Check out all the main weapons in Splatoon 3 and determine which one’s the right fit for your playstyle.
Splatoon 3 is the latest installment in Nintendo’s third-person shooter series – Splatoon. The franchise sets itself apart from other third-person shooters with its colorful imagery, as each weapon shoots paint as projectiles.
The weapons featured in the Splatoon franchise also resemble everyday household objects. With that said, each weapon has its own unique perks, offering a diversified shooting experience. For example, some weapons can cover a large area with paint but are only good for close-range shooting.
Read More: All Games Releasing in October 2022
Splatoon’s iconic range of weapons, such as Shooters, Blasters, Chargers, Rollers, Brushes, Sloshers, Splatlings, Dualies, and Brellas make a comeback in Splatoon 3. However, the game also has new additions like Splatanas and Stringers. This guide will list all the main weapons you can get in Splatoon 3 under each weapon category and how to unlock them.
All Main Weapons in Splatoon 3
There are a total of 55 main weapons under 11 categories in Splatoon 3. We have listed the main weapons under each category below, along with their stats and how to unlock them.
Shooters
Shooters fall within the all-rounder category of weapons as they allow swift movement and have solid ink output. Unlike other weapons, they have no downtime. This means no time will be lost in ink recovery, charge times, or animation locks. They’re good for landing multi-kills but require turf to move around. They may not be your first choice if you want to try out more specialized weapons. There are currently 14 main Shooters in Splatoon 3.
Name | Damage | Range | How to Unlock |
---|---|---|---|
Hero Shot Replica | 36 (Max) | 2.5 (Max) 2.2 (Effective) | Complete Hero Mode. |
Splattershot Jr. | 28 (Max) | 2.2 (Max) 2 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 1. |
Splattershot | 36 (Max) | 2.5 (Max) 2.2 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 2. |
Aerospray MG | 24 (Max) | 2.1 (Max) 2 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 5. |
N-ZAP ’85 | 28 (Max) | 2.5 (Max) 2.2 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 6. |
Splattershot Pro | 42 (Max) | 3.5 (Max) 3 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 9. |
Sploosh-o-Matic | 38 (Max) | 1.5 (Max) 1.2 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 9. |
.52 Gal | 52 (Max) | 2.7 (Max) 2.5 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 11. |
L-3 Nozzlenose | 29 (Max) | 3.1 (Max) 2.7 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 13. |
Jet Squelcher | 32 (Max) | 4.5 (Max) 4.1 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 15. |
Splash-o-Matic | 28 (Max) | 2.4 (Max) 2.0 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 16. |
.96 Gal | 62 (Max) | 3.5 (Max) 3.1 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 17. |
Squeezer | 38 (Max) | 4.1 (Max) 3.4 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 19. |
H-3 Nozzlenose | 41 (Max) | 3.3 (Max) 3.0 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 24. |
Blasters
Blasters have powerful ink output that can land one-shot kills but come with the downside of a slow firing rate. These weapons are great for a defensive playstyle, as they require you to gain leverage on top of obstacles to go for multi-kills and cover more turf. However, this means that they are not for players who prefer an offensive playstyle, and you’ll have a terrible time if you try to fight on the front lines. There are currently 6 main Blasters in Splatoon 3.
Name | Damage | Range | How to Unlock |
---|---|---|---|
Blaster | 125 (Direct Hit) 50-70 (Blast) | 2.5 (Max) 2.0 (Direct Hit) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 3. |
Rapid Blaster | 85 (Direct Hit) 35 (Blast) | 3.5 (Max) 3.1 (Direct Hit) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 7. |
Range Blaster | 125 (Direct Hit) 50-70 (Blast) | 3.5 (Max) 2.7 (Direct Hit) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 11. |
Luna Blaster | 125 (Direct Hit) 50-70 (Blast) | 2.1 (Max) 1.5 (Direct Hit) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 13. |
Clash Blaster | 60 (Direct Hit) 30 (Blast) | 2.5 (Max) 1.9 (Direct Hit) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 22. |
Rapid Blaster Pro | 85 (Direct Hit) 35 (Blast) | 4.1 (Max) 3.5 (Direct Hit) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 26. |
Chargers
These are the sniper category weapons in Splatoon 3. So, while they are great for making precise shots, they have poor turf coverage. Chargers are suitable for players who like maintaining their distance from enemies and killing them from afar. However, they have insufficient downtime as reloading takes a cumbersome amount of time. There are currently 7 main Chargers in Splatoon 3.
Name | Damage | Range | How to Unlock |
---|---|---|---|
Splat Charger | 160 (Max) 40 (No Charge) | Approximately 5.2 (Max) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 2. |
Classic Squiffer | 140 (Max) 40 (No Charge) | Approximately 3.7 (Max) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 8. |
Splatterscope | 160 (Max) 40 (No Charge) | Approximately 5.5 (Max) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 10. |
E-liter 4K | 180 (Max) 40 (No Charge) | Approximately 6.2 (Max) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 18. |
Bamboozler 14 MK 1 | 85 (Max) 30 (No Charge) | Approximately 4.0 (Max) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 23. |
Goo Tuber | 180 (Max) 40 (No Charge) | Approximately 4.2 (Max) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 25. |
E-liter 4K Scope | 180 (Max) 40 (No Charge) | Approximately 6.5 (Max) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 27. |
Rollers
These fall within the melee-type weapon category in Splatoon 3 and are great for wide ink coverage. They can also be used as a ranged weapon as you can hit enemies with a trail of ink as you splash the weapon in their direction. So, you just can’t go wrong with Rollers. Not to mention, they come with awesome weapon kits, such as curling bombs. There are currently 4 main Rollers in Splatoon 3.
Name | Damage | Range | How to Unlock |
---|---|---|---|
Splat Roller | 180 (Max) 40 (Min) | Vertical swing: 2.8 (Max) / 1.5 (Effective) Horizontal swing: 2.2 (Max) / 1.5 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 2. |
Carbon Roller | 120 (Max) 25 (Min) | Vertical swing: 2.5 (Max) / 1.0 (Effective) Horizontal swing: 1.4 (Max) / 0.8 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 6. |
Dynamo Roller | 180 (Max) 40 (Min) | Vertical swing: 4.2 (Max) / 2.2 (Effective) Horizontal swing: 3.5 (Max) / 2.9 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 12. |
Flingza Roller | 180 (Max) 40 (Min) | Vertical swing: 4.0 (Max) / 1.0 (Effective) Horizontal swing: 2.0 (Max) / 0.7 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 20. |
Brushes
Brushes trade-off paint spread for incredible ink rolling speed. In many ways, they are counterparts of Rollers. They should be your weapon of choice if you prefer close combat over covering turf. Sadly, they are not suitable for long-range combat. There are only two variants of Brushes in Splatoon 3 at the moment.
Name | Damage | Range | How to Unlock |
---|---|---|---|
Octobrush | 40 (Max) 28-38 (Ink) | 1.9 (Max) 1.5 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 4. |
Inkbrush | 30 (Max) 24-26 (Ink) | 1.5 (Max) 1.2 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 7. |
Sloshers
These are the perfect weapons for wide turf coverage and splatting enemies. Sloshers are best for maximum paint spread and can be a powerful weapon if used correctly. With maximum power and paint output, these are easily the best all-rounder weapon in the game and suited for offensive playstyle lovers. However, using Sloshers does come with the drawback of refilling your ink more often. There are currently 5 main Sloshers in Splatoon 3.
Name | Damage | Range | How to Unlock |
---|---|---|---|
Slosher | 70 (Max) | 2.7 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 3. |
Tri-Slosher | 62 (Max) | 2.2 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 10. |
Sloshing Machine | 76 (Max) | 3.3 (Max) 2.9 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 14. |
Bloblobber | 30 (Max) | 5.0 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 19. |
Explosher | 90 (Max) 35 (Blast) 55 (Penetration) | 4.5 (Max) 4.1 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 29. |
Splatlings
Splatlings in Splatoon 3 operate like Gatling guns with excellent firing rate and paint output. Moreover, you get excellent aim and can target enemies from a wide enough range. Using a Splatling can be incredibly satisfying if you enjoy a chaotic, fast-paced shooting style. Enemies will have difficulty getting close to you if you go at them with a Splatling. There are currently 5 main Splatlings in Splatoon 3.
Name | Damage | Range | How to Unlock |
---|---|---|---|
Heavy Splatling | 30 (Max) | 4.3 (Max) 3.8 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 4. |
Mini Splatling | 32 (Max) | 3.1 (Max) 2.7 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 12. |
Hydra Splatling | 40 (Max) | 5.2 (Max) 4.0 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 20. |
Nautilus 47 | 32 (Max) | 3.5 (Max) 3.1 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 28. |
Ballpoint Splatling | 28 (1st Stage) 30 (2nd Stage) | 4.8 (Max) 4.0 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 30. |
Dualies
Dualies go one step above and beyond for fast-paced shooters, as this weapon class allows you to dodge roll. With extreme mobility, aiming might be difficult, but you can quickly dodge-roll to reposition yourself and try again. There are currently 5 main Dualies in Splatoon 3.
Name | Damage | Range | How to Unlock |
---|---|---|---|
Splat Dualies | 28 (Max) | 2.8 (Max) 2.4 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 3. |
Dualie Squelchers | 28 (Max) | 3.3 (Max) 3.0 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 8. |
Dapple Dualies | 36 (Max) | 1.9 (Max) 1.5 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 14. |
Dark Tetra Dualies | 30 (Max) | 2.3 (Max) 3.1 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 17. |
Glooga Dualies | 36 (Max) 52.5 (After Sliding) | 3.1 (Max) 2.5 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 21. |
Brellas
These umbrella-shaped weapons can act as shields and fire paint at enemies at the same time. Having been introduced in Splatoon 2, Brellas give you the confidence to fight on the frontline as they can shield you from enemy fire. However, they have a large downtime, as reloading can take a while. They aren’t the hardest hitters in terms of damage, but that issue can easily be dealt with by firing for longer.
Name | Damage | Range | How to Unlock |
---|---|---|---|
Splat Brella | 81 (Direct Hit) 30 (Umbrella Hit) | 2.5 (Max) 2.2 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 5. |
Tenta Brella | 119 (Direct Hit) 85 (Effective Hit) 30 (Umbrella Hit) | 3.2 (Max) 2.1 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 16. |
Undercover Brella | 40 (Direct Hit) 12.0 ~ 36.0 (Umbrella Hit) | 2.5 (Max) 2.3 (Effective) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 18. |
Splatanas
These are one of two new weapon classes introduced in the Splatoon franchise. Splatanas are short-range weapons that can make horizontal and vertical slashes. These are great alternatives to Brushes as they have more maneuverability. With that said, Splatanas may not be the ideal choice if you like a defensive playstyle and want to maintain distance from your enemies. There are only two variants of Splatanas in Splatoon 3 at the moment.
Name | Damage | Range | How to Unlock |
---|---|---|---|
Splatana Wiper | 30 (Horizontal Slash) 15 (Horizontal Slash Direct Damage) 60 (Charge Slash) | 2.9 (Horizontal Slash) 3.5 (Charge Slash) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 5. |
Splatana Stamper | 35 (Horizontal Slash) 20 (Horizontal Slash Direct Damage) 70 (Charge Slash) | 3.6 (Horizontal Slash) 4.5 (Charge Splash) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 15. |
Stringers
These are one of two new weapon classes introduced in the Splatoon franchise. These are the crossbow-type weapon class in Splatoon 3 that can deal good damage and provide wide turf coverage, firing three shots at a time. Moreover, you can also use Stringers to make vertical shots.
Furthermore, you can charge hold to increase the damage output of your shots. These are medium to long-range weapons, making them an excellent choice for players preferring a defensive playstyle. There are only two variants of Stringers in Splatoon 3 at the moment.
Name | Damage | Range | How to Unlock |
---|---|---|---|
Tri-Stringer | 105 (Max Damage) 84 (Max Blast) 30 per shot (No Charge) | Approximately 5.1 (Max) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 4. |
REEF LUX 450 | 135 (Max Damage) 30 per shot (No Charge) | Approximately 3.5 (Max) | Purchase from Ammo Knights after reaching Level 10. |
Interested in more Splatoon 3 guides? Check out How to Dodge Roll, Squid Roll, Super Jump, and All Story Mode Missions & Levels.