Splatoon 3 will bring new gameplay, customization options

Olivia Richman Published 20/02/2022

Since being revealed in 2021, one of the most buzzworthy games coming up for the Nintendo Switch has been Splatoon 3. But even Nintendo has said details are “fuzzy.” So what can fans expect in the upcoming game?

Splatoon 3 is the third installment in this light-hearted shooter series from Nintendo. Alongside the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sequel, it’s one of the most hotly anticipated upcoming first-party titles for the Nintendo Switch.

It will bring an abundance of new weapons, moves, and customizations. Trailers have shown a new single-player campaign and new enemies. Instead of taking place in the city, Splatoon 3 is located in the Splatlands, a desert-like location with Inklings that are less street-savvy and more hardened.

When is Splatoon 3 coming out?

Splatoon 3 is coming in summer 2022.

Nothing more specific than that has been offered, which means it could land anywhere between June and August. It will be exclusively available for the Nintendo Switch.

What is changing in Splatoon 3?

Splatoon 3 is set to feature more PvE options and greater customization tools for players.

The trailer was focused on an entirely reimagined customization phase. Players can still make a playable Inkling and buddy, although this time the buddy is a Salmonid, an enemy from Salmon Run mode in the previous Splatoon. Many gender-related restrictions are gone, meaning players can access all hairstyles and clothing.

This trailer also teased a single-player mode, which appears quite apocalyptic. There is even familiar landmarks crumbling and decaying. A train then takes the Inklings to Splatsville. While multiplayer seems to be pretty much the same in terms of concept and gameplay, the aesthetic, vibe, and abilities have been given a complete change.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUYDXVDLmns

In the next trailer, Splatoon players got to see an entirely new take on Turf War with incredibly powerful special attacks. Fans were most excited by Return of the Mammalians, a new campaign mode. Fans found the trailer visuals to be trippy, creative, and mysterious, making the campaign highly anticipated. It appears to be a very fresh take on the previous Splatoon gameplay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ngPsn5d5A

Throughout these two trailers, Splatoon fans caught a glimpse of new weapons and abilities. This includes the giant Crab Tank complete with cannon, the Big Bubbler, and the Trizooka, which fires three blasts at once. Nintendo also showcased the Killer Wail 5.1, which has six floating megaphones that attack enemies with lasers.

In February, Splatoon 3 showed off Salmon Run: Next Wave. This is an updated version of the infamous Salmon Run co-op mode. The trailer shows off a boss called Flipper-Flopper.

Olivia Richman

About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

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