Highlights

  • Splatoon 3 may be nearing its conclusion with a final Splatfest rumored to take place in September.
  • Recent datamines suggest new content updates are winding down, potentially paving the way for a new Splatoon game.
  • The addition of a new Splatfest type called "Sand" and changes in NPC schedules hint at a grand finale for Splatoon 3.

Based on some recent datamines, Splatoon 3 could potentially be reaching the end of an era, with a final major Splatfest possibly taking place this year. Splatoon 3 first launched two years ago, and like its predecessors, has been kept fresh with free content updates. These usually include weapons, modes, and weekend-long events known as Splatfests that have players competing against each other based on their allegiance to a certain subject. Paid DLC has also been released in waves for Splatoon 3, such as the Side Order DLC that was released last year.

Splatoon 3's 8.0.0 Update recently launched as well, and is one of the game's biggest. It was released in time for the game's 2024 Sizzle Season, which starts this month, and is the eighth season overall. Some of the changes include new gear, titles, banners, and more in the catalog, along with new weapons for players to use. However, some data found in this new update suggests the end may be near for Splatoon 3, in terms of major new content.

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In a Twitter thread posted by Oatmeal Dome, they explain that a new Splatfest type was added in, according to a recent datamine. This Splatfest contains additional graphical features for a seasonal themed Splatfest, much like the Splatoween, Frosty Fest, Spring Fest, and the upcoming Summer Nights Fest. The most interesting part about this new Splatfest type is the codename of "Sand," which is a key visual element in the chaotic world of Splatoon 3. Other smaller elements like a new hub and stain for players and NPC models were also found. However, the biggest discovery was the apparent schedule revolving around the three squid idol groups.

Splatoon 3's Sand Splatfest Codename and Schedule, Explained

The schedule suggests that all three of Splatoon 3's idol groups, the Squid Sisters, Off the Hook, and Deep Cut, will be sharing the stage, rather than just being in their own hubs, unlike past Splatfests. One of the missing hubs being added after the release of the Side Order DLC a couple of months ago adds credence to this theory. With this in mind, fans may be seeing a final Splatfest based around sand in some way with all three groups performing in the near future.

One theory is that the final major Splatfest will take place in September, as the official word was that Splatoon 3 would get two years of content updates. If so, then this Splatfest could be the game's last hurrah before the official reveal of Nintendo's Switch successor console. Like the past Splatfests, this one could determine the direction of the next Splatoon game for the Switch successor. That said, all of this is still speculation, so fans will need to wait until Nintendo reveals more.