What’s Next for Splatoon 3? A Look at the End of Regular Updates and Future Seasonal Events
Since its release in September 2022, Splatoon 3 has been one of Nintendo’s most successful online multiplayer games, known for its vibrant ink battles, creative characters, and dedicated fanbase. For over two years, Nintendo has supported the game with regular updates, adding new weapons, stages, and Splatfest events. However, in 2024, Nintendo announced the end of regular updates for Splatoon 3, signaling a shift in focus for the franchise. This has left fans wondering: What comes next?
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the key details of this announcement, explore how Nintendo plans to keep Splatoon 3 engaging through seasonal events, and look at what players can expect in the near future.
Splatoon 3 Updates: A Two-Year Journey
Nintendo’s decision to end regular updates for Splatoon 3 marks the conclusion of a remarkable two-year period filled with fresh content and thrilling competitions. Since its launch, the game has received numerous updates, including the addition of new weapons, stages, and gameplay tweaks. This support helped Splatoon 3 evolve and maintain its player base over time, with frequent updates creating excitement around each new release.
The Splatoon 3 end of updates announcement came after the Grand Festival Splatfest, one of the game’s biggest in-game events. Following this event, Nintendo confirmed that regular updates would cease, although Splatfest events and weapon balancing patches would continue on an as-needed basis(My Nintendo News)(Shacknews).
The Impact of Regular Updates
The regular updates that Splatoon 3 received over the last two years have played a crucial role in keeping the game fresh and engaging. New content encouraged players to return to the game regularly and kept the competitive scene vibrant. But with regular updates now coming to an end, many wonder how the game will continue to thrive.
Splatoon 3 End of Updates: What Does It Mean for Players?
So, what exactly does the Splatoon 3 end of updates mean for the player base? For starters, it doesn’t mean that the game is being abandoned. Nintendo has confirmed that while new content will no longer be added regularly, ongoing Splatfest events and seasonal events like Splatoween, Frosty Fest, Spring Fest, and Summer Nights will continue(Shacknews).
What to Expect Going Forward
Even though the end of updates signals a shift in Nintendo’s focus, the game will still receive occasional patches for weapon balancing and other minor tweaks. This means that players will continue to see adjustments that enhance gameplay, particularly when it comes to competitive play.
Additionally, Splatoon 3 seasonal events will remain a highlight of the game’s future. These events, which include themed battles and challenges, will continue to give players reasons to jump back into the game, despite the lack of regular content updates. Seasonal content allows Nintendo to extend the game’s life without needing to develop new assets continuously.
The Future of Splatfest and Seasonal Events
One of the biggest draws for Splatoon 3 players has been the Splatfest schedule. These recurring events ask players to pick sides on fun, often quirky topics (like which is better: pancakes or waffles?) and battle it out in Turf Wars. Even though regular updates are ending, Nintendo’s announcement assures fans that Splatfest events will return with themes from previous years(My Nintendo News).
Splatfests: A Fan Favorite
The Splatfest schedule has always been a major feature in Splatoon games, with each event bringing excitement and competition to the game. Players form teams based on their chosen side of the debate and battle to help their team come out on top. These events not only give players something to look forward to but also foster a strong sense of community within the game’s player base.
The Splatoon 3 Grand Festival, held in 2024, marked the final “new” Splatfest, and it was a celebration of the game’s two-year run. But, as Nintendo confirmed, the end of regular updates doesn’t mean the end of Splatfest altogether—just that returning themes will take center stage going forward(Shacknews)(Nintendo Everything).
Patch Notes and Weapon Balancing: Ongoing Adjustments
Another area where Splatoon 3 will continue to receive support is in weapon balancing. Nintendo has stated that updates focused on balancing existing weapons will be released as needed. This is crucial for maintaining fair and competitive gameplay, especially since Splatoon’s multiplayer format heavily relies on strategy and coordination(Nintendo Everything).
Why Weapon Balancing Matters
In a game like Splatoon 3, where each match’s outcome is shaped by the unique abilities of various weapons, balance is key. Splatoon 3 patch notes will continue to detail changes to weapon stats, making sure no one weapon becomes overpowered. These updates keep the game competitive and fun for all players, ensuring that strategies remain diverse and gameplay feels fair.
Big Run and Other Competitive Events
Beyond Splatfest and regular battles, Splatoon 3 has introduced unique competitive events like Big Run and Eggstra Work. These events, which bring fresh challenges to the game, will also continue for the foreseeable future(Nintendo Everything). Big Run, in particular, has become a fan-favorite event that shakes up the usual gameplay and adds an extra layer of excitement.
Big Run: A New Type of Challenge
Big Run allows players to team up and take on increasingly difficult waves of enemies in special PvE (Player vs Environment) missions. This event offers a break from traditional PvP (Player vs Player) modes and provides another way for players to engage with the game. Although regular updates are ending, Big Run and similar events will still give players the opportunity to experience new gameplay twists(Shacknews).
Nintendo’s Announcement: What It Means for the Future of Splatoon
Nintendo’s decision to stop regular updates for Splatoon 3 has raised many questions about the future of the game and the series as a whole. While seasonal events and patches will keep the game active, fans are already speculating about what’s next for the Splatoon franchise. Could a Splatoon 4 announcement be on the horizon?
The Possibility of Splatoon 4
Given the success of the Splatoon series, it seems likely that Splatoon 4 could be in development. With Nintendo’s next-gen Switch on the horizon, many are wondering if a new entry in the franchise will be announced soon. Until then, Splatoon 3 will continue to thrive through seasonal events, competitive gameplay, and weapon updates that keep the experience balanced and exciting.
Splatoon 3’s Legacy and What’s Next
Despite the Splatoon 3 end of updates, Nintendo has made it clear that the game will continue to be a cornerstone of its online multiplayer offerings, thanks to seasonal events, Splatfest competitions, and ongoing weapon balancing patches. For Splatoon fans, this means that while the game won’t receive new content regularly, it will still offer plenty of reasons to keep playing.
Looking ahead, players can expect more Splatfest events, occasional balance adjustments, and thrilling challenges like Big Run. While we may have to wait for news on Splatoon 4, Splatoon 3 remains a vibrant and competitive experience that continues to evolve even as regular updates come to an end.
For more insights into gaming and the latest industry updates, visit Regent Studies. You can also check out this Shacknews article for further details on the Splatoon 3 Grand Festival and Nintendo’s plans for the future.
Splatoon’s colorful world of ink battles continues to excite and challenge, and with ongoing Splatfests and seasonal content, the fun is far from over!
