Should You Buy Splatoon 3 If You Already Own Splatoon 2?

As an avid Splatoon gamer since the original, I can definitively say yes – Splatoon 3 is absolutely worth picking up if you enjoyed the previous games in the series. Despite the $60 price tag, Splatoon 3 provides enough fresh new content, quality of life improvements and refinements to strongly justify the purchase. Read on for a deep dive analysis.

A Truly Massive Amount of New Content

One of the most impressive things about Splatoon 3 is the sheer breadth and depth of new content. There‘s a ton to dig into across single player, multiplayer and co-op modes.

Over 100 New Multiplayer Maps

Splatoon 3 launches with 12 sparkling new stages tailor-made for turf war mayhem, with more free maps being added post-release. And the Splatlands area also contains over 100 remixed battle arenas from previous games, reimagined with new obstacles, pathways and visual flair.

As a competitive player, this wealth of battlefield variety excites me – no two matches will play out the same.

More Weapons Than Ever Before

In addition to revamped special weapons from prior games, Splatoon 3 introduces over 10 wildly creative new primary weapons like the Tri-Stringer bow and Inkling Anchor shotgun. I can‘t wait to try them out and define fresh strategies.

With familiar favorites plus original armaments, the available arsenal provides limitless tactical possibilities suited to all playstyles.

Revitalized Single Player Campaign

The new single player Hero Mode campaign titled "Return of the Mammalians" offers vastly expanded length and scope compared to Splatoon 2‘s Adventure Mode. Not only are there more intricately designed platforming levels and boss battles, the hub world provides tons of optional content like shops, characters to meet and side activities.

As a solo player, I‘m thrilled by the increased breadth and depth – with 100 main story levels and 80 side challenge levels, complete with hidden collectibles, I‘ll be occupied for dozens of hours.

Return of the Mammalians brings a hearty solo campaign. Source

Multiplayer Modes – Classic and New

Beyond expanded map selection, Splatoon 3 retains fan favorite multiplayer modes like Splat Zone and Tower Control, where teams battle to ink territory or advance a mobile objective. Ranked battles also return with skill-based matchmaking.

And drawing from Splatoon 2‘s Octo Expansion DLC, Splatoon 3 introduces a card game called Tableturf Battle where you collect, build decks from and battle with territory control cards. It‘s a wholly original side attraction adding depth.

Always-Accessible Salmon Run

In previous games, the wildly popular Salmon Run co-op mode was oddly limited to event availability slots. But developer Nintendo has wised up, finally making Salmon Run playable anytime in Splatoon 3. This gives players constant access to PvE fun battling waves of enemy Salmonid bosses.

I‘ve already logged dozens of hours fighting Salmonids with random online teammates. The ability to play this mode whenever I want without pesky availability windows is a game changer.

Refined Gameplay – New Mobility and Tighter Gunplay

On top of the wealth of new content, Splatoon 3 also introduces much-needed gameplay refinements. These upgrades make inking turf and splatting foes even more enjoyable.

Expanded Movement Abilities

Getting around environments fluidly is key to Splatoon‘s addictive ink-slinging antics. To enhance mobility, Splatoon 3 adds the ability to scale certain walls by repeatedly jumping or flinging paint. Theadded verticality opens up levels, giving players more freedom and strategic possibilities.

Octolings can also now use wave dashing – previously exclusive to Inklings – to rapidly dash sideways after jumping from ink. This new parity and mobility augment caters to more playstyles.

Polished Main Weapons Feel

Nintendo has noticeably tightened up the feel of Splatoon 3‘s main weapon classes like Shooters, Chargers and Rollers. Firing, ink consumption and handling across the board just feel superior compared to Splatoon 2.

For example, the Splat Dualies feel lighter and more agile, while the Splattershot Jr.‘s rapid fire seems faster and more accurate. These refined weapons simply splat and handle better.

Quality of Life Improvements – Faster Matchmaking and More

Besides the sheer volume of new content and gameplay upgrades, Splatoon 3 injects much-appreciated quality of life enhancements:

• Faster matchmaking – Finding matches now takes about half the time of Splatoon 2
• Skipable intro news – Previously unskippable news segments are now optional
• Improved spectator mode – Watch other battles in progress with more camera control
• Level skipping – Optionally skip levels when you lose too many times
• Multiplayer night variants – New aesthetic nighttime versions of maps
• Visual indicator – Green check mark shows you‘ve purchased gear already
• Locker decor – Customizable personal space to decorate between battles

These thoughtful tweaks reduce friction and give players more freedom and control. It‘s clear Nintendo is listening to fan feedback.

Verdict – Unquestionably Worth the Upgrade

Considering the sheer volume of new single- and multiplayer content, refined gameplay changes and quality of life improvements, I wholeheartedly recommend Splatoon fans upgrade to the third entry in this legendary shooter series.

For only $20 more than a full-priced game, you get a deliriously fun sequel packed with enough fresh features and refinements to keep you inking for dozens if not hundreds more hours.

The new hub world and solo campaign are practically full games themselves. And the always-accessible, wave-based Salmon Run co-op mode is almost worth the price alone. Throw in over 100 new and remade competitive maps, 10+ unique weapons to master and steadily evolving live service support, and no other shooter compares this generation.

So what are you waiting for? Dive into Splatsville today and see what all the new splatter hubbub is about!