Splatoon 3 is only one month away, and today’s Direct highlighted the massive amount of fresh content on the horizon. From new weapons and stages to accessories and the return of Splatfest, there’s plenty to look forward to this September.
While all of the weapons found in previous Splatoon titles will be available in the third installment, there will be some new additions as well. New gameplay footage showed off the Splatana, a sword-like weapon that sends out waves of paint when swung. We also got a glimpse of the Tri-Stringer, which can be charged up for an extra powerful blast of color.
Special weapons can also be earned in the middle of a battle. Examples include the Wave Breaker, which deals circular sonic damage, and the Reefslider, a shark-shaped floatie that explodes in a massive paint bomb.
Nintendo has promised that 12 stages will be available at launch, with more coming for free in future updates. Some new locations include Scorch Gorge, Mincemeat Metalworks, Undertow Spillway, and Eeltail Alley.
A surprising announcement was the addition of Tableturf Battle, a collectible card game. Playable in Splatoon 3‘s lobby, cardsharks will be able to collect 150 cards to build their perfect deck.
The customization options available in the third game far surpass those of earlier titles. A selection of retailers will sell everything from hats and glasses to T-shirts and shoes, and players will also be able to customize their win emotes and Splashtag. An in-game locker given to each player will also be customizable, and these can be seen by other players online.
Two weeks before the game is released, Nintendo will hold a special free Splatfest event. Titled the ‘Splatoon 3 Splatfest World Premiere,’ players can choose to join one of three teams. The event will consist of two phases–a standard 4v4 Turf War and a new Tricolor Turf Mode. This will take place on August 27 from 9 AM to 9 PM (PDT).
Nintendo has also promised at least two years of post-launch support for Splatoon 3. New weapons, maps, gear, and more will be added for free in future updates. The high-ranking X Battle mode and the timed League Battle mode are set to be added in an upcoming patch.
Splatoon 3 will be released on September 9, 2022. The Nintendo Switch title has inspired a themed controller and carrying case that will both be released on the same date, with a Splatoon 3 Nintendo Switch OLED model also coming soon.
