Quick Links
Many changes have been made in Splatoon 3, perhaps none more instantly obvious than the setting. Splatoon was initially set in Inkopolis, specifically using Inkopolis Plaza as its central hub. In the sequel, Splatoon 2, players returned to Inkopolis, but this time around, the hub was in the new area of Inkopolis Square.
This time Splatoon 3 takes place in the Splatlands, far away from Inkopolis. The main hub is named Splatsville, and from the first steps players take in the square, the difference in size is obvious --it’s huge. A bigger hub also means lots more things to see and do in the hub area of Splatoon 3.
Splatsville Square
Splatsville Square is the area players are first brought to in Splatsville after the initial loading screen. From the square, players have access to the shops, the lobby, Tableturf Battles, Amiibo, Murch, and pretty much every area available to visit in Splatsville.
Lobby
The lobby is directly up the stairs from the main square and requires players to take an elevator to access it. It is likely most playtime in Splatoon 3s hub will be in the lobby as it has many individual features found nowhere else in the square.
Crab-N-Go
Buy food and drinks with tickets to give perks in matches like bonus XP or extra cash. Very handy to get an edge on competitors, but keep in mind the vendor only accepts food and drink tickets, not any other currency.
Speak to Judd for handy tips and advice; Judd is located to the right of Crab-N-Go.
Shell-Out Machine
A gacha-like gumball machine with a different prize every time. The first play of the day costs 5000, but subsequent plays get a bit pricier, costing 30,000 after the initial play.
Locker Room
Located directly behind the Shell-Out Machine, the Locker Room is a customizable area. Players can add personal touches to their lockers and view other players' lockers to check out how others have them set up.
Lobby Terminal
At the terminal next to the elevator, players can customize their in-game name, banners, badges, and much more. One of the best features of the terminal is the ability to watch replays of recent games. Check some out and maybe learn from mistakes as well as see what went right to truly be a student of Splatoon.
Practice area
The most obvious feature in the lobby is the absolutely huge practice area, with moving dummy targets to the copy machine, players can test out their skills between Splatoon 3 matches and see ghosts of other players also in the lobby.
Elevator
Next to the stairs that lead to the upstairs viewing area, the elevator is the portal for players to take the game online. Step inside, select a mode, choose solo or with friends and prepare for a Splatoon 3 battle.
Shops
Head over to the right of the main square to find the shopping center of Splatsville, some stores are on the ground level while others need players to climb upstairs to access them.
Ammo Knights
Any good inkling has a good weapon alongside them at all times. Down at Ammo Knights, players can shop from a wide array of weaponry.
Import Splatoon 2 data to receive three Gold Sheldon Licenses. Use these in Ammo Knights to unlock advanced weapons.
Naut Couture
Looking to get something to cover the blinding sunshine for precise splatting action? Naut Couture has headgear for all types of seasons and even stocks some sunglasses and headsets from time to time.
Man-o’-Wardrobe
Need some new gear to look flashier on the battlefield? Then head down to Man-o’-Wardrobe, a clothing store with styles for all.
Crush Station
Shoes, need to get some fresh kicks to play with in the paint? Crush Station has it covered, from loafers to winter boots and basketball shoes; whichever style players prefer, they’ll find It here.
Hotlantis
General store; this shop sells customization items for the locker room and is where to head to receive any unlocked Drizzle Season Catalog items.
Murch
Counting as an unofficial store, Murch has had a growth spurt since the days of Splatoon 2. Approaching Murch, who is sitting just outside the lobby entrance area, and interacting with him will give players access to a black market-like store.
Murch can get players access to merchandise not available for them in stores and can also add and remove abilities to gear. This makes Murch an essential stop when trying to take Splatoon 3 to a more competitive level.
Tableturf Battle
Tableturf Battle is the hot new card battling mini-game in Splatoon 3; head behind the front door of the lobby area to come across the Tableturf Battle table. Learn all about the card game, how to play, and even partake in battles with other players and NPCs.
Amiibo
Turn left in the square, and players will see a giant empty amiibo packaging. Interacting with the packaging will allow amiibo to be brought into the game world, each bringing several benefits with them.
Recon Guide
Choose a stage and mode to learn maps completely undisturbed by other players; very handy to learn all the nooks and secrets of the new and old maps featured in Splatoon 3.
Other Players
Press A to interact with the avatars and rate their art post as fresh or even report it for being offensive. Also, order any item the avatar is wearing to get that piece from Murch. If the other player has two cards next to their name, it means they can be challenged to a Tableturf battle game; their Tableturf rank and possible points can also be seen when interacting with the avatar.
Postbox
Moving around the area near the shops, players will spy the postbox. Access it by pressing A, and use creative skills to make a post other players can see and rate. Posts can also be seen as graffiti around Splatsville and on maps during matches.
The Crater
Head down the sewers to see what’s going on with the mysterious figure peeking out and access the Splatoon 3 campaign. The Great Zapfish has been kidnapped, and Cuttlefish needs help to rescue him; of course, he is blaming the Octarians once again. Become Agent 3 of the New Squidbeak Splatoon, and uncover the mystery behind The Great Zapfish kidnapping.
The Shoal
The local play lobby for private battle and Salmon Run also features its own practice area in the back, which has a different layout from the one found in the main lobby.
Grizzco
Salmon Run mode is back; players take their jobs from Mr.Grizz and get to work. Grizzco is now open 24 hours, which is great for players looking for some more cash, as Splatoon 2 players could only compete in Salmon Run during set hours.
Open the menu to view the map and fast travel instantly to a new area.
Splatoon 3 streamlines everything, the game even adds fast travel this time around. This comes in useful if players find it too tiresome to walk around the streets of Splatsville to find the location they wish to go to.
Splatoon 3 is out now for the Nintendo Switch.