Splatoon 3: Stringers Build Guide

This article is part of a directory: Splatoon 3 Guide - Collectibles, Weapons, Multiplayer, Customization, and More

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Splatoon 3 did a great job of introducing some new weapon types that change the way players play the game. The Tri-Stringer is one of the newest weapon types in Splatoon 3, boasting a unique play style and approach that many Splatoon players can appreciate. It also offers a new aesthetic, matching the rustic and weathered theme of the Splatlandian culture in Splatoon 3. With new sub and special combinations, as well as new inking and splatting approaches that the Stringers take to the game, both new fans and old of Splatoon can learn new strategies easily to make the Stringer a formidable weapon in their hands. Get the hang of this new weapon so that you can shoot down your enemies from a distance with this tenacious new weapon.

The Stringer is a unique shooting weapon that takes down opponents from a relatively safe distance. While it doesn't have the exact same range as most scoped weapons, the Tri-Stringer makes up for that slight handicap with a quick pull-and-shoot time. Players that want to take their Stringer capabilities to the next level need to understand the basics of being a mid-range weapon, as well as understand the Stringer's many strengths and weaknesses. With careful aim, a little bit of strategy, and the right build for the job, players can easily learn one of the unique kinds of weapons on the Splatoon 3 battlefield.

Best Builds for Splatoon 3 Stringer

Tri-Stringer

The Tri-Stringer is a mid-range tactical weapon that looks like a bow and arrow. Players can purchase the Tri-Stringer relatively quickly since it unlocks and becomes available for purchase at Level 4. If players want to get their hands on the Tri-Stringer a little early, they can do so with help from a few extra Sheldon Tickets. The Tri-Stringer is a great weapon for those who don't want to be too close to the action, but without utilizing a sniping weapon. The Tri-Stringer fires quickly, reloads quickly, and charges a full shot within just a second or two. It's perfect for those who want to stack critical shots at the enemy for a splat, rather than splatting in one shot, such as with a sniping weapon.

The Tri-Stringer is unique not only in its one-of-a-kind shooting method but in its spread and kit as well. The Tri-Stringer is relatively good for inking, as it spreads ink all across the front of the user during a horizontal shot. The vertical shot of the Tri-Stringer is more focused, and does more damage, but has less inking potential when it comes to a Turf War. That being said, the Tri-Stringer is also relatively slow, making it only capable of inking rather than adept, like the Aerospray or the Splattershot Jr. The kit for the Tri-Stringer includes Toxic Mist as a sub-weapon.

While this sub is far from aggressive, it is particularly useful for the Tri-Stringer, allowing players to trap unsuspecting foes in a slowdown of mist before taking their shot. The Tri-Stringer also comes with a new special unique to Splatoon 3: Killer Wail 5.1. With this special, players can distract or overwhelm enemies with multiple deadly shots to take them down, or recon from a different position for a strategic splat.

The Tri-Stringer is a unique weapon, and so, therefore, comes with some unique strategies for how players should use their ability slots. Because the Tri-Stringer doesn't splat foes very quickly, having abilities like Ink Resistance Up, Quick Super Jump, and Run Speed Up can help if a player is caught in a pinch. For those wanting to play more on the aggressive side of things, having abilities in the arsenal like Ink Saver, Sub Power Up, and Special Charge Up can make your mist, super, and defense more meaningful during a 1 on 1.

Recommended Clothing Abilities:

Ink Resistance Up
Ink Saver (Main)
Ink Saver (Sub)
Quick Super Jump
Run Speed Up
Special Charge Up
Sub Power Up

REEF - LUX 450

The REEF-LUX 450 is a faster, more responsive version of the Tri-Stringer that makes for a great weapon for players that enjoy using their special. Despite being a stringer, the REEF-LUX covers a lot of ground very quickly, making it an invaluable asset during Turf Wars. Even when striking at its lowest power with a quick shot, the REEF-LUX does 30 damage to whoever stands in its way. At max power, shots can take out inklings instantly, scoring 135 when hitting directly. This makes the REEF-LUX extremely flexible, whether a player wants to be on the front lines or in the back, turfing paint. Because it can both turf and splat well, the REEF-LUX is great for any mode of the game, whether players want to pursue an objective in Anarchy Battles or just fight to the finish in an all out Turf War.

The REEF-LUX is a very navigation-friendly weapon, perfect for getting around quickly and splatting whatever it meets. With the Curling Bomb as a sub-weapon, the REEF-LUX becomes even more mobile, granting players the ability to take enemies out and send a path of ink out ahead of them at the same time. One of the main features that players like about the REEF-LUX is the special: Tenta Missiles.

With the high inking potential of the REEF-LUX paired with Tenta Missles, players can become a force to be reckoned with as they fire their special over and over again to dominate the battlefield. Even if players choose not to focus so much on charging their special, the REEF-LUX is still a very responsive, high-damage, and high-velocity weapon, perfect for both the front and midlines.

The REEF-LUX is a versatile weapon, which means it has much potential for all kinds of ways to strategize when it comes to which abilities a player uses. If players want to focus on being aggressive on the front lines, some good abilities to invest in through clothing include Comeback, Ink Resistance Up, Quick Super Jump, and Run Speed Up. That way, if a player does find themselves back at respawn, they can return to the battlefield quickly. If players prefer to use their special and the ink-turfing side of the REEF-LUX more often, they can farm for abilities like Special Charge Up and Special Saver, firing a barrage of Tenta Missiles at every given opportunity to scare and perhaps splat enemies.