Splatoon 3’s Tenta Missiles get a big nerf to curb players repeatedly firing them from afar

Nintendo released Splatoon 3’s Ver. 2.0.0 update on November 29, and as written in the patch notes, the Tenta Missiles were substantially weakened. Now, after some testing, we know just how substantial it is.

The Tenta Missiles are one of Splatoon 3’s special weapons. When used, they launched guided missiles that attack opponents from above. While they aren’t fatal individually, the volley launches between 10 to 16 missiles depending on how many targets are locked onto. In that way, they’re good for inking the map. They also have numerous other strengths since they can lock onto far away opponents or force them to move out of position.

It’s been considered a powerful special weapon since its introduction, but how the weapon is used in Splatoon 3 has been viewed as a problem. That being continuously firing waves of missiles from deep in your own territory.

Currently, the Flingza Roller, Goo Tuber, and REEF-LUX 450 each come equipped with the Tenta Missiles, with the Flingza Roller and the REEF-LUX 450, which excel at inking, being seen as the issue. Since the special gauge fills up by inking the map, a popular playstyle for both weapons since release involves inking your own territory to charge the gauge while firing the Tenta Missiles from afar.

Of course, inking your base and firing missiles are legitimate strategies, but this playstyle comes with problems for other players. For your teammates, the front lines can get pushed back while they’re fighting without a teammate nearby. For opponents, they’re stuck constantly trying to evade the guided missiles which just causes stress. While employing this playstyle lets you earn points by inking the map, it’s frustrating for other players.

Nintendo was quick to try addressing the problem. In Ver. 1.2.0, the points required to use the Flingza Roller and REEF-LUX 450 were raised from 200 to 210. The patch notes also included the statement, “We’ve implemented several adjustments to curtail to a certain extent the style of play where the player stays far removed from the action and continually uses sub weapons or special weapons.” However, it was ultimately just a slight increase in the number of points required to use the Tenta Missiles and wasn’t seen as a big change.

With Ver. 2.0.0, we’re now seeing yet more balance changes. According to the patch notes, “After launch is confirmed, the special gauge will now slowly decrease, and the special gauge will not be able to begin charging again until the gauge has completely drained from the previous use.” In other words, players could immediately begin charging the gauge right after launching the Tenta Missiles before the patch, but now the gauge gradually decreases after use. It will probably make more sense after watching the below video.

Put simply, the change increases the interval at which the Tenta Missiles can be used. In addition to the gauge now slowly decreasing, it also can’t be charged again until it has completely drained. This does a lot to clamp down on how often the weapon can be used during a match. Additionally, we confirmed that jumping to your death off the stage while the gauge is decreasing doesn’t reset it.

Nintendo also stated in these patch notes that “For battles, besides an adjustment to reducing attack frequency for the battle style of repeatedly firing Tenta Missiles from afar, we also focused on updates to increase some weapons’ ease of use.” The intent behind the change is clear, and the Tenta Missiles are certifiably nerfed.

It’s currently unclear if the changes will reduce the number of players employing such tactics. However, the benefits of sitting back and firing missiles from afar have certainly been reduced. Battles on the front lines will probably get even more intense, and we can’t wait to see how the game changes with this new season.

Splatoon 3’s new season is set to begin on December 1. Ver. 2.0.0 is now available.

Written by. Nick Mosier based on the original Japanese article (original article’s publication date: 2022-11-30 14:08 JST)