Everything New In Splatoon 3

Despite its many similarities to the previous game, Splatoon 3 does offer a variety of new features—most of which, if not all, are welcomed additions. This page of IGN’s Splatoon 3 wiki guide gives a brief overview of all the most important new features, mechanisms items, etc in the game. This isn’t meant to be a comprehensive catalog of every new piece of gear. Instead, we want you it serves as a showcase for all the major additions to the game, and each section includes links for their respective wiki pages which contain the more granular details.

New Single-Player Stuff

New Story Mode and Lore

Though the Splatoon series is predominantly a multiplayer franchise, the Splatoon games have each offered single-player story modes, involving the Squidbeak Platoon’s confrontations with the Octarians. Though the story itself was much in the forefront, players who choose to look for collectibles like the Sunken Sea Scrolls (which also return in this game) have discovered a surprisingly large amount of lore that gives context to the post-apocalyptic future world in which Splatoon exists.

If you follow (the former Captain) Cuttlefish down the grate, you embark on Splatooon 3’s story mode. The story mode features over 70 stages spread across different islands each with a growing threat of a mysterious fuzzy ooze. Check out our full walkthrough for boss tips, and the locations of all the collectibles in Alterra.

Tableturf Battles

Tableturf is a card-based version of Turf War. Two players choose a deck of 15 cards. Each then plays one card simultaneously and uses the shapes displayed on the cards to cover a corresponding area on a grid. After 15 rounds the player that controls the most turf wins.

You’ll also level up and face off against new characters like Sheldon, and Judd. Each character has their own deck and playstyle too, which helps keep every new encounter fresh—in addition to new stages which drastically change the shape of the play area.

These changes are likely to inspire you to customize your deck of cards. New card packs can be earned from ranking up in Tableturf. They can also be found as hidden collectibles in the multiplayer and earned from the catalog. Click here to see a complete list of Tableturf Rewards you earn by leveling up

New Weapons - New Classes, Sub-weapons, and Specials

Splatoon 3 has introduced two brand new classes of weapons to the series: Stringers and Splatanas. There are also several new Sub-weapons and Specials. Each with its own properties. On the weapon select screen, you can press ZL to read about the sub and special that comes with the set you're viewing. This also works for perks when looking while looking at gear! See them all in our Splatoon 3 weapons guide.

Stringers

Stringers are a new weapon class debuting in Splatoon 3. Only the Tri-Stringer will be available during the demo. This weapon handles like a bow. Each time you press the trigger, you’ll shoot three streams of ink in a horizontal pattern. If you shoot while jumping, your shots will come out in a vertical pattern instead! Keep the trigger held down to charge up your shot. A fully charged shot condenses the three streams into blubs that strike onto their target and then explode!

Splatannas

Splatanas are another new class of weapons premiering in Splatoon 3. The demo will allow you to use the Splatana Wiper. These weapons are basically inky swords. Pressing the trigger swings the weapon horizontally and shoots a slash of ink. Holding the trigger allows you to charge your swing. This increases the attack’s power and the distance the blade travels. Additionally, charged shots allow you to attack with a vertical slice instead. When fully charged, the momentum of the attack will shift you slightly forward and can result in a critical hit.

• To see the full list of weapons and learn types about each weapon class, check out our Weapons Guide, or click here.

New Moves - Squid Surge and Squid Roll

There are two new moves that make traversal even more fluid. These are easy to pull off and make an already dynamic game even quicker. The new moves do not use any ink, and the a new ability, Intensify Action, makes pulling the off even more effective!

Squid Surge

Squid Surge can be activated while climbing up walls. Press and hold B to charge it up. Release it to quickly surge up and even over ledges! This allows you to get the drops on opponents that just a moment ago had the high ground or use it to jump over a wall even if you don't it wasn't inked all the way to the top!

Squid Roll

The Squid Roll can be done while swimming. If you traveling in a certain direction, quickly change direction and jump. This will perform a squid roll which keeps your momentum. The rolls also provide a small window of invincibility. Squid roll can be used on the ground or can even be used while climbing to quickly jump away from walls.

New Multiplayer Stages

The launched with 12 stages, 5 of which are new to the series. More new stages are introduced throughout the first year of Splatoon’s release through free updates. You can check out the new stages here.

The Lobby Terminal

The Lobby is now an actual place you can move around in. Here you can see friends and those you've recently matched with. After completing your very first match, you'll get access to the lobby terminal. This is where you can create your Splashtag which allows your Splatoon name to different from your Switch user name. The terminal is also where you'll go to pick up items you've unlocked from the single player. Additionally, Splatoon keeps replays of your most recent matches and you can access them here! There is also a terminal at Grizzco to view your Salmon Run replays!

Splatfest and Tricolor Turf Wars

Splatfests are the Splatoon series’ signature events. They were always composed of two opposing teams with which players had to affiliate themselves. In Splatoon 3, Splatfests now consist of three teams. As demonstrated with the Splatfest World Premiere demo, before the game’s launch. Where Team Rock proved victorious over Team Paper and Team Scissors. This was also the unveiling of the new Tricolor Turf Wars, which has all three teams compete in a single match!

• To see our full Splatfest guide, click here.

New Abilities and Gear Modification

Like in Splatoon 2, you can use Ability Chunks to swap/customize the sub-abilities you want on any of the gear you have. However, unlike in Splatoon 2, you can now customize the main ability as well. Regardless of what sub-abilities the gear item does or doesn’t have, you can use 45 Ability Chunks to replace the main ability on that item. The main ability you removed will be turned into chunks.

Freshest Fits

No longer limited as an Amiibo functionality, Splatoon 3 lets you save your gear and weapons loadout. Known as Freshest Fits, there are five slots available for you to save your loadout—perfect for prepping and customizing your kit for all the Anarchy Battle modes. In addition to the five Freshest Fits, you can still save your gear to amiibo like in previous games.

Playing with Friends is Easier Now!

It’s worth noting that Splatoon 3 is now easier to find your friends in the lobby. Seeing what kind of matches your friends are playing and being able to join them on the same screen is smoother. Making a room to play on the same team is a welcome addition. Private Battles are now possible in Salmon Run too. For every detail about playing Splatoon 3 with friends, check out our guide or click here!

Salmon Run Changes

Salmon Run is live 24/7 now! The gameplay is the same you know and love from Splatoon 2; however, they added the ability to toss golden power eggs. If you’re carrying a golden power egg, just press and hold A to aim and then throw. You can toss them the same amount of distance as you can a Splat Bomb. You can’t just spam this though. Each toss uses a significant amount of ink. However, the launch creates a burst of ink around you, which can damage enemies that are immediately next to you.

Your special weapons in Salmon Run are no longer tied to Bomb Rush, Stingray (the Stingray doesn’t exist anymore), Inkjet, and Splashdown. In Splatoon 3, every special from Big Bubbler to Zipcaster can appear in Salmon Run. At launch, Salmon Run will feature two new levels and some new boss salmonids as well.

Mudmouths and Tornados

All the special saves you loved or hated from Splatoon 2 return in Splatoon 3, but with them comes two brand-new ones!

During Mudmouth Eruptions, a new Salmonid, the titular Mudmouth, will emerge from one of the gusher locations. You'll need to defeat them by tossing splat bombs into their giant moves. With the hit, they'll release some golden eggs. Take them out quickly because they also spawn new Salmonids out of their mouth. You may also find a golden Mudmouth. Defeat it and it'll drop a large number of golden eggs.

Giant Tornados can now form offshore. The Tornado will throw Salmonids, debris, and most importantly containers filled with golden eggs. You'll need to coordinate with our teammates because the boxes can pretty much land anywhere.

King Salmonid Xtra Encounter

There is also a terrifying new addition to Salmon Run in the form of the King Salmonid! This is a special and rare event that can appear after completing wave 3. This is a rare and special event that can only somewhat be predicted by the "Salmometer" which displays while you’re waiting in the Salmon Run lobby.

You’ll certainly notice the king’s arrival when he does appear. Instead of leaving after successfully completing the third wave, an alarm sounds and the behemoth king will emerge from the water. You'll need to kill the king to succeed! If your team gets wiped out or the clock runs out, it's over.

The King doesn’t show up alone; his hoard of regular and boss salmonids will blitz onto the shore. Your weapons are not very effective at damaging the king. Therefore, focus on taking out the boss salmonids first! Grab their golden power eggs and toss them directly at the king to inflict some serious damage!

Even More Ways to Show How Fresh You Are

No longer limited to your clothing, you can now express your freshness via Banners, Badges and Titles. These can be earned in a variety of ways: from the Catalog, by playing through the story mode, playing Salmon Run, and even by Tableturf battles. Aside from your Gamer Tag, the banner is composed of three customizable parts.

• The print of the banner itself can be changed.
• Badges: You can collect badges and display up to three of them at a time on your banner. You can also gain badges by using the same weapon to increase its freshness. See How to Get Badges in Splatoon 3!
• Titles: Similar to Animal Crossing, you’ll choose a set of titles to describe yourself.

After reaching level 4 and speaking to Harmony, you can return to the Lobby to check out your locker. Walk toward the black wall on the right. As you approach it, it’ll become transparent and allow you to access your locker. Inside you’ll be able to add decorations and stickers. Decorations can be bought at Hotlantis or earned by playing Salmon Run, Story Mode, Tableturf, etc. Visit the locker room to see those belonging to players you’ve recently matched up with online!

Splatoon 3 introduces a bunch of new gear to dress your inkling or octoling and make them look fresh for battles. A small new addition that most play might never notice is that there are no assigned genders—only body types to choose from. This allows hairstyles that were gender specific to all be available to your character. This is also true for certain clothing that would vary depending on the gender that was wearing it. Since all previous Splatoon gear is available in Splatoon 3, those clothes now can come as separate variants.

The Catalog

The Catalog can be considered somewhat like Splatoon’s take on a Battle Pass. (See all the current Catalog Rewards here). To put it broadly, a Battle Pass is the seasonal period in online multiplayer games where you can earn experience to gain rewards. The Catalog is free and there are no quests or challenges to compete. Simply playing multiplayer will earn you experience and allow you to level up your Catalog.

When you reach level 4, go visit Harmony at the store and she’ll give you access to the catalog. Each item you earn from the catalog can be immediately redeemed at the terminal in the Lobby. Reaching level 4 also grants you access to view and edit your locker!