The originalSplatoononly came out in 2015, and already the series has become one of Nintendo’s heavy hitters both casually and competitively.Splatoon 3looks poised to take the series to even greater heights aesthetically, butit’s the gameplay that will make or break its longevity.
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The uniqueinking, transforming, and swimmingmechanic is what makesSplatoonspecial, but another important part of its gameplay is the weapons. Each main weapon is from a variety of different classes, and will also dictate what sub and special weapons players will have access to. While patches will inevitably shake up the game balance, some ofSplatoon 3’s main weaponsare a lot stronger out the gate.
8Sloshing Machine
The “slosher” type weapons aren’t for everyone, as they tend to have lower fire rates and different mechanics than a lot of other classes. Within the class, however, the sloshing machine helps make a case for this type of weapon.
Its unique ink trail is focused as a spiraling ball that deals high damage if it makes direct contact with an opponent. The trail it leaves behind can also catch enemies, and it doesn’t lose damage over long distances, complimenting its fairly high range. The sloshing machine takes a bit to get used to, but it can be very effective when mastered.
7.52 Gal
The .52 gal is a “shooter” type weapon that takes a different approach to other weapons of its class. It sacrifices the good fire rate most shooters have, in return for much higher damage and range.
A lot of thebest main weapons inSplatoon 3specialize in high fire rates, partially because a lower fire rate can make accuracy far more important, and damage more inconsistent. While this does hurt the .52, when used properly it can splat opponents quite quickly. This shooter also comes with the splash wall, which can help make up for its low firing speed.
6Octobrush
As opposed to the inking-focused “roller” weapons, the “brush” weapons focus on overwhelming foes with speedy movement and sudden damage at close range. While they might seem underwhelming due to their poor inking ability, they can blow opponents up in sheer burst damage.
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While the inkbrush is a valid choice, the octobrush boasts higher damage and a slightly wider ink trail in return for lower speed. Especially when played stealthily, this weapon can end opponents before they know what’s happening, and still has decent inking ability for turf wars.
5Heavy Splatling
The most basic of the “splatling” class of weapons, the heavy splatling exemplifies the strengths and weaknesses of the class, easily being its most well-rounded member. These weapons take a moment to charge up but then fire ink at a high rate.
The heavy splatling, particularly, boasts high range and decent speed while firing, allowing it to be effective at keeping opponents at bay. It also does a very good job of inking turf in turf wars, and its “wave breaker"special weaponcan make it easier to harass opponents at a distance.
4Dark Tetra Dualies
The “dualies” is a class of weapons that was first introduced inSplatoon 2. They focus on dual-wielded guns with a rather wide shot spread that can be narrowed after a special dash. It’s a unique playstyle withinSplatoon, and the best of the dualies is the dark tetra dualies.
These most effectively take advantage of the dualies’ unique dodge roll, allowing up to 4 rolls in quick succession. This burst in speed can throw most opponents’ aim off, and the tetras use by far the least ink for this roll of all the dualies without sacrificing much damage.
3Aerospray MG
The “shooter” type is the simplest class of weapons inSplatoon 3, and the aerospray is one of the best this class has to offer. It boasts one of the highest fire rates in the game, although this comes in exchange for very low range and damage.
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This sounds likeit should be a detriment, but inSplatoon 3, being able to land hits fast can melt foes in no time. The aerospray can’t dominate space as well, but it rules in close-range skirmishes. The “reef slider” special also allows it some recourse against distant foes.
2Splattershot
The original weapon showed off whenSplatoonwas first announced, and a good all-around weapon. The splattershot isas basic asSplatoonweapons come, but its simplicity is part of its power. What it lacks in specialization, it makes up for in consistency.
It’s got well-rounded stats and is quite appropriate for any situation. InSplatoon 3, it also comes packaged with the “trizooka”, one of the better specials in the game. Each of its shots does massive damage and can easily one-shot an opponent.
1N-ZAP ‘85
The n-zap is a “shooter” type weapon that has been in the series since 2015’sSplatoon. It’s a rather obvious homage to the NES zapper accessory and has been a dominant force in everySplatoongame.
Like many otherstrong weapons inSplatoon 3, the n-zap boasts a high fire rate, but it also has more range than weapons like the aerospray. This allows it to take out opponents from a decent range fairly quickly. InSplatoon 3it comes with the “tacticooler” special, providing faster movement and ink recovery to allies.
