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Play OverviewPlay Overview

Splatoon on the Wii U, Splatoon 2 and Splatoon 3 (2017) on the Switch are games where you shoot ink rather than bullets in this deeply skilled combat game. As well as taking out opponents, teams work together to cover the arena with their colour of ink. This not only decides who wins but enables them to rapidly traverse areas in their colour. Weapons are both varied and imaginative, ranging from paint rollers to buckets of paint and water cannon-style shotguns.

For younger players, this is a good alternative to more violent shooting games like Fortnite, but every bit as skilful and exuberant.

Our examiner, Jo Robertson, first checked Splatoon 3 4 years ago. It was re-examined by Ellen Robertson and updated 2 days ago.
There are lots of games similar to Splatoon 3. Here are some we picked for you:

Play StylePlay Style

This is a Shooting and Traversal game with Action and Platform elements. You can play with 1 to 8 players in the same room or as a 8-player online game. To play battles in the same place on the Switch version with up to 8 others you each need a console and the game. Or you can play online with up to 8 players in public or private matches.

 
You can play this game in the following styles:

DurationDuration

Play Time: This game will take between 8 hours and 12 hours to complete. Once you have completed the campaign (which can be played with two players locally) the real fun is in the online multiplayer game.

BenefitsBenefits

This game is good if you want to:

 
This game has helped players develop their Physical Health as part of the following pathways:

This game has been the inspiration for the following activities:

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

Rated PEGI 7 for violence that lacks any apparent harm or injury to fantasy or mythical beings and creatures and for non-realistic violence in a child-friendly setting or context. The violence in this game is unrealistic. When the characters are hit with ink multiple times they explode into splashes of ink. The game is set in a very colourful, cartoony and therefore child friendly setting. The only available weapons are ink blasters or paint rollers. Some of the bosses look evil but the general atmosphere of the game never gets scary. Characters use expressions like: “Oh carp!” and “This sucker’s not messing around” but no actual swearing.
 
Users Interact: The game enables players to interact and communicate with each other, so may expose players to language usually associated with older rated games.

Skill Level

8+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it’s important for parents and guardians to ensure they understand in-game purchases and have spending limits set-up. Although the game looks perfect for super young players, you do need quite a bit of dexterity and motor skill to enjoy it. For children who have had a few years in school this is a great game, building team work and paint-covering strategy.

Our Game Pathways reveal how 11-year-olds play this game:

Account Rating

  • You need be 18-years-old to subscribe to Nintendo Online, but can then create accounts for children of any age to play online with Nintendo Switch.

CostsCosts

Splatoon 3 usually costs £34.99 to £49.99.
 

Splatoon

Switch Store Wii U £34.99 Unavailable On Digital Store

Splatoon 2

Switch Store Switch £49.99

Splatoon 3

Switch Store Switch £49.99
There are the following additional costs associated with this game:
  • In-Game Purchases: Additional in-game purchases are offered for items that enhance the experience.
  • You need a subscription to play online:
    • You need to purchase a Nintendo Online subscription to play online with Nintendo Switch.
 
This game supports Nintendo's amiibo, figurines and cards that can be purchased separately to unlock in-game items.

If you subscribe to Nintendo Online for 12 months (required to play online) you also get a free set of clothing and other items. 
 
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
 

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 21/07/2017, updated in 2022

Out Now: Switch

Skill Rating: 8+ year-olds

Players: 1-8 (8 online)

Genres: Shooting, Traversal (Action and Platform)

Accessibility: 24 features

Components: 3D First-Person and Cartoon

Developer: Nintendo (@Nintendo)


Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

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