Splatoon 3 patch rebalances Splatfests and resolves connection issues

Splatoon 3
(Image credit: Nintendo)

Splatoon 3's new patch takes aim at connectivity issues, and rebalances Splatfest battles.

Earlier today on September 16, a new update for Splatoon 3 went live, as relayed by Nintendo's support website. The new patch, which reduces the number of Tricolor Battles for the defending team during a Splatfest, was actually prioritized for this very issue.

As such, defending teams during Splatfests should see a lot less three-way battles, something that defending players during the initial Splatfest first month definitely felt at a disadvantage in. A new Splatfest themed around a deserted island is beginning just next week, hence the release of the new Splatoon 3 patch.

Elsewhere in the new update, there's a big focus on connectivity issues. Splatoon 3 players far and wide have reported being continually disconnected from lobbies and ongoing matches, and you should now see a lot less connection errors once you've finished a battle in particular.

There's also some fixes for bugged player movement. It turns out players were able to move through - and stand on - water while using the Splat Dualies, and were also able to jump further than they should've been able to with a Squid Roll by performing a button combo while charging a Squid Surge.

Splatoon 3 currently holds the record for the fastest-selling Nintendo Switch game in Japan at launch, if you're curious to know how well the new game has been faring. Head over to our full Splatoon 3 review to see what we made of the latest offering from Nintendo's colorful shooter.

Further down the line, Splatoon 3 amiibo are launching over the Holiday period later this year. 

Hirun Cryer

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.