Unsure which gun, 'brella, or bucket to furnish yourself with for the Splatfest and the game's release? Our Splatoon 3 weapon tier list is here to help narrow down the options. The right strategy and loadout will be key.
We've taken a lot of factors into consideration, mostly based on previous performance and community preferences. Our Splatoon 3 tier list, for now, includes all the basic confirmed weapons and any others we've spotted in trailers or Directs, and those confirmed on the Splatoon Twitter page. We've also speculated about the new weapons, too!
Don't forget, there's a pre-release Splatfest for Splatoon 3 so we can test the new game and the new weapons. There's a mini-game coming too: Tableturf Battle, and a return of the formidable Salmon Run. For a rundown of what to expect, check out our Splatoon 3 preview!
Splatoon 3 weapon tier list - the best weapons for Splatfest
Blasters
Blasters
Brellas
Brellas
Brushes
Brushes
Chargers
Chargers
Dualies
Dualies
Rollers
Rollers
Our ranking is based on general performance including ease of use, ink coverage, and how good they are to splat others. Subject to change once we're allowed into Turf Wars, and can test the new specials attached to the weapons. Read on for specifics.
Best weapon for coverage
If your aim in the game is to cover as much turf as you can, there are some weapons that will work better for you than others.
In terms of pure coverage, the Aerospray family of guns is easily the best with its quick-fire and wide range. However, it doesn't deal much damage to opponents. Guns like the Sploosh-O-Matic or Splattershot are almost as good, but can pack a punch to other players too.
Buckets and rollers are great combinations, as they will cover a large amount of space while being able to splat others.
Best weapon for Splatting enemies
For those who want to be a purely defensive squid, there are a few options depending on how skilled you are at aiming.
The easy answer is the sniper guns: E-Liters, Splatterscopes, and Splat Chargers can easily pick off opponents from across the battlefield. However, they can be tricky to use.
The Bloblobber is especially good for targeting enemies as it sends out an almost relentless stream of bubbles, and comes with the Ink Storm special to add extra damage.
Blasters are another great option for close-range combat. Their range may be limited, but they will immediately splat opponents.
Best combination weapons
Here's where we recommend the two new classes of weapons: Splatanas and Stringers. From what we've seen, they both deal adequate damage and can send out a good amount of ink onto the field.
The Tri-Stringer, as seen in trailers and the recent Direct, is equipped with the Killer Wail 5.1 special that throws out six lasers that target opponents. Coupled with the three jets of ink from the Stringer, this makes it a formidable choice for the discerning Inkling.
Other than that, any dualies, N-Zap or smaller guns will serve very well in both splatting opponents and covering your turf.
The best Splatoon 3 weapons for Anarchy Battles
Of course, Turf War isn't the only place you need to optimise your weaponry. Here's our thoughts on the Anarchy Battle modes.
Best Splat Zones weapons
The best weapons you can equip yourself with for Splat Zones are coverage-based, and ones that can pick off other players. Anything with the new Reefslider or Crab Tank specials will provide some serious offensive action.
The Aerospray, N-Zap, Splattershot, and Sploosh-O-Matic are all good choices. Rollers and buckets will add much-needed coverage, and can take out opponents quickly. If you're adept with a Charger, we recommend this to pick off the enemy team.
The Big Bubbler special can come in handy here too, as it will protect an area while in the Zone.
Best Clam Blitz weapons
For the Clam Blitz mode, you're going to want something fast and powerful. Coverage doesn't really matter here, it's all about protecting your hoard of clams, and breaking the goal's defence.
Dualies, N-Zaps, Ink and Octobrushes work very well for this mode. Rollers or Sloshers (even a Bloblobber) can provide ample damage, too.
Best Tower Control weapons
To excel in Tower Control, you need to be using a weapon that provides damage and coverage, so you can protect the Tower while you're on it, or cover the surrounding area and stop the enemy team from approaching.
The same sort of weapons as Splat Zones or Clam Blitz also apply here. If you're on the ball, you can make use of Splatlings, but these can be tricky if you're not used to charging and releasing ink. We recommend Dualies, N-Zap, Rollers or Bloblobbers - especially with a bomb sub weapon and some form of damaging special.
Best Rainmaker weapons
During a Rainmaker match, your job will be to get to the Rainmaker first, and then either carry it, or assist your teammates by dealing with the opposing team and clearing the way to the goal. To do this, we recommend aiming purely for damage dealing weapons.
This means blasters, Splatlings, Chargers (if you're skilled with them), Rollers - anything with a bomb sub, and hefty damage Specials. These can include the Trizooka, Inkstorm, Tenta Missiles and Ink Vac.
And that's your lot! We'll have heaps more Splatoon 3 guides ready for launch, but for now, why not check out our Genshin Impact Dendroculus locations list if you're getting stuck into that game's latest update? You can even get Collei for free if you follow these steps.