Splatoon 3 — Review (2026): Is It Worth Playing?
Splatoon 3 is a shooter from Nintendo, released in September 2022 on Nintendo Switch. The third entry in the Splatoon series, where players control Inklings—creatures that turn into squids. The main mode is Turf War, where teams battle to cover territory with ink.
What is the game about
You are a new agent in Splatsville, a city where Inklings and Octolings live together. The main mode is Turf War: two teams of four players battle to cover territory with their ink. The team that covers more wins. Beyond that there's a story mode, Salmon Run (co-op against waves of enemies), and Anarchy Battles (ranked matches).
Gameplay
- Turf War: cover more territory in three minutes.
- Weapons: from splatters to rollers and brushes—each weapon is unique.
- Salmon Run: co-op mode against waves of monsters.
- Customization: clothing, hairstyles, and gear with bonuses.
Should you play it in 2026
Yes. Splatoon 3 is one of the best multiplayer shooters on Switch: bright style, quick matches, and constant updates. If you loved previous entries or seek a fun online shooter—a must.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bright unique style | Requires Nintendo Switch Online |
| Quick matches | Matchmaking isn't ideal |
| Constant updates | Graphics inferior to other shooters |
FAQ
Do I need to play previous Splatoon games? No, Splatoon 3 is standalone.
How many hours? Endless, especially multiplayer.
On other platforms? No, only Nintendo Switch.