By PlayingAround4Now | Game Reviews | May 2025
Splatoon 3 takes everything great about Nintendo’s inky shooter franchise and cranks it up to squid-tastic levels. Whether you’re in it for the Turf War showdowns, deep customization, story mode surprises, or just want to flex your fit while splatting fools, Splatoon 3 is a chaotic blast that’s somehow both competitive and cozy.
We’ve been swimming in paint, battling it out online, and yes—dripping in style—so here’s everything you need to know about why Splatoon 3 still deserves your time and hype in 2025.
🧠 What’s New in Splatoon 3?
Splatoon 3 drops us into Splatsville, a grittier, more vibrant city hub that feels alive with culture, chaos, and squid kid energy. The gameplay remains tight and fast-paced, with several awesome additions:
- ✅ Tri-Stringer weapon (hello bow mains!)
- ✅ New specials like Crab Tank and Zipcaster
- ✅ More intuitive movement: Squid Surge and Squid Roll add strategy and flair
- ✅ Tableturf Battle mini-game for chill card-based turf domination
It’s classic Splatoon, but more refined, more stylish, and with way more replay value.
🎮 Gameplay: Still Addictive, Now More Strategic
Matches are still quick, 3-minute Turf War bouts with a heavy focus on map control. But Splatoon 3’s map variety and weapon balance make it feel deeper than ever.
Ranked (now called Anarchy Battles) has been upgraded with rotating modes like Tower Control and Rainmaker, and the popular Salmon Run co-op mode is available 24/7 now—no more waiting!
Don’t sleep on the Return of the Mammalians story mode either. It’s clever, challenging, and filled with lore teases that long-time fans will love.
👕 Fashion Front: Flex Your Freshest Fits
Splatoon 3 isn’t just about dominating with ink—it’s about looking fresh while doing it. From oversized hoodies to tactical sneakers, the game’s streetwear-inspired fashion plays a HUGE role in the vibe of Splatsville.
If you’re into fashion IRL too (you know we are 😎), check out some of our exclusive Splatoon 3-inspired merch designed for Inklings, Octolings, and real-world squid kids:
🖤 Black and White Tentatek Pull-Over Hoodie for Inklings and Octolings
Drip-approved and cozy enough for stream nights or Splatfests. Designed with Tentatek love.
🖤 Black Short-Sleeve Tentatek T-Shirt for Octolings and Inklings
Streetwear-style simplicity with just enough squid energy to make a statement.
More designs coming soon on our Etsy shop!
🌍 Online Play & Community Vibes
Multiplayer is as smooth and vibrant as ever. With faster matchmaking, replays, and lockers you can decorate and visit (seriously), Splatoon 3 leans into social features more than before.
We’ve had a blast streaming Turf War chaos and viewer-vs-creator battles over on YouTube and Twitch. Expect more community events, Splatfest reactions, and best-loadout shorts all year long.
🎨 Visuals, Music, & Vibes
The new maps (like Eeltail Alley and Mincemeat Metalworks) have a post-apocalyptic skatepark meets street art feel, and they look amazing on the OLED Switch. Splat animations are slick, the UI is cleaner, and the color contrast during ink battles is 🔥.
The soundtrack slaps too—punky, messy, and weird in the best way. We’ve used Anarchy Rainbow and Sea Me Now in our TikToks and Reels already.
🧪 Verdict: Splatoon 3 is the Freshest Ink Yet
Whether you’re a longtime Splat veteran or jumping in for the first time, Splatoon 3 is a must-play Switch title in 2025. The fashion, the fluidity, and the fast-paced fun haven’t lost a step—and with regular content updates and rotating Splatfests, it’s staying relevant and replayable.
Rating: 9/10
Style, strategy, and squid chaos in all the right ways.
💡 Love This Review? Here’s How You Can Dive Deeper:
- 🎥 Catch our Splatoon 3 livestreams and community Splatfests on YouTube
- 🛍️ Grab our Tentatek hoodies and tees for IRL Inkling vibes:
- 📱 Follow for Splatoon outfit reels, clutch clips & memes on Instagram and TikTok
- 📌 Pin loadout ideas and locker setups from our board on Pinterest
- 💬 Join the SplatSquad in our Discord for matchups, tips, and locker flexes
🗨️ Favorite Weapon or Freshest Fit?
Let us know your go-to loadout or favorite clothing brand in Splatoon 3—drop it in the comments or tag us with #PlayingAround4NowSplatoon.