Summary
Splatoon 3players have received a brand-new update that brings a number of adjustments to the multiplayer mode’s weapons and in-game events, along with fixes for certain technical issues. It is the first major update that developer Nintendo has shipped toSplatoon 3since November 2024.
After rolling out in 2022,Splatoon 3marked another successful entry in the third-person shooter franchise, making it three-in-three for Nintendo. Over time, the Switch-exclusive title has received a plethora of updates aimed at enhancing the player experience and at smoothening any rough edges. Owing to the remarkable work of Nintendo devs, the action game also moved almost 12 million copies, as revealed by the company in March 2024. Most recently, the Japanese gaming giant deliveredSplatoon 3’s first update in nearly four months, giving it a useful refresh.
Nintendo EPD, the console maker’s in-house team that leads development of theSplatoonseries, released update version 9.3.0 on June 12, 2025. This particular patch introduces several changes to the standard and special weapons available inSplatoon 3’s multiplayer matches. Some of these improved weapons are Sploosh-o-matic, Splattershot Jr., and Aerospray MG, whose shot speed and flight distance have been increased. The special weapons that have been tweaked include Ultra Stamp, Triple Splashdown, and Trizooka, each of which now comes with changes incorporated to its damage and range stats. Moreover, the points needed to get access to Octobrush Orderbrush Replica, Enperry Splat Dualies, Douser Dualies FF, Recycled Brella 24 Mk II, S-Blast ‘91, and Snipewriter 5H have been reduced by ten.
In the latest update, the devs have also tinkered withSplatoon 3’s special in-game events called Splatfests. From terrain changes in the Tricolor Turf War mode to balancing changes in the Hammerhead Bridge stage, a host of key changes have been made to the game’s multiplayer aspect. On top of these adjustments, there are plenty of bug fixes related toSplatoon 3’s controls and issues across PvP matches. In its announcement, Nintendo EPD also shared that the next update would focus on balancing the game’s battles according to the findings of a long-term analysis of the same.
In the meantime, Nintendo is gearing up for the release of its next major console, Switch 2, which was revealed in January 2025. With its arrival expected to take place later this year, it would be interesting to see which ofNintendo’s IPs, likeSplatoon, are announced as launch titles for the Switch successor.
N-ZAP ‘85 N-ZAP ‘89
200
190
S-BLAST ‘91
210
220
This update focuses on making changes to multiplayer balance.
Upon analyzing the battle data since releasing the last update and considering weapons’ relationships to the weapons for which we improved performance last time, we have slightly extended the flight distance of shots for some weapons with shorter shot flight distances than those we improved last time, and made changes to strengthen the traits of or compensate for the weaknesses of some weapons with shot flight distances similar to those we previously improved.
Regarding the Snipewriter 5H, Snipewriter 5B, Mint Decavitator, and Charcoal Decavitator, we made changes to slightly reduce the ability to maintain ink from a distance to give opponents wielding weapons with shorter shot flight distances more time to counter.
For the Trizooka, we have maintained its trait as a special weapon capable of turning the tables if used well, while simultaneously making it easier to counter by shortening the time that players on the opposing team must be wary of the Trizooka and reducing cases where such players are defeated due to accumulated damage despite taking evasive actions.
Additionally, for Tricolor Turf War, we have adjusted the arrangement of certain stages that have significant statistical leaning in the win ratio for the attacking teams or defending team.
The next update will focus on changes to the balance of battles based on long-term analysis of battle data.
Splatoon 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Enter 4-on-4* ink-slinging battles in this colorful action shooter packed with style and attitude. As a squid-like Inkling, quickly cover your surroundings (and opponents) in ink with wild weaponry and swim through your own color to sneak and splat. Dive into the fresh fun with family and friends and make waves as a team. Get splatted by an opponent? No sweat! The goal in Turf War is to cover the most ground, so respawn and jump back into the inky action.Keep it current with rotating items, seasonal catalogs, and special events: Variety is the spice of an Inkling’s life, so check out shops daily for a changing array of gear that is as fashionable as it is functional. Timed events like Splatfests bring different types of chaotic competition and content updates add even more weapons and stages. Earn points to get in-game items from season-specific catalogs to dress up your own personal locker and show your style.Use inky new abilities and weapons to compete, cooperate, or clear up the mystery of the Fuzzy Ooze: Dynamic new moves like the Squid Surge and Squid Roll will help you and your fellow Inklings cover more ground and avoid enemy ink. Take aim with the bow-like Stringer and get slash happy with sword-like Splatanas—these new weapon types join an arsenal of fresh special weapons and sub weapons, too. Work together to collect Golden Eggs and fend off brand-new swarms of invading Salmonids in the co-op Salmon Run mode. Tackle a solo adventure alongside a Smallfry companion to solve the mystery of the Fuzzy Ooze in the offline story mode.
