Splatoon 3 is Nintendo’s flagship shooter and one of the most popular around.
The game was recently awarded as the best multiplayer game of 2022 at The Game Awards ahead of Call of Duty: Warzone 2 and Overwatch 2. It’s possible that this achievement will attract more enthusiastic players to this successful installment, eager to find out why it has been awarded.
If you’re thinking of trying out Splatoon 3 but aren’t sure where to start, these tips will help you get started on the right foot and win more games.
Don’t forget to paint your base
In the urge to dominate more territory, many Splatoon 3 players forget to secure the area they can most easily control each game.
Having the areas close to your base is not only easier to achieve, but it will also help you. You’ll be able to quickly slide across the board if you need to defend yourself, preventing your enemies from gaining ground by eliminating you.
Focus on floors, not walls
In Splatoon 3 it is possible to paint not only the floor, but also the walls. It’s often a useful resource when it comes to getting around the map and can help you escape a sticky situation.
However, some players are unaware that walls do not count as an endgame objective. The only areas that add anything to the dash when painted are the horizontal platforms you can stand on in Territory Combat. Don’t waste time painting the walls more than necessary.
Know all the maps in Splatoon 3
Territory matches in Splatoon 3 can be very competitive, especially against players who are familiar with the maps. As you play the game, it will help you familiarize yourself with all the settings, even the ones you don’t like too much.
Knowing the maps will make it easier for you to infiltrate the enemy area, taking advantage of the opportunity when your opponents are badly positioned. Some routes can be used to flank and catch them off guard, secure unprotected points, or effectively paint large areas.
Refill the tank with your ultimate ability
Splatoon 3’s Special Weapons are one of the biggest advantages you can have in battle. However, you will only be able to use them once you charge the bar by painting the map your color, which can leave you in some risky situations. Once your ink tank runs out, you will need to take some time to refill it.
A popular strategy is to use your special ability to refill your ink tank and keep fighting. It can give you cover when you run out of ink, allowing you to kill once more.
Be efficient when respawning
Many Splatoon 3 players often jump into combat after respawning, missing an opportunity to retake nearby areas.
Using the Sprinkler or Carbon Bomb immediately after spawning in the field can help you save time painting the surroundings of your base. You can ink large areas in a short time and thus quickly switch to center contention.
Familiarize yourself with the weapons of Splatoon 3
Although Splatoon 3 seems like a simple shooter, the reality is that it has a lot of depth in different aspects. And its wide variety of weapons is undoubtedly one of them.
Currently, the game has more than 50 weapons. Many are similar to the others, but most invite you to enjoy combat in a different way. Learning to use different weapons will not only help you improve your marksmanship, but it will also teach you how to counter your rivals.
You can train with different weapons in multiplayer and story mode.
Come back if necessary
Despite what the Splatoon 3 trailers might have you believe, combat doesn’t always have to be completely crazy. More experienced players know how to assess the situation and are not afraid to back down if necessary.
If you are knocked out in battle, your opponents will use the time to complete objectives or paint the map, making it harder to regain ground. It is also possible that they have charged their special weapons during this time and have an advantage over you.
In some cases, like when your tank is empty, it’s best to back up and refuel in a quiet place. You can take advantage of your retreat to paint this area and reload your special weapon. This way you can help paint the map and you’ll come back 100% ready to help your teammates.
Assist your colleagues
Many battles in Splatoon 3 aren’t decided by player positioning. A misplaced enemy can be easy prey for your team if they decide to attack it together.
Something highly recommended for those who aren’t as skilled at shooting is following a teammate from behind and backing them up when enemies focus on them. The majority of numbers can be essential to win your games in Splatoon 3, especially against badly positioned enemies.
Likewise, quickly regrouping with your teammates when you’re already reloaded can save their lives, so avoid focusing on painting the map.
You can try before you buy
One thing newbie players often overlook is that Splatoon 3 lets you try out weapons before buying them by pressing Y in the shop menu.
This feature is perfect for testing whether a weapon suits your style of play. It would be ideal to have them all, but surely you don’t have enough money for that, so you have to decide. With this option, you will be able to check the range of a main or secondary weapon, test special abilities and check the damage they cause.
Once at level 4, you will be able to talk to Enrizo, a character you will find to the right of the Octopus Tower at the end of Cromópolis Square.
Visit Enrizo in Splatoon 3
Enrizo is an NPC you can talk to next to Octopus Tower after reaching level 4. This will allow you to order items or change your team boosts.
What’s interesting is that Enrizo can clear your default weapon bonuses for 20,000 credits. This will allow you to introduce new power-ups in slots that suit your needs. For this you will need fragments obtained in Salmon Run or by emptying your team’s power-ups.
You’ll also need the super crustaceans you get from festivals. Sounds like a lot of requirements, but the power-ups will give you a combat bonus that can make all the difference.
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