Despite being a rather ink-focused and not blood-focused shooter, Splatoon 3 requires a fair degree of finesse for players to master. This is especially the case for shooter fans who love going gung-ho against groups of opponents, as Splatoon 3 introduces various weapon types and skills that may allow gamers to dominate fights easily with the right combination. Such an example is the Shooter, a kind of automatic weapon that dispenses small ink blobs in ink succession.
Considered one of the first weapons players learn in the game, Shooters seem pretty easy to use. However, they’re rather tricky to master - with pros able to perform complicated maneuvers and even builds that completely annihilate enemies quickly. Just how should players make Shooter builds to capitalize on this weapon’s intuitive nature?
Why Go Shooter: In The Mood For All-Rounders
Players who love Splatoon 3 gameplay but have also come from FPS games might recognize the Shooter as the title’s equivalent of an assault rifle. This comparison can become extremely helpful when deciding to pick Shooter weapons, especially since they specialize in all-around combat. Players can find this weapon much easier to use, especially with their decent inking and splatting potential.
However, players do have to take note that the Shooter is an extremely basic weapon with little to no flavor in terms of utility and other specializations. This can discourage players who prefer attacking from afar or up close, or those who want to pull off much stronger combat tricks. However, these perceived disadvantages do make Shooters ideal beginner weapons.
Shooters Gear Abilities: Adapt To Combat
Considering how Shooters are the most basic weapon type in Splatoon 3, players of the game need to make sure their selection of Gear Abilities fit the all-around nature of the armament. At its core, Gear Abilities fit for the Shooter should help players maintain their intensity in combat while still giving them room to eliminate opponents in fast-paced encounters. Here are some ideal Gear Abilities for a general build:
- Intensify Action: The aim support and ease of access to Squid Rolls and Squid Surges can further encourage close-ranged plays, motivating players to engage in more aggressive encounters.
- Ninja Squid: Since this ability removes ink splashes in squid mode, players of Shooters who love getting up close are more encouraged to make riskier players at the chance of eliminating the enemy team much faster.
- Ink Resistance Up: The all-around nature of this weapon can benefit from the defensive benefits of this Gear Ability, giving players more incentives to move deep into enemy territory as they take less ink damage.
Splattershot: Go For The Basics
- Sub-Weapon: Suction Bomb
- Special: Trizooka
Considering the nature of the Shooter as the equivalent of the assault rifle in Splatoon 3 gameplay, players new to the title might want a Shooter that resembles the ever-prevalent “beginner” M-16. This takes the form of the Splattershot, which is available as early as Level 2 but already boasts impressive potential in combat due to its inking capabilities. Of course, the weapon doesn’t boast much in terms of other traits, meaning it’s up to the player’s usage of their Sub-Weapons and Specials to make this weapon make a difference in combat.
Either way, the all-rounder nature of this weapon can make this easier to use compared to others. Firing the Trizooka as often as possible can make a great deterrent against enemies who plan on grouping together. Not only that, the decent range of the Splattershot can make for great surprise attacks coupled with the Suction Bomb to further force the enemy into disadvantageous spots.
.52 Gal: Slow But Sure
- Sub-Weapon: Splash Wall
- Special: Killer Wail 5.1
Just because the Shooter weapon type gives players access to all-rounders doesn’t necessarily entail they don’t offer anything special to the table. For instance, what the .52 Gal lacks in inking potential it does make up in terms of balanced offensive and defensive capabilities. It offers decent damage when aimed properly, landing lethal blows in as early as two (2) direct hits. However, its slower firing rate does force players to be more tactical in their shots across Splatoon 3 maps, making this weapon act more like a marksman or sniper rifle instead of a direct assault rifle.
In terms of specialized play, this build does encourage players to use the Splash Wall for protection when under fire, allowing gamers to more strategically adapt to intense firefights and aim properly for precision hits. Moreover, access to the Killer Wail 5.1 gives players a nifty “assist” attack that can force enemies to scramble away while gamers slowly eliminate them without worrying about a counter-attack.
Splattershot Jr.: Micro For Balance, Macro For Speed
- Sub-Weapon: Splat Bomb
- Special: Big Bubbler
At first glance, the Splattershot Jr. seems like a simple miniaturized version of the OG Splattershot among Splatoon 3 weapons. However, this weapon has a lot more to offer than its bigger counterpart, especially for players who want a decent all-rounder at the start of the game. While most other weapons can outclass the Splattershot Jr. once players find their particular niche, the defensive and utility potential this weapon offers can make this rather powerful on the get-go.
For instance, the smaller nature of this weapon gives players better control over their mobility and speed, allowing them to make more precise and targeted shots. When in need of a punchier attack, the Splat Bomb can insta-splat enemies or even weaken them enough to finish with the Splattershot Jr. Moreover, the Big Bubbler is capable of protecting players from counter-attacks by forcing enemies to get away while gamers recuperate or even prepare for a counter-offensive.
N-ZAP ‘85: Tactical Pistol Action
- Sub-Weapon: Suction Bomb
- Special: Tacticooler
While this Shooter boasts the appearance of a pistol with a silencer, the N-ZAP ‘85 is one of the best weapons Splatoon 3 gameplay has to offer with regards to all-rounder optimization. Boasting some of the best accessibility and utility in the game, proper usage of the N-ZAP ‘85 gives players a high firing rate on close-ranged encounters. And while the N-ZAP ‘85 has a smaller rate of fire compared to other Shooters, its Sub-Weapon and Special can easily compensate for lack of overall damage.
For instance, the N-ZAP ‘85’s firing rate can easily fill up its Special Gauge, with the Tacticooler allowing players to get a much-needed performance boost. And if players want a surefire way of securing damage against their enemies, a well-placed Suction Bomb can force enemies in an area precisely where players want them to venture into.
Splash-O-Matic: Faster Is Always Better
- Sub-Weapon: Burst Bomb
- Special: Crab Tank
Compared to other Shooter weapons in Splatoon 3 gameplay, the Splash-O-Matic is a convenient armament of choice for players who love extremely fast and extremely targeted strikes. Despite its lack of straightforward damage against Splatoon 3 opponents, its high firing rate and advantage when attacking from higher surfaces make this an ideal weapon for defensive plays.
When looking at this weapon from a tactical standpoint, the high fire rate of this armament can become a great defense tool once this starts covering areas for teams. Moreover, the Burst Bomb is a great area denial move that can help clear the way for guaranteed shots from the Splash-O-Matic. When pushing past enemy lines, the strong defense of the Crab Tank can make for powerful offensive pushes.
Splatoon 3 is playable on the Nintendo Switch.