How much time passed between Splatoon 2 and 3
Splatoon 3 takes place 5 years after the events of Splatoon 2, set in a familiar yet changed world that has aged alongside our own. For longtime fans, you may be wondering – what exactly happened in those 5 years? Read on for a breakdown of the key developments leading up to this long-awaited sequel.
The Passing of Time
According to Splatoon 3‘s developers, the in-game world mirrors our real-world timeline. So when the game released in 2022, it meant 5 years had passed for both the Inklings/Octolings and us!
This is reflected in the growth of characters like Murch, who is noticeably taller as a teenager. We also see the evolution of Inkling fashion and culture over the years. It really creates a sense that time has organically progressed between titles.
The Rise of Splatsville
Much has changed geographically as well. Splatoon 3 introduces a new hub region called the Splatlands, described as a "sun-scorched desert". The shining metropolis of this area is Splatsville, a rapidly developed city thriving in chaos after that dramatic final Splatfest.
Splatsville reflects this progress, with towering skyscrapers and massive stadiums full of color. It‘s clearly benefited over the years from the creative energy and passions of Inklings seeking self-expression through fashion and battling.
Hardened Warriors
Living in the desert Splatlands has also led to hardened warriors. Both Inklings and Octolings here are rugged survivors, building a community despite the harsh conditions. This may contribute to why battles feel tougher and more competitive than ever!
Between the veterans and enthusiastic newcomers, there‘s certainly no shortage of formidable foes and allies alike when diving into matches. Expect skill levels to run the gamut in this established but still growing scene.
Major Gameplay Improvements
Of course, with 5 years of progress in the real world as well, it‘s no surprise Splatoon 3 brings significant gameplay additions too! These include:
- Revamped multiplayer modes
- New Splatfest events
- Expanded customization & catalogue
- Quality of life refinements
- Extended post-launch support planned until late 2024
Combined with the evolved in-game setting, there is a lot to learn and master as both a returning fan or new player. Thankfully there are also helpful resources to get up to speed on strategies and techniques compared to the previous games.
The Finale…For Now
While Nintendo has said Splatoon 3 marks the "epic finale" of this ongoing saga, the ending likely just signifies the conclusion of the current story arc. We can probably expect at least one more sequel down the line in a few years once the post-launch support wraps up.
In the meantime, the vibrant world of Splatoon continues to showcase how much can change in just 5 short years! Both newcomers and veterans alike have lots to ink, explore, and experience in this long-awaited and content-rich new entry.
