Weapon Adjustments

Version 9.3.0 brings a host of adjustments to main weapons, aiming to fine-tune their performance and balance within the game. Several weapons have received specific tweaks to enhance their effectiveness in combat.

• N-ZAP ’85 and N-ZAP ’89: Movement speed while firing is now approximately 5% faster, and the scatter of shots while on the ground has been reduced by approximately 5%. This should allow for more accurate and mobile gameplay with these classic weapons.
• Splattershot Nova and Annaki Splattershot Nova: The scatter of shots while jumping has been reduced by approximately 33%. This significant reduction should improve the accuracy of these weapons when firing from mid-air.
• Big Swig Roller and Big Swig Roller Express: Vertical swings’ collision detection with players has been slightly expanded to make it easier to hit opponents. This adjustment aims to make the Big Swig Roller more reliable in close-quarters combat.
• Painbrush and Painbrush Nouveau: The interval between continuous swings has been shortened by approximately 1/30th of a second. This subtle change could lead to a noticeable increase in the painbrush’s overall damage output.
• Mini Splatling and Zink Mini Splatling: The time required to charge fully has been reduced by approximately 1/20th of a second. The time until the first level of charge ends is also reduced by approximately 1/30th of a second. These changes should make the Mini Splatling more responsive and versatile.
• Heavy Splatling, Heavy Splatling Deco, and Order Splatling Replica: firing duration has been increased by approximately 11%, and the time required to charge fully has been reduced by approximately 1/20th of a second. The time until the first level of charge ends is also reduced by approximately 1/30th of a second. These buffs aim to make the Heavy Splatling a more formidable weapon on the battlefield.
• Dapple Dualies and Dapple Dualies Nouveau: The speed of shots has been increased by approximately 3%, and the flight distance has been extended. These changes should improve the Dapple Dualies’ range and effectiveness at mid-range.
• Splat Dualies, Enperry Splat Dualies, and Order Dualie Replicas: The collision detection with players of shots fired from a normal posture has been slightly expanded to make it easier to hit opponents. This adjustment aims to make the Splat Dualies more consistent in hitting their targets.
• Recycled Brella 24 Mk I and Recycled Brella 24 mk II: The width of spray droplets created by shots has been slightly expanded, and the amount of ink consumed when firing a shot has been reduced by approximately 14%.These changes should improve the Brella’s ink efficiency and coverage.
• Snipewriter 5H and Snipewriter 5B: The width of spray droplets created by shots has been slightly decreased. This adjustment may require players to be more precise with their shots.
• Mint Decavitator and Charcoal Decavitator: The time required for movement to begin when lunging forward with a charge swipe has been lengthened by approximately 1/30th of a second, and the width of spray droplets created by the ink wave of horizontal slashes has been reduced by approximately 12%. These nerfs aim to balance the Decavitator’s power.

Special Weapon Adjustments

Along with main weapons, several special weapons have also been adjusted to improve balance and effectiveness.

• Ultra Stamp: The damage dealt by the explosion at the point of impact when the stamp is thrown has been increased. Damage dealt to opponents near the center of the explosion has increased from 60.0 to 220.0, and damage dealt to opponents further from the center of the explosion has increased from 30.0 to 60.0. This significant damage buff should make the Ultra Stamp a more potent offensive tool.
• Triple Splashdown: The radius inked by the explosion has been increased by approximately 11%. This increase in ink coverage should make the Triple Splashdown more effective at claiming territory.
• Trizooka: For the explosion at the point of impact,the damage dealt to opponents further from the center of the explosion has been reduced to 35.0. the duration has been shortened by approximately 1/2 a second when not equipping the Special Power Up gear ability. These changes aim to balance the Trizooka’s power and make it easier to counter.

Special Weapon Point Adjustments

The points required for some special weapons have been adjusted to better balance their availability during matches.

Stage Modification

In Bluefin Depot,the lamp that was on the bridge in the center of the stage has been moved to the top of the elevator. This change could impact visibility and strategic positioning in the area.

Splatfest Changes

The update also brings changes to the terrain for Tricolor Turf War in some stages, aiming to improve the balance and fairness of these events.

Developer Insights

The developers have shared some insights into the reasoning behind these changes:

This update focuses on making changes to multiplayer balance.

Upon analyzing the battle data as releasing the last update and considering weapons’ relationships to the weapons for which we improved performance last time, we have slightly extended the flight distance of shots for some weapons with shorter shot flight distances than those we improved last time, and made changes to strengthen the traits of or compensate for the weaknesses of some weapons with shot flight distances similar to those we previously improved.

Regarding the Snipewriter 5H, Snipewriter 5B, Mint Decavitator, and Charcoal decavitator, we made changes to slightly reduce the ability to maintain ink from a distance to give opponents wielding weapons with shorter shot flight distances more time to counter.

For the Trizooka, we have maintained its trait as a special weapon capable of turning the tables if used well, while simultaneously making it easier to counter by shortening the time that players on the opposing

Nintendo has rolled out Version 9.3.0 for Splatoon 3 on March 13, 2025, delivering a host of changes aimed at refining gameplay and enhancing the overall player experience. This update brings significant weapon adjustments, modifications to Splatfest stages, a comprehensive list of bug fixes, and other minor tweaks. Players can expect a more balanced and polished experience as they dive back into the ink-slinging action.

The update focuses heavily on weapon balancing, with adjustments impacting a wide array of both main and special weapons. Splatfest enthusiasts will also find changes to Tricolor Turf War stages, designed to promote fairer and more competitive matches. Let’s delve into the specifics of what Version 9.3.0 has to offer.

Weapon Adjustments: Fine-Tuning the Arsenal

Version 9.3.0 brings substantial modifications to various weapons, impacting both main and special weapon performance. These adjustments aim to create a more balanced and competitive environment for all players.The changes encompass a range of parameters, including shot speed, flight distance, movement speed, shot scatter, swing intervals, charge times, and collision detection.

The following weapons have received specific adjustments:

• Sploosh-o-matic
• Splattershot Jr.
• Aerospray
• N-ZAP
• Splattershot Nova
• Big Swig Roller
• Painbrush
• Mini Splatling
• Heavy Splatling
• Dapple Dualies
• Splat Dualies
• Recycled Brella
• Snipewriter
• Mint Decavitator

In addition to main weapon tweaks, adjustments have also been made to special weapons, including the Ultra Stamp, Triple Splashdown, and Trizooka.Furthermore, the points required to obtain some special weapons have been altered, influencing the strategic use of these powerful tools during matches.

Splatfest Changes: Balancing Tricolor Turf War

Splatfest, a popular recurring event in Splatoon 3, receives attention in Version 9.3.0 with modifications to Tricolor Turf War terrain. These changes specifically target several stages, with Eeltail Alley explicitly mentioned, to improve balance and fairness.The goal is to create a more level playing field for all participating teams, ensuring that victory is determined by skill and strategy rather than inherent map advantages.

Bug Fixes: Enhancing the Player Experience

While specific details are not provided, the update includes a “complete list of bug fixes” aimed at improving the overall player experience. These fixes likely address various known issues and glitches that may have been affecting gameplay, contributing to a smoother and more enjoyable experience for all players.

Other Changes: Minor Tweaks and Adjustments

Beyond the major changes, Version 9.3.0 also includes minor tweaks, such as a repositioned lamp in the Bluefin Depot stage. While seemingly insignificant, these small adjustments contribute to the overall refinement of the game and demonstrate Nintendo’s attention to detail.

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