On February 16, 2023, the official @SplatoonNA Twitter account revealed new details about the game's upcoming Fresh Season event, and the two Splatoon players at MTK News are dying from excitement. Seasons in Splatoon 3 are free updates that add new content to the game, as well as a refreshed catalog whose items players can unlock by playing online battles and Salmon Run. Fresh Season 2023 includes a plethora of new weapons, gear, stages, and modes that Splatoon 3 players can enjoy when the update releases on March 1, 2023. Let's start off with weapons, starting with two new specials.

Special Weapons

Kraken Royale

Behold—the Kraken Royale! Activate this special to transform into a giant squid or octopus with the power to splat and scatter enemies left and right. You can jump to trigger a wide-ranging spin move, or hold and release the ZR Button to unleash a one-shot charge attack! pic.twitter.com/e6x036UX4O

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 16, 2023

The Kraken Royale turns your Inkling or Octoling into a giant squid or octopus, much like the Kraken in the original Splatoon on Wii U. In this form, your squid or octopus is completely invincible. You can use Splatoon 3's new swim-form features like the Squid Roll and Squid Surge to deal damange to opponents. You'll also ink a trail behind yourself. However, you're more vulnerable to attacks during the short period of time in which you actually enter and leave Kraken form, so use it wisely.

Let's see the Kraken Royale in action. Notice a moment of vulnerability before and after transforming—contrasted with total invincibility while transformed! Still, attacks slow you down, so get slippery with jumps, charges, Squid Surges, and Squid Rolls to reach your target. pic.twitter.com/XRddymxppE

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 16, 2023

Super Chump

The Super Chump releases a bunch of fake Super Jump markers that explode after a short amount of time unless destroyed. This takes advantage of the fact that many players like to splat other players immediately after they land their Super Jump.

New Main Weapons

N-ZAP '89

We're not done yet! Check out the N-ZAP '89, a "modern" version of the N-ZAP '85. In addition to the classic late '80s color scheme, this version of the N-ZAP comes with the Autobomb sub and Super Chump special. It's a loadout that's designed to move fast and splat faster! pic.twitter.com/7MqZAJISEU

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 17, 2023

Clash Blaster Neo

Not your speed? Try out the Clash Blaster Neo, a redesigned version of the Clash Blaster. This one also comes with the Super Chump special—and it packs the kind of punch you need to really make a splash when it lands. pic.twitter.com/4lpIIGI9V6

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 17, 2023

The newly kitted-out Clash Blaster Neo is a modified Clash Blaster, allowing Clash Blaster users to be even more annoying than they usually are.

Z+F

Z+F, a new brand introduced in Fresh Season 2023, is creating custom versions of the Splat Charger and Splatterscope weapons in addition to the usual fashion and clothing.

Both of these weapons are kitted out with the Splash Wall sub and Triple Inkstrike special weapons. Users of the OG Splat Charger and Splatterscope are delighted at this new kit, proclaiming that they finally have a decently kitted weapon.

L-3 Nozzlenose D

Let's keep it rolling with a video of the L-3 Nozzlenose D, a new design of the L-3 Nozzlenose. It comes with Burst Bombs to help weaken foes before hitting them with a burst of ink from the 'nose. And the Ultra Stamp special stamps HARD, no matter where enemies try to hide. pic.twitter.com/EARLlN0eAI

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 21, 2023

Rapid Blaster Deco

Next, the Rapid Blaster Deco, a cosmetic twist on the original Rapid Blaster. Combined with the Torpedo sub, this weapon allows you to take the initiative and engage enemies from afar. And if you're about to be cornered? Simply fire up the Ink Jet special to reach higher ground! pic.twitter.com/Ys5e74NeGg

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 21, 2023

Krak-On Splat Roller

Next up we have the Krak-On Splat Roller, a special collab with the Krak-On brand. It comes with the Squid Beakon sub weapon to help you and your team zip to the heart of the action, as well as the Kraken Royale special to let 'em have it once you're there! pic.twitter.com/X49mE9xqkW

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 16, 2023

The Krak-On Splat Roller is a modified Splat Roller. Notably, this one is kitted with the brand-new Kraken Royale special allowing its users to easily pummel every enemy Inkling and Octoling in their path.

.96 Gal Deco

Last one for today! This is the .96 Gal Deco, a spiffy redesign of the classic .96 Gal. This powerful weapon lets you target enemies from afar, possibly while hiding behind your Splash Wall sub. Then, when the time is right, burst forth using the Kraken Royale and wreak havoc! pic.twitter.com/gWIDIqRpGj

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 16, 2023

The .96 Gal Deco returns from Splatoon 1 with its original kit in all its fresh glory. Again, this one includes the brand-new Kraken Royale.

Neo Splash-o-Matic

While half the team is out to sea, Ballistics is here to report on the Neo Splash-o-matic. This kit comes with Suction Bombs to supplement the rapid-fire action of your main. And if that combo doesn't splash hard enough, the Triple Inkstrike special puts it over the top! pic.twitter.com/gyS3YIMHTg

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 22, 2023

A new kit and a freshly customized Splash-o-Matic includes the indispensible Suction Bomb and the devilishly damaging Triple Inkstrike.

Custom Jet Squelcher

And here we have the Custom Jet Squelcher, which is a Jet Squelcher with a special, limited-edition nozzle color. Slow down your enemies with the Poison Mist sub, and then let 'em have it from long range with your main. And to REALLY bog 'em down, unleash the Ink Storm special! pic.twitter.com/U87CHKHRh4

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 22, 2023

This customized Jet Squelcher has been optimized for slowing down your enemies and splatting them from afar. The Poison Mist lets you slow down their movement, giving you more time to get a kill, while Ink Storm releases an infuriatingly obnoxious cloud that makes it rain ink, damaging and slowing down your opponents.

Tri-Slosher Nouveau

For the Slosher fans, there's a new version of the Tri-Slosher. This one is kitted out with new Fizzy Bombs and the Tacticooler.

Neo Sploosh-o-matic

We've also got footage of the Neo Sploosh-o-matic. Look at those neo textures! This loadout excels at surprise attacks in close quarters, utilizing Squid Beakons and the Killer Wail 5.1 special. You don't have to shout, "The sploosh is loose!" when firing, but it doesn't hurt. pic.twitter.com/046FxJyYiA

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 23, 2023

The Neo Sploosh-o-matic be very useful for the five people that actually use the Sploosh-o-matic. This one's kitted out with the useless Squid Beakon and the obnoxious Killer Wail 5.1.

Fresh Fashion

Season updates don't just include new weaponry; they also add brand-new gear to freshen up your Inkling or Octoling!

Catalog

This season's first catalog has been revealed in a video on the official @SplatoonNA Twitter account, after being accidentally leaked in a previous tweet.

Speaking of freshness, the Fresh Season 2023 catalog is coming soon, and it's packed with new banners, decorations, and gear. When Fresh Season starts, you can flip through the pages in-game by selecting Catalog from the Status menu. pic.twitter.com/BDZ5kTw9iB

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 20, 2023

Notable inclusions consist of the "Reppin' Inkopolis" animation whose thumbnail depicts an Inkling holding their shooter up, just like the shooter winning animation from the original Splatoon. It's safe to say that we can expect the other weapon categories' animations to return too. However, we don't know what the animations for new weapon types, like the Dualies, Splatana, and Stringer, will look like.

You'll also notice new Z+F items included in the catalog, locker items, and other fashion items.

Salmon Run

Eggstra Work

Grizzco Industries took the idea of unpaid overtime and ran with it. Eggstra Work is a five-round Salmon Run shift focused on "Team Building" in which your team must collect the most Golden Eggs. It'll be ready in April.

Terrifying new King Salmonid

We're probably legally required to inform you that a new type of King Salmonid may begin appearing in March. It's a giant, terrifying serpent called Horrorboros, and did we mention that it flies? But...you'll probably be fine. Remember—you can earn a sticker! pic.twitter.com/oGtOgcWgsE

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 20, 2023

Horrorboros is a brand-new King Salmonid that will make its soaring debut in March. It's a flying snake that appears to attack using a buffed form of the Booyah Bomb that players already know and love (or hate). It'll also appear during the upcoming Big Run. Speaking of which...

Big Run!

Memo

To: You
From: Grizzco
RE: Big Run

Do not miss the upcoming Big Run! Salmonids are projected to invade Inkblot Art Academy from 4 PM on March 3rd through 4 PM on March 5th. There is a significant chance that a Horrorboros will make landfall—we need all hands on deck! pic.twitter.com/2cIgLSGb9C

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 20, 2023

For the uninitiated among you, Big Run is a weekend-long event, much like the Splatfests, focused on Salmon Run. Salmonids have invaded Splatsville and it's your job to get them out. The main gimmick of Big Run is the ability to work a Salmon Run shift on battle maps. In this case, it's Inkblot Art Academy. The Horrorboros will make its dashing debut during this Big Run, and players will be scrambling trying to figure out how you're actually supposed to kill that God-forsaken thing.

The Fresh Season 2023 Big Run will take place from 03/03, 7pm EST to 03/05, 7pm EST, and, given what we've seen from Splatfests, results can be expected around 9pm EST.

New Salmon Run Gear

Just in case you're not fully convinced to take on some Eggstra Work, we'll also mention that you can exchange fish scales for more goods than ever at the Grizzco rewards counter, including new work suits and some unique gear. Do it for yourself! And your corporate overlords. pic.twitter.com/KAtoeDQXGV

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 20, 2023

New work gear, including alternate work clothes and even the Grizzco gear from Splatoon 2, will be made available during Fresh Season 2023.

New Stages

As of February 22 at 10:54 AM, two stages have been revealed for Fresh Season 2023, one brand-new and one returning from Splatoon 2.

Um'ami Ruins

Um'ami Ruins is a brand new Splatoon 3 stage themed after ancient ruins. The stage layout for this one is... disappointing to say the least. Players are saying it looks like a Tetris block. Honestly, I can't blame them. There's not much verticality.

Manta Maria

Manta Maria returns from Splatoon 2. This stage, unlike Um'ami Ruins, features lots of verticality. However, it's a small stage, making it easy to fall into the water surrounding it.

Lobby

New changes are finally coming to the online lobby, where you can start online battles and where you wait for a battle to start.

Pools

Switching gears…we've discovered a new feature that helps players connect. It's called a Pool, and anyone can join one by inputting a unique set of letters or characters. You can send and receive notifications with others in your Pool, and even invite them to join a battle! pic.twitter.com/OQbU56Mbwr

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 21, 2023

Pools are like teams for Splatoon. In the lobby, you can join a pool by entering a unique password. Then, it's like having another friend list! You can invite the whole pool for a battle and send them notifications.

Jukebox

OK, that's more than enough from Ballistics. Musicology here with news that SINGS—there's a jukebox coming to the lobby! Just plug in 100 cash to choose a tune. If you're in a Private Battle, you can be the DJ—everyone will hear your selection. No judgment...but choose wisely! pic.twitter.com/HItN1tC0TP

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 23, 2023

You can now pick a song to play in the lobby using the jukebox. Others in Private Battles will hear the song you picked.

Tableturf

Online! Finally!

And this isn't our department, but we've got the mic, so... You can now play Tableturf Battle online! Against humans! Join a room with friends or folks in your Pool, head upstairs, and sit down to get started. Up to 10 players can join one room—8 players if you're in the Shoal. pic.twitter.com/iCqbU0FDaE

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 23, 2023

This feature should have been included at launch, but it's finally here now! You are no longer limited to playing Tableturf with NPCs in the little nook in Splatsville. Now you can play with other people online, or gather your squid squad using local comms in the Shoal.

New Cards

Perfect timing, considering that 23 new Tableturf Battle cards are being added to the master deck! From some Deep Cut B sides to a few familiar faces from Inkopolis, this wave is packed with strategically savvy and aesthetically pleasing new cards. Can you collect them all? pic.twitter.com/yIEg8BmC6d

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 23, 2023

23 new Tableturf Cards are being added for the ten people that actually play Tableturf. I have nothing more to say about this.

Splatcast Shoutouts

Last post for the day! Our Media Analysis dept. reports that Deep Cut will be expanding the Anarchy Splatcast with special updates straight from the front lines of Splatfests. Win a 10x Battle, and you could be on the news! pic.twitter.com/af4oCSo5ir

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) February 21, 2023

Deep Cut will be shouting-out their team every time someone wins a 10x Battle, much like Off The Hook's news ticker in Splatoon 2.