Those wanting to try Splatoon 3 before it is released on September 9 are in luck as Nintendo has announced a Splatfest World Premiere demo. The demo introduces players to the returning Splatfest events that have been revamped in the new game with new rules to accommodate three teams instead of two. Here’s our guide on how to play the upcoming Splatfest World Premiere demo.
How to download and play the Splatoon 3 demo
The Splatoon 3 Splatfest World Premiere demo is available to pre-order right now from the Nintendo Store website. This allows players to preload the demo in time for it going live on August 25, when a tutorial will be available to bring players up to speed with the mode’s basic rules. Players will also be able to take a look at Splatsville where they can test out any of the demo’s 26 weapons in the Test Range, as well as supporting their team by sharing messages and art in the city Square.
The main event begins on August 27 when the Splatfest battles begin. Players choose between three teams —Rock, Paper, or Scissors — before jumping into the arena to gain points for their team. Between 9AM-3PM PT, players will be able to take part in familiar Splatfest matches were two teams engage in basic turf war. The new 4v2v2 Splatfest Tricolor Turf War Battles then take over between 3PM-9PM PT.
Splatfest Tricolor Turf War Battles take on a slightly different format from ordinary Turf War. Four players from the team that is in first place will start in the center of the stage. Two players from each of the other two teams will attack them from different sides of the stage in a three-way Turf War battle.
The Splatfest matches will require a Nintendo Switch Online account to take part, but those who don’t have an account will get a free 7-day trial for the service that will begin on August 25. Players who have already activated a trial won’t miss out as they’ll be able to activate the trial again for this demo.
For more Splatoon 3 content, check out our game page where you can also find a guide on how to watch the Splatoon 3 Enter the Splatlands Invitational 2022 tournament. There’s also a rundown on Deep Cut, the Splatfest commentators that are replacing Pearl and Marina.
