Earlier today, Nintendo held the Splatoon 3 Direct, revealing many fantastic details about the game. The sequel will introduce features and modes that have never been seen in a Splatoon game before, while resurfacing fan-favorite modes that have been reinvented in distinct ways.
So, what happened during the Splatoon 3 event? Here are the highlights of today’s virtual showcase:
TURF WAR BATTLE MODE
Two teams of four compete to ink the most turf on the map within three minutes. New techniques have been introduced, like the Squid Surge, where players can swim up walls in a single burst, and the Squid Roll, which makes it possible to jump out of ink while turning around. When the players’ character glows while executing the move, it also repels ink from opponents.
But wait, there’s another Turf Batte mode that will blow your mind. The Tableturf Battle Dojo in Splatsville’s vacant lot is the home of Tableturf Battle, a new mode in Splatoon 3. In this 1-v-1 competitive card battle spinoff of Turf War, players can ink different shapes with different cards, charge up power, then unleash it all at once with a special comeback attack. There are over 150 cards to collect!
NEW STAGES ON SPLATLANDS
Turf War battles will play out across a variety of exotic locations. There are stages specific to the Splatlands like Eeltail Alley, Scorch Gorge, Mincemeat Metalworks, and Undertow Spillway. There’s also the new Hagglefish Market, a pier filled to the brim with vibrant street vendors. Several stages from Greater Inkopolis also make a return, such as Museum d’Alfonsino, Hammerhead Bridge, and Mahi-Mahi Resort. A total of 12 stages await at launch, including the ones shown off in the presentation. More stages will be added in free post-launch updates!
WHAT ABOUT THE WEAPONS?
New Splatlands-specific weapons have been added in Splatoon 3. The bow-like Tri-Stringer can fire in three directions simultaneously and unleash charged shots that briefly freeze before exploding. The Splatana Wiper sends blades of ink flying with the centrifugal force generated by swinging it. If swung after charging up, it’ll transform into a charged slash. Plus, all main weapon types from previous Splatoon games will be available in Splatoon 3 from the start.
Unique weapons can be unleashed after inking enough turf, and Splatoon 3 brings some new and unique special weapons. These include the Tacticooler – when activated, a fridge appears with stat-boosting beverages for the team. There’s also the Wave Breaker that unleashes sonic waves around the area. And the Reefslider is a shark-shaped, ink-propelled float that charges forward, creating an ink explosion on opponents. Some familiar special weapons from the Splatoon series, like the Tenta Missiles, Inkjet, Ink Storm, Ultra Stamp, and Booyah Bomb, will make their return. Special weapons are paired with primary weapons, so players can find the combo that suits their splatting style.
LET’S GO BACK TO THE LOOBY
The Splatsville lobby includes several features. Online friends appear as 3D holograms. In battle, joining as an ally is easy or dropping in as an opponent. And by forming a team and playing, players can see what friends are up to at any given moment.
Upcoming features like the Anarchy battle mode will allow you to experience brand-new ways of inking your opponents!
In Anarchy Battles, players compete for rankings in objective-based battles. There are four separate modes on rotation: Splat Zones, Tower Control, Rainmaker, and Clam Blitz. Wanna take on a solo mission? Select Anarchy Battle (Series). But if players want to team up with friends, joining Anarchy Battle (Open) is the way to go.
The Lobby has a lot more to offer! You can visit the Test Range and practice your attacks or wait for the next battle. You can also access Battle Replays to relive certain moments during epic battles (you can even share them and show off your awesome skills!). And if you’re feeling like expressing yourself, the Locker Room will offer a space to decorate and keep weapons on the display.
One very cool thing about Splatoon 3 is the infinite options of customization! When battles start, Splashtags appear. These can be customized with a title, background, and badge. A character's “emote” when winning a battle can be customized. All these and more can be obtained via the in-game catalog, which will be available at Hotlantis, a general store on the edge of Splatsville. Players can exchange points earned from battles for various items, like seasonal gear and ability chunks. After the catalog’s initial launch, updates will be released every three months for two years.
THE SALMON RUN RETURNS!
The Salmon Run mode returns, which allows up to four players to work together and collect Power Eggs from the Salmonids advancing on them. Now, Salmon Run can be played at any time! Players will encounter ferocious creatures called Boss Salmonids, including the new Slammin’ Lid and the Big Shot. Plus, watch out for Cohozuna, a new King Salmonid super-giant Salmonid! When battling a King Salmonid, the tank on players’ backs will transform into an Egg Cannon. Collect the Golden Eggs, deal massive damage to King Salmonid, and give it the boot! Big Runs are coming in the future … an event when Salmonids invade the city where Inklings and Octolings live!
DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE STORY MODE!
The utterly new Story Mode is ideal for getting the hang of battles and weapons while setting out on an adventure to discover the secrets of Alterna, the Fuzzy Ooze, and how it connects to the title’s theme. As Agent 3, the latest recruit of the New Squidbeak Splatoon, players will battle with the Octarian Army, whose members are covered in hair for some reason. Along with their Smallfry buddy, players can explore many stages, each full of twists and turns.
MORE AND MORE FEATURES!
Post creative illustrations around the city, and grab food and drinks to restore and expand your health before battle! At Splatsville, you can also go on Photo Mode and use them in your locker. Take a stroll on the stages and feel a little more comfortable on them with Recon Mode.
If you want to take your strategy with you, you need SplatNet 3, 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 records, ordering special in-game gear from the SplatNet Gear Shop, and much more. A new feature is Crusty Sean’s Wandercrust. It’s possible to support Crusty Sean’s journey using Inked Points earned during battles. SplatNet 3 will be available at launch.
DID ANYONE SAY AMIIBO?
New Splatoon 3 amiibo figures are arriving this holiday, including separate amiibo figures for Inkling (Yellow), Octoling (Blue), and Smallfry, which will be available at select retailers for a suggested price of $15.99 each. Scanning the amiibo in-game will allow players to save their favorite gear combinations as Fresh Fits to easily swap outfits. Additionally, the amiibo comes with exclusive gear, and it’s possible to snap in-game photos together. Plus, some Splatoon 2 amiibo figures will be relaunching soon: Both the Callie & Marie 2-Pack and the Pearl & Marina 2-Pack will be restocked at select retailers at a suggested price of $24.99 each.
STAY TUNED TO SPLATSVILLE NEWS!
As a hot city with a lot going on, it has much to talk about. If you want to stay tuned to everything happening, you need the Deep Cut.
Deep Cut is a famous trio that hosts the Splatsville news program Anarchy Splatcast. They provide information on battle stages currently available, as well as other news bulletins. For the first time in the series, these updates can even be read on the go while exploring Splatsville!
AND, WELL … SPLATFEST
Players vote for their favorite choice out of three in these online events in an announced theme. The team they represent is based on that choice, and the winner is decided via battles over a set period. Splatfests will consist of two halves. The three teams will compete in 4-v-4 Turf War battles in the first half. The second half includes the new Tricolor Turf War battles, a mode where three teams fight simultaneously. Can the first-place team defend themselves in this unique 4-v-2-v-2 match type?
On Sept. 5, the top players from this summer’s Splatoon 2 Inkopolis Showdown 2022 tournament have been invited to Seattle to compete in North America’s first-ever Splatoon 3 Invitational. Be sure to follow the official Nintendo Versus Twitter account for all the fun updates! And to learn about more research findings straight from the Squid Research Lab as soon as they’re uncovered, follow the official Splatoon North American Twitter account.
After the game launches, a free in-game season catalog will be distributed every three months for two years. Additional weapons will also be added around the same time as each in-game catalog. In addition, X Battle and League Battle are planned for future updates. X Battle is unlocked after attaining a significantly 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 in the following months...
What are your thoughts on the upcoming Splatoon 3? Let us know in the comment section!
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