Welcome to Splatoon 3, Nintendo’s vibrant and fast-paced third-person shooter where ink is your ammunition, terrain is your canvas, and teamwork is essential. As the third installment in the beloved franchise, Splatoon 3 might feel overwhelming to newcomers, especially given its focus on online matchmaking and team-based strategy. Thankfully, this guide is here to help you move from tentative splashes to confident strides through the world of ink, color, and chaos.

Start with Comfort: Tuning Your Controls

Before diving into any of the game’s modes, your first priority should be adjusting your control settings. By default, motion controls are enabled, and while many long-time fans swear by them for precision aiming, they may feel awkward to those unfamiliar with gyro-based input.

If you’re playing with a Pro Controller or prefer more traditional shooter mechanics, consider disabling motion controls and tweaking the sensitivity settings to your liking. That said, motion controls are integrated deeply into Splatoon 3’s gameplay philosophy and, with practice, can offer superior control—particularly for quick aim adjustments in heated battles. Our advice? Give both options a fair trial and settle on what helps you feel the most natural and effective.

Hero Mode: Your Training Ground

Once you’ve locked in your preferred control scheme, head straight into Hero Mode—Splatoon 3’s single-player campaign. It’s more than just a narrative experience; it’s a training ground. Here, you’ll master movement techniques, learn how to manage your ink, and understand the dynamics of sub-weapons and special abilities, all without the pressure of online matchmaking.

Hero Mode gradually introduces new mechanics and challenges, helping you develop core skills in a low-stress environment. It’s also a great place to fine-tune your sensitivity settings, practice vertical mobility, and experiment with strategies before applying them in multiplayer matches.

Testing Grounds: The Weapon Lab

Reaching level 2 online grants you access to the Ammo Knights weapon shop—your arsenal hub. But before you burn through your Sheldon Licenses (the game’s weapon currency), it’s crucial to test weapons first.

Using the Y button while browsing weapons allows you to enter a test area. Here, you can try out not just the main weapon, but also the accompanying sub-weapon and special ability. This test space is invaluable. It lets you explore weapon playstyles, figure out which tools feel natural, and even preview higher-level gear so you know what to aim for as you level up.

Finding a weapon that clicks with you early on gives your playstyle identity and focus. It also makes the leveling process more exciting when there’s a specific item you’re working toward.

Know the Terrain: Exploring the Stages

Splatoon 3 includes 12 diverse stages, each with its own routes, elevation, hazards, and strategic choke points. One of the most overlooked advantages a player can gain is stage knowledge.

Luckily, Splatoon 3 offers Recon Mode. Visit the central hub and speak to the Recon Guide to explore any map freely. Choose your game mode and desired stage, then wander without pressure or enemies.

Recon Mode is perfect for learning the ins and outs of map layouts. You can locate ideal sniping spots, hidden flank routes, and escape paths. You’ll even discover that—yes—water is fatal for squid kids (not that we found that out the hard way…). Knowing where you can and can’t ink gives you a tactical edge and prevents confusion when the stage appears in rotation.

Turf War Etiquette: Ink Your Base

Until you reach level 10, Turf War is the only multiplayer mode available—and it’s crucial to understand its core objective: ink more of the stage than the enemy team. A surprising number of players neglect their base area, and it often costs them the match.

Base inking may not feel exciting, but every inch counts. It’s best not to spend the entire opening of the match on base duties, but make a habit of covering your base every time you respawn. If each player contributes with every death, your base will stay painted and competitive without sacrificing early map control.

Also remember: inking walls is important for movement, but it does not contribute to your score in Turf War. When trying to win matches, focus your effort on floor coverage, especially in high-traffic zones and late-game pushes.

The Map: Your Tactical Display

Accessible with the X button, the in-game map is a powerhouse of live information. With a glance, you can assess:

• The ink coverage of each team
• Who’s alive or splattered on both sides
• Where splats occurred
• Everyone’s gear loadouts

This data lets you make strategic decisions: push a weakened flank, defend a threatened base, or coordinate with respawning teammates. We suggest checking the map every time you respawn or after securing a major section of the map—it can often reveal your next objective more clearly than instinct alone.

Final Thoughts: Confidence Through Preparation

Splatoon 3 is as much about strategy and awareness as it is about twitch reflexes and accuracy. Comfort with your controls, familiarity with your weapon, and knowledge of the map are the pillars that transform beginners into team-carrying ink warriors.

Don’t rush to climb the ranks—invest in the foundations. Experiment. Observe. Explore. And most importantly, have fun. With this beginner’s guide, you’ll move from feeling like a fish out of water to dominating the battlefield with poise and ink-stained confidence.