Summary
Nintendo announced the end of regular updates forSplatoon 3after 2 years, ultimately relying on returning seasonal events and themes for the future. The online series continues to be a popular title for the Nintendo Switch, withSplatoon 3even selling ten million copies within its first three months. The game has continued that popularity throughout its two years of being available thanks to its continuous update cycle, both with patches, seasonal content, and expansions, which have largely kept its fanbase logging in.
Following the release ofSplatoon 3’s Side Order DLC, which introduced a new single player mode with roguelike elements mixed in, fans were wondering what the future held for the title, since all the promised post-launch content was now available. So far, the year has continued to host new events including various in-game events and the Splatoon 3 World Championship 2024, though Nintendo seemingly tipped its hand with the Grand Festival announcement, signaling that the end was near for the inky shooter.
Following theGrand Festival inSplatoon 3, which ended officially on September 16, Nintendo gave fans an update regarding the game’s future. Ultimately, after 2 years of content, Nintendo revealed Splatoon 3 would no longer be receiving regular updates, instead relying on seasonal events and returning SplatFest themes. Specifically, fans can expect to see events centered around big holidays or during specific times of the year including Splatoween, Frosty Fest, Spring Fest, and Summer Nights. The company did confirm that balance patches and weapon adjustments may appear on occasion as needed, though fans shouldn’t expect to see them often.
Nintendo Confirms the End of Regular Updates for Splatoon 3
While the news may be disappointing to fans, it shouldn’t be too unexpected asSplatoon 3’s future has followed the same trajectory as its predecessor, coming to an end after two years of being available. Thankfully, that game’s history may also plot out the course forSplatoon 3in terms of what fans can expect to see going forward.Splatoon 2continued to cycle through legacy contentand to celebrate its third anniversary, the shooter even brought back its Chicken vs. Egg Splatfest, which originally debuted early in 2018.
With new content and updates coming to an end forSplatoon 3, it’s highly likely that the team has moved on to the next big game, which is probably going to launch on Nintendo’s next console.Rumors surrounding a potentialSplatoon 4have been swirling for the past couple of months under the codename Spiral. There isn’t a ton of information to go on and without anything official, fans should take everything with a grain of salt. However, with how popular the series has become for Nintendo, its unlikely that the company would have any interest in abandoning the franchise. Plus, combined with new hardware to work with, the future ofSplatoonappears bright.
Splatoon 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Enter 4-on-4* ink-slinging battles in this colorful action shooter packed with style and attitude. As a squid-like Inkling, quickly cover your surroundings (and opponents) in ink with wild weaponry and swim through your own color to sneak and splat. Dive into the fresh fun with family and friends and make waves as a team. Get splatted by an opponent? No sweat! The goal in Turf War is to cover the most ground, so respawn and jump back into the inky action.Keep it current with rotating items, seasonal catalogs, and special events: Variety is the spice of an Inkling’s life, so check out shops daily for a changing array of gear that is as fashionable as it is functional. Timed events like Splatfests bring different types of chaotic competition and content updates add even more weapons and stages. Earn points to get in-game items from season-specific catalogs to dress up your own personal locker and show your style.Use inky new abilities and weapons to compete, cooperate, or clear up the mystery of the Fuzzy Ooze: Dynamic new moves like the Squid Surge and Squid Roll will help you and your fellow Inklings cover more ground and avoid enemy ink. Take aim with the bow-like Stringer and get slash happy with sword-like Splatanas—these new weapon types join an arsenal of fresh special weapons and sub weapons, too. Work together to collect Golden Eggs and fend off brand-new swarms of invading Salmonids in the co-op Salmon Run mode. Tackle a solo adventure alongside a Smallfry companion to solve the mystery of the Fuzzy Ooze in the offline story mode.
