Splatoon 3
Games review
As of Jun 23, 2026, Splatoon 3 is rated 83/100 on OpenCritic (124 critic reviews), and 83/100 on Metacritic (123 critic reviews). Each source is shown in its own units, never blended into one score.
Is Splatoon 3 worth it in 2026?
Both OpenCritic and Metacritic land at 83, across 124 and 123 critic reviews respectively, and for a mainline Nintendo exclusive that routinely sees franchises score in the 90s, that number is as much a verdict on unmet expectations as it is a quality rating. The consistent critical picture is of a game that is polished, refined, and the best Splatoon yet, but one that earns that title by tightening what already existed rather than pushing anywhere new: six reviewers flagged little new content, five called the formula familiar and samey, and three said it outright lacks ambition. The single-player campaign is a genuine bright spot for most critics, an open hub with varied missions and strong weapon experimentation, but it is genuinely uneven, with two reviewers citing weak campaign elements and one specifically describing boss battles as woefully undertested, with difficulty spikes that feel unfinished.
Splatoon fans who want the most complete, polished version of the formula and are satisfied with refinement over reinvention, particularly those who play primarily for multiplayer.
Beyond the familiar-formula problem, the single-player has real rough edges: boss battles have been specifically called out for agonizing difficulty spikes and poor testing, and locker customization requires spending in-game currency to unlock items, small but concrete friction points the overall
ReviewPond's conclusion, drawn only from the verified scores and review themes below. Not a paid or editorial opinion.
Different sources measure different things, so each is shown in its own units and never merged into one number.
Pros
- best series entry7
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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...
- refined multiplayer experience6
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- Splatoon 3 has done a great job anticipating the needs of returning players.
- 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.
- 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.
- meaningful formula improvements5
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...
- variety of modes4
see reviews +-
- 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 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.
- high level of polish3
see reviews +-
- 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.
- 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
- little new content6
see reviews +-
- Splatoon 3 exudes polish, but lacks ambition
- Splatoon 3 is basically exactly what it set out to be: a third entry in the Splatoon series.
- 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.
- familiar, samey formula5
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 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.
- lacks ambition3
see reviews +-
- Splatoon 3 exudes polish, but lacks ambition
- 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...
- Splatoon 3 isn't the most exciting release on the calendar, but it is the best the game has been. As a standalone game it's a rip-roaring success, and perhaps the game that fans wa...
Themes and quotes are drawn from 20 sampled reviews with text; the scores above reflect all 247 ratings. Counts are how many of the sampled reviews mention each point.