8 /10 21

Splatoon 3 stands as Nintendo’s most polished and feature-rich entry in the ink-based shooter franchise. Released in September 2022 exclusively on Nintendo Switch, it has sold over 11.96 million copies worldwide, making it the fastest-selling title in the series. The game combines team-based multiplayer action with territory control mechanics rather than traditional kill counts, creating a unique competitive experience that appeals to both newcomers and veterans. Unlike conventional shooters, Splatoon 3 emphasizes strategic ink coverage, creative weapon use, and cooperative play while maintaining a colorful, family-friendly aesthetic that stands apart from mature-rated competitors like Valorant or Apex Legends.

How to Play Splatoon 3

Splatoon 3’s core gameplay revolves around splatting opponents with ink weapons while covering as much ground as possible in your team’s color. The matches are fast-paced, lasting just three minutes per round, and progression happens naturally through leveling and rank advancement.

1. Controls – Use Joy-Con controllers or Pro Controller with intuitive motion controls for aiming; button-based aiming is also available for players who prefer traditional controls
2. Progression – Earn XP through multiplayer matches to increase your level, unlock new weapons, gear, and abilities; rank your skills through ranked modes (Splat Zones, Tower Control, Rainmaker, Clam Blitz)
3. Combat and Mechanics – Select from nine weapon classes including shooters, rollers, chargers, and sloshers; master special weapons (ultra-powered abilities) that charge during battle; use sub-weapons strategically for area denial
4. Tips – Focus on covering turf rather than securing kills; learn map layouts and weapon ranges; communicate with teammates in Salmon Run co-op mode; practice motion controls for improved aiming consistency

Who Should Play Splatoon 3

Splatoon 3 welcomes diverse player types, from casual Switch owners seeking fun online experiences to competitive esports enthusiasts. The game’s low barrier to entry combined with significant skill ceiling makes it accessible yet deeply rewarding for serious players.

• Nintendo Switch Players – Those seeking quality online multiplayer exclusively available on Switch with optimized portability and local wireless support for multiple controllers
• Competitive Gamers – Players wanting a fresh take on team shooters with ranked modes (X Rank) offering genuine competitive depth and seasonal ladder progression
• Co-op Enthusiasts – Salmon Run Next Wave provides four-player cooperative gameplay against procedurally challenging waves of enemies with risk-reward mechanics
• Skip If – You require cross-platform play (Switch-only title), prefer traditional first-person perspective, or want PC/console flexibility for different play sessions

Splatoon 3 Platform Performance

Splatoon 3 runs on Nintendo Switch hardware with consistent performance. The game maintains a locked 60 FPS during multiplayer battles with dynamic resolution scaling to preserve smoothness. On the new Switch 2, performance has been significantly enhanced with 4K upscaled visuals.

Splatoon 3 System Requirements

Splatoon 3 is exclusive to Nintendo Switch hardware and does not have PC requirements. The game is optimized for Switch’s specific architecture with no mod support or emulation being officially supported by Nintendo.

Similar Games to Splatoon 3

While Splatoon 3 offers a unique ink-based formula, several games provide similar team-based competitive experiences. Each offers distinct mechanics but shares Splatoon’s emphasis on teamwork, spatial awareness, and skill-based matchmaking.

• Overwatch 2 – Team-based hero shooter with ability-driven gameplay; features 5v5 matches and character specialization (tanks, damage, support), though more ability-reliant than Splatoon’s weapon-focused approach
• Valorant – Tactical 5v5 FPS with hero agents and economic gunplay mechanics; emphasizes precision aiming and strategic planning, requiring different skill development than Splatoon’s motion-control gameplay
• Rocket League – Cross-platform vehicular soccer hybrid with 3v3 matches; shares quick match duration (five minutes) and fast-paced action, but mechanics revolve around vehicle physics rather than ink coverage
• Apex Legends – Free-to-play battle royale with squad-based gameplay and unique character abilities; offers larger maps and longer matches than Splatoon but maintains team-based competitive structure

Splatoon 3 vs Competitors

Splatoon 3 distinguishes itself through exclusive platform availability, unique gameplay mechanics, and Nintendo’s quality-of-life features. The comparison reveals Splatoon’s strengths in match duration, accessibility, and hardware optimization.

Splatoon 3 Story and World

Splatoon 3’s campaign, “Return of the Mammalians,” takes place in Splatsville, a post-apocalyptic ocean setting where humanity has vanished and squid-people have evolved as the dominant species. The world building emphasizes vibrant culture, fashion, and music that permeates every multiplayer stage and NPC interaction. The narrative explores themes of environmental recovery, cultural identity, and the mysterious return of an ancient threat called the Mammalians.

Without spoiling specific plot points, the single-player experience (approximately 4.5 hours for main story) delivers emotional character development, challenging boss encounters, and world lore that enriches the multiplayer competitive modes. The aesthetic direction features neon color palettes, street art influences, and dynamic weather systems that make each map feel lived-in and intentionally designed.

Splatoon 3 Multiplayer and Online

Splatoon 3 features eight distinct online multiplayer modes that offer varied gameplay experiences from casual turf battles to competitive ranked seasons. Matchmaking uses skill-based algorithms to balance teams, ensuring fair competition across all skill levels.

• Regular Battle (Turf War) – 4v4 territory control matches where teams splat ink to cover the most area in three minutes; primary mode for casual players and XP farming
• Anarchy Battle – Ranked mode featuring four distinct rulesets (Splat Zones, Tower Control, Rainmaker, Clam Blitz) that rotate weekly; uses letter grades (C- to S+) and MMR-based matchmaking
• X Battle – Highest competitive tier for elite players using numeric ranking system (500-3000+ points); season-based ranking with monthly reward gear
• Salmon Run Next Wave – Four-player cooperative mode against AI enemies with resource management (Golden Eggs); features hazard level scaling and seasonal rotations
• Splatfest Battles – Limited-time community events where players choose teams and compete in 3v3v3 Tricolor Turf Wars; culminates in team versus team championship rounds
• Cross-Play – All modes support online multiplayer via Nintendo Switch Online subscription; no cross-platform play with other consoles; local wireless up to eight players

Splatoon 3 DLC and Expansions

Nintendo released the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass as a comprehensive DLC package delivering new campaigns and gameplay features across two major waves. The pass costs $24.99 USD and provides permanent cosmetic bonuses alongside significant new content.

• Wave 1 – Inkopolis – New single-player campaign featuring returning characters and environments from earlier Splatoon titles; includes new weapons and gear cosmetics
• Wave 2 – Side Order – Roguelike single-player campaign with procedural level generation (30 floors) and permanent progression through currency (Prlz); emphasizes replayability and challenge scaling
• Expansion Pass Bundle – $24.99 includes both campaign waves, immediate cosmetic bonuses, and monthly food/drink tickets for XP boosts; physical release available July 2024
• Free Updates – Nintendo committed to two years of free seasonal content including new maps, weapons, gear, and balance patches; updates release every three months with special events (Big Runs)

Splatoon 3 Community and Support

Splatoon 3 maintains active developer support and thriving player communities across multiple platforms. Nintendo continues regular balance updates and content additions through its established seasonal roadmap.

• Official Forums – Nintendo’s official Splatoon website hosts patch notes, event schedules, and developer commentary; [email protected] handles technical issues
• Reddit and Discord – r/Splatoon community exceeds 500k members with active competitive scene; unofficial Discord servers organize tournaments and skill-coaching sessions
• Patch Schedule – Major updates release quarterly with weapon balancing, map adjustments, and new cosmetics; emergency patches address critical bugs within 1-2 weeks
• Esports Support – Nintendo sponsors regional and international competitive events; PlayVS integration supports high school esports programs with official rulesets