Try out the free Splatoon 3: Splatfest World Premiere demo now!

Rock, Paper, or Scissors?

The Splatfest World Premiere kicks off in Splatoon 3 this Saturday 27th August, and you can download the free demo right now via Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch console or via our website.

No need to wait until Saturday to start playing though, there’s plenty for impatient Inklings to do now before the Splatfest kicks off!

1: Customise your character

What sort of style are you going to rock on the battlefield? Choose to play as either an Inkling or Octoling, and customise their hairstyle and eye colour. Make sure you’re the freshest squid in the squad!

2: Play the tutorial

Whether you’re brand new to Turf Wars and want to learn the ropes, or a returning veteran who needs a bit of a refresher, play through the tutorial now to make sure you’re up to speed and ready to splat in this weekend’s event!

Once that’s done, hop on the train – next stop: Splatsville!

3: Choose your Splatfest team

It’s decision time! Team Rock, Team Paper or Team Scissors? Cast your vote for the side you want to splat for when the festivities start and the ink starts flying!

Bonus tip!

Once that’s all taken care of, take a stroll around Splatsville and soak up the atmosphere. If you’re feeling creative, head over to the Mailbox and post – there you can create and post fun doodles to share with other Inklings in your region. You might even spot your handiwork amongst the fireworks during the Splatfest itself!

Download and play for free now

Got questions? We've got some additional info for you below!

Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online membership?

By downloading the Splatfest World Premiere demo, you’ll receive a code via email for a free 7-day trial of Nintendo Switch Online which you’ll need to take part. Make sure to check your inbox!

How does a Splatfest work?

Vote for the team you want to represent and then battle it out in Turf War, with every victory earning points for your team. For more info, including deets on new Splatfest features like Tricolor Turf Wars and the Ultra Signal, check out the video below:

When does the Splatfest World Premiere take place?

The Splatfest World Premiere starts at 09:00 (UK time) on Saturday, August 27th. The first phase will run until 14:59 (UK time), with the Tricolor Turf War phase beginning at 15:00 (UK time) and running until 21:00 (UK time).

After that, the results will be calculated and revealed on Sunday, August 28th at 15:00 (UK time)!

Can I choose my region?

When you reach Splatsville you’ll be asked to choose which region you’re playing in. European players should be sure to select Europe so you can join the Splatfest during the correct time for your region. You cannot change your region after this point so be sure to select carefully.

Which stages are playable?

Once the action begins, players will compete on one of two random stages. The two stages on offer will change every couple of hours though, with seven different ones on offer throughout the Splatfest.

• Eeltail Alley
• Undertow Spillway
• Mincemeat Metalworks
• Museum d'Alfonsino
• Scorch Gorge
• Mahi-Mahi Resort
• Sturgeon Shipyard

What weapons can I use?

There are 26 weapons on offer for you to ink your way to victory with during the Splatfest World Premiere. New ones such as the Tri-Stringer and Splatana Wiper show up, as well as returning favourites like the Splat Dualies and N-ZAP ’85. They’re also paired with new and returning special weapons such as the Crab Tank and Inkjet.

Here are all the loadouts on offer during the Splatfest World Premiere:

• Splattershot Jr. + Splat Bomb (SP: Big Bubbler)
• Aerospray MG + Fizzy Bomb (SP: Reefslider)
• Splattershot + Suction Bomb (SP: Trizooka)
• .52 Gal + Splash Wall (SP: Killer Wail 5.1)
• N-ZAP ’85 + Suction Bomb (SP: Tacticooler)
• Splattershot Pro + Angle Shooter (SP: Crab Tank)
• Luna Blaster + Splat Bomb (SP: Zipcaster)
• Blaster + Autobomb (SP: Big Bubbler)
• Splat Roller + Curling Bomb (SP: Big Bubbler)
• Dynamo Roller + Sprinkler (SP: Tacticooler)
• Inkbrush + Splat Bomb (SP: Killer Wail 5.1)
• Octobrush + Suction Bomb (SP: Zipcaster)
• Splat Charger + Splat Bomb (SP: Ink Vac)
• Splatterscope + Splat Bomb (SP: Ink Vac)
• E-liter 4K + Ink Mine (SP: Wave Breaker)
• E-liter 4K Scope + Ink Mine (SP: Wave Breaker)
• Slosher + Splat Bomb (SP: Triple Inkstrike)
• Tri-Slosher + Toxic Mist (SP: Inkjet)
• Heavy Splatling + Sprinkler (SP: Wave Breaker)
• Hydra Splatling + Autobomb (SP: Booyah Bomb)
• Splat Dualies + Suction Bomb (SP: Crab Tank)
• Dark Tetra Dualies + Autobomb (SP: Reefslider)
• Splat Brella + Sprinkler (SP: Triple Inkstrike)
• Tenta Brella + Squid Beakon (SP: Ink Vac)
• Tri-Stringer + Toxic Mist (SP: Killer Wail 5.1)
• Splatana Wiper + Torpedo (SP: Ultra Stamp)

Don't forget, every weapon from previous Splatoon games will be returning in the full version of Splatoon 3!

Start playing the Splatfest World Premiere demo now to make sure you’re squid-shape for the event this weekend!

Download and play for free now

Splatoon 3 launches for Nintendo Switch on September 9th. If you pre-order or purchase the game from Nintendo eShop before September 30th, you'll earn 10% back in Gold Points to use towards your next purchase!

Pre-order now

Want to learn even more about Splatoon 3? Watch the Splatoon 3 Direct here!