Checklists
How creative can you get with your first free checklist?
What Returning Players Need to Know - Save Data Bonus, Mode Changes, and More
Many would consider Splatoon 3 as “just more Splatoon 2,” and that is essentially true. Splatoon 3 is simply the most refined and improved version of Splatoon. Though most of the changes from Splatoon 2 to 3 are fairly minor, the quality-of-life features are such welcomed additions—and there are so many of them—that Splatoon 3 does feel like an upgrade of the previous title. If you’re a returning player to the series, this page of IGN’s Splatoon 3 wiki guide is for you. We’ll feature some of the biggest and most relevant changes we discovered in Splatoon 3.
- Click on any of the items below to automatically scroll to that section on this page:
Save Data Bonus - Importing Your Splatoon 2 Data
It’s important to note that when you start Splatoon 3 you will be starting fresh with a brand new character, at level 1, without any of the gear you had in Splatoon 2. The Save Data Bonus does not carry over all your stuff from the previous game into the new one. It is in fact a bonus, an extra gift that allows you to access some weapons and modes in Splatoon 3 without having to level up to unlock them.
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When you first enter Splatsville (and are connected to the internet), you’ll receive a prompt allowing you to carry over your Splatoon 2 save data. You must make a decision, if you choose not to import your save when this prompt appears, you will not be able to import it later. Therefore, if you intended to receive the Save Data Bonus, you must make sure your Splatoon 2 save data is on the same Switch (and tied to the same account) before booting up Splatoon 3 for the first time.
What Do You Get with the Save Data Bonus
The bonus will allow you to access Anarchy Battles at level one instead of 10. Anarchy Battles are the new name for Ranked Matches. You’ll also be able to skip the basic training for Salmon Run. Most importantly, the bonus grants you three Golden Sheldon Licenses. You can redeem them to purchase any three weapons in the store regardless of your level!
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!
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 new ability, Intensify Action, makes pulling the off even more effective!
Squid Surge
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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.
Multiplayer Mode Changes
Aside from the new maps, the multiplayer modes essentially function the same way they did in Splatoon 3. Ranked Matches are now called Anarchy Battles. Regular ranked battles are Anarchy Battles (Open). The Anarchy Battles (Series) is the new name for League Battles.
All multiplayer modes basically function the same as they did in Splatoon 2. The only mode that received any noticeable update is Rainmaker. Each level now requires you to take the Rainmaker to a checkpoint before being able to take it to the enemy base. Most stages contain multiple checkpoints, though you only need to reach one. Once the checkpoint has been activated, the Rainmaker can be taken to the enemy base.
Additionally, it seems the Rainmaker’s shield can damage you. If you touch the shield itself, even if it is covered in your color ink, you’ll receive damage. When your team destroys the shield, the explosion will not damage you though, only the opponent (and vice versa).
Playing with Friends is Easier Now!
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The lobby makes it easier to find your friends. 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!
New Abilities and Gear Customization
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.
Chunks can be gained by using drink tickets, scrubbing gear, or from Salmon Run. All of those aspects function basically the same as they did in Splatoon 2.
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. 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!
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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!
Each time you defeat a king salmonid, you'll earn special fish scales. These scales can be traded at Grizzco for new Salmon Run items and even new uniforms!
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The Catalog
The Catalog is actually something completely new, but it's worth mentioning because it is such a major new addition. It can be considered somewhat like Splatoon’s take on a Battle Pass. 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!
You can view the entire Catalog via Splatnet 3 on the Nintendo Switch Online App. That's also something that changed. Splatnet 3 is a completely new app with all kinds of extra features. Just like you could on Splatnet 2, you can view stage info, stats, etc.
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.
- Titles: Similar to Animal Crossing, you’ll choose a set of titles to describe yourself.
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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!
