For fans of fast-paced, portal-infused shooter action, the promise of a robust campaign in Splitgate has always been a tantalizing prospect. While the game carved its niche with its innovative multiplayer and free-to-play model, the question of its single-player narrative length and structure has remained a topic of considerable interest. So, for those eager to dive into the lore of the Mad Cap’n and the Infinite Frontiers, let’s break down the Splitgate campaign length and chapter list.

The “Campaign” Experience: A Different Kind of Journey

It’s crucial to address a common misconception right from the start: Splitgate does not feature a traditional, linear, story-driven campaign in the vein of many AAA single-player titles. When developers 1047 Games speak of the “campaign” in Splitgate, they are referring to a collection of cooperative PvE (Player vs. Environment) missions that serve as a narrative wrapper for the game’s core mechanics and introduce players to its universe.

Think of it less as a sprawling epic with intricate plot twists and more as a training ground and lore-building exercise. These missions are designed to:

Teach players the fundamentals of Splitgate’s unique gameplay: The campaign is an excellent way to master portal mechanics, weapon handling, and enemy encounters in a less pressure-filled environment. Introduce the game’s backstory and characters: Players will learn about the ongoing conflict, the nature of the titular “Splitgate,” and the motivations of the key players.
Provide a challenging and engaging PvE experience: While not a narrative behemoth, the campaign missions offer satisfying combat scenarios and require strategic thinking, especially when played on higher difficulties.

So, How Long Is the Splitgate Campaign?

Given its nature as a series of PvE missions rather than a cinematic narrative, the Splitgate campaign length is highly variable and depends on a few key factors:

Player Skill: Experienced players who are already familiar with shooter mechanics and can quickly grasp portal usage will naturally progress faster.
Difficulty Setting: Playing on Easy will be a significantly shorter experience than tackling missions on Normal or Hard, where enemy AI is more aggressive and resources may be scarcer.
Cooperative Play: Playing with friends can either speed up or slow down progress. Effective teamwork can lead to quicker clears, but uncoordinated efforts might prolong missions.
Exploration and Replayability: Some players might take their time to explore the environments and experiment with different strategies, while others will focus on efficient completion.

Generally speaking, for a first-time playthrough at a moderate difficulty, you can expect the Splitgate campaign to take
approximately:

5 to 8 hours.

This estimate is for completing all the available missions without excessive grinding or difficulty spikes. If you intend to replay missions for better scores, to unlock achievements, or to push your skills on higher difficulties, this playtime can easily extend.

The Splitgate “Campaign” Chapter List: Navigating the Missions

The Splitgate campaign is structured into a series of distinct missions, often referred to as chapters or episodes. While there isn’t a rigidly defined “chapter list” with numbered headings in the traditional sense, the progression is linear through these PvE scenarios. Here’s a breakdown of the typical mission progression and what you can expect:

Early Missions: The Introduction to Infinite Frontiers

Basic Training/Tutorial Missions: These missions are designed to onboard new players, introducing them to movement, shooting, and the core portal mechanics. You’ll learn to place portals strategically, traverse the environment quickly, and engage basic enemy types. Introducing the Conflict: As you progress, the narrative will begin to unfold, introducing you to the primary antagonist, the Mad Cap’n, and the threat he poses. You’ll likely undertake missions to secure key locations or gather intelligence.

Mid-Campaign: Escalating the Fight

Strategic Objectives: Missions will become more complex, requiring you to defend objectives, escort payloads, or eliminate specific enemy targets. The variety of enemy types will also increase, forcing you to adapt your tactics.
Lore Expansion: Expect more detailed explanations of the
“Splitgate” technology, its origins, and its implications for the universe. Character interactions, even if brief, will flesh out the personalities and motivations within the game.

Late Campaign: The Climax and Beyond

Challenging Encounters: The final missions will likely present the most difficult combat scenarios, testing your mastery of all the skills you’ve learned. This is where effective portal usage and strategic weapon selection will be paramount.
Confronting the Threat: The narrative will build towards a confrontation with the Mad Cap’n or his forces, providing a
satisfying, albeit concise, conclusion to the PvE storyline.

It’s important to note that the exact number and order of these missions can be subject to change with game updates and potential future content additions. 1047 Games has a history of evolving their game, and while the core campaign is established, the possibility of new PvE content being integrated in the future is always present.

In Conclusion: A Fun and Functional PvE Experience

While Splitgate’s campaign may not be the epic narrative some players might initially envision, it serves its purpose exceptionally well. It’s a fantastic tool for learning the game’s unique mechanics, a solid PvE challenge for those seeking cooperative shooter action, and a compelling introduction to the rich lore of the Splitgate universe. So, if you’re looking for a way to hone your skills, experience some narrative flavor, and have a blast doing it, the Splitgate campaign is definitely worth your time. Just be prepared for a journey defined by action and strategy, rather than a sprawling cinematic adventure.