#update 2.2

Update 2.2 for SPLITGATE: Arena Reloaded cranks up the arena-shooter game with faster fights and action on Linux, Steam Deck, and Windows PC. Huge thanks to 1047 Games for continuing to bring fresh, creative energy. Which is yours to play on Steam, free. I loaded up the news and instantly got that “oh no… I’m about to lose sleep this week” feeling. A new update is bringing something wild to SPLITGATE: Arena Reloaded and it’s not the usual “here’s a new skin, good luck” type of update. This one feels like the devs are actually trying to start a fight… in the best possible way.

Update 2.2 feels like a love letter to arena shooter chaos

So here’s what’s happening: 1047 Games just announced Update 2.2 for SPLITGATE: Arena Reloaded, and it’s built around a brand-new mode called Arena Royale. A battle royale that doesn’t abandon what makes Splitgate special. And trust me, that matters. Since most battle royales? They’re basically Looting Simulator 2026. You land, you run around opening crates, you grab attachments, and if you’re unlucky you get erased by someone with better RNG. But Update 2.2 is doing the opposite.

Less looting. More shooting.

That’s not me being dramatic. That’s literally the design goal. Design Director Josh Watson even said they kept coming back to that core idea while making Arena Royale. And honestly? I’m relieved.

Arena Royale: battle royale, but you actually get to play the game

In Update 2.2, Arena Royale, 24 players drop into one of four massive biomes. One of them is totally new: Outskirts, an urban battleground that’s built for fast fights and aggressive movement. Here’s the part that made me sit up straight:

No buy stations

Instant upgrades

Respawning is in

And there are Arena Events that inject classic arena objectives into the battle royale flow

That’s such a Splitgate way to do it. It’s not pretending to be Warzone, it’s not trying to cosplay Apex. As a battle royale finally respects people who grew up on arena shooters? 1047 Games even framed it that way, taking the best parts of arena shooters (fast movement, tight gunplay, quick respawns, constant action) and mixing them with the good stuff from battle royales (scale, variety, big finales, real stakes). That combo can be magic if they land it.

Arena Royale | SPLITGATE: Arena Reloaded Update 2.2

Two new maps that scream “send it” energy

Update 2.2 isn’t only Arena Royale, either. It’s also releasing two new Arena maps, and both sound like they are the design of someone who enjoys watching players panic. Tri-Hard is this high-flying map full of launch portals and jump pads, basically turning every fight into aerial nonsense. The devs even describe it as lighthearted and unhinged. So expect wild midair outplays and accidental deaths that make your squad laugh until they choke. Then there’s Runway, set in a neon city vibe inspired by Shinjuku. It’s built around strong portal routes, fast rotations, and clean power positions that reward aggressive movement. Translation: if you’re the kind of player who likes pushing and controlling space, this map is going to feel like home.

Teabag Takeover is real (yes, actually)

I’m not even joking: there’s a limited-time event called “Teabag Takeover.” It launches Friday, January 23, and the entire point is to teabag opponents to earn points… to unlock teabag-themed rewards. The devs call it a “long-forgotten sign of respect,” and I genuinely can’t tell if that’s comedy, nostalgia, or both. But either way, the vibes are chaotic and I respect it.

New mastery camo, proximity chat, and the Linux and Steam Deck Win

If you’re a grinder, Update 2.2 adds a new mastery camo called Isotromic. You unlock it by getting chase camos on every available weapon, which means if you see someone rocking it, you already know they’ve put in real work. Also: Proximity Chat is coming to Arena Royale. So expect the most unhinged audio moments imaginable in those final circles. And for my people? The real headline: SPLITGATE: Arena Reloaded Update 2.2 is coming to Linux, Steam Deck, and Windows PC. That’s huge for Linux players who care about performance, control, and supporting studios that actually ship the goods instead of ignoring the platform.

Update 2.2 Release date and platforms

I really like the shot of the city from the highway, and the the one with what I think is a blimp looking thing in the day

This is episode one hundred and forty-six of Shatter The Vain. I’m Brad Chmielewski and this is a podcast all about the mobile MOBA Vainglory created by Super Evil Megacorp.

The Vainglory community is pretty fantastic, there are always interesting people working on very cool projects that not only bring people together but also help promote the game. One of those groups is the We2Sexy guild; they have an amazing group of passionate players and are lead by people that really do enjoy the game. That's why on this week’s episode I'm joined by Kewy & Moofasa.

On this episode we chat about their guild and the pins that they recently had made which they are pretty much giving away. We also chat about update 2.2 and our initial thoughts with Vainglory 8 kicking off.

All that and more on episode 146 of Shatter The Vain!

If you’re typically an audio listener to the podcast, be sure to check out the video version on the Shatter The Vain YouTube channel. I’ve also had a few requests on ways to support the podcast and the best option is on Patreon. I’d love the opportunity to do more episodes like this in the future along with the usual episodes you’ve come to love. If you aren’t able to be a Patreon backer of the show right now, no problem and thanks for listening.