In Splatoon 3, you’ll enter the Splatlands, a sun-scorched desert inhabited by battle-hardened Inklings and Octolings. Splatsville, the city of chaos in the adrenaline-fueled heart of this dusty wasteland. But even in this desolate environment, Turf War reigns supreme and battles rage in new stages located in the surrounding wilds.
In this upcoming game, dynamic new moves help these fighters dodge attacks and cover more ground, along with a new bow-shaped weapon to sling ink, and more customization options. In Splatoon 3, online 4-v-4 Turf War battles can create heated matches across a mix of new and returning stages, where teams of four face off to cover the most ground in their ink.
Newly uncovered footage provides insight on one of these new stages, Eeltail Alley, along with a look at the stringer – a new bow-shaped weapon type that enables you to sling ink sideways and vertically.
In this upcoming title, in addition to frantic 4-v-4 multiplayer matches, it will also feature a fresh single-player campaign and the next iteration of the co-op Salmon Run mode. In the single-player story mode, you’ll join Agent 3 in a fight against the unruly Octarians and discover the secrets of a mysterious place called Alterna and the Fuzzy Ooze.
When diving into Salmon Run, you’ll ink up with teammates** to fend off waves of dangerous Salmonid bosses, some of which are colossal in size. Splatoon 3 features an intense competition where players claim turf with splashes of color and splat their rivals as ink-spraying Inkling and Octoling characters.
This new sequel introduces 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. This sneak peek presentation unveils new battle stages, new maneuvers and a fun assortment of new splatterific weapons.
It also showcases new details about the Splatoon 3 game’s three main modes: the all-new single-player Story Mode, “Return of the Mammalians”; the iconic four-on-four team battles, Turf War, featuring new weapons and new and returning stages; and the revamped Salmon Run, a co-op mode in which a team of four fends off waves of enemies, which now adds giant, dangerous bosses to the mix.
In addition, recurring multiplayer events called Splatfests are returning with a twist! The Splatoon 3: Splatfest World Premiere demo will take place on Aug. 27, and offers Nintendo Switch owners the chance to play in a free global Splatoon 3 event before the full game launches on Sept. 9.
Both newcomers and veterans of the series can show their support for one of three themes and splat it out in the newly introduced Tricolor Turf War battles! Simply download the free demo in Nintendo eShop starting on Aug. 18 and show up ready to splat for Team Rock, Team Paper or Team Scissors on Aug. 27. Certain parts of the demo will already be playable on Aug. 25, but the main Splatfest event kicks off on Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. PT and runs until 9 p.m. PT.
Key features of Splatoon 3 include:
- Return of the Mammalians: The completely 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 one full of twists and turns.
- Improved Turf War Gameplay: Naturally, in a place called Splatsville, Turf War is the locals’ favorite pastime. 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.
- Salmon Run: 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 and deal massive damage to the King Salmonid and give it the boot! Plus, Big Runs are coming in the future … an event when Salmonids invade the city in which Inklings and Octolings live!
In Splatoon 3, there are a bunch of new and Returning Battle Stages. These include Turf War battles that 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.
Additional stages will be added in free post-launch updates, so get your gaming PCs ready.