Splitgate

About

Splitgate is a free-to-play, fast-paced multiplayer shooter that features player-controlled portals. This sci-fi shooter takes the FPS genre to a new dimension with its portal mechanics, delivering high-flying, multi-dimensional combat. Evoking memories of the most revered shooters of the past two decades, Splitgate embraces the classic and familiar feel of close-quarters combat while adding a uni…

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

92%

Audience ScoreBased on 176,359 reviews

gameplay5.3k positive mentions

monetization244 negative mentions

The gameplay is praised for its innovative combination of classic arena shooter mechanics and unique portal mechanics, allowing for creative plays and tactical maneuvers.
The graphics are generally considered vibrant and stylized, with smooth performance even on lower-end systems, enhancing the overall experience.
The humor and chaotic gameplay create memorable moments, especially in multiplayer settings, making it a fun game to play with friends.

Many players criticize the repetitive gameplay and lack of advanced movement mechanics, which detracts from the overall experience.
The game suffers from significant performance issues, including bugs, crashes, and inconsistent frame rates, impacting gameplay stability.
The monetization model has raised concerns among players, with some viewing it as aggressive and detracting from the core gameplay experience.

gameplay
11,206 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
50%
3%
The gameplay of Splitgate has been widely praised for its innovative combination of classic arena shooter mechanics reminiscent of Halo and the unique portal mechanics inspired by the Portal series. Players appreciate the fast-paced, fluid movement and the strategic depth that portals add to combat, allowing for creative plays and tactical maneuvers. However, some criticisms include repetitive gameplay, issues with map design that limit the effective use of portals, and a lack of advanced movement mechanics like sliding, which could enhance the overall experience.
- “With its perfect blend of mind-bending puzzles, witty dialogue, and innovative gameplay mechanics, Portal 2 remains one of the most polished and enjoyable games of its generation.”
- “The introduction of new mechanics like moving boxes and using portals adds new layers of depth to the puzzle-solving experience.”
- “The gameplay is buttery smooth, the weapons are fun to use, jetpacks are good, and the portal gameplay is satisfying and raises the skill ceiling.”
- “Now it's best defined as a pile of manure with more battle pass pushing than actual gameplay.”
- “The game itself would be amazing without these hidden communist game mechanics where everybody plays equally unless they keep dropping money on microtransactions.”
- “But once the novelty fades, you’re left with a reminder of why halo’s core gameplay hasn’t evolved much—because it’s mediocre at best.”
graphics
2,392 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
50%
8%
The graphics of Splitgate receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the vibrant and stylized visuals that evoke a blend of futuristic and cartoonish aesthetics, while others criticize them as dated or lacking polish. Many appreciate the game's performance on lower-end systems, noting that it runs smoothly even at high settings, but there are frequent mentions of graphical bugs and a desire for more cohesive art design. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered decent for a free-to-play title, there is a consensus that improvements could enhance the visual experience further.
- “The graphics are stunning, and the gameplay is smooth, ensuring an immersive experience from start to finish.”
- “In addition to its innovative gameplay mechanics, Splitgate boasts a visually striking aesthetic that combines futuristic elements with sleek, minimalist design.”
- “This cohesive art style not only enhances the immersive nature of the gameplay but also contributes to the overall appeal of Splitgate as a modern gaming experience.”
- “Stopped playing and came back again just now - game caps at 60 fps despite pushing the frame rate limit, huge latency, hitbox registration is wild, ghost shots, graphics are poor, feel clunky, slow poorly optimized and the anti-cheat is still a future concept.”
- “The graphics look terrible, the gameplay feels clunky and the portal idea is just forced.”
- “The graphics are... bad.”
optimization
940 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
40%
18%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its ability to run smoothly on a variety of hardware, including low-end PCs, while others report significant performance issues such as stuttering, lag, and inconsistent frame rates. Some users highlight improvements in optimization over time, but many still experience frustrating bugs and performance drops, particularly after updates. Overall, while the game shows potential for solid performance, it still requires further optimization to address the ongoing issues affecting gameplay.
- “The game is generally well-optimized, running smoothly on various hardware configurations.”
- “Splitgate is a very fun free-to-play game which is very well optimized for PC.”
- “The optimization is fantastic and all the guns feel balanced and fair.”
- “I've been having a lot of performance issues with this game.”
- “How the fuck can you make a game so unoptimized that even after literally modding the game files I can't play a multiplayer match?”
- “The poor optimization makes this game nearly unplayable due to how much lag I've experienced in casual mode due to how drastic my frame rate drops and the amount of ping I received.”
humor
820 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the comedic potential of the portal mechanics, ragdoll physics, and various game modes like "teabag confirmed." Many reviews emphasize the fun of playing with friends, where unexpected moments and chaotic gameplay lead to laughter and memorable experiences. Overall, the game is described as a hilarious blend of action and humor, making it a joy to play, especially in multiplayer settings.
- “The portal mechanics were the star of the show, offering endless opportunities for hilarious surprises and jaw-dropping plays.”
- “In conclusion, Splitgate was not just a game; it was a comedy of errors, a physics-defying playground, and a community that found humor in the unlikeliest of places.”
- “The maps are also brilliantly designed with the portal mechanic in mind, allowing you to kill your opponents in some very creative, and often times very funny ways.”
- “Not funny, didn't laugh.”
- “Not funny, didn't laugh.”
monetization
678 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
52%
36%
The monetization model in Splitgate primarily revolves around cosmetic microtransactions, which are generally viewed as fair and non-intrusive by players. While some users express concerns about the aggressive nature of these monetization practices and the cluttered interface, the consensus is that the game avoids pay-to-win mechanics, allowing players to enjoy the experience without feeling pressured to spend money. Overall, the cosmetic-only approach is appreciated, although some players wish for a more cohesive aesthetic and less emphasis on monetization.
- “The monetization model is fair, as these items do not provide any gameplay advantages and are purely cosmetic.”
- “Overall, the monetization system does not intrude on the core gameplay experience and allows players to support the developers without feeling compelled to spend additional money.”
- “The game is free with in-game purchases; however, all the purchases are purely cosmetic and have no effect on gameplay.”
- “The game feels like a low effort cosmetic based cash grab built using a gimmick that doesn't actually deliver fun gameplay.”
- “The introduction of aggressive microtransactions and a focus on cosmetic items over substantive gameplay improvements has left a bitter taste among players, raising concerns about the game's commitment to a positive and inclusive player experience.”
- “Do not play this game, its a fucking cash grab by greedy bastards who care nothing about gameplay and only about making a quick buck.”
stability
598 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
2%
79%
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and crashes that significantly impact gameplay. While some users have noted smooth performance and minimal issues, a substantial number express frustration over persistent problems, particularly in matchmaking and game mechanics. Overall, the game is seen as fun but plagued by instability, especially given its beta status.
- “The game is very well optimized and runs great on lower end hardware (5600h + 1650 is giving me a locked 120 fps).”
- “The game runs great, smooth gameplay and no stuttering or hiccups.”
- “Gameplay has been butter smooth and bug free, excluding the menu and party system.”
- “The game crashes on launch with an Unreal Engine error and then freezes the system, forcing a hard reset of the deck.”
- “This game is a buggy, memory-chugging mess.”
- “The game is incredibly buggy and it takes forever to load into a match and if you do your weapon skins will not load and your frames will be shit until you have died at least once, and if a match is already in progress you can get fragged up to 5 times before you get enough frames to move, one time I was insta killed after loading in and my game outright crashed on me.”
story
560 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
73%
20%
The reviews indicate a significant divide in the perception of the story aspect across different games. While "Portal 2" is praised for its rich narrative and character development, many other titles, particularly arena shooters like "Splitgate," are criticized for lacking a compelling story or any narrative depth, focusing instead on gameplay mechanics. Overall, players express a desire for more engaging story elements in games that currently prioritize multiplayer experiences over narrative.
- “While Portal was a minimalistic affair, Portal 2 ramps up the narrative significantly, blending puzzle-solving with a rich, compelling story.”
- “The story progresses naturally as you move through the test chambers, and it’s this integration of puzzle-solving and storytelling that keeps you invested in the game.”
- “Portal 2 is a remarkable achievement in both puzzle design and storytelling.”
- “But there's no story or immersion or really any sort of identity to the game, and as a result the initial appeal wore off really quickly.”
- “It works very well but there is no story or lore here in any way, shape, or form.”
- “If you like Halo or Portal without the story, this game is for you.”
music
338 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
73%
7%
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a significant lack of in-game tracks beyond the main menu theme, which is often described as repetitive and uninspired. While some appreciate the ambient sound design that complements the atmosphere, others feel that the absence of dynamic music during gameplay detracts from the overall experience, leading to suggestions for more engaging background music to enhance the action. Overall, players recommend turning on their own music while playing, as the game's soundtrack does not sufficiently elevate the gameplay.
- “The sound design, from the eerie hum of the machinery to the ambient music of portals pumping during certain story moments, complements the atmosphere beautifully.”
- “The background music complements the fast-paced action, creating an energetic atmosphere.”
- “The music in Splitgate is perfect and what you come to expect of an arena shooter.”
- “The main menu soundtrack in particular grows stale quickly.”
- “One other small complaint I have is the background music is very repetitive and isn’t very interesting. I was hoping for something a little more samurai-y, but the music isn’t very relevant considering there is a lot of fighting going on at most times during the game, so you’ll often just be listening to your slashing attacks.”
- “The extreme lack of music also plays a part in this lack of identity.”
grinding
292 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
42%
55%
The grinding aspect of the game is a significant point of contention among players, with many expressing that it requires an excessive time investment, often likening it to needing "a second life" to achieve meaningful progress. While some players find enjoyment in the grind, particularly for unlocking skins and leveling up, others criticize it as tedious and frustrating, especially when achievements are buggy or when content is locked behind high level requirements. Overall, the game offers a mix of fun and grind, appealing to those who enjoy competitive play but potentially alienating casual players.
- “It's also pretty easy to obtain a decently high rank with little to no grinding.”
- “If you're looking for a shooter that's fun to play and not too grindy, check this out.”
- “No grinding required, and all micro-transactions are cosmetic only (plus you can get quite a bit of stuff just by playing).”
- “There is no point in grinding for anything, weapons are limited and the game is dead.”
- “Grinding for levels is annoying when over half of the content is locked behind an arbitrary level requirement and the XP progression system moves slower than an asthmatic snail.”
- “Was 2 tasks away from getting the free skin in the season pass quests and they just updated it after I have been grinding for a month so now you have to purchase the battle pass to be able to get the once free skin. This is stupid; won't be playing this game as there isn't any point putting the hours into the season pass for them to change the outcome.”
replayability
138 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
45%
4%
Overall, "Splitgate" is praised for its high replayability, driven by addictive gameplay, a competitive ranking system, and a variety of game modes. While some players note limitations in variety and a lack of single-player content, many find the portal mechanics and skill ceiling contribute to an engaging experience that encourages repeated play. Despite some criticisms regarding monetization and player balance, the game is generally regarded as fun and endlessly replayable, appealing to both casual and competitive players.
- “It deserves recognition not for what it failed to become but for what it succeeded at - delivering delightful, high-skill FPS gameplay with immense replayability.”
- “The game incentivizes replayability through a ranking system, cosmetic customization options, and limited-time events.”
- “Splitgate is the best game of 2021, the way that it combines aspects of both Halo and Portal is insane, which allows for an extremely replayable and infinitely enjoyable experience in which you can change the tide of the battle at any moment.”
- “While the lack of a single-player campaign may limit replayability for some, the multiplayer-focused gameplay always ensures a new challenge or strategy to explore.”
- “It's stale and repetitive and holds no replay value, what's worse is that almost anyone you play against is some rank 50-60 and has 400 plus hours and you'll be stomped every game.”
- “In around 10 games, which is a lot, you'll be roughly 1/10th of the way through a level, so yeah... put that into perspective... all in all, it's a cool idea ruined by now replayability and a terrible monetization system where literally everything you do is monetized.”
emotional
80 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its impactful storytelling and character development, particularly noted in moments of sacrifice and personal growth. Players express a range of feelings, from joy and nostalgia to frustration and heartbreak, indicating that the game successfully evokes strong emotional responses. Overall, it is seen as a blend of intellectual challenge and emotional engagement, making it a memorable experience for many.
- “The puzzles are clever and challenging, the story is engaging and emotional, and the characters are unforgettable.”
- “It’s a rare gem that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging, and it’s a must-play for anyone who loves video games as a medium for creative expression.”
- “What happened is that I just had a flashback of one of the best moments of my life, and only this game made me feel like that again.”
atmosphere
54 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
41%
7%
The game's atmosphere receives mixed reviews, with some praising its sound design and energetic background music that enhance the gameplay experience, while others criticize it for feeling generic and lacking depth. Players appreciate the engaging environments and unique mechanics, but many express disappointment over a competitive atmosphere that can deter casual enjoyment. Overall, the atmosphere is seen as a blend of potential and shortcomings, with calls for improvements in aesthetics and sound to create a more immersive experience.
- “The sound design, from the eerie hum of the machinery to the ambient music of portals pumping during certain story moments, complements the atmosphere beautifully.”
- “The overall atmosphere of the game is really cool and I almost always have a good time when I play.”
- “You get a portal and Halo mix type game that’s insanely fun with a relaxed atmosphere; you don’t have to worry about try-hards coming to ruin your day after you just pulled a 10-hour shift and just want to vibe.”
- “While the game's concept is intriguing and initially captivating, the overall experience is marred by a competitive atmosphere that discourages casual play and a shallow gameplay loop that fails to engage players in the long run.”
- “The competitive atmosphere can be intimidating and discouraging for casual players, stifling the enjoyment of the game.”
- “The lack of sound besides gunfire and source engine footsteps makes the game feel very void of atmosphere, not to mention the game being in beta with a battle pass and fully functioning store that is displayed to you every time you launch the game.”
character development
28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
53%
36%
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing the character designs as lackluster and overly derivative of Halo, often describing them as clunky or uninspired. While some players appreciate the variety and fun aspects of character customization after unlocking options, the overall consensus leans towards disappointment in the visual presentation and depth of character design. The gameplay is praised, but the character aesthetics seem to detract from the overall experience.
- “The character designs are varied and very fun and weird, the maps have a lot of character and style.”
- “Fun game, after enough free unlocks I got a little variety for character design.”
- “From the meticulously crafted environments to the sleek character designs, every aspect of the game's visual presentation exudes polish and attention to detail.”
- “Spitgate is a fun game, but the character design is lacking.”
- “The character design is very lackluster, and looks like the designers were trying to draw from Halo a bit too much, then dialed it back, resulting in almost a cheap paintball uniform.”
- “When it comes to character design and the presentation of the maps, the game is artistically bankrupt and feels a bit too 'inspired' by Halo.”

65%Critics’ scoreBased on 1 critic reviews

Splitgate: Arena Warfare Review — Portals Won't Save This One
Dualshockers.com
65%

Buy Splitgate

7h Median play time

40h Average play time

4-30h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 408 analyzed playthroughs

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Splitgate: Arena Warfare Review — Portals Won't Save This One

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