Splatoon 3: Ranked Battles Guide

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Splatoon 3's online multiplayer is a core facet of the game; Turf War is the iconic game mode where players compete to ink as much turf as possible. However, there isn't much you can get out of Turf War beyond your own satisfaction and leveling up your character. This is where Ranked Battles come in, where the best of the best compete in game modes with new and exciting rules.

Obtaining higher ranks in Ranked Battles doesn't unlock much beyond opening the door to X Battles, added in the Chill Season update. If playing Ranked Battles isn't your style, don't worry; there isn't much you're missing out on beyond some clout. If you do happen to enjoy competitive multiplayer play, then these are the game modes for you - and how to play them.

Tower Control

If you're at all familiar with other multiplayer third-person shooters, Tower Control will look very familiar. At the center of the stage, there is a Tower; simply stand atop it to claim the Tower, causing it to move along a track. The Tower will stop at checkpoints along its path, requiring you to defend it while your opponents attempt to take the Tower from you. As you bring the Tower along its path, you will accumulate score - to win the game, either bring the Tower to the goal or have a higher score than your opponents by the time the timer runs out.

If you have the higher score and your opponents have the Tower, running out the clock can be a valid strategy. The game may go into overtime if the difference is small enough, but simply defending your higher score can secure a victory if your opponents prove difficult to take care of.

Defending the Tower is your utmost priority in Tower Control. One of your teammates should be riding the Tower at all times; if nobody is riding it, the Tower will return to the center of the stage. Players with Big Bubblers, Squid Beakons, and other defensive utilities should try and place them on the Tower itself, turning the Tower into a mobile fortress that fallen teammates can easily super jump to.

Rainmaker

This game mode is centered around the eponymous Rainmaker, a special weapon that must be carried to the goal. The Rainmaker has a barrier that protects it; splatting it will bring down the barrier as well as any opponents nearby, as the barrier will explode once broken. Be careful when attempting to nab the Rainmaker, as your opponents can bring you down if they're quick enough on the draw. Once you have the Rainmaker, you'll have to bring it to each of your team's checkpoints before bringing it to the goal. When placed on a checkpoint, the Rainmaker will redeploy its barrier.

Be quick when carrying the Rainmaker. Carrying it for too long will splat you, so prioritize bringing it to a checkpoint while your teammates defend you.

The Rainmaker is a heavy but powerful weapon that replaces your primary weapon while held. It fires chargeable explosives that can splat any player in a single hit, but remember that your goal isn't to defeat the enemy team.

Splat Zones

On the stage will be one to two Splat Zones, indicated by lines that surround the zones. Ink the zones to fill them up; when sufficiently inked, the Splat Zones will flash and your score will steadily increase. Defend the Splat Zones until time runs out, and the team with the higher score wins. Weapons and specials with large areas of effect can easily claim the Splat Zone in a pinch.

Playing aggressively can help you win matches. Once you've locked down the Splat Zones, shift your focus on splatting your opponents repeatedly to run out the clock. Of course, always keep an eye on the Splat Zones in case one of your opponents sneaks past you.

Clam Blitz

In Clam Blitz, you'll find clams littered across the stage. Picking up enough clams will grant you the Power Clam, which can be thrown. Get a Power Clam and bring it to your enemy's goal - the Power Clam can bring down the goal's barrier, netting you some points while also preventing the enemy from scoring. Keep in mind that the same can happen to you, so keep your goal well-defended.

The goal will close after enough time passes. Throw clams into it to keep it open for a bit longer. When the goal regenerates, your team's goal will become vulnerable, allowing the enemy to counter-attack. Keeping your goal defended is the key to Clam Blitz!

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