Splatoon 3 Adds 30 New Weapons; Nintendo Announces Splatoon Raiders Spinoff

Despite being in maintenance mode, Splatoon 3 is receiving a substantial update on June 12th. While the highlight was the announcement of the Switch 2 spinoff titled Splatoon Raiders, Nintendo’s presentation this week provided few details about the new title while focusing heavily on Splat 3. The update introduces 30 new weapons, the return of the Urchin Underpass map from the original game, and several new features.

Among the new features, Series Weapon Power stands out as the most intriguing, as it promises to refine matchmaking even further. While it seems a bit unusual with the Switch 2 on the horizon, we’ve previously noted that the game’s wait times are surprisingly manageable. This feature might prevent experienced players from dominating newcomers after a losing streak with a new weapon, but it should also help avoid those losing streaks altogether. Personally, we often stick to one or two weapons for this very reason.

This update should encourage players to experiment with any of the 30 new weapons, especially with the introduction of a new freshness cap and additional badges to earn. Plus, players can expect improved graphics and performance.

While details about Splatoon Raiders remain sparse, the trailer’s focus on story suggests it might be a single-player game. The series has always had a rich lore that sets it apart among small-scale multiplayer titles, but some players have avoided it due to its multiplayer-centric nature. The spinoff could potentially feature multiplayer elements with a PvE focus, perhaps similar to the roguelike DLC Spire of Order or a survival/escape mode reminiscent of Animal Crossing’s spinoff mini-game Desert Island Escape.

We’ll have to wait and see, but in the meantime, Splat fans can look forward to a Big Run event running from 8 p.m. EDT on June 13th until Sunday, June 15th, at the same time. It seems Nintendo is encouraging dads to try out new weapons with their gaming families. Are you ready, Splat dads?