Splatoon 3
Games review
As of Oct 19, 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?
Scoring an 83/100 across both OpenCritic and Metacritic, Splatoon 3 is regarded by multiple sampled reviewers as the series' finest entry to date. Praise highlights its high overall polish, broad selection of multiplayer modes, and an enjoyable single-player campaign featuring hub exploration and weapon experimentation. However, multiple sampled critics note a distinct lack of ambition, warning that the gameplay offers few genuine surprises. While isolated complaints targeted disappointing elements like erratic boss battles and locker decoration, it delivers a thoroughly tuned continuation of the franchise's established formula.
Players seeking the most polished version of the series' multiplayer modes alongside an inventive, modular solo campaign.
Veterans expecting substantial mechanical evolution or fresh surprises, as well as players sensitive to occasional difficulty spikes during campaign boss encounters.
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 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...
- enjoyable single player4
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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.
- high overall polish3
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- 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...
- variety of modes3
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- 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 adds little new to an increasingly familiar formula, but the game features a plethora of enjoyable modes that cater to just about every playstyle.
- Splatoon 3 doesn’t drastically change the formula because it really doesn’t need to. Its modes are varied and offer truly different experiences that would shine on their own. If yo...
Cons
- lack of ambition3
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- 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 is better than Splatoon 2: the new lobbies and catalogs make for a more rewarding experiencie... but essentially, is exactly the same, as there are no new modes within t...
Themes and quotes are drawn from 20 sampled reviews with text. Each score above uses its source's displayed count. Theme counts are how many of the sampled reviews mention each point.
Rated near Splatoon 3
Closest scores in games, on the same source.