With the release date just a month away, Nintendo has treated fans to a sneak peek at everything they can expect from Splatoon 3. We’ve now got a look at all the new weapons, stages, game modes, and so much more. There was a lot to dig through, including the plans for post-launch content, so we’ve gathered all the major headlines here for you, so you know exactly what to be looking for when you get your hands on the game.
Special weapons and abilities
There are a couple of new standard weapons in store, including the Stringer bow and the Splatanas offering new tactical options, but the special weapons are where the cool stuff is at. Along with all the old special weapons, there are three more coming to the game:
- Tacticoolers drop energy drinks that boost your speed. It contains enough for your whole team.
- Wave Breaker sends out waves of energy that let you track enemy movements.
- Reefslider sends you charging forward, ending with an explosion that KOs nearby opponents.
On top of that, you have two new abilities that help you move through the ink. There’s Squid Surge, which sees you charge up vertical surfaces and the Squid Roll which acts as a dodge and reflects enemy ink.
Splatoon 3 stage list
At launch, there will be 12 stages available in the game, eight of which are new Splatoon maps, and four are returning from the previous games. There is also the promise of more coming at some point post-launch. Here is the full list of stages:
Splatville maps:
- Scorch Gorge.
- Eeltail Alley.
- Hagglefish Market.
- Undertow Spillway.
Greater Inkopolis maps:
- Mincemeat Metalworks.
- Hammerhead Bridge.
- Museum d’Alfonsino.
- Mahi-Mahi Resort.
- Inkblot Art Academy.
- Sturgeon Shipyard.
- MakoMart.
- Wahoo World.
Tableturf
If you get bored of all the turf war ink-shooting action, then you can now sit down and play a nice card game. There are over 150 cards to collect in this new mode that sees you battle to control a tabletop map by playing cards that make different shapes of ink on the field. It may seem a bit of a weird inclusion, but there are far stranger games-within-games out there, trust us.
Splatfest
A returning feature is Splatfest, but it has significantly evolved. Now you will be choosing between three teams as you battle it out, and it comes with a brand new game mode. Tricolor Turf War will see four members of the leading team face off against two members of each of the other teams in a chaotic three-way battle.
What’s more, the first Splatoon 3 Splatfest has already been announced. On August 27, the debate will rage as to which is the best: Rock, Paper, or Scissors?
Post-launch plans
A good set of details were given as to what players can expect in terms of support after Splatoon 3 launches. The biggest regular feature will be the customisation catalogues that will release every three months for two years post-launch. These will be full of new customisation items to keep you looking fresh.
If you’re looking for competitive battling, then X Battle and League Battle will be coming a short while after launch for the top competitive players.
Finally, although no specific details were given, this Direct promised major paid DLC at some point down the line.
Written by Ryan Woodrow on behalf of GLHF.
