away and break the barrier.

Both teams start with 100 points, and each clam shot or points achieved will be subtracted from the 100. There are also penalties for consecutive times the team's barrier breaks, which is similar to other game modes as well. To help explain this new game mode, Nintendo uploaded a video of a sample match with this game mode.

Aside from the Clam Bitz, there are other balancing updates. The patch notes can be viewed on their website. This is actually not the first time they dropped a big update. Patch 2.0 also dropped some big updates. They increased the level cap, added new weapons, and allowed players to switch weapons in matches.