Nintendo is making some significant changes to how Splatfests work inSplatoon 3, starting with the upcoming Sweet, Sour, and Spicy event. Some radical changes have been made to Splatfests inSplatoon 3, compared to how they worked inSplatoonandSplatoon 2. Nintendo must feel like there are still opportunities to improve the Splatfest experience, though. There’s nothing radical in the changes, butSplatoon 3players will likely be pleasantly surprised.The shift fromSplatoon 2toSplatoon 3is simple when it comes to gameplay, but complex in the details.Splatoon 2Splatfestsrevolve around two teams, whileSplatoon 3Splatfests involve three teams.Splatoon 3also features an additional mode that only unlocks after the Halftime Report. Open and Pro, like inSplatoon 2, are available throughout the Splatfest. Tricolor Turf War unlocks halfway and allows all three teams to battle against each other, with four Defenders and two teams of two Attackers cooperating.RELATED:YouTuber Makes Splatoon Cover of Classic Christmas SongTwo key changes have been announced as part of the Splatfest rework forSplatoon 3. The most significant has to do withhow Splatfest winners are decided. A new mechanic named Tricolor Clout has been added. Tricolor Clout encourages players to participate in Tricolor Turf Wars in a certain way. Players on the leading team at the Halftime Report will get a 1.5x bonus for defending, while players on the two losing teams will get a 1.5x for Attacking.
The second change is that all players can join aTricolor Turf Warafter the Halftime report, regardless of their team or whether they’re playing solo or with a friend. Players won’t know whether they’re on the attacking or defending team until after the fight begins, either. It’s one way for Nintendo to encourage participation and engagement with the Splatfest.
Many of the changes that Nintendo has made forSplatoon 3’s Splatfests are in an effort to get players to not only participate but to want to win. InSplatoon 2, a stage would appear a day before the Splatfest. InSplatoon 3, a buildup to the Splatfest is ongoing as soon as the event is announced. Matches also are included in theSplatfest Sneak Peek, which contributes to the final results.
Splatfests are easily one of the most exciting events ofSplatoon 3. It’s still fun, nothing to be taken too seriously, but it’s something more than just regular matchmaking. However, Nintendo has also slowed down the cadence of Splatfests, releasing them bimonthly instead of monthly. The alternating months have been used forSalmon Run events. It’s an odd change, but Nintendo must think it’s for the betterment ofSplatoon 3in the long run.
Splatoon 3is available now on Switch.
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