Splatoon is the most successful new IP produced by Nintendo, starting out on the Wii U and headed to Nintendo Switch in 2017 with Splatoon 2. Instead of waiting for the next console generation, Nintendo surprised fans by announcing yet another sequel on the Switch, Splatoon 3.
Though we didn't hear much about the new game outside of a few new weapons and clothing brands, Nintendo announced a Direct for the game a few days ago. It's around 30 minutes long, so we're sure that there will be lots to cover.
If you missed the presentation, don't worry, you can watch the entire showcase below:
Here's everything announced in the Splatoon 3 Direct:
New techniques
Some new techniques were announced, enhancing player movement greatly. Squid Surge lets players swim up walls in one fell swoop, further increasing their mobility.
Squid Roll allows players to swim quickly in the opposite direction while in Swim Form, repelling ink as they do.
New locations and stages
There are some main regions where battles take place, connected by Hammerhead Bridge: The Splatlands and Greater Inkopolis. Some weapons originated in different areas, like the Stringer.
Here are the new stages confirmed for the Splatlands:
- Scorch Gorge
- Eeltail Alley
- Mincemeat Metalworks
- Undertow Spillway
- Hagglefish Market
Here are the new stages confirmed for Greater Inkopolis:
- Museum D'Alfonsino
- Hammerhead Bridge
- Mahi-Mahi Resort
A total of 12 stages will be available upon release, with more on the way over time!
New weapons and special weapons
The new Stringer weapon, which resembles a bow and arrow, was previously announced to make its debut in Splatoon 3. Today, a new weapon type was introduced: The Splatanas. It looks like a wiper and operates like a sword, flinging ink in front of you. Players can use it as a long-range weapon, with a devastating close-range charged attack.
New special weapons were announced as well:
- Tacticooler — When activated, it spawns a fridge that holds in-game beverages for you and your teammates to enjoy. These beverages buff your stats, so be sure to share!
- Wave Breaker — This special sends out waves when activated, marking the position of opponents as the waves spread out. It's perfect for finding enemies hiding in ink. If you're trying to get away from an enemy Wave Breaker, you can avoid the waves with a well-timed jump.
- Reef Slider — Mount an inflatable shark, charge up your power and bash into opponents who are in your way to splat them! After the attack ends, the shark with explode with a wide radius of ink.
Classic special weapons like the Tenta Missiles, Ink Jet, and Booyah Bomb will be returning this time around, and are perfect for veterans. Different weapons of the same type may have different combinations of sub weapons and special weapons, so find the combination that best suits you.
Sheldon Licenses
When shopping for weapons, there's a new currency with which you can buy them: Sheldon Licenses. These Licenses are earned by winning games and earning experience points for both your battle level and your catalog level. You can also gain experience by using the same weapon repeatedly and increasing your Freshness.
New weapons unlock over time, but if you really want a specific weapon before you've unlocked it, you can simply pay more Sheldon Licenses!
Saved Fits
Depending on what game mode you want to play in, you may want a new look — and new abilities. Players can save their loadouts as Fits to change gear on the fly and stay on top of their game, always.
Anarchy Battles
These are extreme battles similar to Ranked Battles that can be taken on solo or with friends. Players advance after completing objectives, and must win five matches to progress, but they're kicked if they lose three battles. The four classic ranked modes make a return: Turf War, Clam Blitz, Tower Control, and Splat Zones.
Ghosts
Friends will appear as holograms in the overworld, which you can join mid-battle. You can also call out to friends who are battling to let them know that you're game for a, well, game. While waiting to start a match, you and your ghosty friends can try out the new Test Zone and get hyped to play!
Battle Replays
Relive your greatest moments through Battle Replays, where you can play a simulation of your recent battles as often as you like. You can even watch the match from other players' points of view!
Lockers
Players can use and decorate their own locker with gear, weapons, and items. Players you've recently battled with have their own lockers that you can peer into for inspiration. Decorations for lockers can be obtained at Hotlantis, run by an eccentric character named Harmony.
Splashtags, emotes, and catalogs
Players can customize their Splashtags with their name, banner, badges, and a title. Decorations for this can also be found at Hotlantis, as well as custom emotes for whenever you win or lose a match. Of course, you don't want to lose, but you may as well look fresh while doing it!
You can view all these new customization pieces in the in-game catalog, which can be obtained from Harmony as well. New catalogs are set to release over time, so don't forget to grab your favorites while you can!
Tableturf Battle
Players can get into Tableturf Battles, a 1-v-1 competitive game resembling both Turf War and Tetris. Players battle with cards, with over 150 cards to collect. Each player gets a Starter Pack for free, but more cards must be earned as you play.
Splatoon 3 Salmon Run
As previously mentioned, there are new Salmonids to defeat in Salmon Run. Here are the new Boss Salmonids announced:
- Slammin' Lid — It protects Salmonids on the ground with a barrier, slammin' down on anyone who travels beneath it.
- Big Shot — It sends out powerful shockwaves that can splat you if you're not careful.
- Cohozuna — This one comes around towards the end of a run, and players must defeat it by hitting it with eggs from the Egg Cannon. If you lose, everything is lost, so don't relent in whacking it with eggs!
Salmon Run's Big Run
Happening every few months, this catastrophe sees Salmonids invade the cities where Inklings and Octolings live. It seems like you'll have to work together to drive them away, so be prepared!
Express yourself
Players can post illustrations via the Mailbox, with vertical illustrations also being supported. You can also take selfies in Photo Mode, post photos to a smart device, or even hang phtoos in your lockers!
Splatnet 3
Similar to Splatnet available through the Nintendo Switch Online app, players can view their stats, battle results, and even get special wallpapers for their smart devices. You can also purchase exclusive gear and use in-game currency to support Crusty Sean on his Wandercrust Tour.
The Splatnet 3 applet will be available at launch via the Nintendo Switch Online app, so you can track your progress as soon as you start playing!
amiibo
Players can scan amiibo to save gear to them, take pictures, and even get special gear. A series of exclusive Splatoon 3 amiibo are also releasing this holiday, so stay tuned!
Updates
New weapons, stages, and modes like X-Battle and League Battle are planned for release over the course of two years. Some large-scale paid DLC is also planned, so stay tuned for that announcement. The silhouette for the DLC looks strangely similar to Pearl and Marina from Splatoon 2, which would be very exciting to see!
New idols
The new idols are a trio named Frye, Shiver, and Big Man, who host the Anarchy Splatcast, announcing new battles and events around Splatsville. Their group is called Deep Cut, and they're super fresh.
Splatfests
Splatfests are making a return, with three teams to choose from this time around. Splatfests consist of two halves, with regular battles in the first half, followed be a Tri-Color Turf War. The 2nd and 3rd place teams will attack the leading team from opposite sides. Controlling the Ultra Signal ith the help of Deep Cut is crucial to securing a win, so get ready!
Splatfest World Premiere
The Global Testfire is back! The Splatfest World Premiere is planned for August 27, 2022, and will feature three teams: Rock, Paper, and Scissors. Players can choose their teams and battle it out to see which team comes out on top! Here's how you can pre-download the Splatfest World Premiere demo for free.
