Published on: June 12, 2025
Nintendo continues its robust support for its popular ink-based shooter with the release of Splatoon 3 Version 10.0.0, launching June 11, 2025.
This significant update arrives alongside the announcement of Splatoon Raiders, an upcoming spin-off exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, and reinforces Nintendo’s commitment to evolving both existing and future Splatoon experiences across platforms.
Splatoon 3, developed by Nintendo and available on both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, remains one of the flagship competitive shooters on the eShop, renowned for its vibrant style and innovative multiplayer gameplay.
With over 10 million copies sold since its release in 2022, the game continues to capture a broad audience through regular content drops and mechanical refinements.
Major Additions and Enhancements
The Version 10.0.0 patch brings notable improvements and fresh content.
At the forefront is the long-awaited return of the Urchin Underpass stage, a fan favorite from earlier Splatoon entries, now fully integrated and visually updated for both hardware platforms.
Players also gain access to 30 new weapons across the Splatlands Collection – Barazushi and Emberz variants – further expanding customization and gameplay depth.
These new weapons are available in in-game shops following the update’s application.
Nintendo has optimized Splatoon 3 for Switch 2, delivering enhanced detail, smoother frame rates, and improved Salmon Run animations, even with large numbers of on-screen enemies.
Visual and performance boosts can be clearly seen in core hubs like Splatsville, Inkopolis, and Grand Festival Grounds.
On the original Nintendo Switch, selective graphical elements outside battle areas are tuned to maintain game parity between hardware versions.
Gameplay and Balance Changes
Beyond technical upgrades, the patch introduces balance adjustments across main, sub, and special weapons.
For example, S-BLAST '92 and '91 now use more ink and have slightly increased cooldowns, while the Crab Tank’s cannon has its direct shot power reduced to provide opponents more chances to counter.
Toxic Mist sees ink consumption reduced, balanced by a slight delay before recovery begins.
These changes reflect Nintendo’s focus on maintaining competitive integrity, with a Nintendo representative summarizing the goal as providing players with fairer encounters and encouraging diverse weapon strategies.
A new Series Weapon feature debuts in Anarchy Battle (Series) mode for Rank S and higher, matching players by weapon proficiency to deliver more balanced and varied matches.
Players’ weapon-specific Series Weapon Power can now be tracked and will reset each season, with top achievements displayed in SplatNet 3’s new "Best Nine" feature and rankings.
Expanded Features and Bug Fixes
The update also raises the maximum weapon Freshness to 10★, rewarding dedicated players with additional badges and recognition.
Various bug fixes address issues with movement controls, multiplayer stage interactions, and replay visuals, further refining the gameplay experience across both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
Looking Ahead
Nintendo has indicated that the next Splatoon 3 update will focus heavily on further multiplayer balance adjustments, particularly in light of the new weapon additions.
For ongoing coverage on Splatoon 3, including details about the upcoming Splatoon Raiders for Nintendo Switch 2, stay tuned to our regular updates and analyses.
Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Splatoon Nintendo Splatoon 3 Switch 2 Switch Urchin Underpass Splatoon Raiders Splatlands Collection SplatNet 3