{{Short description|2022 video game}} {{good article}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}} {{Infobox video game | title = Splatoon 3 | image = Splatoon.3.jpg | caption = | developer = Nintendo EPD{{Efn|Additional work by Monolith Soft,<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Rhys |date=12 September 2022 |title=Xenoblade Chronicles 3 creator boosted Splatoon 3 during development |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/xenoblade-chronicles-3-creator-boosted-splatoon-3-during-development |access-date=12 October 2022 |website=TechRadar |language=en |archive-date=14 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014212721/https://www.techradar.com/news/xenoblade-chronicles-3-creator-boosted-splatoon-3-during-development |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=11 September 2022 |title=Xenoblade Chronicles Studio Monolith Soft Helped Out With Splatoon 3 |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/xenoblade-chronicles-studio-monolith-soft-helped-out-with-splatoon-3 |access-date=12 October 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=11 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911172034/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/xenoblade-chronicles-studio-monolith-soft-helped-out-with-splatoon-3 |url-status=live }}</ref> SRD, and Bandai Namco Studios Singapore & Malaysia<ref name="credits">{{cite video game|title=Splatoon 3|developer=Nintendo EPD|publish=Nintendo|scene=staff credits|date=25 February 2023}}</ref>}} | publisher = Nintendo | producer = Hisashi Nogami | director = {{ubl|Seita Inoue|Shintaro Sato}} | designer = {{ubl|Yoshiteru Fukuda|Kenji Matsumoto|Yoshihiko Ito}} | artist = Seita Inoue | programmer = {{ubl|Soichi Nakajima|Seiichi Yamaguchi|Toshikazu Kiuchi}} | composer = {{ubl|Toshiyuki Sudo|Ryō Nagamatsu|Toru Minegishi|Shiho Fujii|Sayako Doi|Yumi Takahashi}} | writer = | platforms = Nintendo Switch | series = ''Splatoon'' | released = 9 September 2022 | genre = Third-person shooter | modes = Single-player, multiplayer }}
{{nihongo foot|'''''Splatoon 3'''''|スプラトゥーン3|Supuratūn Surī|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2022 third-person shooter video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is the third game in the ''Splatoon'' series and the sequel to ''Splatoon 2''. Like its predecessors in the ''Splatoon'' series, the game consists of online multiplayer (player versus player and player versus environment) alongside a single-player story campaign, both featuring combat based around ink-firing weapons. A single-player downloadable content (DLC) expansion titled ''Side Order'' was released on 22 February 2024 as the second half of the paid ''Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass.''
The game was first revealed in a teaser trailer on 17 February 2021 and was subsequently released on 9 September 2022. The game received generally favorable reviews, with praise for its expanded single player campaign, customization options, and gameplay mechanics, but criticism for its matchmaking and disconnection issues and lack of new content. As of 31 March 2024, ''Splatoon 3'' has sold 11.96 million copies worldwide, making it the fastest-selling game in the franchise and one of the best-selling Switch games.
==Gameplay== {{See also|Splatoon 2#Gameplay|l1=Gameplay of Splatoon 2}} Like its predecessors in the ''Splatoon'' series, ''Splatoon 3'' is a third-person shooter. Players choose to be either an Inkling or Octoling as their player character. Both wield weaponry that uses colored ink as ammunition. Weapons are diverse in ability and imagery, with most resembling household objects. For example, Rollers are large paint rollers that can cover large amounts of area in ink but are generally limited to close-range combat, while Chargers are weapons which resemble a sniper rifle, and have long range for sniping opponents but are less effective at painting the ground. ''Splatoon 3'' expands upon this by adding new main, sub, and special weapons to the game.<ref name="GameInfomer2021">{{Cite magazine |last=Grodt |first=Jill |date=23 September 2021 |title=Mammals Are Reemerging In New Splatoon 3 Trailer |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/09/23/mammals-are-reemerging-in-new-splatoon-3-trailer |url-status=live |magazine=Game Informer |language=en |publisher=GameStop |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924211830/https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/09/23/mammals-are-reemerging-in-new-splatoon-3-trailer |archive-date=24 September 2021 |access-date=30 September 2021}}</ref> Main weapons are chosen by the player, and include a sub weapon and a special weapon. Sub weapons act as secondary weapons, often for tactical purposes, that use up more ink. For example, the Splat Bomb which resembles a grenade, or the Splash Wall which blocks incoming enemy ink and damages players. Special weapons require the player to cover the ground with a varying amount of ink in order to charge up their special gauge, to deploy a powerful effect. Inklings and Octolings have the ability to morph into a squid or octopus form, respectively. This form is referred to as the "swim form",{{Efn|Prior to the introduction of Octolings as playable characters in ''Splatoon 2'', this was 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=22 January 2026 |via=YouTube|url-status=live}}</ref>|name=swim|group=lower-alpha}} and can be used to climb ink-covered walls and swim through ink faster than the humanoid forms can walk.<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=19 February 2021 |work=Nintendo Life }}</ref> Weapons have a limited amount of ink ammunition that replenishes over time, but submerging in ink via the swim form replenishes it quicker than in humanoid form. Some weapons consume more ink then others, such as the Dynamo roller. All main and sub weapon types and the majority of weapon kits from ''Splatoon 2'' returned in ''Splatoon 3,'' with the addition of 15 new ones.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hagues |first=Alana |date=2 May 2022 |title=Don't Worry, Splatoon 3 Will Have All "Basic Weapons" From The Previous Games |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/05/dont-worry-splatoon-3-will-have-all-basic-weapons-from-the-previous-games |access-date=2 May 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=2 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502170703/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/05/dont-worry-splatoon-3-will-have-all-basic-weapons-from-the-previous-games |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Modes ===
==== Competitive ==== [[File:Splatoon 3 Turf War.jpg|left|thumb|An Inkling engaging in the online Turf War mode]] Returning from its predecessors as a playable online multiplayer game mode is Regular Battle, known as Turf War.<ref name="GI" /> In Turf War, two teams of four players compete to cover the most amount of the map's area in their respective ink color for three minutes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/22526099/splatoon-3-switch-gameplay-nintendo-direct|title=Splatoon 3 teases the return of mammals in its squid-fueled adventure|date=23 September 2021|access-date=1 October 2021|website=Polygon|last=Diaz|first=Ana|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928032434/https://www.polygon.com/22526099/splatoon-3-switch-gameplay-nintendo-direct|url-status=live}}</ref> Each team can cover over an area covered by the opponents ink with their own color. When walked on, the opposing team's ink slows movement, gradually deals damage and prevents the use of the player's swim form.<ref name="EuroG"/> Each player is equipped with a weapon set, chosen before each match, and each set comes with secondary and special weapons in addition to its main weapon. Secondary weapons provide alternative methods of attacking the other team and inking the ground; for example, Splat Bombs that explode a second after contact with the surface and Burst Bombs that explode upon impact. When enough ground is covered in a player's ink, they may use a special weapon, which are primarily used to attack the opposing team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chandler |first=Sam |date=19 September 2022 |title=All weapons, subs & specials - Splatoon 3 |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/132358/splatoon-3-weapon-sub-special-list |access-date=12 October 2022 |website=Shacknews |language=en |archive-date=12 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012001603/https://www.shacknews.com/article/132358/splatoon-3-weapon-sub-special-list |url-status=live }}</ref> Weapons and other forms of attack can deal damage to opposing players; when enough damage is given, they will "splat" their opponent, forcing them to restart from their starting location. Whichever team covers the largest portion of the field at the end of the match is declared the winner.<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=22 January 2026 |website=The Gamer}}</ref>
Once a player gains enough experience points to reach level 10,{{efn| Alternatively by transferring data from ''Splatoon 2''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sinha |first=Ravi |title=Splatoon 3 Supports Save Data Transfer from Splatoon 2 |url=https://gamingbolt.com/splatoon-3-supports-save-data-transfer-from-splatoon-2 |date=15 August 2022 |access-date=22 January 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250515070908/https://gamingbolt.com/splatoon-3-supports-save-data-transfer-from-splatoon-2 |archive-date=15 May 2025 |website=GamingBolt |language=en-US}}</ref>}} they gain access to a ranked mode called Anarchy Battles,{{efn|Named "Ranked Battles" in its predecessors<ref>{{cite web|title=Game Modes|url=https://splatoon.nintendo.com/game-modes/|website=Splatoon 2 - Nintendo|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=15 February 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218210602/https://splatoon.nintendo.com/game-modes/|archive-date=18 February 2018}}</ref>}} featuring several different battle types.<ref name="EuroG" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Michael |first=Cale |date=9 September 2022 |title=How to unlock Anarchy Battle ranked in Splatoon 3 |url=https://dotesports.com/splatoon/news/how-to-unlock-anarchy-battle-ranked-in-splatoon-3 |access-date=12 October 2022 |website=Dot Esports |publisher=Gamurs |language=en-US |archive-date=12 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012001602/https://dotesports.com/splatoon/news/how-to-unlock-anarchy-battle-ranked-in-splatoon-3 |url-status=live }}</ref> A game lasts for a maximum of five minutes plus overtime if certain conditions depending on the game mode are met. Clam Blitz is an invasion game with elements inspired by basketball and American football. The game mode sees players collect golden clams and deposit them in the opponent's goals. A Power Clam is needed to break open the opposing basket to score, which is created by collecting eight regular clams. The team who deposited the most clams by the end of the match or has depleted their remaining score to 0 is declared the winner.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whaling |first1=Jacob |date=3 October 2022 |title=How To Play Clam Blitz Anarchy Battles In Splatoon 3 |url=https://www.thegamer.com/splatoon-3-clam-blitz-ranked-tips-tricks-guide/ |access-date=30 December 2025 |website=The Gamer}}</ref> Splat Zones plays similarly to king of the hill; two teams aim to control one or two "splat zones" for a set amount of time. A zone is controlled when it is 70% covered in a teams ink, and if the map has two zones both must be controlled for the timer to count down.<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=12 October 2022 |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> Tower Control requires a team to escort a moving tower to a goal at the enemy's base. When the tower is controlled by one team, it moves toward that team's goal line, stopping to clear checkpoints along the way, with a team winning when the tower reaches their goal line or making it the furthest when time runs out.<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/ |access-date=30 December 2025 |website=The Gamer}}</ref> The Rainmaker game mode functions similarly to capture the flag, in which players attempt to carry a weapon called the Rainmaker from the center of the stage to various checkpoints until they reach the opponent's side of the map.<ref name="Dotesports"/>
This game also sees the return of "Splatfests", where players choose to join one of three teams (compared to the two teams in the previous games) over a particular theme, and over three days they engage in matches to gain the most points for victory. In ''Splatoon 3'', a new "Tricolor Turf War" mode can be played during the second half of a Splatfest, where one team of four players defends an "Ultra Signal" at the center of the map from two teams of two attacking players. When an attacking team takes control of the Ultra Signal, it will summon a "Sprinkler of Doom", which will automatically ink a portion of the map's area for that team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nintendo Support: How to Update Splatoon 3 |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/59461 |access-date=6 January 2023 |website=Nintendo Support |archive-date=6 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106032533/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/59461 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 August 2022 |title=Squid Research Lab dives deep into Splatoon™ 3 |url=https://splatoon.nintendo.com/en/news/squid-research-lab-dives-deep-into-the-splatlands/ |access-date=6 January 2023 |website=Splatoon 3 - Nintendo |language=en |archive-date=5 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105154848/https://splatoon.nintendo.com/en/news/squid-research-lab-dives-deep-into-the-splatlands/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Destruct"/><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 |access-date=11 October 2022 |website=Shacknews |language=en |archive-date=11 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011230938/https://www.shacknews.com/article/131781/splatoon-3-splatfest-tricolor-turf-wars |url-status=live }}</ref>
==== Salmon Run Next Wave==== [[File:Splatoon 3 Salmon Run.jpg|thumb|Players team up to defeat the King Salmonid Cohozuna boss in the co-op Salmon Run mode.]] The co-op player versus environment (PvE) mode Salmon Run returns, titled Salmon Run Next Wave.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gerblick|first=Jordan|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 main goal is to collect Golden Eggs, obtained by splatting special enemies known as "Boss Salmonids", and depositing them into the egg basket.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Harrison |date=19 September 2022 |title=How to play Salmon Run in Splatoon 3 |url=https://dotesports.com/splatoon/news/how-to-play-salmon-run-in-splatoon-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011191559/https://dotesports.com/splatoon/news/how-to-play-salmon-run-in-splatoon-3 |archive-date=11 October 2022 |access-date=11 October 2022 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US}}</ref> Salmon Run Next Wave uses the same basic gameplay as it does in ''Splatoon 2'', where the player, employed by Grizzco Industries, teams up with three other players to fight waves of enemies known as "Salmonids". Each match, known as a "shift", typically lasts three waves, though, in Next Wave, a fourth "Xtrawave" sometimes occurs, where players team up to defeat a King Salmonid.<ref name="Doolan2022">{{Cite web |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=9 February 2022 |title=Nintendo Reveals The Next Wave Of Salmon Run For Splatoon 3 |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/02/nintendo-reveals-the-next-wave-of-salmon-run-for-splatoon-3 |access-date=11 October 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=11 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011191559/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/02/nintendo-reveals-the-next-wave-of-salmon-run-for-splatoon-3 |url-status=live }}</ref><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/ |access-date=11 October 2022 |website=CNET |language=en |archive-date=14 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014032647/https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/splatoon-3-salmon-run-guide-how-to-beat-cohozuna/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By successfully meeting the quota of golden eggs for all waves in a shift, the player can increase their rank within Grizzco.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chandler |first=Sam |date=21 September 2022 |title=Salmon Run ranks & Grizzco Points - Splatoon 3 |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/132381/salmon-run-ranks-splatoon-3 |access-date=11 October 2022 |website=Shacknews |language=en |archive-date=12 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012082428/https://www.shacknews.com/article/132381/salmon-run-ranks-splatoon-3 |url-status=live }}</ref> Next Wave adds the ability to throw Golden Eggs along with new enemies and unique, event-specific boss types.<ref name="NLife" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stalberg |first=Allison |date=27 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3: How To Defeat Every Boss And Event In Salmon Run |url=https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-how-to-defeat-each-boss-in-salmon-run/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505003540/https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-how-to-defeat-each-boss-in-salmon-run/ |archive-date=5 May 2023 |access-date=22 January 2026 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref> Salmon Run is also no longer limited to certain times of day; players are able to access Salmon Run at any time, even during Splatfests.<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 |access-date=9 October 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=15 October 2022 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> A new addition to ''Splatoon 3'' is "Big Run", an event where Salmonids invade the city of Splatsville. Players defend Splatsville by fighting invading Salmonids on an online competitive map, instead of the unique stages typically used for Salmon Run. After a few days, the event ends and participating players receive a prize. This event occurs every few months.<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 |access-date=11 October 2022 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=11 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011191559/https://www.ign.com/articles/everything-we-learned-about-splatoon-3-from-the-nintendo-direct |url-status=live }}</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 |access-date=11 October 2022 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US |archive-date=11 October 2022 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> There is also another Salmon Run event called "Eggstra Work", where teams compete to get the most golden eggs in a predetermined shift consisting of 5 waves.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Norman |first=Jim |date=22 February 2023 |title=Splatoon 3: Fresh Season 2023 - Every New Weapon, Stage, And Feature |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/splatoon-3-fresh-season-2023-every-new-weapon-stage-and-feature |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260107000122/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/splatoon-3-fresh-season-2023-every-new-weapon-stage-and-feature |archive-date=7 January 2026 |access-date=22 January 2026 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref>
==== Tableturf Battle ==== A digital collectible card game based on Turf War in which players build a deck of collected cards. In Tableturf Battle, each card can be used to apply a pattern on a grid, and after a "special attack" is charged, it can be used to place a pattern overwriting the opponent's patterns.<ref name="IGNSP"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 August 2022 |title=Catch up on all the latest from the Splatoon 3 Direct |url=https://splatoon.nintendo.com/en/news/catch-up-on-all-the-latest-from-the-splatoon-3-direct/ |access-date=6 January 2023 |website=Splatoon 3 - Nintendo |language=en |archive-date=6 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106032540/https://splatoon.nintendo.com/en/news/catch-up-on-all-the-latest-from-the-splatoon-3-direct/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Setting == The ''Splatoon'' games take place on a version of Earth set far in the future after the extinction of humanity and almost all mammal life, suggested to be due to 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=15 October 2022 |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=15 October 2022 |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> where much of oceanic life has evolved to live on land.<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=14 October 2022 |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> ''Splatoon 3'' takes place five years after the events of ''Splatoon 2''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thegamer.com/splatoon-3-2022-timeline-passage-time/ | title=Splatoon 3 Takes Place in 2022 and the "Same Amount of Time Has Passed in the Squid World as the Real World" | date=9 September 2022 | access-date=4 October 2022 | archive-date=4 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004023700/https://www.thegamer.com/splatoon-3-2022-timeline-passage-time/ | url-status=live }}</ref> in the Splatlands, a sun-scorched desert inhabited by battle-hardened Inklings and Octolings, and Splatsville, a city of chaos that developed rapidly since the last Splatfest in ''Splatoon 2'', "Chaos vs. Order". The game's overall "chaotic" design was chosen in accordance with Team Chaos claiming victory in said Splatfest.{{r|splatfest}}
The story mode of ''Splatoon 3'', titled Return of the Mammalians, is set in a new location called Alterna, a large, snowy area littered with incomplete structures and hazardous Fuzzy Ooze, an ink-like substance mostly covered in brown fur, with a rocket at its center.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=24 September 2021|title=Splatoon 3 Gets A New Trailer, Story Footage And Has A Crab Mech|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/09/splatoon_3_gets_a_new_trailer_story_footage_and_has_a_crab_mech|access-date=30 September 2021|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB|archive-date=24 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924131735/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/09/splatoon_3_gets_a_new_trailer_story_footage_and_has_a_crab_mech|url-status=live}}</ref> It focuses on the reappearance of mammals, which have been long-extinct.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Marks|first=Tom|title=Splatoon 3 Gets Close Look at Gameplay and Plot in New Trailer|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/splatoon-3-gets-close-look-gameplay-new-trailer|language=en|access-date=30 September 2021|date=23 September 2021|website=IGN|archive-date=24 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924004652/https://www.ign.com/articles/splatoon-3-gets-close-look-gameplay-new-trailer|url-status=live}}</ref>
The plot of ''Splatoon 3''<nowiki/>'s single-player expansion, ''Side Order'', sees Agent 8, the protagonist of ''Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion'', awake in a virtual reality called the Memverse, created by Marina of Off the Hook, that has been hijacked by rogue artificial intelligence who seeks to remove the free will of the people in the real world.<ref name="Nook">{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Isaiah |date=8 March 2024 |title=Splatoon 3: Side Order - Review |url=https://www.nookgaming.com/splatoon-3-side-order-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802113909/https://www.nookgaming.com/splatoon-3-side-order-review/ |archive-date=2 August 2024 |access-date=22 January 2026 |website=NookGaming |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Plot === The player character follows Craig Cuttlefish, the elderly former captain of the New Squidbeak Splatoon, into Splatsville's neighboring crater, which is covered with hazardous Fuzzy Ooze. The player is recruited by Cuttlefish into the Squidbeak Splatoon as Agent 3 along with their Salmonid companion, Smallfry. Smallfry is able to eat and clear away most Fuzzy Ooze, allowing passage further into the crater. They fight Octarian enemies mutated by the ooze; Cuttlefish assumes their leader, DJ Octavio, is responsible for thieving the Great Zapfish that powers Splatsville. At the crater's base, Octavio appears in his mech, accusing the New Squidbeak Splatoon of kidnapping his Octarian warriors. Following his defeat in battle, Octavio denies having taken the Zapfish. The ground breaks apart, Cuttlefish being taken away by Fuzzy Ooze. Agent 3 and Smallfry fall into the remains of a former underground human settlement named Alterna.
Agent 3 meets Callie and Marie, formally Agents 1 and 2, of the New Squidbeak Splatoon, as well as the Captain, the player protagonist of the first game, and realizes that Cuttlefish has gone missing. The group is approached by the Splatsville-based idol trio Deep Cut, who are ransacking Alterna for "treasure". The trio antagonize the Squidbeak Splatoon, believing they are in the settlement for the same reason. Aided by an artificial intelligence named O.R.C.A.,{{efn|An acronym for "Omniscient Recording Computer of Alterna"}} the Squidbeak Splatoon explore the city in search of Cuttlefish, but are repeatedly intercepted by Deep Cut and forced to fight them over the treasure. It is revealed that Mr. Grizz, CEO of Grizzco Industries and organizer of Salmon Run, has kidnapped Cuttlefish and is responsible for taking the Great Zapfish and Octarian army, proving Octavio's innocence. Atop a rocket in Alterna's center, Mr. Grizz divulges that he aims to restore mammal life to Earth by converting the living sea animals to fuzzy creatures by way of the Ooze.
After using the treasure to assemble a cutting device and reaching the rocket, Deep Cut allies with the Squidbeak Splatoon to defeat Mr. Grizz. They reach the top of the rocket where Cuttlefish is being held and find Mr. Grizz having "dehydrated" the former for his "essence", seemingly killing him. The Captain rehydrates Cuttlefish with their tears as Mr. Grizz launches the rocket into space, and Deep Cut provides Agent 3 a lift onto it. Agent 3, with help from Octavio and Smallfry, defeats Mr. Grizz and destroys the rocket. Agent 3, Smallfry, and Octavio return to Earth with the Great Zapfish, and Mr. Grizz is seen floating in space during the credits.
== Development == ''Splatoon 3'' was developed by Nintendo EPD,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Winslow |first=Levi |date=24 September 2021 |title=Why The Splatoon 3 Devs Are The Best, In One GIF |url=https://kotaku.com/why-the-splatoon-3-devs-are-the-best-in-one-gif-1847735687 |access-date=12 October 2022 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=12 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012145545/https://kotaku.com/why-the-splatoon-3-devs-are-the-best-in-one-gif-1847735687 |url-status=live }}</ref> with additional work done by Monolith Soft, who also assisted in the development of previous ''Splatoon'' games, as well as SRD and Bandai Namco Studios Singapore & Malaysia.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/><ref name="credits"/> The game makes use of NLPN, Nintendo's in-house server system, which supports expanded lobby features and better matchmaking.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hagues |first=Alana |date=18 August 2022 |title=It Looks Like Splatoon 3 Will Be Using Nintendo's In-House Server System |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/08/it-looks-like-splatoon-3-will-be-using-nintendos-in-house-server-system |access-date=13 October 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=13 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013005139/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/08/it-looks-like-splatoon-3-will-be-using-nintendos-in-house-server-system |url-status=live }}</ref>
At E3 2019, after the announcement of ''Splatoon 2''{{'}}s final Splatfest, "Chaos vs. Order", ''Splatoon'' producer Hisashi Nogami stated that a third entry in the series was not in development.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Khan |first=Imran |date=18 July 2019 |title=Splatoon 3 Is Not In Production As Final Splatfest Begins |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/07/18/splatoon-3-is-not-in-production-as-final-splatfest-begins |access-date=12 October 2022 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en |archive-date=16 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016193353/https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/07/18/splatoon-3-is-not-in-production-as-final-splatfest-begins |url-status=live }}</ref> In an "Ask the Developer" interview on Nintendo's website, it was revealed that the direction of ''Splatoon 3''{{'}}s world was decided after Team Chaos won ''Splatoon 2''{{'}}s final Splatfest, with the developers planning for both outcomes before the Splatfest winner was decided.<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/ |access-date=12 October 2022 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US |archive-date=17 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017094047/https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-splatoon-2-final-splatfest-creative-direction/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="splatfest">{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Ollie |date=7 September 2022 |title=Random: Splatoon 2's Final Splatfest Dictated The Direction Of Splatoon 3 |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/random-splatoon-2s-final-splatfest-dictated-the-direction-of-splatoon-3 |access-date=12 October 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=12 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012144440/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/random-splatoon-2s-final-splatfest-dictated-the-direction-of-splatoon-3 |url-status=live }}</ref> In a ''Splatoon 3'' Direct on 10 August 2022, Nintendo confirmed that the game would receive two years worth of updates releasing every three months using a seasonal approach, which would feature the addition of more stages and weapons, as well as large-scale paid downloadable content (DLC).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shutler |first=Ali |date=10 August 2022 |title=Nintendo confirms post-release roadmap for 'Splatoon 3' alongside new weapons |url=https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/nintendo-confirms-post-release-roadmap-for-splatoon-3-alongside-new-weapons-3287192 |access-date=16 February 2023 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216141313/https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/nintendo-confirms-post-release-roadmap-for-splatoon-3-alongside-new-weapons-3287192 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 August 2022|last=Epps|first=DeAngelo |title=Splatoon 3 promises 2 years of support, expansion teased |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/splatoon-3-support-update/ |access-date=16 February 2023 |website=Digital Trends |language=en |archive-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216141314/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/splatoon-3-support-update/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Marketing and release== ''Splatoon 3'' was announced with a teaser trailer in a Nintendo Direct on 17 February 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|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|access-date=17 February 2021|website=VentureBeat|language=en-US|first=Jeff|last=Grubb|archive-date=30 September 2021|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/|url-status=live}}</ref> The trailer revealed items, weapons, abilities, and an apocalyptic design.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/02/nintendo_reveals_splatoon_3_coming_to_switch_in_2022|title=Nintendo Reveals Splatoon 3, Coming To Switch In 2021|first=Damien|last=McFerren|work=Nintendo Life|date=18 February 2021|access-date=19 February 2021|archive-date=30 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930144904/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/02/nintendo_reveals_splatoon_3_coming_to_switch_in_2022|url-status=live}}</ref> More details were revealed later that year in September, including the name of ''Splatoon 3''{{'s}} single-player mode, Return of the Mammalians.<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 |access-date=12 October 2022 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=28 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928032434/https://www.polygon.com/22526099/splatoon-3-switch-gameplay-nintendo-direct |url-status=live }}</ref>
A trailer for ''Splatoon 3''{{'s}} co-op mode "Salmon Run" premiered in a Nintendo Direct on 9 February 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Carpenter|first=Nicole|date=9 February 2022|title=Splatoon 3 is coming in 2022, with new Salmon Run co-op mode|url=https://www.polygon.com/22925508/splatoon-3-release-date-announcement-salmon-run-next-wave|access-date=9 February 2022|website=Polygon|language=en-US|archive-date=9 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209225718/https://www.polygon.com/22925508/splatoon-3-release-date-announcement-salmon-run-next-wave|url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 April, Nintendo uploaded a video to its YouTube channel showing gameplay of the "Turf War" game mode, as well as announcing the release date of 9 September 2022.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2022-04-22 |title=Splatoon 3 launches September 9 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/04/splatoon-3-launches-september-9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124222904/https://www.gematsu.com/2022/04/splatoon-3-launches-september-9 |archive-date=2025-01-24 |access-date=2025-06-10 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref> Additionally, ''Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion'' was announced to be included with the Expansion Pack tier of Nintendo Switch Online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ivan |first=Tom |date=22 April 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 gets September release date and a new trailer |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/splatoon-3-gets-september-release-date-and-new-trailer/ |access-date=12 October 2022 |website=VGC |language=en-GB |archive-date=12 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012143156/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/splatoon-3-gets-september-release-date-and-new-trailer/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In July, Nintendo announced a special edition Nintendo Switch OLED model themed on the game, with a release date of 26 August 2022. In addition, the company announced a ''Splatoon 3''-themed Pro Controller and carrying case, which released alongside the game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Limited-Edition Splatoon 3-Themed OLED Switch Available Aug. 26 |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/limited-edition-splatoon-3-themed-oled-switch-available-aug-26 |access-date=17 August 2022 |website=PCMAG |language=en |last=Humphries |first=Matthew |date=6 July 2022 |archive-date=9 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809041345/https://www.pcmag.com/news/limited-edition-splatoon-3-themed-oled-switch-available-aug-26 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 10 August 2022, Nintendo broadcast a ''Splatoon 3''-focused Nintendo Direct, revealing the date for the game's Splatfest World Premiere, a limited time demo Splatfest.<ref name="NLifePremiere">{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/08/splatoon-3s-first-splatfest-will-be-playable-later-this-month-in-free-demo|title=Splatoon 3's First Splatfest Will Be Playable Later This Month In Free Demo|last=Hagues|first=Alana|date=10 August 2022|access-date=29 August 2022|language=en|website=Nintendo Life|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|url-status=live}}</ref> Nintendo announced that the game would have amiibo support, with several new figurines that can be used to take photos with the characters in-game and receive special gear items, similar to past ''Splatoon'' titles.<ref name="NLifeAmiibo">{{cite web |last=Norman |first=Jim |title=New Splatoon 3 amiibo Revealed, Including Inkling, Octoling, And Smallfry |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/08/new-splatoon-3-amiibo-revealed-including-inkling-octoling-and-smallfry |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=10 August 2022 |date=10 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810141821/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/08/new-splatoon-3-amiibo-revealed-including-inkling-octoling-and-smallfry |archive-date=10 August 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> It introduced three new "idol" characters known as Shiver, Frye and Big Man, collectively referred to as "Deep Cut".<ref name="NewsweekDeepCut">{{cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/splatoon-3-who-deep-cut-new-idol-group-1732664|title=Splatoon 3: Who is Deep Cut, the New Idol Group?|last=Vincent|first=Brittany|date=10 August 2022|access-date=29 August 2022|language=en|website=Newsweek|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829081329/https://www.newsweek.com/splatoon-3-who-deep-cut-new-idol-group-1732664|archive-date=29 August 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Also announced in the Nintendo Direct, the game is set to receive both large-scale paid DLC and two years of support via free updates.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Norman |first=Jim |date=10 August 2022 |title=Nintendo Announces Splatoon 3 "Large-Scale Paid DLC", Details Two Years Of Post-Launch Support |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/08/nintendo-announces-splatoon-3-large-scale-paid-dlc-details-two-years-of-post-launch-support |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012145542/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/08/nintendo-announces-splatoon-3-large-scale-paid-dlc-details-two-years-of-post-launch-support |archive-date=12 October 2022 |access-date=12 October 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref> On 25 August 2022, a Nintendo Treehouse Presentation was broadcast which showcased the single-player story mode and the multiplayer lobby, alongside weapons and multiplayer maps.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 August 2022 |title=Nintendo Treehouse Live Breaks Down Splatoon 3 |url=https://gameranx.com/updates/id/351238/article/nintendo-treehouse-live-breaks-down-splatoon-3/ |access-date=26 August 2022 |website=Gameranx |language=en-US |last=Black |first=Todd |archive-date=26 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826191930/https://gameranx.com/updates/id/351238/article/nintendo-treehouse-live-breaks-down-splatoon-3/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The pre-launch Splatfest World Premiere event was held on 27 and 28 August 2022 with a rock-paper-scissors theme,<ref>{{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 |access-date=13 October 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=22 August 2022 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> which Team Rock won in all regions.<ref name="nintendo everything">{{cite web |last1=Ne |first1=Brian |title=Splatoon 3: Splatfest World Premiere results |url=https://nintendoeverything.com/splatoon-3-splatfest-world-premiere-results/ |website=Nintendo Everything |date=28 August 2022 |access-date=28 August 2022 |archive-date=28 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828140820/https://nintendoeverything.com/splatoon-3-splatfest-world-premiere-results/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="akiba">{{cite web |last1=Shirru |first1=Frederico |title=Splatoon 3 – Prime impressioni dallo Splatfest World Premiere |url=https://www.akibagamers.it/28-08-2022/splatoon-3-prime-impressioni-splatfest-world-premiere/ |website=Akiba Games |date=28 August 2022 |access-date=28 August 2022 |language=it |archive-date=28 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828141620/https://www.akibagamers.it/28-08-2022/splatoon-3-prime-impressioni-splatfest-world-premiere/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The game was released worldwide on 9 September 2022.<ref name="techradar">{{Cite web |last1=Hood |first1=Rhys |last2=Boyle |first2=Emma |last3=Stockdale |first3=Henry |date=20 February 2022 |title=Splatoon 3: release date, trailers, news and everything you need to know |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/splatoon-3-release-date-trailer-news |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824231549/https://www.techradar.com/news/splatoon-3-release-date-trailer-news |archive-date=24 August 2022 |access-date=29 August 2022 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> In a trailer on 11 October 2022, it was announced that the ''Splatoon 3'' amiibo would launch on 11 November.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knezevic |first=Kevin |date=11 October 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 Amiibo Figures Launch Nov. 11, Unlock New Gear Sets |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/splatoon-3-amiibo-figures-launch-nov-11-unlock-new-gear-sets/ |access-date=12 October 2022 |website=CNET |language=en |archive-date=12 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012143153/https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/splatoon-3-amiibo-figures-launch-nov-11-unlock-new-gear-sets/ |url-status=live }}</ref> During Nintendo Live 2022 on 9 October, a ''Splatoon 3'' concert was held starring Deep Cut.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Norman |first=Jim |date=1 September 2022 |title=Animal Crossing And Splatoon 3 Concerts To Headline Nintendo Live 2022 |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/animal-crossing-and-splatoon-3-concerts-to-headline-nintendo-live-2022 |access-date=13 October 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=13 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013010605/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/animal-crossing-and-splatoon-3-concerts-to-headline-nintendo-live-2022 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In a Nintendo Direct released on 8 February 2023, two waves of DLC, collectively the ''Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass'', were announced, with the first wave including Inkopolis (the main hub from the first game) and the second wave including a new single player campaign called ''Side Order''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 February 2023 |title=Splatoon 3 DLC includes Inkopolis and new campaign |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/splatoon-3-dlc-includes-inkopolis-and-new-campaign |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211183721/https://www.eurogamer.net/splatoon-3-dlc-includes-inkopolis-and-new-campaign |archive-date=11 February 2023 |access-date=11 February 2023 |work=Eurogamer |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=15 February 2023 |title=Splatoon 3's Expansion Pass Wave 1 Arrives Later This Month |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/splatoon-3s-expansion-pass-wave-1-arrives-later-this-month |access-date=24 February 2023 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=11 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211212505/https://www.ign.com/articles/splatoon-3s-expansion-pass-wave-1-arrives-later-this-month/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This mode was later revealed to be a roguelite, and featured a new story with Agent 8, the protagonist of ''Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion''. ''Side Order'' was released on 22 February 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cripe |first=Michael |date=2024-01-24 |title=Splatoon 3 Side Order DLC Finally Gets Served Up in February |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/splatoon-3-side-order-dlc-finally-gets-served-up-in-february |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128024416/https://www.ign.com/articles/splatoon-3-side-order-dlc-finally-gets-served-up-in-february |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 16 September 2024, Nintendo announced that the game would no longer receive regular content updates, although patches and seasonal events would continue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=2024-09-16 |title=Splatoon 3 Regular Updates to End 2 Years After Launch, Nintendo Says |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/splatoon-3-regular-updates-to-end-2-years-after-launch-nintendo-says |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=16 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916204241/https://www.ign.com/articles/splatoon-3-regular-updates-to-end-2-years-after-launch-nintendo-says |url-status=live }}</ref>
Nintendo released an update for the game on 12 June 2025, which includes enhanced visuals and performance on the Nintendo Switch 2 console. Alongside the enhanced visuals and performance for the next generation of the Nintendo Switch, thirty new weapons were added to the game, along with a teaser trailer for the first spin-off game of the ''Splatoon'' franchise, ''Splatoon Raiders'', which would include Deep Cut as part of the new game's main story.<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=22 January 2026 |website=IGN}}</ref><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=22 January 2026 |website=Polygon}}</ref>
==Reception== {{Video game reviews | OC = 93% recommend<ref name="OC">{{Cite web |title=''Splatoon 3'' |url=https://opencritic.com/game/13284/splatoon-3}}</ref> | MC = 83/100<ref name="MC">{{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=23 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> | Destruct = 9/10<ref name="Destruct">{{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> | EuroG = Recommended<ref name="EuroG">{{cite web|last=Robinson|first=Martin|date=7 September 2022|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/splatoon-3-review-a-lot-more-of-the-brilliant-same|title=Splatoon 3 review - a lot more of the brilliant game|website=Eurogamer|access-date=23 September 2022|archive-date=7 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007175304/https://www.eurogamer.net/splatoon-3-review-a-lot-more-of-the-brilliant-same|url-status=live}}</ref> | Fam = 39/40<ref name="Famitsu">{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=28 September 2022 |title=Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1765 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/09/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1765 |url-status=live |access-date=11 October 2022 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US |archive-date=11 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011162053/https://www.gematsu.com/2022/09/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1765 }}</ref> | GI = 8.5/10<ref name="GI">{{cite magazine |last=Shea |first=Brian |date=7 September 2022 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/splatoon-3/multicolored-mayhem |title=Splatoon 3 Review - Multicolored Mayhem |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=7 September 2022 |archive-date=22 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022155505/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/splatoon-3/multicolored-mayhem |url-status=live }}</ref> | GRadar = 4/5<ref name="GRadar">{{cite web |last=Cryer |first=Hirun |date=7 September 2022 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-3-review/ |title=Splatoon 3 review: "A Strong Sequel that works." |website=GamesRadar+ |access-date=7 September 2022 |archive-date=18 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018121119/https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-3-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | GSpot = 7/10<ref name="GSpot">{{cite web|last=Watts|first=Steve|date=19 September 2022|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/splatoon-3-review/1900-6417951|title=Splatoon 3 Review|website=GameSpot|access-date=23 September 2022|archive-date=20 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020015209/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/splatoon-3-review/1900-6417951/|url-status=live}}</ref> | IGN = 9/10 {{small|({{abbr|MP|Multiplayer}})}}<ref name="IGNMP">{{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><br>8/10 {{small|({{abbr|SP|Single-player}})}}<ref name="IGNSP">{{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 |access-date=9 October 2022 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=29 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221029195016/https://www.ign.com/articles/splatoon-3-review-single-player |url-status=live }}</ref> | NLife = 9/10<ref name="NLife">{{cite web |last=Olney |first=Alex |date=7 September 2022 |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/splatoon-3 |title=Splatoon 3 Review (Switch) |website=NintendoLife |access-date=7 September 2022 |archive-date=5 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005131022/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/splatoon-3 |url-status=live }}</ref> | SN = 9/10<ref name="SN">{{cite web |last=Mejia |first=Ozzie |date=7 September 2022 |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/132162/splatoon-3-review-nintendo-switch |title=Splatoon 3 review: Squid game |website=Shacknews |access-date=7 September 2022 |archive-date=9 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909230145/https://www.shacknews.com/article/132162/splatoon-3-review-nintendo-switch |url-status=live }}</ref> | VG247 = 4/5<ref name="VG247">{{cite web |last=Donaldson |first=Alex |date=7 September 2022 |url=https://www.vg247.com/splatoon-3-review |title=Splatoon 3 review: you'll buy it for the multiplayer – but its single-player story mode is an absolute blast |publisher=VG247 |access-date=7 September 2022 |archive-date=30 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930083620/https://www.vg247.com/splatoon-3-review |url-status=live }}</ref> | VGC = 3/5<ref name="VGC">{{Cite web |last=Castle |first=Matthew |date=7 September 2022 |title=Review: Splatoon 3 gives Nintendo's weirdest world its safest sequel |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/review/splatoon3/ |url-status=live |access-date=27 September 2022 |website=Video Games Chronicle |language=en-GB |archive-date=15 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015095100/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/review/splatoon3/ }}</ref> | TG = 4/5<ref name="TG">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/sep/15/splatoon-3-review-nintendos-new-squid-game-is-ink-redible-fun|title=Splatoon 3 review – Nintendo's new squid game is ink-redible fun|first=Keza|last=MacDonald|date=15 September 2022|access-date=25 October 2022|website=The Guardian|archive-date=25 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025205010/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/sep/15/splatoon-3-review-nintendos-new-squid-game-is-ink-redible-fun|url-status=live}}</ref> }}
''Splatoon 3'' received "generally favorable" reviews according to review aggregator website Metacritic.<ref name="MC"/>
The game's overall presentation was commended. ''Wired''{{'}}s Reid McCarter praised the game's original, cartoony characters, as opposed to contemporary shooters' focus on realistic graphics.<ref name="McCarter2022" /> Alex Olney of ''Nintendo Life'' called the world of ''Splatoon 3'' "immersi[ve]", hailing Splatsville as the series' most expansive and atmospheric hub world to date.<ref name="NLife" /> Its soundtrack was acclaimed by Ben Johnson of ''Pocket Tactics'', who characterized its songs as experimental, bold, and distinct.<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> Echoing this sentiment, ''IGN'' staff wrote positively of the soundtrack's fusion of distinct cultural styles, saying that it "could easily be considered its own genre."<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=21 January 2026 |website=IGN}}</ref>
''Splatoon 3''<nowiki/>'s fine-tuning of returning gameplay elements from its predecessor was a subject of praise. Alex Donaldson of ''VG247'' said that ''Splatoon 3''<nowiki/>'s focus on minute refinements established it as the most polished game in the series.<ref name="VG247"/> The revamped matchmaking lobby, which adds a physical practice range, was commended by reviewers as an improvement over previous entries' static loading screens.<ref name="Destruct" /><ref name="NLife" /><ref name="IGNMP" /> Salmon Run's new incarnation was received positively, with some critics applauding its indefinite availability as opposed to ''Splatoon 2''<nowiki/>'s locking of the mode behind a timed rotation.<ref name="GI" /><ref name="Destruct" /> The ability for players to manually hurl Golden Eggs a distance was seen as an adequate enhancement.<ref name="NLife" /><ref name="IGNMP" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Kalogirou |first=Harry |date=7 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 Review - A Splattin' Good Time |url=https://press-start.com.au/reviews/nintendo-switch/2022/09/07/splatoon-3-review-a-splattin-good-time/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251218022842/https://press-start.com.au/reviews/nintendo-switch/2022/09/07/splatoon-3-review-a-splattin-good-time/ |archive-date=18 December 2025 |access-date=21 January 2026 |website=Press Start |language=en-US}}</ref> Writing for ''Shacknews,'' Ozzie Mejia praised the title's new customization features, though he commented that they did not feel especially innovative compared to other shooters.<ref name="SN"/>
The game's movement controls were seen by critics as mechanically enjoyable. The newly-included Squid Surge and Squid Roll maneuvers were praised by some as fun additions that emphasize the frenetic pace of competetive matches.<ref name="EuroG" /><ref name="GSpot" /> Hirun Cryer of ''GamesRadar+'' particularly lauded the Squid Roll, which grants players brief invincibility if they perform the move as they are struck with enemy ink. He stated that the mechanic helps to reinforce a more in-depth gameplay experience that rewards players for taking time to hone their skills.<ref name="GRadar"/> Brian Shea of ''Game Informer'' similarly praised the game's overall movement as intuitive.<ref name="GI" />
Numerous reviewers took issue with a perceived lack of significant new content. Alex Olney opined that ''Splatoon 3''<nowiki/>'s lack of a "big addition" akin to ''Splatoon 2''<nowiki/>'s Salmon Run prevented the title from truly standing out from its predecessors.<ref name="NLife"/> Sam Machkovech of ''Ars Technica'' felt ''Splatoon 3'' was "disappointing" in its absence of innovation compared to ''Splatoon 2''. He derided the fact that only five of the twelve maps available at launch were unique to ''Splatoon 3''; he also thought the new maps' terrain was uninteresting and overly flat.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Machkovech |first=Sam |date=7 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 review: Nintendo’s well of squid ink has run dry |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2022/09/splatoon-3-review-nintendos-well-of-squid-ink-has-run-dry/ |url-status=live |access-date=21 January 2026 |website=Ars Technica |language=en}}</ref> Martin Robinson of ''Eurogamer'' thought that even the most significant additions, like the overhauled lobby, seldom felt like "basic [ones] you'd expect of a contemporary online multiplayer game."<ref name="EuroG" /> Brendan Graeber of ''IGN'' criticized the new Tableturf Battle mode as "lackluster" and unexciting.<ref name="IGNSP" /> Hirun Cryer thought winning a Tableturf Battle relied too heavily on chance, and that the mode thus failed in living up to its more strategic namesake.<ref name="GRadar" />
A prevalence of network connectivity issues during online battles and matchmaking was heavily criticized. Steve Watts of ''GameSpot'' called in-match diconnections "frequent and unforgiving",<ref name="GSpot" /> while ''Kotaku''{{'}}s Patricia Hernandez lamented the internet irregularities as "inexcusable."<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> Pramath of ''GamingBolt'' thought matchmaking wait times were excessively long, additionally criticizing how certain connection errors during gameplay can send players back to matchmaking.<ref name="GBolt">{{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=21 January 2026 |website=GamingBolt}}</ref> Some critics disliked the amount of non-multiplayer content that was locked behind an internet connection, including in-game shops.<ref name="SN" /><ref name="GBolt" />
The single-player campaign was reviewed favorably. Ozzie Mejia thought the expanded overworld of Return of the Mammalians was refreshing compared to the more linear hubs of prior titles.<ref name="SN" /> Its story was met with amiable responses, some critics calling it simple yet endearing.<ref name="EuroG" /><ref name=":1" /> Several likened many of the levels to those of ''Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion'',<ref name="GRadar" /><ref name="GBolt" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zawodniak |first=Melanie |date=September 13, 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 Review – Review |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/61554/splatoon-3-switch-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250430073536/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/61554/splatoon-3-switch-review |archive-date=April 30, 2025 |access-date=January 5, 2026 |website=Nintendo World Report}}</ref> with some reporting an overall higher difficulty compared to previous entries' story modes.<ref name="GSpot" /><ref name="GRadar" /> Many commended the extent to which the campaign's challenges could prepare players for the online modes.<ref name="GI" /><ref name="EuroG" /><ref name="VG247" /> Conversely, ''Destructoid''{{'}}s Chris Carter perceived it as leaning too heavily on being a straightforward tutorial, though appreciated the levels' apparent tailoring for speedrunning.<ref name="Destruct" /> Some reviewers compared the level design to that of the greater ''Mario'' franchise, particularly the 2002 entry ''Super Mario Sunshine.''<ref name="EuroG" /><ref name="TG"/> However, others criticized certain levels for being overtly geometric and situated above nebulous environments detached from the hub world.<ref name="NLife" /><ref name=":2" />
===Sales=== On 12 September 2022, Nintendo reported that ''Splatoon 3'' had sold 3.45 million copies domestically within the first three days of launch, becoming the fastest-selling video game of all time in Japan (surpassing the previous record holder ''Pokémon Black and White'')<ref>{{cite web |title=Domestic sales of Splatoon 3 for Nintendo Switch surpass 3.45 million in first three days |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/en/2022/220912.html |website=Nintendo Japan |publisher=Nintendo Co., Ltd. |date=12 September 2022 |access-date=12 September 2022 |archive-date=16 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916052550/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/en/2022/220912.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tassi |first=Paul |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/ |access-date=16 September 2022 |date= 12 September 2022 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=17 September 2022 |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/ |url-status=live }}</ref> at the time,{{efn|''Splatoon 3'' was surpassed as the fastest-selling game in Japan by ''Pokémon Scarlet'' and ''Violet'' in November 2022.<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 |access-date=28 February 2023 |website=Nintendo Life |publisher=Hookshot Media |archive-date=24 November 2022 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref>}} as well as one of the best-selling games on the Nintendo Switch.<ref>{{cite web|title=Financial Results Explanatory Material Fiscal Year Ended March 2024 |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2024/240507_3e.pdf|access-date=7 May 2024|archive-date=7 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507081558/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2024/240507_3e.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Shares of Nintendo were noted to have increased by 5.5 percent on the Tuesday following the announcement, the largest increase since December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Savov |first=Vlad |date=12 September 2022 |title=Nintendo Surges After Record Debut of New Switch Game |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-13/nintendo-jumps-after-record-debut-of-new-switch-game |access-date=15 September 2022 |website=Bloomberg News |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |archive-date=27 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927000017/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-13/nintendo-jumps-after-record-debut-of-new-switch-game |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Nussey |first=Sam |date=12 September 2022 |title=Nintendo shares jump 5% on record 'Splatoon' launch |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/artcile/article/nintendo-stocks/nintendo-shares-jump-5-on-record-splatoon-launch-idUSKBN2QE02C |access-date=15 September 2022 |archive-date=15 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915082234/https://www.reuters.com/artcile/article/nintendo-stocks/nintendo-shares-jump-5-on-record-splatoon-launch-idUSKBN2QE02C |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kharpal |first=Arjun |date=13 September 2022 |title=Nintendo shares jump 5% after new game Splatoon 3 hits Japan sales record |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/13/nintendo-shares-jump-after-splatoon-3-japan-sales-record.html |access-date=15 September 2022 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=15 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915082223/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/13/nintendo-shares-jump-after-splatoon-3-japan-sales-record.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Splatoon 3'' debuted at the top spot on the UK boxed charts,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Norman |first=Jim |date=12 September 2022 |title=UK Charts: Splatoon 3 Inks Its Way To The Top Spot |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/uk-charts-splatoon-3-inks-its-way-to-the-top-spot |access-date=13 October 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=13 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013010617/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/uk-charts-splatoon-3-inks-its-way-to-the-top-spot |url-status=live }}</ref> where it remained for three weeks<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Ollie |date=19 September 2022 |title=UK Charts: Splatoon 3 Holds Firm In Another Strong Week For Nintendo |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/uk-charts-splatoon-3-holds-firm-in-another-strong-week-for-nintendo |access-date=13 October 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=13 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013010605/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/uk-charts-splatoon-3-holds-firm-in-another-strong-week-for-nintendo |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Ollie |date=26 September 2022 |title=UK Charts: Mario Kart 8 Gains Ground As Splatoon 3 Continues To Dominate |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/uk-charts-mario-kart-8-gains-ground-as-splatoon-3-continues-to-dominate |access-date=13 October 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=13 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013010606/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/uk-charts-mario-kart-8-gains-ground-as-splatoon-3-continues-to-dominate |url-status=live }}</ref> until being pushed to second place by ''FIFA 23''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Norman |first=Jim |date=5 October 2022 |title=UK Charts: FIFA 23 Knocks Splatoon 3 Off The Top Spot |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/10/uk-charts-fifa-23-knocks-splatoon-3-off-the-top-spot |access-date=13 October 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=13 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013010604/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/10/uk-charts-fifa-23-knocks-splatoon-3-off-the-top-spot |url-status=live }}</ref> As of 18 October 2022, ''Splatoon 3'' was reported to be the highest-selling video game of 2022 in Japan, just over one month after its release.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hagues |first=Alana |date=18 October 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 Is Already The Best-Selling Video Game Of 2022 In Japan |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/10/splatoon-3-is-already-the-best-selling-video-game-of-2022-in-japan |access-date=18 October 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=18 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018194039/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/10/splatoon-3-is-already-the-best-selling-video-game-of-2022-in-japan |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Accolades=== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Award ! scope="col" | Category ! scope="col" | Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Refh}} |- | style="text-align:center;" rowspan="4" | 2022 | rowspan="2" |Golden Joystick Awards | Best Multiplayer Game | {{Nom}} | style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2022-winners/ |title=Here are all the Golden Joystick Awards 2022 winners |date=22 November 2022 |access-date=30 April 2023 |website=GamesRadar+ |last=Loveridge |first=Sam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317003345/https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2022-winners/ |archive-date=17 March 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Nintendo Game of the Year | {{Nom}} |- | rowspan="2" |The Game Awards 2022 | Best Family Game | {{Nominated}} | rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |<ref name="GameAward2022">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-game-awards-2022-winners |title=The Game Awards 2022 Winners: The Full List |last=Plant |first=Logan |work=IGN |date=8 December 2022 |access-date=8 December 2022 |archive-date=9 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209041855/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-game-awards-2022-winners |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Best Multiplayer Game | {{Won}} |- | style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3" | 2023 | New York Game Awards | Central Park Children's Zoo Award for Best Kids Game | {{Nominated}} | style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/new-york-game-awards-2023-elden-ring-wins-two-awards-as-phil-spencer-is-honored |title=New York Game Awards 2023: Elden Ring Wins Two Awards as Phil Spencer Is Honored |last=Bankhurst |first=Adam |work=IGN |date=18 January 2023 |access-date=28 January 2023 |archive-date=18 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118033959/https://www.ign.com/articles/new-york-game-awards-2023-elden-ring-wins-two-awards-as-phil-spencer-is-honored |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | 19th British Academy Games Awards | Multiplayer | {{nom}} | style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bafta.org/games/awards/2023-nominations|title=2023 BAFTA Games Awards: The Nominations|publisher=BAFTA|date=2 March 2023|access-date=2 March 2023|archive-date=2 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302164040/https://www.bafta.org/games/awards/2023-nominations|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Japan Game Awards | Award for Excellence | {{Won}} | style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/monster-hunter-rise-sunbreak-named-2023s-best-game-at-japan-game-awards/ |title=Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak named 2023's best game at Japan Game Awards |date=21 September 2023 |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=Video Games Chronicle |last=Robinson |first=Andy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921203514/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/monster-hunter-rise-sunbreak-named-2023s-best-game-at-japan-game-awards/ |archive-date=21 September 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> |}
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} *{{Official website}}
{{Splatoon}}
Category:2022 video games Category:Japan Game Award winners Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games Category:Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development games Category:Nintendo games Category:Nintendo Switch games Category:Nintendo Switch-only games Category:Nintendo Switch 2 enhanced games Category:Post-apocalyptic video games Category:Splatoon Category:The Game Awards winners Category:Third-person shooters Category:Sequel video games Category:Video games developed in Japan Category:Video games scored by Ryo Nagamatsu Category:Video games scored by Toru Minegishi Category:Video games that use Amiibo figurines Category:Video games with gender-selectable protagonists Category:Video games set in the future Category:Video games about bears