The Splatoon 3 Direct was jam-packed with news, updates, and a surprise at the end. Keep in mind that this is a summary, so not all information will be covered.
After starting with a really simple summary of what is already in the game (you know, the "you're a kid you're a squid" stuff), we get some new information on the new actions: the squid surge and the squid roll. The amination and the time to do the squid surge seem to charge up. The squid roll is also a 180-degree turn, and cannot be changed. Also, they confirm that they slap some ink armor on each of these actions.
New stages were revealed, such as Scorch Gorge, Eeltail Alley, Mincemeat Metalworks, and Undertow spillway. Other stages coming later into the game's release include Haggle fish Market. A pattern I noticed is that most of the new courses have elevation changes and are usually a focal point bridge that will be great to control in battles. Also, returning stages have been revealed. From Splatoon 1, with have Museum D'Alfonsno, Hammerhead bridge (and the bridge is done now), and Mahi-Mahi resort. Finally, from Splatoon 2, Inkblot Art Academy, Sturgeon Shipyard, MakoMart, and Wahoo world are returning. In total, 12 courses will come to launch with the game. However, more stages will be added throughout the updates.
Weapon confirmations were also in the direct. To start, all weapons from the previous games will be available. They also recapped the stringer, exclusive to Splatoon 3. A new weapon class was also unveiled; the splatana. The one splatana shown was called the splatana wiper, which sends ink flying using the centrifugal force of the squee-g-like weapon. There is also a charged attack that sends ink farther and is a one-shot kill for opponents.
New special weapons were also unveiled, such as the Tactiooler. "You can find in-game beverages. These have a variety of effects such as momentarily increasing speed" Nintendo says. The fridge has four beverages, so you can share the rest with your teammates. The wave breaker was also unveiled, which sends waves across the map. This will track opponents and will damage them just a little bit. You can avoid these waves with a well-timed jump. Finally, the Reefslider was unveiled. When activated, you go in a straight line super fast and then explode to splat nearby opponents. Also, specials from Splatoon 2 will be coming back: the Tenta Missles, Inkjet, Ink Storm, Ultra Stamp, and Booyah Bomb will be in the new game.
Stores were also shown, starting with Ammo Knights, the weapon shop. It's been run by Sheldon for the entire trilogy, but there's a new currency to buy weapons. You can acquire Sheldon licenses in battles, by filling up a freshness meter and consistently using the same weapon. You can use 1 Sheldon license to buy one weapon of your level. However, if you have more Sheldon Licenses, you can get a weapon ahead of your level. In the clothing shops, the shopkeepers were unveiled, starting with Gnarly Eddy and Nail in the hat shop. In the shirt shop, Jel La Fleur runs Man-o'-wardrobe, and Mr. Coco, a large crab, runs Crush Station, the shoe shop. (As a little side note, Murch can still scrub slots and add them, and he's much older; now about 17.)
The lobby was also shown. The testing range got an upgrade, and you can now go to the testing range while getting matched with opponents in battles. You can also see online ghosts and drop into anyone online. There is also a small screen where you can watch battle replays. You will be able to view all your previous battles, but it's not just a video. You can change viewpoints, so you can see how that person splatted you. Also, you can skip to certain parts, such as when you just got that team wipe. If you want to share it directly from the Switch, there is also a share feature where you can upload your gameplay to linked social media accounts such as Twitter and Facebook. They also added a sleek customization feature; lockers. You can find lockers of people you recently played with, as well as your locker. You will be able to place weapons, gear, or items that you have in the game. you may also be able to place stickers on the front and customize the color. You can acquire items at Hotlandis, a general store run by a frequent customer, Harmony.
Customization was also shown, starting with Splashtags. "They can be customized with a background, badge, and title," the direct states. You will also be able to customize what your character does when you win with emotes. Some displayed were Stuntin' and an image of an inkling dabbing. There will be catalogs announced every three months, with new exclusive gear, including Splashtag items and emotes.
An entirely new game embedded into Splatoon 3 was announced; Table Turf Battle. You lay out collectible cards on a virtual map to claim turf. You can ink different shapes, such as a roller-like dynamo roller, and a salmon-shaped chum. There are also special cards, such as the Reefslider and Mr. Grizz. To start, everyone will be given a started deck.
Salmon run updates were also shown. To start, there are new bosses. The Slammin' Lid creates a barrier for non-bosses (Chum, Smallfry, Cohock) and will try to slam it's lid (hence the name) on you if you go into this barrier. Another new boss, the big shot, is making its large debut. It shoots long-range projectiles, that then create waves similar to the wave breaker. Keep in mind, this is Slmon Run, so I bet there's some sort of buff... It also consistently enters and leaves that water, making you need to hit him at just the right time. There might also be a completely new wave added after the standard three in your job: King Salmonid. The only one confirmed was the Cohunza, which is HUGE and seems to try to crush you after jumping. Also, regular boss Salmonids will appear in this new wave, ut you dont need to collect them in a basket. Instead, you lob them at the King Salmonid that deals massive amounts of damage. You are also under a time limit still, so you still need to survive for a specified time. Also, there seems to be a Salmon Run Splatfest called "Big run". Apparantly you play Salmon Run on regular maps, although this is "Still being researched" the Squid Research Lab says.
The story mode was also shown briefly. New stage modes are shown such as balloons and fail balloons, timed challenges, and infinite specials were shown. While the existence of Small-fry was unknown, it is shown in the story mode; he can be your... sub? Apparently, you can now use small fry to gnaw on switches, and possibly even more.
There were also some smaller updates that I can't put in a category, so here is a list of the other new features:
Vertical drawings in the mailbox will now be available.
Selfies are now a thing, and you can put them in your locker and send to smart device.
You can now recon any map, any time using the new recon guide.
Splatnet 3 is confirmed, which can see your battle stats and order exclusive gear, and get exclusive wallpapers. You can also join a new ink game called Crusty Sean's Wandercrust tour.
Amiibo will allow you to save a weapon/clothing combo.
Splatoon 3 Amiibo's are releasing this holiday.
Skipping the news!!!
Post-launch, new weapons will be added, X battle and League Battle will come, and a large-scale paid DLC
Aaaand that's it! Ha! Gotchya. The new idols, Shiver, Frye, and Big Man make up the popular band Deep Cut. They will be hosting the news called Anarchy Splatcast, telling you all the fresh updates on the game, such as the current maps, new catalogs, and upcoming Splatfests. Spatfests have been revamped, now consisting of two halves. The first half is your standard 4v4 turf war. However, in the second half, there will be a tricolor turf war. the winning team will start in the middle with 4 people. The losing side will split up and be 2 players to a team. There is also an ultra signal which seems to give your team a cool weapon to claim turf.
Finally, (For real this time) the Splatoon 3 Splatfest Premier will be on August 27th, 2022. this is a free-to-download software that will let you try out the game. As this is a Splatfest, there is a theme, and the theme is rock vs. paper vs. scissors! Choose your team and compete with other people that chose differently. So splat, ink, and win! Stay fresh!