The Inklings and Octolings are at it again, or at least they will be starting September 9, 2022 with the ink-splatting turf war-style multiplayer action game launching exclusively on Nintendo Switch from of this date. To mark this imminent launch, Nintendo hosted a dedicated Nintendo Direct live stream focused on the game, sharing new information about what fans can expect, a special free demo opportunity, confirmation of “massive” DLC post- launch and more
While I encourage you to watch the entire 32-minute presentation in the header above, you can also read a summary of all the announcements made by scrolling down!
Splatoon 3: Splatfest World Premiere Demo – Available for download on the Nintendo eShop on August 18, 2022, with some parts available from August 25, the first Splatoon 3 Splatfest will take place from August 27 2022, encouraging all Nintendo Switch Online members to join Team Paper, Team Scissors or Team Rock. However, this is a limited-time event, with the main tricolor Splatfest starting at 9am PT and concluding at 9pm PT
Return of the Mammals: The all-new story mode is great for mastering battles and weapons, while embarking on an adventure to discover the secrets of Alterna, the Fuzzy Ooze, and how it connects to the theme of the title. As Agent 3, the latest recruit in the New Squidbeak Splatoon, players will battle the Octarian Army, whose members are covered in hair for some reason. Together with his friend Smallfry, players can explore many stages, each full of twists and turns.
Enhanced Turf War Gameplay: Naturally, in a place called Splatsville, Turf War is the favorite pastime of the locals. Two teams of four compete to ink the most grass on the map in three minutes. New techniques have been introduced, such as the Squid Surge, where players can climb walls in a single burst, and the Squid Roll, which allows you to jump out of ink while spinning. When the players character glows while executing the move, it also repels ink from opponents.
Salmon Run: The Salmon Run mode returns, allowing up to four players to work together and collect Power Eggs from the salmon that run over them. Now Salmon Run can be played anytime! Players will encounter ferocious creatures called Boss Salmonids, including the new Slammin’ Lid and the Big Shot. Also, watch out for Cohozuna, a new supergiant King Salmonid! When fighting a Salmonid King, the tank on the players back will transform into an egg cannon. Collect the golden eggs and deal massive damage to King Salmon and give him the boot! Also, Big Runs are coming in the future… an event when the Salmonids invade the city where the Inklings and Octolings live!
New and Returning Battle Stages: Turf War battles will take place in various exotic locations. There are stages specific to the Splatlands such as Eeltail Alley, Scorch Gorge, Mincemeat Metalworks and Undertow Spillway. There’s also the new Hagglefish Market, a wharf full of vibrant street vendors. Several Greater Inkopolis stages are also returning, including the Alfonsino Museum, Hammerhead Bridge, and Mahi-Mahi Resort. A total of 12 stages await release, including those shown in the presentation. More stages will be added in free updates after launch.
The Deep Cut Trio: Deep Cut is a popular trio that hosts the Splatsville news show Anarchy Splatcast. They provide information on currently available battle stages as well as other newsletters. For the first time in the series, these updates can even be read on the fly as you explore Splatsville!
Splatfests Return: In these online events, players vote for their favorite choice out of three on an announced theme. The team they represent is based on this choice and the winner is decided through battles over a set period of time. Splatfests will consist of two halves. In the first half, the three teams will compete in 4-v-4 Turf War battles. The second half includes the new Tricolor Turf War battles, a mode where three teams fight at the same time. Can the top ranked team hold its own in this unique 4-v-2-v-2 type of matchup?
Tableturf Battle: The Tableturf Battle Dojo on the vacant lot of Splatsville is home to Tableturf Battle, a new mode in Splatoon 3. In this competitive 1-v-1 card battle spin-off from Turf War, players can ink different shapes with different cards, load. power up, then unleash it all at once with a special return attack. There are over 150 cards to collect.
Splatlands Primary Weapons: New Splatlands-specific weapons have been added to Splatoon 3. The bow-like Tri-Stringer can fire in three directions simultaneously and fire charged shots that freeze briefly before exploding. The Splatana Wiper sends sheets of ink flying with the centrifugal force generated by swinging it. If it moves after charging, it will transform into a charged bar. Additionally, all major weapon types from previous Splatoon games will be available in Splatoon 3 from the start.
New Special Weapons: There are special types of weapons that can be unleashed after inking enough grass, and Splatoon 3 brings some new and unique special weapons. These include the Tacticooler: when activated, a cooler appears with drinks that increase stats for the team. There is also the Wave Breaker that releases sound waves around the area. And the Reefslider is an ink-powered float in the shape of a shark that charges forward creating an explosion of ink on opponents. Some familiar special weapons from the Splatoon series, such as the Tenta Missile, Inkjet, Ink Storm, Ultra Stamp, and Booyah Bomb, will return. Special weapons are paired with primary weapons, so players can find the combo that suits their splash style.
Battle Modes: In Anarchy Battles, players compete to rank in objective-based battles. There are four separate modes, which are in rotation: Splat Zones, Tower Control, Rainmaker and Clam Blitz. Want to take on a solo challenge? Select Anarchy Battle (Series). But if players want to team up with friends, joining Anarchy Battle (Open) is the way to go.
Lobby Features: Splatsville’s lobby hosts a number of functions. Online friends appear as 3D holograms. In battle, it’s easy to join as an ally or present yourself as an opponent. And by teaming up and playing, players can see what friends are doing at any given moment. The lobby also features a memory player, which can replay recent battles.
Customization with Catalog: When battles start, splash tags appear. They can be customized with a title, background and badge. Also, you can customize the emote a character does when they win a battle. All of this and more can be obtained through the game’s catalog, which will be available at Hotlantis, a general store on the edge of Splatsville. Players can exchange points earned in battles for various items, such as seasonal gear and skill pieces. After the initial release of the catalog, updates will be published every three months for two years.
SplatNet 3 Connected: SplatNet 3 is an online service for Splatoon 3 within the Nintendo Switch Online app that can be used with a smart device. It contains features like checking battle logs, ordering special in-game gear from the SplatNet Gear store, and more. A new feature is Crusty Sean’s Wandercrust. It is possible to support Crusty Sean’s journey by using inked points earned during battles. SplatNet 3 will be available at launch.
New Incoming amiibo: New Splatoon 3 amiibo figures are arriving this holiday season, including separate amiibo figures for Inkling (yellow), Octoling (blue), and Smallfry, which will be available at select retailers for a suggested retail price of $15.99 each. Scanning amiibo in-game will allow players to save their favorite team combinations as Fresh Fits for easy outfit changes. Additionally, amiibo come with exclusive gear and it’s possible to take in-game photos with them. Additionally, some Splatoon 2 amiibo figures will be re-releasing soon: both the Callie & Marie 2-pack and the Pearl & Marina 2-pack will be restocked at select stores at a suggested retail price of $24.99 each.
Post-Launch Updates: After the game’s release, a free in-game season catalog will be distributed every three months for two years. Additional weapons will also be added at the same time as each catalog in the game. Additionally, X Battle and League Battle are planned for future updates. X Battle is unlocked after achieving an extremely high rank in Anarchy Battle. In League Battle, players can compete every two hours in teams based on their Anarchy Battle results. Large-scale paid DLC is also planned for the future. More details will be shared later.