SPLATOON 3 isn’t coming until September 9, but Nintendo has released a new Direct giving us information on what to expect.
There is a whole load of new content coming in Splatoon 3, but don’t worry if you don’t have 30 minutes to sit down and watch.
Big changes are coming to Splatoon 3.
Here’s all the biggest announcements for Splatoon 3 from the August Direct.
What are the new weapons and abilities coming to Splatoon 3?
Two new abilities are being added to Swim Form.
Squid Surge will allow squids to jump up a wall in a single leap, while Squid Roll changes direction as you jump while deflecting enemy ink.
Nintendo also confirmed that all basic weapons from the first two Splatoon games would be returning.
Two new weapons have also been confirmed.
The Stringer is a new bow and arrow style weapon, and there is a whole new weapon type called Splatanas.
Only one Splatana was revealed in the showcase, the Splatana Wiper, which is a long range weapon with a charge slash.
A number of special weapons will be making their return including: Tenta Missiles, Ink Storm, Ultra Stamp, and Booyah Bomb.
Three new special weapons were also announced.
Tacticooler disperses drinks which give you certain buffs. Four drinks are dispensed per use so your teammates will also gain a buff.
Wave Breaker is a beacon that will alert teammates to your location if you spot an enemy. It also releases a shock wave that consistently deals damage.
Finally, Reefslider is a shark which you ride on to charge into your enemies. When it hits the target it also explodes in a pile of ink.
What stages are confirmed for Splatoon 3?
Twelve stages have been confirmed for Turf Wars at launch, including several new ones.
The stages which are returning are: MakoMart, Inkblot Art Academy, Hammerhead Bridge, Museum d’Alfonsino, and Mahi-Mahi Resort.
New confirmed stages are: Scorch Gorge, Eeltail Alley, Hagglefish Market, Undertow Spillway, Mincemeat Metalworks, Sturgeon Shipyard, and Wahoo World.
Anarchy Battles have also returned with the four types rotating between Splat Zones, Tower Control, Rain Maker, and Clam Blitz.
Salmon Run is also making a comeback with a new King Salmonid to destroy, as well as two new boss Salmonids.
Slamminlid is a new boss who protects others by crushing inklings beneath it, and Big Shot, which fires cannonballs that release shockwaves.
Single player is also returning, and there will be a test area where you can try out your weapons while you wait for other players to join battle.
What is the future of Splatoon 3?
Nintendo has outlined support for Splatoon 3 which will last a minimum of 2 years.
New stages will be released as free DLC to bulk out the roster.
There will also be a new catalogue featuring customisation options such as emotes which you can purchase.
These will be changed every 3 months, and new weapons will be released at the same time.
Once every few months, Salmonids will invade the city in an event called Big Run, where everyone will be called on to defend their home.
Nintendo also announced three new amiibo figures coming for Splatoon in October, but that old amiibo will also work.
There will also be expansive paid DLC coming in the future though no details on this yet.
What is Tableturf Battle?
Tableturf Battle is an all new mode for Splatoon 3 that is a tabletop card game.
Each new player will receive a starter deck and they can battle different NPCs around the city.
They place Tetris style pieces on the board in order to try and take more turf.
Pieces come in different shapes so you have to be careful to not prevent yourself from placing pieces in some areas.
What is the topic for the first Splatfest?
The first Splatfest has been announced and will begin before Splatoon 3 is launched.
There are new hosts called Deep Cut collectively, and consist of an inkling, an octaling and a manta ray called Shiver, Frye and Big Man.
For the first time there will be three teams in Splatfest, with a new event in which the leading team has to defend against the two others.
The first theme is Rock, Paper, Scissors.
Splatfest will take place on August 27, 9am to 9pm UK time, with more details to be released shortly.
Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.
