With the release of Nintendo's flagship titles for a packed 2022, fans both casual and competitive are wondering what Nintendo will do to shake up the next entry into this franchise. One of the biggest and easiest ways to shake up a shooter game is to add new weapons, so it makes sense for Nintendo to add new ones to Splatoon 3. With the game only a few months away from its release on September 9, 2022, there is still a bit of mystery with the weapons coming to the game.
Splatoon 2 is wrapping up its time as the game in the spotlight, with the game's Octo Expansion being the latest DLC added to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Looking ahead to Splatoon 3, Splatoon 2 gives a look to see how most of the weapons play, and how their subclasses affect these playstyles. On the new classes, speculation and limited gameplay footage are all that's currently available.
Some of that mystery was solved with a Tweet from Nintendo, stating that all nine basic weapon types from Splatoon and Splatoon 2 will be returning to Splatoon 3. ing these are two completely new types of weapons, the vacuum and stringer weapon types. These weapon types bring Splatoon 3 to a total of eleven confirmed weapon types so far.
Shooters Are Returning In Splatoon 3
First up is the most basic type of weapon, the Shooter. These are medium-range weapons with a quickfire rate. There's also a lot of variety of playstyles within this class. The basic Splattershot is a jack-of-all-trades, with decent range, fire rate, and damage. There's also the Splattershot Jr., a smaller version with a faster fire rate and less damage. Lastly, there's the .96 Gal, with a longer range and damage, but a much lower fire rate than the other shooter weapons. This area of weapons is a great place to start for any new player looking to climb the Splatoon ranked ladder.
Returning Weapons In Splatoon 3 Include Blasters
Blasters are a group of hard-hitting, short-range weapons that excel with ground coverage or close combat with enemies. Some of the variants from previous games include a Range Blaster, which sacrifices fire rate for range, and the Luna Blaster, with a short-range blast that affects a wide area. For attacks that might not go far but can be devastating up close, the Blaster is an excellent returning weapon for Splatoon 3.
Rollers Return In Splatoon 3
Rollers are another short-range weapon class returning in Splatoon 3, specializing in covering straightaways quickly and efficiently in a team's ink. This Roller also serves as a devastating melee attack for any opponents unfortunate enough to be caught under it. Some variants include the Dynamo Roller, a slower but stronger roller, and the Carbon Roller, a faster roller that doesn't do as much damage to enemies. The Roller is another great beginner-friendly class, as it's one of the most efficient weapons to cover turf.
Brushes Are Coming Back In Splatoon 3
Brushes are very closely related to Rollers but differ in a few key ways. While much faster than the Rollers, the strength of Brushes lags a bit behind. Running over enemies in Splatoon 3 with a Roller will likely almost always be an instant knockout like it is in Splatoon 2. However, brushes will take a few hits before it knocks out an enemy.
Brushes also have a rapid swipe attack that can be used to knock out enemies. Besides that, though, Brushes are pretty similar to the Rollers. Players run along in a line to spread paint along the ground. This would be a great weapon class for someone who enjoys easy turf coverage and melee but wants to move a bit faster than what the Roller offers.
Chargers Are Long-Range Weapons In Splatoon 3
Chargers are charging, long-range weapons. After holding the fire button for a while, players can fire a shot that can cover a line of terrain, or aimed at an enemy for an instant-knockout shot. The most unique subclass in this weapon class is the Splatterscope, which is the only weapon in the game that allows the player to use a scope. The Charger is a natural fit in Splatoon 3 for anyone who's sniped in other games.
Splatlings Are Returning Weapons In Splatoon 3
The Splatling in Splatoon 3 will presumably play a bit similar to the chargers, in that players will need to hold the fire button to charge up the weapon. Instead of one straight-lined shot, though, the Splatling instead fires a rapid-fire barrage at enemies and terrain. Some notable subclasses for these weapons are the Mini Splatling, with a low charge time in exchange for less damage, and the Hydra Splatling, a Splatling with three different barrels and a long charge time. The Splatling is incredibly rewarding for a slower, more patient playstyle.
Sloshers Are Paint Buckets In Splatoon 3
Sloshers are paint buckets that are incredibly versatile. Their damage output can be devastating to close-range opponents, but it can also be used well from high ground to cover a large amount of ground with a team's ink. Some variants of this weapon include the Tri-Slosher, which provides a weak but wide area-covering three-arc attack, and the Sloshing Machine, a class that uses a washing machine-like drum to launch paint, instead of lobbing like other sloshers. These weapons are a great choice for players looking to use and manipulate map terrain effectively during Splatoon 3 gameplay.
Dualies Are Dual-Wielding Weapons In Splatoon 3
The Dualies are dual-wielded pistols that were one of the weapon types introduced in Splatoon 2. The two pistols each have their own aiming reticle, which focuses on a single reticle when the player is crouched. The Dualies also enable a dodge roll mechanic, giving a player with the Dualies a maneuverability advantage over opponents.
Subclasses include the Dapple Dualies (quicker dodge rolls, shorter range) and Glooga Dualies (increased damage and ammo consumption after a dodge roll). These are definitely the weapons for a more movement-minded player. These weapons should work in a similar way when Splatoon 3 releases.
Brellas From Splatoon 2 Return In Splatoon 3
Brellas are the other weapon type introduced in Splatoon 2. They serve as a decent shotgun offensively but are best utilized as a shield that can be either stationary or traveling. The most notable subclass is the Tenta Brella, which offers a wider shield at the cost of its duration. Brellas are the way to go for players used to playing a more defensive role in other shooters.
Stringers Are New Weapons In Splatoon 3
The Stringer was the first new weapon type shown off for Splatoon 3. As shown in the launch trailer for Splatoon 3, the Stringer resembles a bow and arrow. Not much is known for sure about how the Stringer will play, but one could assume it will play quite similarly to the Charger class.
Vacuums Are Another New Weapon For Splatoon 3
The Ink Vac is another weapon making its debut in Splatoon 3. Similar to the Brellas, the Vacuums seem quite defensively-oriented. A player using the Ink Vac can inhale enemy attacks, and use the ink to charge up an attack of their own. When fully charged, the Ink Vac launches a sizable explosive that could be enough to wipe out an enemy squad.
With the confirmation of all weapon types returning, and the announcement of two new weapon types already, Nintendo seems to be going all out with Splatoon 3. Nintendo hasn't been shy about sharing news about game modes either, with the classic Turf War and a revamped co-op multiplayer experience already confirmed. Splatoon 3 is shaping up to be an exciting entry to the franchise, and these weapon types are sure to please franchise fanatics and newcomers.
