When is the first Splatoon 3 Splatfest? - Date, time, and choices

Booyah! Splatoon 3 is just weeks away, and we have an event to attend in the lead-up. Grab your ink tank and your weapon of choice: the first Splatoon 3 Splatfest is nearly here.

Splatfests have been a staple in Splatoon history, occuring every so often and pitting teams against each other when they've made a choice to answer a question. Pick your favourite and fight for its' honour! These questions are things like cat vs dog, and ketchup vs mayonnaise. Needless to say, these limited-time events get pretty heated. The Splatfests are always presented by the idols of the game, this time Frye, Shiver, and Big Man that make up Deep Cut.

While we await the release of Splatoon 3, check out our hub with all the information you need, including pre-orders. There's also a list of every confirmed weapon in the game, too!

When is the first Splatoon 3 Splatfest?

After the Splatfest World Premiere that arrived prior to the game's release, the first Splatoon 3 Splatfest set for after the game's release will kick off on Friday, September 23, 2022.

Ths first Splatfest, which will end on the following Sunday at the same time, will pit the question: What would you take to a desert island? Gear, grub, or fun?

What is a Splatfest?

The iconic and beloved Splatfests are where Inklings and Octolings go to really let their hair down. Or... their tentacles.

Essentially, the Splatfest is Turf Wars that really mean something. The event will pose a question, and you pick which answer you prefer. That corresponds to the team you will be on: the first rime around it was Rock, Paper, or Scissors, using blue, yellow, and red ink respectively.

• Check out: Splatoon 3 weapon tier list

You'll get a snazzy Splatfest Tee after you pick a team - this can be given whatever abilities you like. They all come with the ability doubler too, so you use fewer ability chunks and get more out of it.

Usually, you choose your team in Splatsville square. This time may be a little different, as it is before the game's release, but we will need to see. There's also another change. Splatoon 3's Splatfests have three teams instead of two! Here's how the events will work:

First half

Players can join either the Splatvest Battle Open or Pro. The Pro level will take your current clout and level into account and place you in an appropriately levelled team. Both of these are 4v4 Turf War battles.

Every game you win, you get Clout - and some battles even have mutlipliers. Keep your eyes peeled for the 10x, 100x and 333x time battles that will reward you with so much more Clout!

Halftime report and second half

24 hours remain of the Splatfest. You get a halftime report and see which team is in the lead. It spurs you on to fight harder.

This is where the new Tricolor Battles come in: teams in second and third place will try and dethrone the winning team in fierce Turf Wars with a twist.

• Check out: Splatoon 3 ability tier list

Players will need to get to the Ultra Signal in the middle of the map first, and try to ink it. Once your colour is on it, you can charge it, and summon your team's corresponding member of Deep Cut. They'll give a huge advantage to their team, including expanding their ink coverage!

Once the Splatfest battles end, the results are announced by Deep Cut. Points are not just given for wins, though; team votes and Conches go towards determining who the winner is.

How long will the Splatoon 3 Splatfest last?

Though the first Splatoon 3 Splatfest only lasted aorund 12 hours, the first post-release on will last for 48 hours.

Will there be more Splatfests in Splatoon 3?

There will most definitely be more Splatfests coming to Splatoon 3. The events are a key part of Inkling culture, and will make an appearance every few months to spice up the game.

We've been promised at least two years of constant updates and new content, so that gives us a rough idea of how long the Splatfests will be active.

What do I get from the Splatfests?

You may not get to keep the exact shirt you wear during the Splatfest, but you will get a replica to wear.

In Splatoon 3, you'll be able to spend the conches you earn on items for your lockers and your name plates. These can be purchased from the Shell-Out-Machine. Oh, and those of us on the winning team will get some other cool rewards too for being the best.