Splatoon 3
Games review
As of Aug 20, 2026, Splatoon 3 is rated 83/100 on Metacritic (123 critic reviews), and 83/100 on OpenCritic (125 critic reviews). Each source is shown in its own units, never blended into one score.
Different sources measure different things, so each is shown in its own units and never merged into one number.
Is Splatoon 3 worth it in 2026?
An 83 from both OpenCritic and Metacritic across 120+ critics each tells you exactly what Splatoon 3 is: a very good game that plays it safe. Six reviewers independently called it the best in the trilogy, and the mechanical polish is real, nearly every franchise element improved in meaningful ways, but four of those same reviewers flagged that the formula holds no surprises, and two specifically said it lacks ambition, which is a stronger charge than merely playing it safe. The single-player campaign earns genuine praise for its open hub structure, mixing short missions that let you experiment with different weapons and abilities, though boss battles were described as woefully undertested with agonizing difficulty spikes, a structural flaw in what should be a showcase mode, not a footnote. The locker interface also drew criticism for friction around unlocking customization, a small but real annoyance in a game that otherwise sweats the details.
Splatoon fans, lapsed players ready to return, and series newcomers who want the most complete, polished entry in the trilogy, reviewers specifically noted the game anticipates returning players' needs, and the varied multiplayer modes reward both casual and invested play.
If you bounced off Splatoon 1 or 2, nothing here is different enough to change your mind, four separate reviewers flagged the familiar formula, not one outlier.
AI-generated editorial synthesis of the source scores and sampled review themes, not a hands-on test. Reviewer experiences and allegations are not independently verified facts.
Pros
- best in series6
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- There are few surprises to be found in Splatoon 3's multiplayer or campaign, but it is the best Nintendo's spectacular series has been to date.
- Splatoon 3 won't change anyone's mind on the series, but several smart changes to the formula make it unarguably the best game in the trilogy.
- Splatoon 3 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, nor does it need to. Instead, it improves nearly every franchise element in sometimes small but meaningful ways. With an already-robust set o...
- strong single-player campaign5
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- Splatoon 3’s campaign features a fresh take on an open hub world design, mixing in short but satisfying missions to let you experiment with different weapons and abilities.
- Splatoon 3 isn't quite as novel the third time around, but a great campaign, tons of multiplayer options, and a few new surprises make it much more of a good thing.
- Splatoon 3 feels quite samey, but a high level of polish and the series’ best single-player offering to date elevate this sequel.
- polished mechanics4
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- Splatoon 3 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, nor does it need to. Instead, it improves nearly every franchise element in sometimes small but meaningful ways. With an already-robust set o...
- Splatoon 3 exudes polish, but lacks ambition
- Splatoon 3 feels quite samey, but a high level of polish and the series’ best single-player offering to date elevate this sequel.
- varied multiplayer modes4
see reviews +-
- Splatoon 3 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, nor does it need to. Instead, it improves nearly every franchise element in sometimes small but meaningful ways. With an already-robust set o...
- Splatoon 3 closely follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, but its raucous, vibrant matches still excel in variety, style, and fantastic design.
- Splatoon 3 adds little new to an increasingly familiar formula, but the game features a plethora of enjoyable modes that cater to just about every playstyle.
- meaningful improvements4
see reviews +-
- Splatoon 3 won't change anyone's mind on the series, but several smart changes to the formula make it unarguably the best game in the trilogy.
- Splatoon 3 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, nor does it need to. Instead, it improves nearly every franchise element in sometimes small but meaningful ways. With an already-robust set o...
- Splatoon 3 is more of the same, but refined to borderline mechanical perfection. It's the most fun we've had with an online shooter in years, and for series veterans it makes Splat...
Cons
- familiar formula4
see reviews +-
- There are few surprises to be found in Splatoon 3's multiplayer or campaign, but it is the best Nintendo's spectacular series has been to date.
- Splatoon 3 feels quite samey, but a high level of polish and the series’ best single-player offering to date elevate this sequel.
- Splatoon 3 adds little new to an increasingly familiar formula, but the game features a plethora of enjoyable modes that cater to just about every playstyle.
Themes and quotes are drawn from 20 sampled reviews with text; the scores above reflect all 248 ratings. Counts are how many of the sampled reviews mention each point.
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