{{short description|Video game series}} {{about|the video game series|the first game in the series|Splatoon (video game){{!}}''Splatoon'' (video game)|the manga based on the video game series|Splatoon (manga){{!}}''Splatoon'' (manga)}} {{good article}} {{use dmy dates|date=June 2024}} {{Infobox video game series | title = Splatoon | image = frameless|class=skin-invert | caption = | platforms = {{unbulleted list|Wii U|Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch 2}} | developer = Nintendo EAD (2015)<br>Nintendo EPD (2017–present) | publisher = Nintendo | genre = Third-person shooter | creator = {{unbulleted list|Hisashi Nogami|Shintaro Sato}} | composer = {{unbulleted list|Toru Minegishi|Shiho Fujii|Ryo Nagamatsu}} | first release version = ''Splatoon'' | first release date = 28 May 2015 | latest release version = ''Splatoon 3: Side Order'' | latest release date = 22 February 2024 }}
{{nihongo foot|'''''Splatoon'''''|スプラトゥーン|Supuratūn|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a third-person shooter video game franchise created by Hisashi Nogami and Shintaro Sato and developed, published and owned by Nintendo. It is set far in the future on a post-apocalyptic Earth that has been repopulated with evolved marine life and centers around a pair of humanoid races derived from cephalopods known as Inklings and Octolings—squids and octopuses respectively—which can morph between humanoid and cephalopodic forms at will. They often engage in "Turf War" battles with each other and use a variety of weapons that produce and shoot ink while in their humanoid forms or swim through and hide in solid surfaces covered in their own ink while in their cephalopodic forms.
The first game in the series, ''Splatoon'', was released for the Wii U on 28 May 2015. A sequel, ''Splatoon 2'', was released for the Nintendo Switch on 21 July 2017, followed by an expansion pack, ''Octo Expansion'', on 13 June 2018. A third game, ''Splatoon 3'', was released on 9 September 2022, followed by an expansion pack titled ''Side Order'', on 22 February 2024. A spin-off game titled ''Splatoon Raiders'' is set to release on July 23, 2026 as an exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2. The series has received positive reviews for its style, gameplay mechanics and soundtrack, the first two games in the series having been nominated and awarded several year-end accolades from various gaming publications. The series has sold over 30 million copies.
''Splatoon'' has spawned numerous collaborations with third-party companies and established its own esports tournament circuit in 2018. It has spawned a manga series as well as holographic music concerts, primarily in Japan.
== Gameplay ==
[[File:S3TopDownTurfWarGameplay.webp|thumb|Aerial view of an ongoing Turf War match on the stage Mincemeat Metalworks, introduced in ''Splatoon 3''. The usage of ink to both exert map control and facilitate movement across a battle arena is a key facet of the ''Splatoon'' series' multiplayer gameplay.<ref name="IGNMultRev">{{cite web |last1=Graeber |first1=Brendan |title=Splatoon 3 Multiplayer Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/splatoon-3-multiplayer-review |website=IGN|access-date=30 December 2025 |date=12 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260129002011/https://www.ign.com/articles/splatoon-3-multiplayer-review|archive-date=29 January 2026|url-status=live}}</ref>]] The ''Splatoon'' series consists of third-person shooters with a focus on competitive online multiplayer across several game modes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shea|first=Brian|date=9 September 2022|title=Splatoon 3 Review - Multicolored Mayhem|url=https://gameinformer.com/review/splatoon-3/multicolored-mayhem|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250904141736/https://gameinformer.com/review/splatoon-3/multicolored-mayhem|archive-date=4 September 2025|access-date=21 January 2026|website=Game Informer|language=en}}</ref> Players select from a range of weapons resembling water guns, oversized painting equipment, and other objects that they use to spread their ink across the floors and walls of the gameplay area and to damage enemies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Machkovech|first=Sam|date=27 March 2017|title=Nintendo's first true online shooter—Splatoon—is a hot, painted mess|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/05/nintendos-first-true-online-shooter-splatoon-is-a-hot-painted-mess/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251219115909/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/05/nintendos-first-true-online-shooter-splatoon-is-a-hot-painted-mess/|archive-date=19 December 2025|access-date=21 January 2026|website=Ars Technica|language=en}}</ref> During gameplay players control characters named Inklings and Octolings, both of which can freely alternate between a weapon-wielding humanoid "kid" form and a cepholopodic "swim" form{{efn|Prior to Octolings' inclusion as playable avatars, this was officially referred to as the "squid" form.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnIAN06eSAE|title=Splatoon 2 Direct - Everything You Need to Know! |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251227055942/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnIAN06eSAE|archive-date=27 December 2025|date=6 July 2017 |last=Nintendo of America |access-date=17 January 2026 |via=YouTube|url-status=live}}</ref>}} with the press of a button.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Paintball turf war: With Nintendo's 'Splatoon,' slinging vivid paint means having a ball|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/05/27/paintball-for-turf-with-all-ages-splatoon-slinging-vivid-paint-means-having-a-ball/|access-date=2 June 2021|issn=0190-8286|url-access=subscription}}</ref> While in humanoid form they can use their weapons to spread ink across surfaces and damage enemy players. While in swim form, players can submerge and tread through their own team's ink. Additionally, players can only replenish their ammunition by standing or swimming in their respective ink color.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Splatoon Wii U Review: New Squids On The Block|url=https://www.vg247.com/splatoon-wii-u-review-new-squids-on-the-block|website=VG247|date=27 March 2015|access-date=31 January 2026|language=en|first=Mike|last=Williams|last2=USgamer}}</ref> During matches, players can activate communication signals directed to their team; these signals consist of "This Way!" and "Booyah!"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clayton|first=Natalie|date=3 March 2021|title=Four years on, Splatoon 2 is still the freshest shooter around|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/four-years-on-splatoon-2-is-still-the-freshest-shooter-around/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816235749/https://www.gamesradar.com/four-years-on-splatoon-2-is-still-the-freshest-shooter-around/|archive-date=16 August 2024|access-date=21 January 2026|website=GamesRadar+|language=en}}</ref> Players can also instantaneously launch themselves towards a teammate or their team's spawn region, an action known as "super jumping", by selecting the desired target through an in-match menu.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lennox|first=Jesse|date=23 September 2022|title=How to Super Jump in Splatoon 3|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/splatoon-3-how-to-super-jump/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250808151719/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/splatoon-3-how-to-super-jump/|archive-date=8 August 2025|access-date=20 January 2026|website=Digital Trends|language=en-us}}</ref>
In the first ''Splatoon'', players could pick a multitude of weapons belonging to one of six distinct weapon classes: Shooters, Chargers, Splat Rollers, Splatlings, Inkbrushes, Blasters, and Sloshers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Grubb |first1=Jeff |date=29 May 2015 |title=How to get every weapon in Splatoon (in-progress guide) |url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/05/29/how-to-get-every-weapon-in-splatoon-in-progress-guide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612211108/https://venturebeat.com/2015/05/29/how-to-get-every-weapon-in-splatoon-in-progress-guide/ |archive-date=12 June 2018 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=VentureBeat}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Otero |first=Jose |date=7 May 2015 |title=Splatoon: New Maps, Modes, and Weapons Coming Post Launch |url=http://ign.com/articles/2015/05/07/splatoon-new-maps-modes-and-weapons-coming-post-launch |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319041713/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/07/splatoon-new-maps-modes-and-weapons-coming-post-launch |archive-date=19 March 2016 |access-date=31 December 2015 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mlot |first=Stephanie |date=28 July 2015 |title=New Weapons, Modes Coming to Splatoon |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/new-weapons-modes-coming-to-splatoon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810072606/https://www.pcmag.com/news/new-weapons-modes-coming-to-splatoon |archive-date=10 August 2024 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=PCMag}}</ref> With the release of ''Splatoon 2'', the Dualie and Brella classes were added to the roster,<ref name="Destruct2">{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=18 July 2017 |title=Review: Splatoon 2 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-splatoon-2-447595.phtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928173735/https://www.destructoid.com/review-splatoon-2-447595.phtml |archive-date=September 28, 2019 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=Destructoid}}</ref> while ''Splatoon 3'' introduced the Stringer and Splatana classes, making for a total of eleven weapon types across the franchise.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Norman |first=Jim |date=17 June 2025 |title=Splatoon 3: Weapons List - Best Pick For Every Weapon Type |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/splatoon-3-weapons-list-best-pick-for-every-weapon-type |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260110223923/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/splatoon-3-weapons-list-best-pick-for-every-weapon-type |archive-date=10 January 2026 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref> Each base weapon is assigned a loadout of one "sub weapon" and one "special weapon". Sub weapons usually come in the form of defensive structures or offensive projectiles, and require a large amount of ink to dispense, while special weapons are powerful armaments that must be charged via a player's Special Gauge by painting the surrounding area.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adeoye |first=Adeolu |date=16 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3: Best Sub-Weapons, Ranked |url=https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-best-sub-weapons-ranked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303221508/https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-best-sub-weapons-ranked/ |archive-date=3 March 2025 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=Game Rant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Drake |first=Jake |date=14 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3: Best Special Weapons |url=https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-best-special-weapons/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250903170752/https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-best-special-weapons/ |archive-date=3 September 2025 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=Game Rant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Norman |first1=Jim |last2=Sanchez |first2=Felix |date=30 November 2023 |title=Splatoon 3: Tips, Tricks, And Hints |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/splatoon-3-tips-tricks-and-hints |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250903150954/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/splatoon-3-tips-tricks-and-hints |archive-date=3 September 2025 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref>
Players can equip numerous perks that passively aid gameplay. These perks, known as abilities, can range from speeding up respawn time, reducing the amount of ink consumed by sub weapons, and upgrading the damage performed by special weapons. Abilities are attached to cosmetic gear items, which are separated into three categories: headgear, clothing, and shoes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pramath |date=27 July 2017 |title=Splatoon 2 Mega Guide: Unlimited Money, XP Cheat, Weapon Upgrades, Abilities And More |url=https://gamingbolt.com/splatoon-2-mega-guide-unlimited-money-xp-cheat-weapon-upgrades-abilities-and-more |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305131613/https://gamingbolt.com/splatoon-2-mega-guide-unlimited-money-xp-cheat-weapon-upgrades-abilities-and-more |archive-date=5 March 2023 |access-date=2 February 2026 |website=GamingBolt |language=en-US}}</ref> Each clothing item has one main ability slot and a maximum of three secondary subslots. The number of subslots available is dependent on the respective gear's "star power", which can increase at the end of a match in accordance with how many experience points were gained during the battle, at which point a random ability is assigned. Subslots can be re-rolled or entirely removed ("scrubbed") by trading in-game currency with specific vendors. If a given subslot is empty, players can manually apply an ability to them by speaking with said vendors and spending "ability chunks".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bowling |first=Steve |date=30 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 2 - Adding, Removing and Picking Abilities |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/splatoon-2-adding-removing-and-picking-abilities |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250326172233/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/splatoon-2-adding-removing-and-picking-abilities |archive-date=26 March 2025 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Parks |first=Williams |date=15 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3: How to Farm Ability Chunks |url=https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-farm-ability-chunks-get-how-fast/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528152236/https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-farm-ability-chunks-get-how-fast/ |archive-date=28 May 2023 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=Game Rant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Julia |date=21 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 gear and ability guide for beginners |url=https://www.polygon.com/guides/23363765/splatoon-3-upgrade-gear-guide-ability-chart-chunks-farm-fast-star-power/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725194203/https://www.polygon.com/guides/23363765/splatoon-3-upgrade-gear-guide-ability-chart-chunks-farm-fast-star-power |archive-date=25 July 2025 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=Polygon}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sinha |first=Ravi |date=29 October 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 Guide – All Abilities, How to Upgrade Gear Star Power, and How to Earn Ability Chunks |url=https://gamingbolt.com/splatoon-3-guide-all-abilities-how-to-upgrade-gear-star-power-and-how-to-earn-ability-chunks |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250308091441/https://gamingbolt.com/splatoon-3-guide-all-abilities-how-to-upgrade-gear-star-power-and-how-to-earn-ability-chunks |archive-date=8 March 2025 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=GamingBolt}}</ref>
=== Turf War === "Turf War" is one of the main gameplay modes in the ''Splatoon'' franchise. Two teams of four players{{efn|An alternative arrangement was introduced in ''Splatoon 3''; see Tricolor Turf War.}} on either side of a symmetrical map compete to spread their team's ink across as much of the floor space of the map as possible before the match ends after three minutes. While players are not awarded points for doing so, it is possible to kill enemy players, referred to as "splatting", to temporarily remove them from the game so that they cannot contest the spread of ink until they respawn.<ref name="IGNMultRev" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Whaling |first1=Jacob |date=15 September 2022 |title=Tips And Tricks For Turf War In Splatoon 3 |url=https://www.thegamer.com/splatoon-3-turf-war-guide-tips-tricks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926210914/https://www.thegamer.com/splatoon-3-turf-war-guide-tips-tricks/ |archive-date=26 September 2022 |access-date=30 December 2025 |website=The Gamer}}</ref>
=== Ranked Battles === Another online offering present in all installments is "Ranked Battles",{{efn|Referred to as "Anarchy Battles" in ''Splatoon 3''.<ref name="Dotesports">{{Cite web |last=Biazzi |first=Leonardo |date=9 September 2022 |title=Anarchy Battles in Splatoon 3 {{!}} Ranked mode explained |url=https://dotesports.com/splatoon/news/anarchy-battles-in-splatoon-3-ranked-mode-explained |access-date=30 December 2025 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US |archive-date=12 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012001602/https://dotesports.com/splatoon/news/anarchy-battles-in-splatoon-3-ranked-mode-explained |url-status=live }}</ref>}} available only to players level 10 and above.<ref name="PCMagMulti">{{cite web |last1=Greenwald |first1=Will |date=19 August 2015 |title=Splatoon (for Nintendo Wii U) Review |url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/splatoon-for-nintendo-wii-u |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241102052224/https://uk.pcmag.com/migrated-48579-gaming/42202/splatoon-for-nintendo-wii-u-review |archive-date=2 November 2024 |access-date=2 January 2026 |website=PC Magazine}}</ref> These consist of alternative modes focusing on competitive, teamwork-oriented gameplay<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carr |first=Adam |date=25 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 - Ranked Battles Guide |url=https://www.thegamer.com/splatoon-3-anarchy-battle-tips-tricks-guide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104182953/https://www.thegamer.com/splatoon-3-anarchy-battle-tips-tricks-guide/ |archive-date=4 January 2024 |access-date=30 December 2025 |website=The Gamer}}</ref> that last five minutes plus overtime if specific conditions are met. Over the course of the series, four distinct Ranked modes have been introduced, those being Splat Zones, Tower Control, Rainmaker, and Clam Blitz.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Robinson |first=Matin |date=7 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 review - a lot more of the brilliant same |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/splatoon-3-review-a-lot-more-of-the-brilliant-same |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260127184048/https://www.eurogamer.net/splatoon-3-review-a-lot-more-of-the-brilliant-same |archive-date=27 January 2026 |access-date=2 January 2026 |work=Eurogamer |language=en}}</ref> The accessibility of the modes at a given moment are dependent on rulesets that rotate at fixed intervals throughout the day. Ranked modes utilize skill-based matchmaking; players are grouped together based on a shared letter-based "rank" that reflects their in-game aptitude level.<ref name="PCMagMulti" />
* '''Splat Zones''' plays similarly to king of the hill in that players must exert control over one or two designated regions, named "splat zones", for a set amount of time. This is achieved by spraying the zone with at least 70% of their team's ink color; if there are two zones in contention, both must be controlled simultaneously by the same team to deplete their timers. If a team steals control over the zone(s) from their opponent, said opposing team is imposed the penalty of an additional timer that itself must also be depleted.<ref name="Dotesports" /> Overtime is initiated when the losing team remains in command of the zone(s) when the overall five minutes elapses, and ends immediately after said team either surpasses the opposing side or loses control.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whaling |first1=Jacob |date=18 September 2022 |title=Tips And Tricks For Splat Zones Anarchy Battles In Splatoon 3 |url=https://www.thegamer.com/splatoon-3-tower-control-ranked-guide-tips-tricks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014211235/https://www.thegamer.com/splatoon-3-tower-control-ranked-guide-tips-tricks/ |archive-date=14 October 2022 |access-date=30 December 2025 |website=The Gamer}}</ref> * '''Tower Control''' has players compete to stay atop of a moving structure, the "tower", which is by default positioned in the middle of the map. If the tower is currently being ridden by a team, it moves along a preset path that ultimately leads to a final goal located in the opposition's base. Starting with ''Splatoon 2'', the tower must first clear numerous checkpoints dotted throughout the path before it can reach the goal.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last1=Olney |first1=Alex |date=18 July 2017 |title=Splatoon 2 Review |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/splatoon_2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251201082657/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/splatoon_2 |archive-date=1 December 2025 |access-date=30 December 2025 |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref> If a team transports the tower to the goal before the five minutes elapses, a situation known as a "knockout", the match ends early and awards them bonus points; otherwise, whichever team pushed the tower the furthest is determined the victor.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whaling |first1=Jacob |date=3 October 2022 |title=How To Play Tower Control Anarchy Battles In Splatoon 3 |url=https://www.thegamer.com/splatoon-3-tower-control-ranked-guide-tips-tricks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014211235/https://www.thegamer.com/splatoon-3-tower-control-ranked-guide-tips-tricks/ |archive-date=14 October 2022 |access-date=30 December 2025 |website=The Gamer}}</ref> * '''Rainmaker'''<nowiki/>'s objective is for teams to transport a large weapon, the titular "Rainmaker", to a pedestal on the opposing team's base; it plays similar to capture the flag. The Rainmaker is normally situated in the middle of the map, where players must destroy its protective shield and have one teammate physically grab it. If a player is splatted whilst carrying the Rainmaker, the weapon and its shield reappears at the player's site of death, at which point it may be retrieved by either team. If the shield is destroyed but the Rainmaker is not grabbed in time, it disappears and spawns at its default location in the map's center.<ref name="PCMagMulti"/> Additionally, if the wielding player remains in possession of the Rainmaker for too long, the Rainmaker explodes, splatting said player and resetting to the center. Checkpoints were added to the mode in ''Splatoon 3''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whaling |first1=Jacob |date=25 September 2022 |title=Rainmaker Guide For Splatoon 3 |url=https://www.thegamer.com/splatoon-3-rainmaker-tips-tricks-guide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123182455/https://www.thegamer.com/splatoon-3-rainmaker-tips-tricks-guide/ |archive-date=23 January 2025 |access-date=30 December 2025 |website=The Gamer}}</ref> * '''Clam Blitz''' is an invasion game that has each team, both starting with 100 points, compete to collect golden clams scattered throughout the map with the objective of hurling them into spherical baskets, found in their opponent's base, to deduct their own points counter. If a player collects eight clams,{{efn|Ten clams in ''Splatoon 2''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jackson |first1=Gita |title=New Clam Blitz Mode Highlights The Best and Worst of Splatoon 2 |url=https://kotaku.com/new-clam-blitz-mode-highlights-the-best-and-worst-of-sp-1821272308 |website=Kotaku|access-date=30 December 2025 |date=13 December 2017}}</ref>}} the Power Clam item, shaped like a gridiron football, is generated, which needs to be thrown into the enemy's basket to puncture its protective barrier. In this state of vulnerability that lasts for a maximum of ten seconds, the attacking team must throw regular clams into the basket to prolong this window and deplete their points to zero, whereupon they win. If, by the end of the five minutes, neither team has scored, overtime is initiated for a maximum of three additional minutes. If after this period both teams have yet to score, whichever team generated the most Power Clams throughout the course of the game is deemed the winner.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whaling |first1=Jacob |title=How To Play Clam Blitz Anarchy Battles In Splatoon 3 |url=https://www.thegamer.com/splatoon-3-clam-blitz-ranked-tips-tricks-guide/ |website=The Gamer|access-date=30 December 2025 |date=3 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603112435/https://www.thegamer.com/splatoon-3-clam-blitz-ranked-tips-tricks-guide/|archive-date=3 June 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Splatfests === "Splatfests" are limited-time, recurring events that also take place in-universe. During Splatfests, players are asked a question and pick a team based on the answer that they chose, with each team being backed by a particular in-game idol character. In ''Splatoon'' and ''Splatoon 2,'' players are given two choices relating to a random theme. The themes are usually in the form of preference questionnaires (e.g. cats vs. dogs,<ref name="SplatfestCatDog">{{Cite web |last=Wynne |first=James |date=5 July 2015 |title=Dogs cheat Cats out of North American Splatfest victory |url=https://www.gamezone.com/news/dogs-cheat-cats-out-of-north-american-splatfest-victory-3421001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212013617/https://www.gamezone.com/news/dogs-cheat-cats-out-of-north-american-splatfest-victory-3421001/ |archive-date=12 February 2023 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=GameZone |language=en-US}}</ref> mayonnaise vs. ketchup),<ref name="SplatfestMayoKetchup">{{Cite web |date=21 July 2017 |title=Mayo and ketchup go head to head in Splatoon 2's next Splatfest |url=https://www.destructoid.com/mayo-and-ketchup-go-head-to-head-in-splatoon-2-s-next-splatfest-450368.phtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213127/https://www.destructoid.com/mayo-and-ketchup-go-head-to-head-in-splatoon-2-s-next-splatfest-450368.phtml |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Destructoid |language=en}}</ref> but can also cover other topics, such as paradoxes (e.g. chicken or the egg).<ref name="SplatfetChickenEgg">{{Cite web |date=3 March 2018 |title=Next Splatoon 2 splatfest will attempt to answer a question as old as time |url=https://www.destructoid.com/next-splatoon-2-splatfest-will-attempt-to-answer-a-question-as-old-as-time-492619.phtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213129/https://www.destructoid.com/next-splatoon-2-splatfest-will-attempt-to-answer-a-question-as-old-as-time-492619.phtml |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Destructoid |language=en}}</ref> In ''Splatoon 3'', there are instead three sides to choose from (e.g. bread vs. rice vs. pasta).<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Norman |first1=Jim |last2=Hagues |first2=Alana |date=12 August 2024 |title='Team Rice' Wins The Latest Splatoon 3 Splatfest |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/08/team-rice-wins-the-latest-splatoon-3-splatfest |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230140829/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/08/team-rice-wins-the-latest-splatoon-3-splatfest |archive-date=30 December 2025 |access-date=30 December 2025 |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref> Aside from the typical original questions, Splatfests may sometimes be part of a real-life corporate partnership (such as a ''Transformers''-themed Splatfest with Hasbro,<ref name="SplatfestTranformers">{{Cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=18 August 2015 |title=Wii U's Splatoon Getting Transformers-Themed Event |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-us-splatoon-getting-transformers-themed-event/1100-6429851/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213132/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-us-splatoon-getting-transformers-themed-event/1100-6429851/ |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref> the ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'' and ''SpongeBob SquarePants''-themed ones with Nickelodeon,<ref name="SplatfestTMNT">{{Cite web |last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=26 April 2018|title=Splatoon 2's new Splatfest is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-themed|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/4/26/17284520/splatoon-2-splatfest-date-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204214624/https://www.polygon.com/2018/4/26/17284520/splatoon-2-splatfest-date-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles|archive-date=4 December 2022|access-date=15 March 2020|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref> McDonald's,<ref name="SplatfestMcDonalds">{{Cite web |last=Frank|first=Allegra|date=11 September 2017|title=In Splatoon 2's McDonald's showdown, nuggets take narrow victory|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/11/16287590/splatoon-2-chicken-mcnuggets-french-fries-splatfest-results|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206161739/https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/11/16287590/splatoon-2-chicken-mcnuggets-french-fries-splatfest-results|archive-date=6 December 2022|access-date=15 March 2020|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref> Sanrio,<ref name="SplatfestSanrio">{{cite web |last1=Wong |first1=Alistair |date=10 May 2018 |title=Splatoon 2 Gets A Collaboration With Sanrio Characters In Japan |url=https://www.siliconera.com/2018/05/10/splatoon-2-gets-collaboration-sanrio-characters-japan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817162411/https://www.siliconera.com/splatoon-2-gets-collaboration-sanrio-characters-japan/ |archive-date=17 August 2024 |access-date=26 July 2023 |website=Siliconera }}</ref> Meiji,<ref name="SplatfestMeiji">{{cite web |last=Moyse|first=Chris|date=6 August 2018|title=Splatoon 2's next Japanese splatfest ignites chocolate war|url=https://www.destructoid.com/splatoon-2s-next-japanese-splatfest-ignites-chocolate-war|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204192618/https://www.destructoid.com/splatoon-2s-next-japanese-splatfest-ignites-chocolate-war/|archive-date=4 December 2022|access-date=26 July 2023|website=Destructoid|language=en}}</ref> and Pocky)<ref name="SplatfestPocky">{{cite web |author=Sato |date=26 October 2018 |title=Splatoon 2's Next Japanese Splatfest Is A Battle Of Pocky |url=https://www.siliconera.com/2018/10/26/splatoon-2s-next-japanese-splatfest-is-a-battle-of-pocky/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403104553/https://www.siliconera.com/2018/10/26/splatoon-2s-next-japanese-splatfest-is-a-battle-of-pocky/ |archive-date=3 April 2019 |access-date=26 July 2023 |website=Siliconera }}</ref> or sponsorship with Nintendo's own properties (such as ''Pokémon,''<ref name="SplatfestPokémon">{{cite web |last=Pulliam-Moore|first=Charles|date=7 October 2022|title=Splatoon 3's next Splatfest asks a difficult question: what's the best pokémon type?|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/7/23392540/splatoon-3-pokemon-splatfest|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326180016/https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/7/23392540/splatoon-3-pokemon-splatfest|archive-date=26 March 2023|access-date=26 July 2023|website=The Verge|language=en-US}}</ref> ''The Legend of Zelda'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diaz|first=Ana|date=14 April 2023|title=Splatoon 3 is getting a Zelda-inspired Splatfest map|url=https://www.polygon.com/23683377/splatoon-3-splatfest-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-kingdom|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601064656/https://www.polygon.com/23683377/splatoon-3-splatfest-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-kingdom|archive-date=1 June 2023|access-date=28 March 2024|website=Polygon}}</ref> ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,''<ref name="SplatfestSSBU">{{cite web |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=6 December 2018 |title=Super Smash Bros. Inspired Splatfest Will Take Place In Splatoon 2 Next Week |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/12/super_smash_bros_inspired_splatfest_will_take_place_in_splatoon_2_next_week |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817162529/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/12/super_smash_bros_inspired_splatfest_will_take_place_in_splatoon_2_next_week |archive-date=17 August 2024 |access-date=26 July 2023 |website=Nintendo Life |publisher= |language=en}}</ref> and ''Super Mario'').<ref name="SplatfestMario35">{{Cite web |date=3 September 2020|title=Splatoon 2 gets a Splatfest themed around Mario power-ups|url=https://www.destructoid.com/stories/splatoon-2-gets-a-splatfest-themed-around-mario-power-ups-602533.phtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224204139/https://www.destructoid.com/stories/splatoon-2-gets-a-splatfest-themed-around-mario-power-ups-602533.phtml|archive-date=24 December 2020|access-date=10 December 2020|website=Destructoid|language=en}}</ref> After picking a team, players compete in a series of Turf War matches and contribute their endgame points, accumulated in the form of the "clout" statistic, their respective side. Upon the Splatfest's conclusion, an overarching scoring system decides the winning team based on the overall clout of those who played across various categories.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nichols |first=Derek |date=25 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 Splatfest: What Does Clout Do |url=https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-splatfest-what-does-clout-do/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925151525/https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-splatfest-what-does-clout-do/ |archive-date=25 September 2022 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=GameRant}}</ref>
In most Splatfests, the outcome tends to only affect the player's level of in-game reward at the end of the event<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Caty |date=4 August 2017 |title=What the Heck is Splatoon 2's Splatfest? |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/what-is-splatoon-2-splatfest |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191201145114/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/what-is-splatoon-2-splatfest |archive-date=1 December 2019 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=USgamer |language=en}}</ref> and typically have no impact on the overall playability of the game. However, an exception is the "final Splatfest" of each game, which has traditionally marked the end of developer support.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Naudus |first=Kris |date=22 July 2016 |title='Splatoon' isn't dead, but it's still saying goodbye |url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/22/splatoon-final-splatfest/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213122/https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/22/splatoon-final-splatfest/ |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Engadget |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |date=8 June 2019 |title=Splatoon 2's final Splatfest is Chaos versus Order |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/8/18658067/splatoon-2-final-splatfest-chaos-versus-order-date |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Polygon |language=en |archive-date=6 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106014456/https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/8/18658067/splatoon-2-final-splatfest-chaos-versus-order-date |url-status=live}}</ref> Developers insinuated that the outcome of the last Splatfest in ''Splatoon'', "Callie vs. Marie", affected the story mode of ''Splatoon 2'', in which the losing protagonist Callie became an antagonist.<ref name="kotaku">{{Cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |date=25 April 2017 |title=The Last Splatfest Actually Influenced Splatoon 2's Story, Holy Shit |url=https://kotaku.com/the-last-splatfest-actually-influenced-splatoon-2s-stor-1794624123 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213126/https://kotaku.com/the-last-splatfest-actually-influenced-splatoon-2s-stor-1794624123 |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Kotaku |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name="siliconera">{{Cite web |last=Casey |date=28 April 2017 |title=Splatoon 2 "Squid Sister Stories" On How The Final Splatfest Changed Callie & Marie's Lives |url=https://www.siliconera.com/splatoon-2-squid-sister-stories-final-splatfest-changed-callie-maries-lives/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406043714/https://www.siliconera.com/splatoon-2-squid-sister-stories-final-splatfest-changed-callie-maries-lives/ |archive-date=6 April 2021 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Littlechild |first=Chris |date=26 July 2019 |title=Splatoon: Now That Chaos Reigns Supreme, What's The Future Of Inkopolis? |url=https://www.thegamer.com/splatfest-chaos-reigns-splatoon-3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213123/https://www.thegamer.com/splatfest-chaos-reigns-splatoon-3/ |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=TheGamer |language=en-US}}</ref> This was later confirmed after ''Splatoon 3''<nowiki/>'s apocalyptic setting seemed to be based on the winner of ''Splatoon 2''<nowiki/>'s final Splatfest, "Chaos vs. Order", that being Team Chaos.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fields |first=Sarah |date=8 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 Dev Reveals How Splatoon 2's Chaos vs Order Splatfest Impacted Creative Direction of the Sequel |url=https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-splatoon-2-final-splatfest-creative-direction/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328200554/https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-splatoon-2-final-splatfest-creative-direction/ |archive-date=28 March 2023 |access-date=15 September 2022 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Reyes |first1=Jess |last2=Yaden |first2=Joseph |date=10 August 2022 |title='Splatoon 3' release date, trailer, Splatfest, weapons, and story details |url=https://www.inverse.com/gaming/splatoon-3-release-date-trailer-little-buddy-nintendo-switch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213128/https://www.inverse.com/gaming/splatoon-3-release-date-trailer-little-buddy-nintendo-switch |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=15 September 2022 |website=Inverse |language=en}}</ref> Nintendo's promotion of ''Splatoon 3''<nowiki/>'s "Grand Festival"—"Past vs. Present vs. Future"—in a similar fashion to previous games' final Splatfests gave way to fan speculation on whether its winner, Team Past, would influence a potential fourth mainline installment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rattray |first=Tim |date=5 August 2024 |title=Feature: The Next Splatfest May Decide Splatoon 4's Future, So We Make A Case For Every Team |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/features/the-next-splatfest-may-decide-splatoon-4s-future-so-we-make-a-case-for-every-team |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230140829/https://www.nintendolife.com/features/the-next-splatfest-may-decide-splatoon-4s-future-so-we-make-a-case-for-every-team |archive-date=30 December 2025 |access-date=30 December 2025 |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Serin |first=Kaan |date=21 July 2024 |title=Recovering from the first game's shutdown, Splatoon 3 fans wonder how the latest and "biggest" Splatfest will shape an inevitable Splatoon 4 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/splatoon/recovering-from-the-first-games-shutdown-splatoon-3-fans-wonder-how-the-latest-and-biggest-splatfest-will-shape-an-inevitable-splatoon-4/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104140247/https://www.gamesradar.com/games/splatoon/recovering-from-the-first-games-shutdown-splatoon-3-fans-wonder-how-the-latest-and-biggest-splatfest-will-shape-an-inevitable-splatoon-4/ |archive-date=4 January 2026 |access-date=30 December 2025 |website=GamesRadar}}</ref>
==== Tricolor Turf War ==== A Splatfest-only variation of the traditional Turf War mode titled "Tricolor Turf War" was introduced in ''Splatoon 3''. Available solely during the halftime period of the aforementioned game's Splatfests,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hagues |first=Alana |date=27 October 2025 |title=Splatoon 3: Splatfest - Time, Date, When's The Next Splatfest? |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/splatoon-3-splatfest-time-date-whens-the-next-splatfest |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251015235242/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/splatoon-3-splatfest-time-date-whens-the-next-splatfest |archive-date=15 October 2025 |access-date=3 January 2026 |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref> Tricolor Turf War retains the prime objective of Turf War but instead features one team of four, named the "Defenders", who are directed to protect the rocket-like Ultra Signal in the middle of the map from two opposing teams of two, collectively known as the "Attackers". If a member of either Attacking team steals control of the Ultra Signal from the Defenders, a structure called the Sprinkler of Doom spawns on the respective Attacker's side of the map that continuously produces their colored ink for the remainder of the match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Ethan |date=31 August 2022 |title=How to play and win Splatoon 3 Tricolor Turf War |url=https://dotesports.com/splatoon/news/splatoon-3-tricolor-turf-war-guide-tricolor-turf-war-gamemode-explained-and-tips-to-win |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230140829/https://dotesports.com/splatoon/news/splatoon-3-tricolor-turf-war-guide-tricolor-turf-war-gamemode-explained-and-tips-to-win |archive-date=30 December 2025 |access-date=30 December 2025 |website=Dot Esports}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=7 September 2022 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-splatoon-3-switch/ |title=Review: Splatoon 3 |website=Destructoid |access-date=7 September 2022 |archive-date=20 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020132416/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-splatoon-3-switch/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Denzer |first=TJ |date=10 August 2022 |title=Splatoon 3's Splatfest will include 3-team Tricolor Turf Wars |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/131781/splatoon-3-splatfest-tricolor-turf-wars |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011230938/https://www.shacknews.com/article/131781/splatoon-3-splatfest-tricolor-turf-wars |archive-date=11 October 2022 |access-date=11 October 2022 |website=Shacknews |language=en}}</ref> If one of the two Attacking teams cover a majority of the map, the game awards a collective victory to them both.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Madsen |first=Hayes |date=20 September 2022 |title=Splatfest dates, teams, and rewards for the first Splatoon 3 turf war |url=https://www.inverse.com/gaming/splatoon-3-splatfest-dates-times-rewards-teams-september-2022-turf-war |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251209030218/https://www.inverse.com/gaming/splatoon-3-splatfest-dates-times-rewards-teams-september-2022-turf-war |archive-date=9 December 2025 |access-date=2 January 2026 |website=Inverse}}</ref>
Upon its debut, players could only compete in Tricolor Turf War matches by queueing the regular Turf War mode and being selected for Tricolor at random. Additionally, whichever team had the most clout by halftime would always be designated the Defenders, while the other two sides were always the Attackers. These rules were altered in advance for ''Splatoon 3''<nowiki/>'s "Spicy vs. Sweet vs. Sour" Splatfest, during which Tricolor Turf War became a separate offering available to all players during halftime, and any side could be selected for any role.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Norman |first=Jim |date=21 December 2022 |title=Tricolor Turf War Will Have Its Own Selectable Game Mode In Splatoon 3's Next Splatfest |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/12/tricolor-turf-war-will-have-its-own-selectable-game-mode-in-splatoon-3s-next-splatfest |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230140829/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/12/tricolor-turf-war-will-have-its-own-selectable-game-mode-in-splatoon-3s-next-splatfest |archive-date=30 December 2025 |access-date=30 December 2025 |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Swanson |first=Drew |date=1 December 2022 |title=Tricolor Splatfest Changes in Splatoon 3's Chill Season are a Huge Good Faith Gesture |url=https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-chill-season-splatfest-tricolor-turf-war-changes-game-balance/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525004530/https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-chill-season-splatfest-tricolor-turf-war-changes-game-balance/ |archive-date=25 May 2023 |access-date=2 January 2026 |website=Game Rant}}</ref>
=== Salmon Run === [[File:S2SalmonRunGameplay.png|thumb|Screenshot of an in-progress Salmon Run match in ''Splatoon 2'', featuring the "Wave" and "Quota" indicators in the top left]] "Salmon Run" is a co-op player versus environment gamemode introduced in ''Splatoon 2''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/24/16021902/splatoon-2-salmon-run-online-multiplayer |title=Splatoon 2's best mode has a frustrating quirk |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=24 July 2017 |website=Polygon |language=en |access-date=15 March 2020 |archive-date=25 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125041223/https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/24/16021902/splatoon-2-salmon-run-online-multiplayer |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/07/splatoon-2-review-greatness-hides-behind-a-familiar-coat-of-paint/|title=Splatoon 2 redeems the most clever online shooter series in years|last=Machkovech|first=Sam|date=18 July 2017|website=Ars Technica|language=en-us|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109032911/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/07/splatoon-2-review-greatness-hides-behind-a-familiar-coat-of-paint/|url-status=live}}</ref> Salmon Run tasks a team of four players with surviving hordes of hostile salmon enemies, named Salmonids, while collecting Golden Eggs and depositing them to meet a designated quota.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rochefort |first=Simone De |date=18 July 2017 |title=Watch Splatoon 2's Salmon Run in action |url=https://www.polygon.com/videos/2017/7/18/15990638/splatoon-2-salmon-run-gameplay-nintendo-switch-coop/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250503011100/https://www.polygon.com/videos/2017/7/18/15990638/splatoon-2-salmon-run-gameplay-nintendo-switch-coop/ |archive-date=3 May 2025 |access-date=20 January 2026 |website=Polygon |language=en}}</ref> Golden Eggs are obtained by splatting large Boss Salmonid enemies that periodically spawn.<ref name=":0" /> Ordinarily, there are three waves whose Golden Egg quotas must be met to complete a match, known as a "shift". If a player is splatted by a Salmonid, their teammates can revive them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petite |first=Steven |date=26 July 2017 |title=How to survive and flourish in 'Splatoon 2' Salmon Run |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/splatoon-2-salmon-run-guide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251204125003/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/splatoon-2-salmon-run-guide/ |archive-date=4 December 2025 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=Digital Trends}}</ref>
The incarnation of Salmon Run featured in ''Splatoon 3'', titled "Salmon Run Next Wave",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Ollie |date=2 September 2022 |title=Nintendo Reiterates That Splatoon 3's 'Salmon Run' Mode Will Be Available 24/7 |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/nintendo-reiterates-that-splatoon-3s-salmon-run-mode-will-be-available-247 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015003831/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/nintendo-reiterates-that-splatoon-3s-salmon-run-mode-will-be-available-247 |archive-date=15 October 2022 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref> introduces a new enemy class called King Salmonids, which appear solely during a rare fourth wave.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knezevic |first=Kevin |date=14 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 Salmon Run Guide: How to Beat Cohozuna |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/splatoon-3-salmon-run-guide-how-to-beat-cohozuna/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014032647/https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/splatoon-3-salmon-run-guide-how-to-beat-cohozuna/ |archive-date=14 October 2022 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref> Two other additions exclusive to ''Splatoon 3'' are the "Big Run" and "Eggstra Work" events, both of which occur every few months. During Big Runs, players fight against Salmonids on altered versions of usual multiplayer stages, while Eggstra Work features a predetermined shift that ends after five waves.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=10 August 2022 |title=Everything We Learned About Splatoon 3 From the Nintendo Direct |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/everything-we-learned-about-splatoon-3-from-the-nintendo-direct |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011191559/https://www.ign.com/articles/everything-we-learned-about-splatoon-3-from-the-nintendo-direct |archive-date=11 October 2022 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Galloway |first=Ryan |date=9 September 2022 |title=Is Salmon Run: Next Wave time-restricted in Splatoon 3? |url=https://dotesports.com/splatoon/news/is-salmon-run-next-wave-time-restricted-or-permanent-in-splatoon-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011191559/https://dotesports.com/splatoon/news/is-salmon-run-next-wave-time-restricted-or-permanent-in-splatoon-3 |archive-date=11 October 2022 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US}}</ref> Unlike in ''Splatoon 2,'' where Salmon Run could only be accessed at particular times of the day, Salmon Run Next Wave is always available to players.<ref name="Raptor">{{Cite web |last=Rockwood |first=Dan |date=13 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 Review |url=https://techraptor.net/gaming/reviews/splatoon-3-review-nintendo-online-multiplayer-at-its-best |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251122043819/https://techraptor.net/gaming/reviews/splatoon-3-review-nintendo-online-multiplayer-at-its-best |archive-date=22 November 2025 |access-date=2 January 2026 |website=TechRaptor}}</ref>
=== Single-player mode === Each mainline ''Splatoon'' installment features a dedicated story mode available only in single-player. These campaigns borrow core gameplay elements from their parent titles, and generally have the player traverse a variety of 3D platforming challenges and occasional boss fights, with levels strewn about an overworld.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koopman |first=Dann |date=12 May 2015 |title=Splatoon Hands-on Preview - Hands-on Preview |url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/40232/the-first-three-chapters-of-splatoons-single-player |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905120731/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/40232/the-first-three-chapters-of-splatoons-single-player |archive-date=5 September 2023 |access-date=20 January 2026 |website=Nintendo World Report}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Robinson |first=Martin |date=11 July 2017 |title=Splatoon 2's single-player is an enjoyable if familiar encore |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/splatoon-2-single-player-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250527175331/https://www.eurogamer.net/splatoon-2-single-player-review |archive-date=27 May 2025 |access-date=20 January 2026 |work=Eurogamer |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Graeber |first=Brendan |date=7 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 Review: Single-Player |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/splatoon-3-review-single-player |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251127142641/https://www.ign.com/articles/splatoon-3-review-single-player |archive-date=27 November 2025 |access-date=20 January 2026 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> Each campaign features hidden collectibles known as Sunken Scrolls, in-universe documents that provide narrative background on the ''Splatoon'' series' setting and characters. In ''Splatoon'' and ''Splatoon 2'', they are found mostly in the levels themselves,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thielenhaus |first=Kevin |date=3 June 2015 |title=Grab Every Inky Sunken Scroll in Splatoon |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/grab-every-inky-sunken-scroll-in-splatoon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214093725/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/grab-every-inky-sunken-scroll-in-splatoon/ |archive-date=14 December 2024 |access-date=20 January 2026 |website=The Escapist |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bowling |first=Steam |date=21 July 2017 |title=Where To Find All Of Splatoon 2's Sunken Sea Scrolls |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/where-to-find-all-of-splatoon-2s-sunken-sea-scrolls |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202071611/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/where-to-find-all-of-splatoon-2s-sunken-sea-scrolls |archive-date=2 December 2024 |access-date=20 January 2026 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref> while in ''Splatoon 3'' they are located solely in the overworld.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Norman |first=Jim |date=20 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3: All Sunken Scroll Locations |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/splatoon-3-all-sunken-scroll-locations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260111010820/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/splatoon-3-all-sunken-scroll-locations |archive-date=11 January 2026 |access-date=20 January 2026 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref> Additionally, ''Splatoon 2'' and ''3'' feature downloadable content (DLC) expansion packs that are wholly single-player experiences, with ''Splatoon 3''<nowiki/>'s expansion ''Side Order'' employing roguelike mechanics.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lada |first=Jenni |date=2 March 2024 |title=The Splatoon 3 Side Order DLC Is Better Than the Single-Player Campaign |url=https://www.siliconera.com/the-splatoon-3-side-order-dlc-is-better-than-the-single-player-campaign/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250624233354/https://www.siliconera.com/the-splatoon-3-side-order-dlc-is-better-than-the-single-player-campaign/ |archive-date=24 June 2025 |access-date=20 January 2026 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Setting== [[File:S3ReleaseDayPromotionalArt.png|thumb|Six Inklings (including one in swim form at bottom) and two Octolings (bottom left) wielding various types of in-game weapons, as seen in promotional artwork for ''Splatoon 3'']] The ''Splatoon'' games take place in an alternate, post-apocalyptic Earth set approximately 12,000 years into the future following the eradication of the human race and nearly all other mammal life, suggested to be due to rampant climate change.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Ian |date=18 February 2021 |title=Yep, Splatoon Is Set After A Climate Apocalypse |url=https://kotaku.com/yes-splatoon-is-set-after-a-climate-apocalypse-1846301239 |access-date=30 December 2025 |website=Kotaku |publisher=TelevisaUnivision |language=en |archive-date=15 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015003555/https://kotaku.com/yes-splatoon-is-set-after-a-climate-apocalypse-1846301239 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Ana |date=22 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 is a world governed by chaos — and that rules |url=https://www.polygon.com/23365591/splatoon-3-lore-alterna-splatfest-nintendo-switch |access-date=30 December 2025 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |language=en-US |archive-date=15 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015003550/https://www.polygon.com/23365591/splatoon-3-lore-alterna-splatfest-nintendo-switch |url-status=live }}</ref> Following this mass-extinction event, much of Earth's marine animals rapidly evolved to survive on land, becoming largely terrestrial creatures.<ref name="McCarter2022">{{Cite magazine |last=McCarter |first=Reid |date=21 September 2022 |title='Splatoon 3' Takes Shooting Games a Little Less Seriously |language=en-US |magazine=Wired |url=https://www.wired.com/story/splatoon-3-review/ |access-date=30 December 2025 |issn=1059-1028 |archive-date=14 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014204159/https://www.wired.com/story/splatoon-3-review/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref> This includes the humanoid Inklings and Octolings, evolved squids and octopuses respectively, which in the present day populate the regions of Inkadia and the Splatlands.<ref name="ArtBook">{{Cite book |title=The Art of Splatoon 3 |date=31 March 2023 |publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage |isbn=978-1-50671-374-8 |location=Tokyo |pages=300–301 }}</ref>
Approximately one century before the events of the first ''Splatoon'', during the "Mollusc Era", a worldwide flooding event strikes civilization in Inkadia.<ref name="ArtBook" /> The dominant species of Inklings and Octarians, the overarching group of evolved octopuses of which Octolings are a part, become embroiled in a year-long conflict known as the "Great Turf War". Concluding with an overall Inkling victory, the Octarians are pushed into the underground domes once occupied by humans, while the Inklings reclaim the land on the surface, founding the city of Inkopolis. Meanwhile, DJ Octavio, commander of the Octarian forces, vows revenge against the Inkling race. He twice plots and temporarily succeeds to steal Inkopolis' primary power source, the Great Zapfish; this plotline is the general focus of the first two games' single-player campaigns. While his attempts are consistently foiled, later entries see former Octoling soldiers assimilate into Inkling society.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Gorman |first=Eric |date=20 October 2021 |title=Things You Didn't Know About Splatoon |url=https://www.thegamer.com/splatoon-series-lore-history-facts-trivia-world-setting/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925173607/https://www.thegamer.com/splatoon-series-lore-history-facts-trivia-world-setting/ |archive-date=25 September 2023 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=The Gamer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lennox |first=Jesse |date=7 September 2022 |title=Splatoon's story explained: All the lore you need to know before Splatoon 3 |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/splatoon-story-explainer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250917171703/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/splatoon-story-explainer/ |archive-date=17 September 2025 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=Digital Trends}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Beach |first=Adam |date=29 April 2021 |title=Splatoon 2: 10 Weird Lore Secrets Most Players Don't Know About |url=https://screenrant.com/splatoon-2-weird-lore-secrets/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118063043/https://screenrant.com/splatoon-2-weird-lore-secrets/ |archive-date=18 January 2025 |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=Screen Rant}}</ref>
=== Fictional language === The Inklings employ a written and spoken fictional language made specially for the games. Several alphabets belonging to this language can be found scattered throughout several in-game locations and clothing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Thomas |date=13 June 2015 |title=Eager Splatoon Players Aim to Make Sense of the Inkling Language |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/06/eager_splatoon_players_aim_to_make_sense_of_the_inkling_language |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210203055/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/06/eager_splatoon_players_aim_to_make_sense_of_the_inkling_language |archive-date=10 December 2024 |access-date=3 January 2026 |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref> While some textual elements resemble real-world languages, the dialect itself is linguistically inconsistent, and its glyphs are treated more often as diegetic design elements, unintended to be fully deciphered.<ref name="LanguageInterview">{{cite web |date=6 August 2015|title=「Splatoon(スプラトゥーン)」のイカしたデザインのひみつ(後編) |trans-title=The Secret Behind Splatoon's Cool Design (Part 2) |url=https://news.mynavi.jp/techplus/article/20150806-Splatoon02/3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250709234851/https://news.mynavi.jp/techplus/article/20150806-Splatoon02/3 |archive-date=9 July 2025 |access-date=3 January 2026 |work=TechPlus|language=ja}}</ref> The Octolings also speak in a distinct language separate from the Inklings'.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 August 2015|title=イイダのパートはイカと異なる言語、サーモンランはシャケを鼓舞する変拍子。『スプラトゥーン2』サウンドに迫る、サントラインタビュー |trans-title=Iida's part speaks a different language from the squid, and Salmon Run uses an odd time signature to inspire the salmon. A soundtrack interview delving into the sound of "Splatoon 2" |url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201711/17145896.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211092407/https://www.famitsu.com/news/201711/17145896.html |archive-date=11 December 2025 |access-date=3 January 2026 |work=Famitsu|language=ja}}</ref> Virtually all of ''Splatoon'''s in-game vocal music is sung in this fictional language; according to series producer Hisashi Nogami, this was done to increase the songs' worldwide appeal and to emphasize their rhythm and uniqueness.<ref name="LanguageInterview" />
=== Music === The music of ''Splatoon'' is primarily composed by Toru Minegishi, Shiho Fujii, and Ryo Nagamatsu.{{efn|Nagamatsu left Nintendo in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hagues |first=Alana|date=1 May 2023 |title=SSplatoon And Link's Awakening Remake Composer Leaves Nintendo After 17 Years |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/05/splatoon-and-links-awakening-remake-composer-leaves-nintendo-after-17-years |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251205080043/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/05/splatoon-and-links-awakening-remake-composer-leaves-nintendo-after-17-years |archive-date=5 December 2025 |access-date=20 January 2026 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en}}</ref>}}<ref name="Johnson2022">{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Ben |date=12 September 2022 |title=We need to talk about the Splatoon 3 soundtrack |url=https://www.pockettactics.com/splatoon-3/soundtrack |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510121129/https://www.pockettactics.com/splatoon-3/soundtrack |archive-date=10 May 2023 |access-date=1 May 2023 |website=Pocket Tactics |language=en-US}}</ref> ''Splatoon''<nowiki/>'s songs are, like the Inkling language, largely diegetic. The game's idol groups, the Squid Sisters, Off The Hook, and Deep Cut, are fictional popstars which create and perform some of the songs as heard within the games. Other music heard in the game's singleplayer and multiplayer modes and certain idle areas are composed by separate in-universe musicians. In an 'Ask the Developers' feature from Nintendo, series creator Hisashi Nogami, Minegishi, and graphic artist Seita Inoue explained the decision to establish the music of ''Splatoon'' as being created by in-universe artists as a way to add to the depth of the game's world and depict the passage of time between each game. In the interview, Inoue described that "...the music can account for not only bands existing in this world, but also things like their history, the relationship between their members and how their approaches to life changed over time, it would add depth to the Inkling world."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ask the Developer Vol. 7, Splatoon 3–Part 1 - News - Nintendo Official Site |url=https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/ask-the-developer-vol-7-splatoon-3-part-1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817172437/https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/ask-the-developer-vol-7-splatoon-3-part-1/ |archive-date=17 August 2024 |access-date=7 February 2024 |website=Nintendo |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Games == {{Video game timeline | subtitle = Main entries in '''bold''' | 2015 = '''''Splatoon''''' | 2017 = '''''Splatoon 2''''' | 2018 = ''Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion'' | 2022 = '''''Splatoon 3''''' | 2024 = ''Splatoon 3: Side Order'' | 2026 = ''Splatoon Raiders'' |range1_color=#212121 #bdbdbd|range1=2015 -}}
=== Main installments ===
==== ''Splatoon'' (2015) ==== {{main|Splatoon (video game)}}
''Splatoon'' is a 2015 third-person shooter video game developed and released for the Wii U.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Otero |first=Jose |date=2 April 2015 |title=Here's All the News From April's Nintendo Direct |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/04/02/heres-all-the-news-from-aprils-nintendo-direct |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402063920/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/04/02/heres-all-the-news-from-aprils-nintendo-direct |archive-date=2 April 2015 |access-date=14 March 2020 |website=IGN}}</ref> The title was revealed at Nintendo's E3 2014 digital presentation, with a playable demo available at the in-person showroom.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sleeper |first=Morgan |date=12 June 2014 |title=First Impressions: Taking Aim With Nintendo's New Online Shooter IP, Splatoon |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/06/first_impressions_taking_aim_with_nintendos_new_online_shooter_ip_splatoon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821153647/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/06/first_impressions_taking_aim_with_nintendos_new_online_shooter_ip_splatoon |archive-date=21 August 2014 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref> It introduces the Inklings and handful of weapon classes and gamemodes, including Turf War and Ranked Battles. ''Splatoon'' features a single-player story campaign titled "Octo Valley" that has players combat Octarian forces and uncover the underlying narrative of ''Splatoon''<nowiki/>'s world.<ref name="ign preview march 2015">{{cite web |last=Otero |first=José |date=23 March 2015 |title=Splatoon: Making Messy Mischief in Nintendo's New Shooter |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/03/23/splatoon-making-messy-mischief-in-nintendos-new-shooter |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324031250/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/03/23/splatoon-making-messy-mischief-in-nintendos-new-shooter |archive-date=24 March 2015 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=IGN }}</ref><ref name="nintendo life preview march 2015">{{cite web |last1=Olney |first1=Alex |last2=DelVillano |first2=Ron |date=23 March 2015 |title=Preview: We Take Aim at Splatoon to See if It Offers the Best of Both Worlds |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/03/preview_we_take_aim_at_splatoon_to_see_if_it_offers_the_best_of_both_worlds |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324031437/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/03/preview_we_take_aim_at_splatoon_to_see_if_it_offers_the_best_of_both_worlds |archive-date=24 March 2015 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref>
Octo Valley follows Agent 3, the newest member of the New Squidbeak Splatoon headed by Cap'n Cuttlefish, the now-elderly general of the Inkling military at the time of the Great Turf War. Upon learning of the surreptitious disappearance of Inkopolis' Great Zapfish, he deduces that the Octarians, more specifically his wartime arch-rival DJ Octavio, is behind the plot as revenge against the Inklings. He tasks Agent 3 with invading Octarian territory, aided occasionally by past recruits Agents 1 and 2, with the intent of reaching Octavio.
==== ''Splatoon 2'' (2017) ==== {{main|Splatoon 2}}
''Splatoon 2'' is a 2017 third-person shooter game developed for the Nintendo Switch and released on 21 July.<ref name="theverge">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/12/15272016/splatoon-2-nintendo-switch-release-date |title=Splatoon 2 is coming to Nintendo Switch on July 21st |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=12 April 2017 |website=The Verge |language=en |access-date=14 March 2020 |archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111192121/http://www.theverge.com/2017/4/12/15272016/splatoon-2-nintendo-switch-release-date |url-status=live}}</ref> It was formally unveiled in the reveal trailer for the Switch on 13 January 2017.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Kohler |first1=Chris |date=October 20, 2016 |title=Everything We Know About Nintendo Switch |url=https://www.wired.com/2016/10/nintendo-switch-everything-we-know/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122134035/https://www.wired.com/2016/10/nintendo-switch-everything-we-know/ |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 1, 2026 |magazine=Wired }}</ref> Adding new maps and weapons, ''Splatoon 2'' includes a direct successor to ''Splatoon''<nowiki/>'s single-player campaign, now titled "Octo Canyon".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Olney |first=Alex |date=11 July 2017 |title=Preview: Going Solo in Splatoon 2's Single Player Hero Mode |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/07/preview_going_solo_in_splatoon_2s_single_player_hero_mode |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250426115411/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/07/preview_going_solo_in_splatoon_2s_single_player_hero_mode |archive-date=26 April 2025 |access-date=2 January 2026 |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref>
Octo Canyon opens with Marie of the Squid Sisters idol group informing the player that Cuttlefish, Agent 3, and the Great Zapfish have gone missing; she is especially concerned about the contemporaneous disappearance of her cousin and co-star Callie. She presumes that Octavio is behind the Zapfish's and Callie's vanishing, as he has since escaped his imprisonment in a larger-than-life snow globe following his defeat in ''Splatoon''. In lieu of Cuttlefish, Marie recruits the player as Agent 4 and once again has them intercept Octarian forces with the goal of finding Octavio, Callie, and the Zapfish.
==== ''Splatoon 3'' (2022) ==== {{main|Splatoon 3}}
''Splatoon 3'' is a 2022 third-person shooter video game released for the Nintendo Switch on 9 September. Its teaser trailer was unveiled at the end of a Nintendo Direct presentation on 17 February 2021, featuring a new apocalyptic setting, weapons, and stages.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grubb |first=Jeff |date=17 February 2021 |title=Splatoon 3 is real, and we deserve it because we've been good |url=https://venturebeat.com/2021/02/17/splatoon-3-is-real-and-we-deserve-it-because-weve-been-good |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930144903/https://venturebeat.com/2021/02/17/splatoon-3-is-real-and-we-deserve-it-because-weve-been-good/ |archive-date=30 September 2021 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=VentureBeat |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=McFerren |first=Damien |date=18 February 2021 |title=Nintendo Reveals Splatoon 3, Coming To Switch In 2021 |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/02/nintendo_reveals_splatoon_3_coming_to_switch_in_2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930144904/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/02/nintendo_reveals_splatoon_3_coming_to_switch_in_2022 |archive-date=30 September 2021 |access-date=1 January 2026 |work=Nintendo Life}}</ref> ''Splatoon 3'' features an expanded single-player mode titled "Return of the Mammalians", which was first shown off in a dedicated trailer released in September of that year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Ana |date=23 September 2021 |title=Splatoon 3 teases the return of mammals in its squid-fueled adventure |url=https://www.polygon.com/22526099/splatoon-3-switch-gameplay-nintendo-direct |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928032434/https://www.polygon.com/22526099/splatoon-3-switch-gameplay-nintendo-direct |archive-date=28 September 2021 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref>
Return of the Mammalians initially follows a now-retired Cuttlefish who recruits the player character as the new Agent 3, the latter of whom is accompanied by a miniature Salmonid named Smallfry. The party seeks to investigate the thrice stealing of the Great Zapfish, which Cuttlefish assumes Octavio is once again behind. They reach Octavio in a crater neighboring the city of Splatsville and defeat him; however, he denies responsibility for taking the Zapfish. The four are then pulled beneath the crater by a mass of Fuzzy Ooze.
Agent 3 and Smallfry awaken in a new area named Alterna, a massive domed settlement dating to the human era. There they meet Callie, Marie, and the original Agent 3, who has since been promoted to Captain of the New Squidbeak Splatoon. Heeding a distress call from Cuttlefish, the group explore Alterna with the goal of retrieving him. They are continuously intercepted by Shiver, Frye, and Big Man, bandits-turned-idols of the Splatsville-based group Deep Cut.
=== Expansion packs ===
==== ''Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion'' (2018) ==== {{main|Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion}}
''Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion'' is a 2018 downloadable content (DLC) expansion pack for ''Splatoon 2''.<ref>{{cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=June 12, 2018 |title=Splatoon 2's Octo Expansion DLC gets a surprise release tomorrow |url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2018/6/12/17455954/splatoon-2-octo-expansion-release-date-dlc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109020236/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2018/6/12/17455954/splatoon-2-octo-expansion-release-date-dlc |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |access-date=January 1, 2026 |work=Polygon}}</ref>
Following an amnesiac Octoling given the moniker Agent 8, ''Octo Expansion'' has players complete a maximum of eighty testing trials scattered throughout a subterranean subway station managed by a corporation named Kamabo Co. Agent 8's ultimate goal is to ascend to the surface by collecting four objects known as "thangs" at the direction of a talking telephone.
==== ''Splatoon 3: Side Order'' (2024) ==== {{main|Splatoon 3: Side Order}}
''Splatoon 3: Side Order'' is a 2024 DLC single-player expansion to ''Splatoon 3'', released as part of the paid ''Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass'' on 22 February.<ref>{{cite web |date=24 January 2024 |title=Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass - Side Order DLC Release Date Reveal |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veclhHrUpqc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210215055/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veclhHrUpqc |archive-date=10 February 2024 |access-date=9 February 2024 |website=YouTube |publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref> ''Side Order'' utilizes a roguelike style designed to be replayable,<ref name="NLife">{{Cite web |last=Olney |first=Alex |date=23 February 2024 |title=Review: Splatoon 3: Side Order - An Addictive Roguelite Just Shy Of Excellence |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/splatoon-3-side-order |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225071617/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/splatoon-3-side-order |archive-date=25 February 2024 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref> having players unlock gameplay-enhancing perks known as "color chips", attached to loadouts called "palettes", as they ascend a thirty-floor spire.<ref name="IGNreview">{{Cite web |last=Plant |first=Logan |date=27 February 2024 |title=Splatoon 3: Side Order DLC Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/splatoon-3-side-order-dlc-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430180705/https://www.ign.com/articles/splatoon-3-side-order-dlc-review |archive-date=30 April 2024 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>
''Side Order'' follows several characters previously featured in ''Octo Expansion'', including Pearl, Marina, and Agent 8, the lattermost of whom the player once again assumes control. It is set in the featureless "Memverse", a virtual reality concocted by Marina. Agent 8 is tasked with traveling up the thirty-floor tower to defeat Order, a rogue artificial intelligence who pulled numerous unwilling souls from the outside into the Memverse as part of its plot to instigate a sterile world of pure orderliness.
=== Spin-off ===
==== ''Splatoon Raiders'' (2026) ==== {{main|Splatoon Raiders}}
''Splatoon Raiders'' was unveiled by Nintendo on 10 June 2025 as an exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2, with the game set to release on 23 July 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=10 June 2025 |title=Nintendo Just Announced Splatoon Raiders as a Switch 2 Exclusive, With a Major Update Coming to Splatoon 3 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-just-announced-splatoon-raiders-for-switch-2-with-a-trailer-exclusive-to-the-nintendo-today-app |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251213075011/https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-just-announced-splatoon-raiders-for-switch-2-with-a-trailer-exclusive-to-the-nintendo-today-app |archive-date=13 December 2025 |access-date=10 June 2025 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2026-04-21 |title=Splatoon Raiders gets official update on Switch 2 release date |url=https://www.polygon.com/splatoon-raiders-switch-2-release-date-trailer/ |access-date=2026-04-21 |website=Polygon |language=en}}</ref> The first spin-off game in the series, ''Raiders'' is set to follow Deep Cut and an unnamed mechanic as they explore the Spirhalite Islands region.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=10 June 2025 |title=Nintendo announces surprise new Splatoon game for Switch 2 |url=https://www.polygon.com/news/605892/splatoon-raiders-announced-nintendo-today/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260110133341/https://www.polygon.com/news/605892/splatoon-raiders-announced-nintendo-today/ |archive-date=10 January 2026 |access-date=30 December 2025 |website=Polygon}}</ref>
==Development== [[File:Hisashi Nogami 2018.png|thumb|Series producer Hisashi Nogami in 2018]] ''Splatoon'' was developed for the Wii U by Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development (EAD) with later assistance from Monolith Soft, who would contribute to all future installments. Its earliest conceptual stage, formulated in 2013, originally consisted of a four-versus-four ink-based territory control game set in a featureless arena.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 July 2014 |title=Nintendo's Big New Multiplayer Shooter Is Very...Nintendo |url=http://kotaku.com/nintendos-big-new-multiplayer-shooter-is-very-nintend-1599846116 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717214508/http://kotaku.com/nintendos-big-new-multiplayer-shooter-is-very-nintend-1599846116 |archive-date=17 July 2014 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Kotaku}}</ref> This version of the game was headed by Shintaro Sato and Hisashi Nogami, both of whom previously worked on Nintendo's ''Animal Crossing'' series. The prototype was expanded to include map verticality and the mechanic of hiding in ink, but the team had difficulty trying to "filter it down" to being simple and fun, finding the experience unfocused. At this point, Shigeru Miyamoto felt the game lacked appeal.<ref name="gamesradar development problems">{{cite web |last=Blain |first=Louise |date=9 April 2015 |title=Miyamoto thought there was "no appeal" to Splatoon at first |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/miyamoto-didnt-splatoon-originally-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411012330/http://www.gamesradar.com/miyamoto-didnt-splatoon-originally-2/ |archive-date=11 April 2015 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=GamesRadar+ }}</ref> The game's art director created preliminary concept sketches of various player characters, including "macho men", robots, and Mario,<ref name="gameinformer e3 interview">{{cite magazine |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=22 June 2014 |title=Splatoon Interview – It Couldn't Be Mario, It Had To Be Squids |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2014/06/22/splatoon-interview-it-couldn-39-t-be-mario-it-had-to-be-squids.aspx?PostPageIndex=2 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722214130/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2014/06/22/splatoon-interview-it-couldn-39-t-be-mario-it-had-to-be-squids.aspx?PostPageIndex=2 |archive-date=22 July 2014 |access-date=1 January 2026 |magazine=Game Informer }}</ref> the latter of which was included at Miyamoto's suggestion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peckham |first=Matt |date=18 March 2015 |title=7 Fascinating Insights from Nintendo's Gaming Genius Shigeru Miyamoto |url=https://time.com/3747708/nintendo-shigeru-miyamoto/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250524233242/https://time.com/3747708/nintendo-shigeru-miyamoto/ |archive-date=24 May 2025 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Time}}</ref> Eventually, the team centered on anthropomorphic rabbits with the ability to burrow through virtually any solid surface so long as it was covered in ink. This was considered due to the game's area control-centric gameplay and the fact that rabbits are naturally territorial animals. While the team liked the idea, it was objected to by others around the company, who felt that there was a clash between the characters' appearances and the ink-based gameplay.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Lucas |date=21 March 2018 |title=Splatoon could have starred rabbits, not squids, but Nintendo devs had questions |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-could-have-starred-rabbits-not-squids-but-nintendo-devs-had-questions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225121601/https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-could-have-starred-rabbits-not-squids-but-nintendo-devs-had-questions/ |archive-date=25 December 2022 |access-date=22 March 2019 |work=GamesRadar+}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Vogel |first=Mitch |date=9 April 2015 |title=A Splash of New Details Emerge on Splatoon's Development and Inspiration |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/a_splash_of_new_details_emerge_on_splatoons_development_and_inspiration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323020740/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/a_splash_of_new_details_emerge_on_splatoons_development_and_inspiration |archive-date=23 March 2023 |access-date=22 March 2019 |work=Nintendo Life}}</ref> After internal creative struggle, the designers settled on squid-like characters that could submerge in ink as a cephalopod,<ref name="eg">{{cite web |last=Robinson |first=Martin |date=20 June 2014 |title=How Nintendo is reinventing the shooter with Splatoon |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-20-how-nintendo-is-reinventing-the-shooter-with-splatoon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201135705/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-20-how-nintendo-is-reinventing-the-shooter-with-splatoon |archive-date=1 December 2022 |access-date=22 March 2019 |work=Eurogamer}}</ref> but also utilize a humanoid form for the purpose of holding weaponry.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 April 2015 |title=A Splash of New Details Emerge on Splatoon's Development and Inspiration |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/a_splash_of_new_details_emerge_on_splatoons_development_and_inspiration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323020740/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/a_splash_of_new_details_emerge_on_splatoons_development_and_inspiration |archive-date=23 March 2023 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref> They were initially conceptualized as squid-human hybrids; this design was rejected out of worry such characters "wouldn't sell." They instead decided to have the squid characters, named Inklings, simply switch between a purely humanoid form and a purely cepholopodic form. This concept lent itself to more complex gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to swim through the player's own ink and sustain damage if treading through their opponent's, both of which Miyamoto approved of.<ref name="development problems">{{cite web |last=Vogel |first=Mitch |date=9 April 2015 |title=A Splash of New Details Emerge on Splatoon's Development and Inspiration |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/a_splash_of_new_details_emerge_on_splatoons_development_and_inspiration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411171618/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/a_splash_of_new_details_emerge_on_splatoons_development_and_inspiration |archive-date=11 April 2015 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref> The Wii U GamePad was utilized as a means for players to track their team's progress via a real-time overhead view of the current battle.<ref name="IGN e3 interview">{{cite web |last=Otero |first=José |date=23 June 2014 |title=Splatoon: The Origins of Nintendo's Adorable Squad Based Shooter |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/24/splatoon-the-origins-of-nintendoas-adorable-squad-based-shooter |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704032209/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/24/splatoon-the-origins-of-nintendoas-adorable-squad-based-shooter |archive-date=4 July 2014 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=IGN}}</ref>
In 2014, ''Splatoon'' was revealed during a Nintendo Direct video presentation at E3 2014, and a playable demo version featuring four-versus-four local Turf War matches was made available on the show floor. By this point, only 10% of the full game had been completed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 May 2015 |title=Iwata Asks: Splatoon: This Depth Has No End |url=https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wiiu/splatoon/0/4 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208134559/https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wiiu/splatoon/0/4 |archive-date=8 February 2017 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Nintendo}}</ref> Subsequently, a time-limited multiplayer demo, the "Global Testfire", was made available for download from 8 to 9 May 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Splatoon Global Testfire Succeeds Even With Restrictions - Editorial|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/editorial/40224/splatoon-global-testfire-succeeds-even-with-restrictions|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=29 January 2026|date=9 May 2015|last=Martorelli and|first=Drew|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251128113223/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/editorial/40224/splatoon-global-testfire-succeeds-even-with-restrictions|archive-date=28 November 2025|url-status=live|last2=Ronaghan|first2=Neal}}</ref> The full game was released globally between 28 and 30 May 2015.
Work on a sequel, titled ''Splatoon 2,'' began around October 2015.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Robinson |first=Martin |date=22 February 2012 |title=Nintendo on giving Splatoon 2 another fresh lick of paint |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/nintendo-on-giving-splatoon-2-another-fresh-lick-of-paint |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250530220505/https://www.eurogamer.net/nintendo-on-giving-splatoon-2-another-fresh-lick-of-paint |archive-date=30 May 2025 |access-date=2 February 2026 |work=Eurogamer |language=en}}</ref> It was developed by Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development, following the 2015 merger of Nintendo EAD and Nintendo Software Planning & Development (SPD).<ref name="EAD SPD merge">{{cite magazine |last1=Kohler |first1=Chris |date=14 September 2015 |title=Nintendo Consolidates Its Game Development Teams |url=https://www.wired.com/2015/09/nintendo-ead-spd-merge/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251116190052/https://www.wired.com/2015/09/nintendo-ead-spd-merge/ |archive-date=16 November 2025 |access-date=31 January 2026 |magazine=Wired}}</ref> It was announced for the Nintendo Switch in January 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dornbush |first=Jonathon |date=2017-01-13 |title=Splatoon 2 Announced for Nintendo Switch |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/13/splatoon-2-announced-for-nintendo-switch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251217073119/https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/13/splatoon-2-announced-for-nintendo-switch |archive-date=17 December 2025 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> Its formal unveiling came following its soft-reveal in numerous clips in the console's initial announcement trailer,<ref>{{cite web |author1=Sato |date=October 20, 2016 |title=A Closer Look At Splatoon, Mario Kart, And A New Mario Game For Nintendo Switch |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/10/20/closer-look-splatoon-mario-kart-new-mario-game-nintendo-switch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122134506/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/10/20/closer-look-splatoon-mario-kart-new-mario-game-nintendo-switch/ |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 1, 2026 |website=Siliconera }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Dornbush |first1=Jonathon |date=October 20, 2016 |title=What's New in Splatoon and Mario Kart for Nintendo Switch |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/10/20/whats-new-in-splatoon-and-mario-kart-for-nintendo-switch |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122134630/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/10/20/whats-new-in-splatoon-and-mario-kart-for-nintendo-switch |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 1, 2026 |website=IGN }}</ref> where it was promoted akin to an esport.<ref name="kotaku-oct2016">{{cite web |last=D'Anastasio |first=Cecilia |author-link=Cecilia D'Anastasio |date=October 20, 2016 |title=Nintendo Shows Off New Splatoon Footage, Unclear If It's A New Game |url=https://kotaku.com/nintendo-shows-off-new-splatoon-footage-unclear-if-its-1788043790 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122134300/http://kotaku.com/nintendo-shows-off-new-splatoon-footage-unclear-if-its-1788043790 |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 1, 2026 |website=Kotaku }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Beck |first1=Kellen |date=October 20, 2016 |title=Nintendo may be hinting at a big gaming shift with its new console Switch |url=https://mashable.com/2016/10/20/nintendo-switch-esports/#LNCgn_iOpOqs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122135341/http://mashable.com/2016/10/20/nintendo-switch-esports/ |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=January 1, 2026 |website=Mashable}}</ref> The full game was subsequently released on 21 July 2017. ''Splatoon 2'' features a redesigned user interface due to the lack of the Wii U GamePad's touch screen, and includes new maps, weapons and abilities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/18/15986256/splatoon-2-nintendo-switch-review|title=Nintendo's excellent shooter Splatoon is even better on the Switch|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=18 July 2017|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109014840/https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/18/15986256/splatoon-2-nintendo-switch-review|url-status=live}}</ref> ''SplatNet 2'', a service contained within the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app was released which allows players to view their in-game statistics, earn digital wallpapers by completing challenges, and communicate with other players through voice chat.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=18 July 2017 |title=Free Nintendo Switch Online App Out Now, Here's What It Does |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/free-nintendo-switch-online-app-out-now-heres-what/1100-6451803/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810162059/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/free-nintendo-switch-online-app-out-now-heres-what/1100-6451803/ |archive-date=10 August 2020 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref> The ''Octo Expansion'' DLC was made available globally on 13 June 2018. On 22 April 2022, ''Octo Expansion'' was added as a benefit to members of the Switch Online Expansion Pass.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion DLC added as Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack benefit! |url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/2022/splatoon-2-octo-expansion-dlc-added-as-nintendo-switch-online-expansion-pack-benefit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429124455/https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/2022/splatoon-2-octo-expansion-dlc-added-as-nintendo-switch-online-expansion-pack-benefit/ |archive-date=29 April 2022 |access-date=29 April 2022 |website=Nintendo |language=en-us}}</ref>
''Splatoon 3'' was announced in a Nintendo Direct on 17 February 2021. It was released on 9 September 2022, being developed by Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development.<ref name="gamesradar">{{Cite web|author1=Jordan Gerblick|date=9 February 2022|title=Splatoon 3 is launching summer 2022|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-3-is-launching-summer-2022/|access-date=9 February 2022|website=GamesRadar+|language=en|archive-date=9 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209224411/https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-3-is-launching-summer-2022/|url-status=live}}</ref> The game features an apocalyptic setting based on the winner of ''Splatoon 2''<nowiki/>'s "Chaos vs. Order" Splatfest; the developers had, in advance, planned for either outcome before the results were announced.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fields |first=Sarah |date=8 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 Dev Reveals How Splatoon 2's Chaos vs Order Splatfest Impacted Creative Direction of the Sequel |url=https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-splatoon-2-final-splatfest-creative-direction/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017094047/https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-splatoon-2-final-splatfest-creative-direction/ |archive-date=17 October 2022 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fields |first=Sarah |date=8 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 Dev Reveals How Splatoon 2's Chaos vs Order Splatfest Impacted Creative Direction of the Sequel |url=https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-splatoon-2-final-splatfest-creative-direction/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017094047/https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-splatoon-2-final-splatfest-creative-direction/ |archive-date=17 October 2022 |access-date=12 October 2022 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US}}</ref> The sequel adds new maps, weapons, abilities, and movement options, along with a new mode based on card games, known as "Tableturf Battle".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Graeber |first=Brendan |date=7 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 Multiplayer Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/splatoon-3-multiplayer-review |access-date=9 October 2022 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009175055/https://www.ign.com/articles/splatoon-3-multiplayer-review |url-status=live }}</ref> An early-access demo titled "''Splatoon 3'': Splatfest World Premiere" was held on 27 August 2022.<ref name="SplatfestRPS">{{Cite web |last=Hagues |first=Alana |date=10 August 2022 |title=Splatoon 3's First Splatfest Will Be Playable Later This Month In Free Demo |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/08/splatoon-3s-first-splatfest-will-be-playable-later-this-month-in-free-demo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822234837/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/08/splatoon-3s-first-splatfest-will-be-playable-later-this-month-in-free-demo |archive-date=22 August 2022 |access-date=26 July 2023 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref> In addition, the Nintendo Switch Online app includes ''SplatNet 3,'' with in-game statistics, voice chat, and other features. In the 14 September 2023 Nintendo Direct, the paid DLC ''Splatoon 3: Side Order'' was announced, featuring a new single-player campaign, which was released on 22 February 2024.
An official soundtrack, ''Splatune'', was released by Enterbrain in Japan on 21 October 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=株式会社インプレス |date=22 October 2015 |title=「Splatoon」のサントラ「Splatune」レビュー 「シオカラ節」の歌詞、イカ世界的ライナーノーツが要チェック！ |url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/726923.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919054745/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/726923.html |archive-date=19 September 2020 |access-date=16 March 2020 |website=GAME Watch |language=ja}}</ref> The soundtrack to the sequel, ''Splatune 2'', and another for the Octo Expansion, ''Octotune'', released on 29 November 2017 and 18 July 2018 respectively.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wong |first=Alistair |date=November 26, 2017 |title=Nintendo Releases ''Splatoon 2'' Recording Session Video For ''Splatune 2'' Release |url=https://www.siliconera.com/nintendo-releases-splatoon-2-recording-session-video-splatune-2-release/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251016010333/https://www.siliconera.com/nintendo-releases-splatoon-2-recording-session-video-splatune-2-release/ |archive-date=16 October 2025 |access-date=November 3, 2025 |website=Siliconera}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Lada |first=Jenni |date=April 19, 2018 |title=''Splatoon 2''{{'}}s ''Octotune'' Soundtrack Announced |url=https://www.siliconera.com/splatoon-2s-octune-soundtrack-announced/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251201044928/https://www.siliconera.com/splatoon-2s-octune-soundtrack-announced/ |archive-date=1 December 2025 |access-date=November 3, 2025 |website=Siliconera}}</ref> The soundtrack for the third installment, ''Splatune 3'', and another for ''Side Order'', ''Ordertune'', were released on 26 April 2023 and 11 December 2024 respectively.<ref>{{cite web |date=15 February 2023 |title=『スプラトゥーン3』のアートブック＆サウンドトラックCDが発売決定。本日より予約開始。 |trans-title="Splatoon 3" art book and soundtrack will be released; reservation begins today |url=https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/article/651c67be-a50c-45c6-a4e6-d90b3d894797 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817171956/https://www.nintendo.com/jp/topics/article/651c67be-a50c-45c6-a4e6-d90b3d894797 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |access-date=25 May 2023 |work=Nintendo |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=10 September 2024 |title=『スプラトゥーン3』のバンカラウォーカー＆サウンドトラックCD第二弾が発売決定。本日より予約開始。 |trans-title=The second edition of the Splatoon 3 soundtrack CD, and the BancalaWalker book will be released; reservation begins today |url=https://www.nintendo.com/jp/topics/article/1ba430b3-d428-45f6-ba7b-43847e57fd63 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910032431/https://www.nintendo.com/jp/topics/article/1ba430b3-d428-45f6-ba7b-43847e57fd63 |archive-date=10 September 2024 |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=Nintendo |language=ja}}</ref>
{{Clear}}
==Reception== {{Video game series reviews | updated = 31 December 2024 | sales_title = Units sold<br />{{small|(in millions)}} | game1 = Splatoon | year1 = 2015 | sales1 = 4.95<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wiiu.html|title=IR Information : Financial Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units - Wii U Software|website=Nintendo Co., Ltd.|language=en|access-date=7 May 2020|archive-date=31 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031103300/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wiiu.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | mc1 = 81<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/splatoon/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u|title=Splatoon|website=Metacritic|language=en|access-date=14 March 2020|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817162956/https://www.metacritic.com/game/splatoon/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u|url-status=live}}</ref> | game2 = Splatoon 2 | year2 = 2017 | sales2 = 13.60<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|title=IR Information : Sales Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units|website=Nintendo Co., Ltd.|language=en|access-date=31 March 2022|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525004107/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | mc2 = 83<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/splatoon-2/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=Splatoon 2|website=Metacritic|language=en|access-date=14 March 2020|archive-date=21 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621044102/http://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/splatoon-2|url-status=live}}</ref> | game3 = Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion | year3 = 2018 | sales3 = — | mc3 = 82<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/splatoon-2-octo-expansion/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion|website=Metacritic|language=en|access-date=14 March 2020|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817162950/https://www.metacritic.com/game/splatoon-2-octo-expansion/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|url-status=live}}</ref> | game4 = Splatoon 3 | year4 = 2022 | sales4 = 11.96<ref name="S3Sales2024">{{cite web|title=Financial Results Explanatory Material Fiscal Year Ended March 2023|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2023/230509_3e.pdf#page=19|access-date=9 May 2023|archive-date=9 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509154008/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2023/230509_3e.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> | mc4 = 83<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/splatoon-3/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Splatoon 3 for Switch Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=9 September 2022 |archive-date=1 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001204859/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/splatoon-3 |url-status=live }}</ref> | game5 = Splatoon 3: Side Order | year5 = 2024 | sales5 = — | mc5 = 78<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/splatoon-3-expansion-pass-wave-2-side-order/ |title=Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass Wave 2 - Side Order |website=Metacritic |access-date=1 March 2024 |archive-date=1 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301164800/https://www.metacritic.com/game/splatoon-3-expansion-pass-wave-2-side-order/ |url-status=live }}</ref> }}
Games in the ''Splatoon'' series have been generally well-received, and its unique gameplay has been credited as a successful reinvention of the third-person shooter genre.{{efn|<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-20-how-nintendo-is-reinventing-the-shooter-with-splatoon|title=How Nintendo is reinventing the shooter with Splatoon • Eurogamer.net|website=Eurogamer |date=26 June 2014|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626005937/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-20-how-nintendo-is-reinventing-the-shooter-with-splatoon|archive-date=26 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-11-28-games-of-the-decade-splatoon-kickstarted-nintendos-revival|title=Games of the Decade: Splatoon kickstarted Nintendo's revival|last=Robinson|first=Martin|date=26 November 2019|website=Eurogamer|language=en|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027224758/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-11-28-games-of-the-decade-splatoon-kickstarted-nintendos-revival|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/07/splatoon-2-review-greatness-hides-behind-a-familiar-coat-of-paint/|title=Splatoon 2 redeems the most clever online shooter series in years|last=Machkovech|first=Sam|date=18 July 2017|website=Ars Technica|language=en-us|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109032911/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/07/splatoon-2-review-greatness-hides-behind-a-familiar-coat-of-paint/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ocolly.com/lifestyle/review-almost-a-year-later-nintendo-s-splatoon-is-only/article_c3f2ae04-4990-11e8-a67b-db49d4d4d0e0.html|title=Review: Almost a year later, Nintendo's 'Splatoon 2' is only getting better|last=Foster|first=Braden|date=26 April 2018|website=ocolly.com|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=1 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101161552/https://www.ocolly.com/lifestyle/review-almost-a-year-later-nintendo-s-splatoon-is-only/article_c3f2ae04-4990-11e8-a67b-db49d4d4d0e0.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Hern|first=Alex|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/25/splatoon-2-review-nintendo-ink-spraying-squid-kids|title=Splatoon 2 review: return of Nintendo's ink-spraying Squid Kids is a blast|date=25 July 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=16 March 2020|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=1 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101161553/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/25/splatoon-2-review-nintendo-ink-spraying-squid-kids|url-status=live}}</ref>}} Giovanni Colantonio of ''Digital Trends'' lauded the signature Turf War mode as a "genius concept", with its simplicity allowing all players, regardless of skill level, to meaningfully contribute to victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Colantonio |first=Giovanni |date=7 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 review: the antidote to your modern multiplayer woes |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/splatoon-3-review-nintendo-switch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250913045500/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/splatoon-3-review-nintendo-switch/ |archive-date=13 September 2025 |access-date=3 January 2026 |website=Digital Trends}}</ref> The franchise's colorful presentation and cartoony characters, in contrast to contemporary shooters' focus on realistic graphics, have been highly praised by reviewers.<ref name="McCarter2022"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Horti |first=Samuel |date=18 July 2017 |title=Splatoon 2 review: "Bright colours and squelchy sounds draw you into a mechanically complex shooter" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-2-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914012204/https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-2-review/ |archive-date=14 September 2024 |access-date=4 January 2026 |website=GamesRadar+}}</ref> Jordan Biordi of ''CG Magazine'' critiqued the series' predetermined loadout system for weapons as restrictive for player freedom.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Biordi |first=Jordan |date=7 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 (Nintendo Switch) Review |url=https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/splatoon-3-nintendo-switch-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251201143821/https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/splatoon-3-nintendo-switch-review/ |archive-date=1 December 2025 |access-date=3 January 2026 |website=CG Magazine}}</ref> Additionally, a lack of built-in voice chat functionality, with later entries restricting said voice chat to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, has been met with criticism.<ref>{{cite web |last=Otero |first=José |date=29 May 2015 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/27/splatoon-review |title=Splatoon Review |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601220709/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/27/splatoon-review |archive-date=1 June 2015 |url-status=live |access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=July 18, 2017 |title=Nintendo's excellent shooter Splatoon is even better on the Switch |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/18/15986256/splatoon-2-nintendo-switch-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170718164036/https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/18/15986256/splatoon-2-nintendo-switch-review |archive-date=July 18, 2017 |access-date=July 18, 2017 |website=The Verge}}</ref> The series' online matchmaking has seen a generally mixed reception. Brendan Graeber of ''IGN'' praised later games' quality-of-life improvements such as the inclusion of a physical training room in the online lobby of ''Splatoon 3'', as opposed to earlier titles' static matchmaking screens.<ref name="IGNMultRev"/> However, other critics have lamented a prevalence of network disconnections and unbalanced skill pairings between teams during battles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pramath |date=13 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 Review – Stay Fresh |url=https://gamingbolt.com/splatoon-3-review-stay-fresh |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006093323/https://gamingbolt.com/splatoon-3-review-stay-fresh |archive-date=6 October 2024 |access-date=4 January 2026 |website=GamingBolt}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |date=15 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3's Terrible Online Is Inexcusable At This Point |url=https://kotaku.com/splatoon-3-online-nintendo-switch-turf-wars-connection-1849536980 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013005139/https://kotaku.com/splatoon-3-online-nintendo-switch-turf-wars-connection-1849536980 |archive-date=13 October 2022 |access-date=13 October 2022 |website=Kotaku |language=en}}</ref>
The soundtrack of ''Splatoon'' has been acclaimed by critics.{{efn|<ref name="Raptor"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Olney |first=Alex |date=14 June 2018 |title=Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion Review |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/splatoon_2_octo_expansion |access-date=31 December 2025 |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref><ref name="IGNreview"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=12 December 2022 |title=The Best Video Game Music of 2022 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/best-video-game-music-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401225915/https://www.ign.com/articles/best-video-game-music-2022 |archive-date=1 April 2025 |access-date=4 January 2026 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Martin |date=3 June 2015 |title=Splatoon review |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/splatoon-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250516161410/https://www.eurogamer.net/splatoon-review |archive-date=16 May 2025 |access-date=4 January 2026 |website=Eurogamer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Andy |date=7 September 2022 |title='Splatoon 3' review: art attack |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/game-reviews/splatoon-3-review-3304572 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926212911/https://www.nme.com/reviews/game-reviews/splatoon-3-review-3304572 |archive-date=26 September 2024 |access-date=4 January 2026 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref>}} Ben Johnson of ''Pocket Tactics'' praised the music as "genre fusion to the max, in the strangest way possible." Johnson further commended the series' incorporation of the soundtrack with the game's universe as a whole, saying "The games are set in dense cities, with a hyper fixation on fashion and music... As the world itself is so focused on music, it can't be mere background noise."<ref name="Johnson2022" />
The aesthetic design of the Inklings has received a positive critical reception from multiple video game publications following the release of the first ''Splatoon'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Oxford |first=Nadia |date=21 March 2018 |title=Splatoon was Tested with Yoshi as a Main Character |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/splatoon-was-tested-with-yoshi-as-a-main-character |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201135707/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/splatoon-was-tested-with-yoshi-as-a-main-character |archive-date=1 December 2022 |access-date=22 March 2019 |work=USgamer}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Roberts |first=David |date=27 May 2015 |title=Splatoon review |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141530/https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-review/ |archive-date=12 June 2018 |access-date=22 March 2019 |work=GamesRadar}}</ref> and have since become a popular subject for cosplay activities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Peter |date=1 October 2018 |title=The Best Cosplay from Tokyo Game Show 2018 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-best-cosplay-from-tokyo-game-show-2018/2900-2274/#1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201135705/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-best-cosplay-from-tokyo-game-show-2018/2900-2274/#1 |archive-date=1 December 2022 |access-date=10 October 2023 |website=GameSpot}}</ref> The integration of the Inklings' physiological characteristics into the gameplay mechanics of the ''Splatoon'' series have been praised, as it allowed players to explore a unique tactical concept.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 June 2017 |title=With ARMS, Nintendo is smart to recognize that nostalgia isn't always best |url=http://retronauts.com/article/400/with-arms-nintendo-is-smart-to-recognize-that-nostalgia-isnt-always-best |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201135710/https://retronauts.com/article/400/with-arms-nintendo-is-smart-to-recognize-that-nostalgia-isnt-always-best |archive-date=1 December 2022 |access-date=10 October 2023 |website=Retronauts}}</ref> ''Polygon'' staff in particular ranked two notable Inkling characters, the "Squid Sisters" idols Callie and Marie, among the 70 best video game characters of the 2010s decade, describing them as "pop sensations".<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 November 2019 |title=The 70 best video game characters of the decade |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/11/27/20974490/greatest-video-game-characters-2019-2010-skyrim-witcher-splatoon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101231120/https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/11/27/20974490/greatest-video-game-characters-2019-2010-skyrim-witcher-splatoon |archive-date=1 January 2020 |access-date=3 July 2021 |work=Polygon}}</ref> A seemingly-intentional decision to remove gendered language from player character customization in ''Splatoon 3'''s English localization was praised by Ana Diaz of ''Polygon''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Ana |date=18 February 2021 |title=Splatoon 3's post-apocalyptic world destroys the concept of gender |url=https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/18/22288108/splatoon-3-gender-style-nintendo-switch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201135705/https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/18/22288108/splatoon-3-gender-style-nintendo-switch |archive-date=1 December 2022 |access-date=10 October 2023 |website=Polygon}}</ref>
Josh Broadwell of NPR reported on how ''Splatoon'' differed from games like it in its genre and has created a more welcoming community than other shooters, due to the flexibility of its gameplay, Nintendo's approach to player communication, and the series' casual nature.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Broadwell |first=Josh |date=19 September 2022 |title=How 'Splatoon' carved a welcoming niche in the brutal shooter game genre |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/09/19/1123513204/splatoon-3-nintendo-switch-community |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185216/https://www.npr.org/2022/09/19/1123513204/splatoon-3-nintendo-switch-community |archive-date=4 October 2022 |access-date=6 October 2022 |work=NPR |language=en}}</ref> The more welcoming behavior of ''Splatoon''<nowiki/>'s playerbase, a sizeable portion of which consist of LGBTQ+ people, was analyzed in ''Xtra Magazine'', where Jade King suggested the large queer community of ''Splatoon'' was largely a result of the series' emphasis on individuality, rebellion, self-expression and style, and the lack of gender-restricted styles and customization; the omission of built-in voice chat was noted as having created a more accepting environment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wells |first=V.S. |date=20 October 2022 |title='Splatoon 3' lets queer chaos reign |url=https://xtramagazine.com/culture/splatoon-3-queer-fans-art-237955 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108020235/https://xtramagazine.com/culture/splatoon-3-queer-fans-art-237955 |archive-date=8 November 2022 |access-date=7 February 2024 |website=Xtra Magazine |language=en-CA}}</ref>
Due to the polarizing nature of the choices offered during Splatfests, the themes themselves tend to be the subject of media attention. Professor Derek Foster noted in an article on the tendency of some ''Splatoon'' players to choose one team over another not in relation to the question being asked but rather based on which idol was backing said team. He commented that, at the time of writing in 2023, fans of idol character Frye of Deep Cut had exhibited aggression towards those of her co-star Shiver online after the latter held a prolonged Splatfest winstreak in ''Splatoon 3'', with some further accusing Nintendo of deliberate favoritism.<ref name="Brock">{{Cite book |last=Foster |first=Derek |url=https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/comm3p18/chapter/from-inklings-to-interactions-unraveling-the-culture-of-division-in-the-splatoon-twitter-community/ |title=Audience Studies – Participatory Culture of Fandom (2023) |year=2023 |location=Brock University |chapter=65. From Inklings to Interactions: Unraveling the Culture of Division in the Splatoon Twitter Community |access-date=2 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250925215931/https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/comm3p18/chapter/from-inklings-to-interactions-unraveling-the-culture-of-division-in-the-splatoon-twitter-community/ |archive-date=25 September 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> In the prelude to the "Spicy vs. Sweet vs. Sour" Splatfest, in which Team Sweet was supported by Frye, fans rallied support for her in acknowledgement of her past unluckiness;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nonoka |first=Nishina |date=6 January 2023 |title=『スプラトゥーン3』第3回フェスが開催直前 トリカラマッチ仕様変更や新ブキ追加で環境が変わる？ |trans-title=The third Splatoon 3 festival is about to begin. Will the environment change with changes to Tricolor match specifications and the addition of new weapons? |url=https://realsound.jp/tech/2023/01/post-1228487.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420092610/https://realsound.jp/tech/2023/01/post-1228487.html |archive-date=20 April 2024 |access-date=2 January 2026 |website=Real Sound |language=ja}}</ref><ref name="Moyse">{{Cite web |last=Moyse |first=Chris |date=9 January 2023 |title=Team Sweet creams opposition in Splatoon 3 splatfest |url=https://www.destructoid.com/splatoon-3-splatfest-result-sweet-spicy-sour/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317040949/https://www.destructoid.com/splatoon-3-splatfest-result-sweet-spicy-sour/ |archive-date=17 March 2023 |access-date=2 January 2026 |website=Destructoid}}</ref> her ultimate victory was met with warm reception among players.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moyse |first=Chris |date=13 February 2023 |title=What's wrong with you? Team White Chocolate wins Splatoon 3 splatfest |url=https://www.destructoid.com/splatoon-3-splatfest-chocolate-february-2023-winner-nintendo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250925220402/https://www.destructoid.com/splatoon-3-splatfest-chocolate-february-2023-winner-nintendo/ |archive-date=25 September 2025 |access-date=2 January 2026 |website=Destructoid}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sato |first=Kotaro |date=9 January 2023 |title=『スプラトゥーン3』最新フェス、上位者ブキ使用率は「シャープマーカー」1強に。変わりゆくトレンド |trans-title=In the latest Splatoon 3 fest, the Sharp Marker was the most used weapon by top players. Changing trends |url=https://automaton-media.com/articles/newsjp/20230109-233133/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119131702/https://automaton-media.com/articles/newsjp/20230109-233133/ |archive-date=19 January 2025 |access-date=2 January 2026 |website=Automaton Media |language=ja}}</ref>
=== Sales === By September 2022, the first ''Splatoon'' sold approximately 4.95 million copies,<ref>{{cite web |date=30 October 2018 |title=Top Selling Title Sales Units - Wii U Software |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wiiu.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030194145/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wiiu.html |archive-date=30 October 2018 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Nintendo |language=Japanese}}</ref> while its sequel amassed around 13.60 million sales.<ref>{{Cite book |title=2023CESAゲーム白書 (2023 CESA Games White Papers) |publisher=Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association |year=2023 |isbn=978-4-902346-47-3}}</ref> ''Splatoon 3'' attracted media attention when it became the fastest-selling game of all time in Japan from September to November 2022 when it was surpassed by ''Pokémon Scarlet'' and ''Violet'';<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=24 November 2022 |title=Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Surpass 10 Million Sales In First Three Days, Setting New Nintendo Record |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/11/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-surpass-10-million-sales-in-first-three-days-setting-new-nintendo-record |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124010630/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/11/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-surpass-10-million-sales-in-first-three-days-setting-new-nintendo-record |archive-date=24 November 2022 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Nintendo Life }}</ref> ''Splatoon 3'' amassed 3.45 million copies three days after release.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tassi |first=Paul |date=12 September 2022 |title=Nintendo's 'Splatoon 3' Just Set Japan's All-Time Launch Sales Record |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2022/09/12/nintendos-splatoon-3-just-set-japans-all-time-launch-sales-record/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220917013613/https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2022/09/12/nintendos-splatoon-3-just-set-japans-all-time-launch-sales-record/ |archive-date=17 September 2022 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> By 2024, the title had sold 11.96 million copies,<ref name="S3Sales2024" /> making for an all-time series sales figure of about 30 million.
==In other media== Characters from ''Splatoon,'' particularly the Inklings, have appeared in other games created by Nintendo, such as ''Super Mario Maker'',<ref>{{cite web |author=Sato |date=9 September 2015 |title=Splatoon's Inkling Jumps Into Super Mario Maker In 8-Bit Fashion |url=https://www.siliconera.com/splatoons-inkling-jumps-into-super-mario-maker-in-8-bit-fashion |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009105713/https://www.siliconera.com/splatoons-inkling-jumps-into-super-mario-maker-in-8-bit-fashion/ |archive-date=9 October 2022 |access-date=31 March 2022 |website=Siliconera |language=en}}</ref> ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'',<ref>{{cite web |author=GameRant staff |date=12 January 2017 |title=Nintendo Switch: Splatoon's Inklings Join Mario Kart 8 Deluxe |url=https://gamerant.com/nintendo-switch-mario-kart-8-deluxe-release-date |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009105713/https://gamerant.com/nintendo-switch-mario-kart-8-deluxe-release-date/ |archive-date=9 October 2022 |access-date=31 March 2022 |website=GameRant |language=en}}</ref> and ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Rory |date=12 June 2018 |title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Adds Splatoon's Inkling to the Roster |url=https://gamerant.com/super-smash-bros-ultimate-splatoon-inkling/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231123515/https://gamerant.com/super-smash-bros-ultimate-splatoon-inkling/ |archive-date=31 December 2022 |access-date=2 January 2026 |website=Game Rant}}</ref> A crossover event between ''Splatoon 2'' and ''Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp'' occurred in September 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Splatoon 2 Crossover Event - Nintendo Official Site |url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/animal-crossing-pocket-camp-splatoon-2-crossover-event/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317203122/https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/animal-crossing-pocket-camp-splatoon-2-crossover-event/ |archive-date=17 March 2020 |access-date=17 March 2020 |website=Nintendo |language=en-US}}</ref> In July 2019, a ''Splatoon 2'' theme was made available in ''Tetris 99'' to commemorate ''Splatoon 2''{{'}}s "Final Fest" Splatfest on 18 July 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garst |first=Aron |date=19 July 2019 |title=Splatoon is coming to Tetris 99 in a special crossover Maximus Cup |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-is-coming-to-tetris-99-in-a-special-crossover-maximus-cup/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225124007/https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-is-coming-to-tetris-99-in-a-special-crossover-maximus-cup/ |archive-date=25 December 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=12 July 2019 |title=Tetris 99's latest event is a Splatoon 2 farewell crossover |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-07-12-tetris-99s-latest-event-is-a-splatoon-2-farewell-crossover |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922153845/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-07-12-tetris-99s-latest-event-is-a-splatoon-2-farewell-crossover |archive-date=22 September 2021 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Eurogamer |language=en}}</ref> On 16 January 2026, the 3.0 update for ''Animal Crossing: New Horizons'', which adds various furniture items and two islanders based on ''Splatoon'' that are accessible via Amiibo, was released.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knezevic |first=Kevin |date=16 January 2026 |title=All Splatoon Amiibo Rewards In Animal Crossing: New Horizons |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/all-splatoon-amiibo-rewards-in-animal-crossing-new-horizons/1100-6537441/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260117024840/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/all-splatoon-amiibo-rewards-in-animal-crossing-new-horizons/1100-6537441/ |archive-date=17 January 2026 |access-date=17 January 2026 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref>
The NES Zapper, which appears as a usable weapon,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/6/1/8700457/splatoon-nes-zapper|title=Nintendo turned the NES Zapper into a paintball gun for Splatoon|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=1 June 2015|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=24 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024040229/http://www.theverge.com/2015/6/1/8700457/splatoon-nes-zapper|url-status=live}}</ref> became a popular collectible item following its inclusion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baird |first=Scott |date=20 February 2020 |title=Get Rich Off Your Old NES Zapper (In Japan) |url=https://www.thegamer.com/nes-zapper-splatoon-japan-sell/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009105713/https://www.thegamer.com/nes-zapper-splatoon-japan-sell/ |archive-date=9 October 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=TheGamer |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wright |first=Steven |date=19 February 2020 |title=NES Zappers Selling For High Prices In Japan |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nes-zappers-selling-for-high-prices-in-japan/1100-6473884/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907151117/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nes-zappers-selling-for-high-prices-in-japan/1100-6473884/ |archive-date=7 September 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref> Water guns modeled after the weapons that appear in the games have additionally been sold as toys.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/real-life-splatoon-guns-exist-and-they-shoot-ink-419793.phtml|title=Real life Splatoon guns exist, and they shoot ink|last=Carter|first=Chris|date=20 February 2017|website=Destructoid|language=en|access-date=20 February 2017|archive-date=12 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312002208/https://www.destructoid.com/real-life-splatoon-guns-exist-and-they-shoot-ink-419793.phtml|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.itechpost.com/articles/86775/20170222/splatoon-guns-are-real-and-shoots-ink-too-take-a-look-here.htm|title=Splatoon Guns Are Real And Shoots Ink Too; Take A Look Here|last=Amherst|first=Alessia|date=22 February 2017|website=iTech Post|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224091143/http://www.itechpost.com/articles/86775/20170222/splatoon-guns-are-real-and-shoots-ink-too-take-a-look-here.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Esports === Due to the availability of competitive game modes in ''Splatoon'', competitive esports tournaments with sponsored prizing have been held as early as 2016 in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moser |first=Cassidee |date=19 August 2015 |title=Japanese Splatoon eSports Tournament Offers Over $1 Million in Prize Money |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/08/19/japanese-splatoon-esports-tournament-offers-over-1-million-in-prize-money |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112104557/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/08/19/japanese-splatoon-esports-tournament-offers-over-1-million-in-prize-money |archive-date=12 November 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>
With the release of ''Splatoon 2'', Nintendo established the ''Splatoon 2 World Championships'' and began hosting competitive tournaments in 2018.<ref name="nintendo">{{Cite web |title=Get ready for the 2018 Splatoon 2 World Championship - News & Video - Splatoon 2 for Nintendo Switch |url=https://splatoon.nintendo.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401124414/https://splatoon.nintendo.com/ |archive-date=1 April 2021 |access-date=14 March 2020 |website=Nintendo |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Competitive Splatoon Is Ready for Nintendo Switch |url=https://www.redbull.com/us-en/competitive-splatoon-is-ready-for-nintendo-switch |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113023855/https://www.redbull.com/us-en/competitive-splatoon-is-ready-for-nintendo-switch |archive-date=13 January 2021 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Red Bull |language=en}}</ref> Teams of four compete in a series of online qualifiers or live tournaments to earn invitations to play at the World Championships, which are played at the Nintendo World Championships alongside other Nintendo games such as ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 May 2019 |title=Splatoon 2 World Championship 2019 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/event/splatoon-2-world-championship-2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204214625/https://www.gematsu.com/event/splatoon-2-world-championship-2019 |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=14 March 2020 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref> The event was typically held during Nintendo's E3 events and livestreamed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lanier |first=Liz |date=9 May 2019 |title=Nintendo Details E3 Plans With Tournaments, Direct Video |url=https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/nintendo-e3-2019-plans-1203209741/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213128/https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/nintendo-e3-2019-plans-1203209741/ |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=14 March 2020 |website=Variety |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 May 2019 |title=Nintendo aims to do competitive gaming their way |url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/26857358/nintendo-aims-do-competitive-gaming-their-way |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213132/https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/26857358/nintendo-aims-do-competitive-gaming-their-way |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=14 March 2020 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref>
=== Print media === Between January 2016 and March 2017, two webcomic series based on ''Splatoon'' appeared in Enterbrain's ''Weekly Famitsu'' magazine: ''Honobono Ika 4koma'' illustrated by Kino Takahashi, and ''Play Manga'' by various doujin writers.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 January 2016 |title=Splatoon Wii U Game Gets 2 Manga |newspaper=Anime News Network |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-01-07/splatoon-wii-u-game-gets-2-manga/.97288 |access-date=23 October 2016 |archive-date=20 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820163242/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-01-07/splatoon-wii-u-game-gets-2-manga/.97288 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 January 2016 |title=Splatoon To Get Two Manga Series In Weekly Famitsu Magazine |url=https://www.player.one/splatoon-get-two-manga-series-weekly-famitsu-magazine-501966 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Player.One |language=en |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213127/https://www.player.one/splatoon-get-two-manga-series-weekly-famitsu-magazine-501966 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 January 2016 |title=Splatoonファンの作家が描く「プレイ漫画」と4コマ、コミッククリアで開始 |trans-title="Play manga" drawn by a Splatoon fan writer and 4 frames, start with comic clear |url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/172190 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213121/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/172190 |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Comic Natalie |language=ja}}</ref> The comics were published by Kadokawa Future Publishing on 15 June 2017.<ref>{{Cite book |last=スプラトゥーンほのぼのイカ4コマ&プレイ漫画 |title=スプラトゥーンほのぼのイカ4コマ&プレイ漫画 |date=June 2017 |publisher=Kadokawa |isbn=978-4-04-734573-7 |trans-title=Splatoon heartwarming squid 4-frame & play manga |oclc=994636839}}</ref>
A ''Splatoon'' manga series illustrated by Sankichi Hinodeya began serialization in Shogakukan's ''CoroCoro Comic'' magazine in February 2016, following a one-shot published in ''CoroCoro'' in May 2015.<ref name="Splatoon">{{Cite web |title=Splatoon Manga Has 800,000 Copies in Print |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2018-02-19/splatoon-manga-has-800000-copies-in-print/.128010 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Anime News Network |language=en |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601022018/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2018-02-19/splatoon-manga-has-800000-copies-in-print/.128010 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=Splatoon. 1. |publisher=Shogakukan |others=Hinodeya, Sankichi., ひのでや, 参吉 |year=2016 |isbn=978-4-09-142215-6 |oclc=957257731}}</ref> The licensing rights to publish the manga in North America was later acquired by Viz Media in 2017.<ref name="Viz Media">{{Cite web |title=Viz Media Licenses Splatoon Manga |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-04-21/viz-media-licenses-splatoon-manga/.115152 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316102208/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-04-21/viz-media-licenses-splatoon-manga/.115152 |archive-date=16 March 2021 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Anime News Network |language=en}}</ref> In July 2017, a motion comic adaptation of the manga was announced and then released on ''CoroCoro''{{'s}} YouTube channel the following month.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 August 2017 |title=Splatoon's Manga Gets A Fresh New Animation, Check Out Its First Episode |url=https://www.siliconera.com/splatoons-manga-gets-fresh-new-animation-check-first-episode/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221029173749/https://www.siliconera.com/splatoons-manga-gets-fresh-new-animation-check-first-episode/ |archive-date=29 October 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 July 2017 |title=Nintendo's SPLATOON Gets an Anime Series Adaptation |url=https://archive.nerdist.com/splatoon-nintendo-anime-series/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204214627/https://nerdist.com/article/splatoon-nintendo-anime-series/ |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Nerdist}}</ref> As of February 2018, the manga has over 800,000 copies in print and the series is currently ongoing.<ref name="Splatoon" />
In April 2017, a manga series illustrated by {{Ill|Hideki Goto|lt=|ja|後藤英貴|WD=}} titled ''Splatoon: Squid Kids Comedy Show'' was published in ''Bessatsu CoroCoro Comic''.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Splatoonイカすキッズ4コマフェス. 1 |publisher=Shogakukan |others=Goto, Hideki., 後藤, 英貴 |year=2018 |isbn=978-4-09-142604-8 |oclc=1022975495}}</ref> It was also later acquired by Viz Media, who translated and published the series in North America.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VIZ Media Announces New Publishing Acquistions<!--sic--> at Anime NYC |url=https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=250431 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=WebWire |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213123/https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=250431 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 November 2019 |title=Viz Media Adds Junji Ito's Venus in the Blind Spot Manga, 1 More |url=https://www.animeherald.com/2019/11/21/viz-media-adds-junji-itos-venus-in-the-blind-spot-manga-1-more/ |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Anime Herald |language=en-US |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213122/https://www.animeherald.com/2019/11/21/viz-media-adds-junji-itos-venus-in-the-blind-spot-manga-1-more/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=GOTO, HIDEKI. |title=SPLATOON 1 : squid kids comedy show. |publisher=VIZ MEDIA |year=2020 |isbn=978-1-9747-1554-1 |location=[S.l.] |oclc=1128102907}}</ref>
=== Concerts === {{main|List of Splatoon live performances}}
A series of real-life virtual concerts featuring holograms of the game's protagonists have been held at various locations, primarily in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=23 January 2020 |title=This hour-long Splatoon concert features holographic squid kids |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/23/21079242/splatoon-2-nintendo-switch-multiplayer-live-2019-holographic-squid-concert |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226020007/https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/23/21079242/splatoon-2-nintendo-switch-multiplayer-live-2019-holographic-squid-concert |archive-date=26 February 2021 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref>
In 2016, a concert tour known as "Squid Sisters Live" was held commemorating the sale of 1 million copies of ''Splatoon''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 December 2015 |title=Splatoon Reaches 1 Million Sales Worldwide, Will Celebrate With Squid Sisters Concert - |url=https://games.mxdwn.com/news/splatoon-reaches-1-million-sales-worldwide-will-celebrate-with-squid-sisters-concert/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213126/https://games.mxdwn.com/news/splatoon-reaches-1-million-sales-worldwide-will-celebrate-with-squid-sisters-concert/ |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=mxdwn Games |language=en-US}}</ref> The concerts have taken place at Niconico Tokaigi, Chokaigi and Niconico Cho Party in Japan, and the Japan Expo in Paris.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cowan |first=Danny |date=2 February 2016 |title=Move over Tupac, Hatsune Miku: Splatoon's Squid Sisters perform live in Japan |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/splatoon-squid-sisters-live-performance-amiibo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213122/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/splatoon-squid-sisters-live-performance-amiibo/ |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Digital Trends}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=29 April 2016 |title=This Splatoon live concert is equal parts weird and wonderful |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/4/29/11540808/splatoon-concert-squid-sisters-live-april-2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204214624/https://www.polygon.com/2016/4/29/11540808/splatoon-concert-squid-sisters-live-april-2016 |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Polygon |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jenni |date=12 July 2016 |title=Watch Splatoon's Squid Sisters' Full Japan Expo 2016 Concert |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/07/12/watch-splatoons-squid-sisters-full-japan-expo-2016-concert/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713203951/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/07/12/watch-splatoons-squid-sisters-full-japan-expo-2016-concert/ |archive-date=13 July 2016 |access-date=23 July 2016 |website=Siliconera}}</ref> Similarly, concert tours featuring ''Splatoon 2''{{'}}s Off the Hook was held months after the game's release since 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moyse |first=Chris |date=16 December 2018 |title=Splatoon duo Off the Hook to perform live once again at NicoNico Tokaigi 2019 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/splatoon-duo-off-the-hook-to-perform-live-once-again-at-niconico-tokaigi-2019-535205.phtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230131955/https://www.destructoid.com/splatoon-duo-off-the-hook-to-perform-live-once-again-at-niconico-tokaigi-2019/ |archive-date=30 December 2025 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Destructoid |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Asif |date=13 April 2018 |title=Off the Hook Performs Live Concert at Splatoon European Championship |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/104318/off-the-hook-performs-live-concert-at-splatoon-european-championship |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518071931/https://www.shacknews.com/article/104318/off-the-hook-performs-live-concert-at-splatoon-european-championship |archive-date=18 May 2019 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Shacknews |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Alistair |date=13 October 2019 |title=K.K. Slider Makes A Surprise Appearance At Latest Splatoon 2 Concert |url=https://www.siliconera.com/k-k-slider-makes-a-surprise-appearance-at-latest-splatoon-2-concert/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213127/https://www.siliconera.com/k-k-slider-makes-a-surprise-appearance-at-latest-splatoon-2-concert/ |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US}}</ref> Recordings from the concerts have been made into albums.<ref>{{Cite web |last=株式会社インプレス |date=13 July 2016 |title=「シオカライブ」の音源CD「SPLATOON LIVE IN MAKUHARI」本日発売！ 「シオカライブ」フランス公演の映像も公開中 |url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1010045.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213123/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1010045.html |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=GAME Watch |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dennison |first=Kara |title=Splatoon 2 Live Concert Comes to CD and Blu-Ray |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2019/05/28/splatoon-2-live-concert-comes-to-cd-and-blu-ray |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213125/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2019/05/28/splatoon-2-live-concert-comes-to-cd-and-blu-ray |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Crunchyroll |language=en-us}}</ref> Concerts of ''Splatoon 3''<nowiki/>'s Deep Cut have also been held.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=7 December 2023 |title=Nintendo Cancels Japanese Esports Events Following Threats to Staff and Spectators |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-cancels-japanese-esports-events-following-threats-to-staff-and-spectators |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251030172158/https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-cancels-japanese-esports-events-following-threats-to-staff-and-spectators |archive-date=30 October 2025 |access-date=2 February 2026 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category}} *{{Official website}}
{{Splatoon}} {{Nintendo franchises}}
Category:Splatoon Category:Cephalopods in popular culture Category:Marine life in popular culture Category:Nintendo franchises Category:Third-person shooters Category:Video games about shapeshifting Category:Video games adapted into comics Category:Video game franchises Category:Video game franchises introduced in 2015 Category:Post-apocalyptic video games