Splitgateis a game that continues to impress players, delivering on rewarding FPS combat that feels like the best parts of old FPS greats fromHaloandCall of Duty. While the game may still have a ways to go before finding mainstream success, it remains a well-developed game with frequent updates and a loyal playerbase.

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Hotzone is a new mode that was added toSplitgatethat players seem to be enjoying. Similar to King of the Hill or Hardpoint but with a few alterations, there are ways to play this game mode that may be dissimilar from the methods players use in more standard modes.Splitgateis one of themost underrated shooters of the past five years, so it’s great to see its popularity increase with new updates. Here’s how to make the most of the new Hotzone mode.

6Understand & Use Control Portals

The portal mechanic is very important inSplitgateand can change the course of the game when players use it correctly. Since Hotzone is an objective-based game mode, controlling the portals is even more important and is aproSplitgatestrategy.

Players should make sure that theyuse portals a lot to traverse the map, anduse grenades (Down on D-Pad) to destroy portals made by the opposing team. This will cut down how quickly opponents can traverse the map, and can allow players to control where the fights happen.

splitgate player making portals

5Decide On A Role

It is important for every player to decide their role onSplitgateobjective modes such as Hotzone. The need for a team to be coordinated is present in all competitive games, so players shouldn’t be surprised by this. Yet, it is acommonSplitgatemistakefor players to not have a clear plan when it comes to what type of role they’re going to take in the fight.

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Players can choose toattack each Hotzone relentlessly,playing aggressively and forcing opponents into firefights often. They can also choose toplay more defensively,setting up choke points on the map and killing any opponents before they can get near to the Hotzone. Just beware of staying in one place for too long, as the Hotzone location changing could put a player in a precarious position.

4Get A Good Line Of Sight

Getting a good line of sight applies to all ofSplitgate’sgame modes and maps, not just Hotzone, but it is important players keep this in mind during this game mode. Having a good line of sight can allow a player torack up kills quickly, and prevent the opponents from getting through a certain section of the map.AllSplitgateweaponscan be used effectively like this, making it a solid playstyle.

Players who manage to get a good line of sight and rack up a few kills can also serve as a distraction. If enough opponents decide to go after the player and deal with them, it means that the Hotzone objective is wide open to gain points from.

The respawn screen on Splitgate

3Use Power Weapons

Using power weapons doesn’t apply solely to Hotzone, but it is definitely important in this game mode to use them. Power weapons such as the Sniper Rifle can help players rip through the enemy team, and turn them intosome hilariousSplitgatememes.

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Power weapons in the hands of a decent player can completely change the way aSplitgategame is going, and often the Hotzone will spawn where one is. In these situations, it is vital that a player gets the power weapon before the enemy, as they could use it to great effect.

2Run The Outside Of The Hotzone

Since Hotzone allocates teams points based on how long they stay in the Hotzone for, it is inevitable that a lot of players will be rushing around the map trying to get there. Using thebest portal locationsof the map is always advised for greater traversal.

By finding a decent spot somewhere on the map with good cover, a good player can set up shop and catch enemies off-guard as they attempt to get the Hotzone. This type of playstyle requires good map awareness and experience with first-person shooters, since it will requireknowing Hotzone spawn patterns, enemy spawn patterns, and having quick reflexes.

A line of sight on Splitgate

1Race Opponents To The Next Hotzone

The Hotzone will change every so often in thisSplitgategame mode, requiring players to move around the map following it to make sure they earn points. While sometimes the Hotzone will spawn closer to the enemy team just naturally, it is important that players try tominimize their opponents' time in the Hotzone as much as possible.

The couple extra seconds an opponent spends in the Hotzone could make all the difference by the end of the game, so players should look to always be on the move and securing the Hotzone. This is afast-paced gamemode and requires players to be switched on and aware of changes to the Hotzone spawn, making for a more objective-based and competitive game.

A Sniper Rife spawn on Splitgate

Spitgateis available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox One Series X|S, and Linux.

A scoreboard being shown on the map on Splitgate

A new Hotzone spawn warning on Splitgate