All in all, Nintendo’s had a pretty great year so far. While some big AAA games likeAdvance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Campwere delayed, and Switch sales are technically down from last year, which isn’t saying much, the beloved video game publisher was still able to deliver some of the most entertaining gaming experiences of the first half of the year, bringing outPokemon Legends: Arceus, andKirby and the Forgotten Land. And now, as fans start to look toward the coming months, one big Nintendo game stands out from the rest:Splatoon 3.
Despite a rocky introduction ontothe failing Nintendo Wii U console, theSplatoonfranchise has managed to rise above its hardships, and gain a cult following of fans. With the release ofSplatoon 2on the Nintendo Switch, that cult following grew exponentially, and now, a horde of fans are desperate to get their hands on the Inklings' next adventure. With less than a month to go before release, Nintendo has finally revealed some more details about the game modes and maps that’ll be available inSplatoon 3on launch.
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Every Map Coming To Splatoon 3 On Launch
As of the time of writing,Splatoon 3has 12 maps confirmed to be in the game on launch day, seven of which are returning arenas from thelast twoSplatoonentries. The first returning map is Hammerhead Bridge, a map coming from the very firstSplatoon. As is the case with all of these returning maps, Hammerhead Bridge will still retain much of the same structures and layout, but it has been remade to look at lot more vibrant, and to fitSplatoon 3’s faster gameplay style.
Next up is Museum D’Alfonsino, anotherSplatoon 1map defined by its rotating platforms and wide-open courtyard. Mahi-Mahi Resort is yet anotheroriginalSplatoonmap, with a range of dissecting pathways and platforms making it a particularly chaotic one.Splatoon 2is getting its own share of throwback maps, with four in total confirmed so far. Inkblot Art Academy is one of those maps, retaining all the winding roads and obstacles its known for. Sturgeon Shipyard is the next up, with tons of shifting levels and pathways constantly in motion to confuse the player. This map is actually getting a bit more of an extensive rework, with moving pipes and girders now opening up pathways to higher levels of the ship. The final two returning maps are Makomart and Wahoo World, with the latter being one of the most beloved maps in the franchise.
There are a total of five new maps confirmed forSplatoon 3on launch. Scorch Gorge seems like a fairly typical map, with alleyways and raised levels. Eeltail Alley looks like the most chaotic new map, with a slew of winding pathways all crossing one another on multiple levels. Hagglefish Market is one of the more vibrant new maps, with water on either side that pushes the player all the way back to the spawn zone. Undertow Spillway looks like it’s been ripped straight out ofTony Hawk’s Pro Skater, with industrial pipes and ramps all around. Finally, Mincemeat Metalworks is another construction site map, with moving cranes and falling objects to watch out for.
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Every Game Mode Coming To Splatoon 3 On Launch
Splatoon 3has more modes than any fan was probably expecting. Of course, the main competitive mode, Turf War, is returning. This mode sees two teams of four duke it out, attempting to cover as much of the stage as possible in their team’s ink. While the Turf War mode will retain the same essence as the last two entries,Splatoon 3’s new special weapons and traversal options are sure to make this version of the mode stand out from the rest. On top of Turf War, some other iconicSplatooncompetitive modes are returning. Ranked Anarchy Battles are coming back, as are the Splat Zone, Clam Blitz, Rainmaker, and Tower Control modes. All of these can be played both via online matchmaking, and in private match settings. Splatfest events will also be returning, this timepitting three teams against one another in Tricolor Turf Warsfor absolute carnage.
The cooperative horde mode,Salmon Run is also making a comeback, looking bigger and better than ever. Here, up to four players are tasked with fending off waves of Salmonids while also trying to score points by dunking golden eggs in a basket. Based on the trailers released so far, it seems as though there’ll be plenty of new Salmonid types, including a range of new, surprisingly spooky, bosses.
One of the most exciting features ofSplatoon 3is its new story mode, which Nintendo is hyping up to be a significant improvement over last entries. Called Return of the Mammalians, this story mode sees the player explore a post-apocalyptic wasteland, which admittedly seems a bit tonally dissonant from the rest of the bright and vibrant modes.
A new, and experimental solo mode is also coming toSplatoon 3at some stage. CalledTableturf Battle, this new mode seems to be a card game of some sort, where players build a deck of actions, and use those to fire out special attacks and abilities. Nintendo has confirmed that there’ll be over 150 cards to collect once the mode drops, though players will only receive a starter pack on launch. This could be whereSplatoon 3’s alleged microtransactions come into play.
The final modes inSplatoon 3are a lot less meaty than the others. The Test Range will let players practice and try outSplatoon 3’s new weapons while they wait for a match. This hub mode will also finally let players join their online friends directly, and watch footage of previous games back. Following a match, players will be taken to the Locker Room mode, where they’ll be able tocustomizeSplatoon 3’s gear and weaponswith various unlockable cosmetics.
