Major Update for Splatoon 3 Launches with Visual and Performance Improvements

Nintendo has rolled out the highly anticipated version 10.0.0 update for Splatoon 3, optimized specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2. This update not only enhances the game’s visual fidelity but also delivers smoother gameplay experiences across key in-game locations, making battles more immersive and fluid.

Enhanced Graphics and Smoother Gameplay

One of the standout improvements is the increased resolution of images stored in the Nintendo Switch 2 album, providing clearer visuals when capturing moments with Photo Mode or the Capture Button. Additionally, players will notice significantly smoother on-screen movement in popular areas such as Splatsville, Inkopolis, Inkopolis Square, and the Grand Festival Grounds.

Salmon Run, the cooperative mode featuring Salmonids, now features more fluid animations, even when large groups of Salmonids are present, resulting in a more dynamic and lively stage environment. Characters like jellyfish and Salmonids themselves have received improved animation quality, contributing to a more polished visual experience.

Refinements for Both Switch Models

While the primary enhancements focus on the Nintendo Switch 2, the update also brings subtle but impactful improvements to the original Nintendo Switch. For instance, the game now hides certain non-essential elements outside the battle stages in modes like Splat Zones, Tower Control, Rainmaker, and Clam Blitz to reduce visual clutter and improve performance. However, in Recon Mode, all elements remain visible to ensure full functionality.

New Content and Features for Multiplayer Battles

The update introduces fresh content to keep the multiplayer experience engaging:

• A new stage, Urchin Underpass, makes its debut, offering players a new environment to test their skills.
• 30 new weapons, part of the Splatlands Collection from Barazushi and Emberz brands, are now available in shops after the update. These weapons diversify the arsenal and encourage strategic experimentation.
• For players at Rank S and above, a Series Weapon feature has been added to Anarchy Battle (Series). This system measures the power of equipped weapons and matches players with others of similar strength, promoting fairer and more competitive matches.
• Increased the point variation per battle in Anarchy Battle (Open) mode by roughly 2.5 times, adding more stakes and excitement to each match.
• Call signs, which are automatically assigned based on gear and other factors, now display as nicknames during X Battles, with actual player names and IDs visible after matches for easier identification.

Improvements to SplatNet 3 and Player Progress Tracking

The companion app receives several updates to enhance user experience:

• Best Nine feature now shows the nine weapons with the highest Series Weapon Power for each player.
• Best Nine rankings allow players to compete based on the total Series Weapon Power of their top nine weapons.
• Notifications from SplatNet 3 now appear directly within the Nintendo Switch App, ensuring players stay updated without switching apps.

Additional Game Balance and Quality of Life Changes

This update also fine-tunes gameplay mechanics to improve fairness and strategic depth:

• The maximum value for weapon Freshness has increased from 6★ to 10★, allowing players to earn new badges and further customize their gear.
• Weapons with XP beyond the previous maximum now have their Freshness increased after battles to reflect their upgraded status.
• New badges are available based on the number of weapons with high Freshness levels, encouraging players to maintain their gear.
• The Users You Have Played With system no longer displays players you’ve battled against in certain ranked modes, reducing clutter and focusing on relevant connections.

Balance Adjustments for Special Weapons and Tactics

To promote more dynamic and counterable battles, several weapon adjustments have been made:

• Reduced damage output of the Crab Tank’s cannon to prevent instant defeats and make it more susceptible to counterplay.
• Made the S-BLAST ‘92 and S-BLAST ‘91 easier to counter by adjusting their attack patterns.
• Lowered ink consumption of Toxic Mist to facilitate sustained use alongside main weapons, while extending the recovery time to prevent abuse tactics.

Exciting New Spin-Off Announced

In an unexpected move, Nintendo revealed Splatoon Raiders, a brand-new Splatoon spin-off exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. Although no release date has been announced, a teaser trailer was released to generate excitement. Fans should stay tuned for future updates on this promising new title.

Inside the Update: A Summary of Key Changes

• Introduction of 30 new weapons and a new stage, Urchin Underpass.
• Enhanced visual fidelity and smoother gameplay across all locations.
• New features like Series Weapon Power measurement and improved ranking systems.
• Balance adjustments to make battles more fair and engaging.
• Upgraded app features for better tracking and competitive ranking.

Vikki Blake is a seasoned gaming journalist with over 15 years of experience working with leading gaming publications. She is known for her insightful commentary and in-depth coverage of major gaming titles and updates. Follow her insights on social media platforms for the latest in gaming news.

Alex Hunter

Alex is a passionate gamer with over a decade of experience exploring everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. He specializes in uncovering hidden secrets, mastering complex mechanics, and creating in-depth walkthroughs. Whether it’s a challenging boss fight or a puzzling questline, Alex breaks it all down in a way that’s fun, clear, and engaging for readers of all levels.