With the end of Big Run, fans are speculating that another event like the expected Winterfest will not be coming toSplatoon 3. ThroughoutSplatoon 2’s life as the latest multiplayer offering, there were seasonal Splatfests to commemorate celebrations in the real world. These includeSplatoween, a Splatfest loosely based on the idea of Halloween; and Winterfest, a Splatfest that helps celebrate Christmas and the New Year. Each seasonal Splatfest came with exclusive gear and a theme that was based on the holiday’s aesthetic.
With Christmas on the way and another event just behindSplatoon 3, there’s not much room in the multiplayer game’s timetable for December 2022. While Winterfest may still be in the cards,leaks suggest a winter-themed Splatfest won’t be comingfor inklings and octolings in the Splatlands, and there are likely a few reasons why.
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Splatoween Was Canceled in October 2023
One of the first signs pointing to a Winterfest event not being reliable is the fact that Splatoween did not take place, either. InSplatoon 2, Splatoween was a pleasant surprise, immediately followed by a Winterfest months later. Many fans agree that if Splatoween didn’t happen, there’s little chance that a holiday-themed Splatfest will still follow. Additionally, there’s a chance the new content and battle pass inSplatoon 3’s Chill Seasonessentially replaced Winterfest, at least for this year.
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However, that doesn’t meanSplatoonis guaranteed to not have an event this winter. In place of Splatoween, the developers did announce aPokemon ScarletandViolettie-in Splatfestthat took place this November. While it did not have custom gear and a bit more fanfare than the average Splatfest, it’s certainly better than nothing.
Splatoon 3’s Big Run may Rotate Between Splatfests
Another reason why fans are convinced no Winterfest will come this year is because of the Big Run that just wrapped inSplatoon 3. Like Splatfests, this Big Run was an announced event that lasted over the course of a weekend. It had start and end times announced by the idols, as well as prizes for participation - though in this case it was Locker decorations. Like Splatfests, these prizes became more substantial the more people played; represented by how many Golden Eggs they were able to collect.
BecauseSplatoontends to only host one or two events within the span of a few months, many fans doubt there will be a Winterfest in December. However, just because there was aBig Run, this doesn’t entirely block out the full month (though aforementioned leaks suggest otherwise). Including pre-launch events, there have already been three Splatfests just a few months apart. Having a Splatfest in December is plausible if it takes place at the very end of the month.
Grizzco is More Involved With Splatoon 3’s Story
With Grizzco being more involved in theSplatoon 3main story mode, it makes sense that the company would also take over major event slots in place of Splatfests.Mr. Grizz was the main antagonist, spreading Fuzzy Ink everywhere in an attempt to turn inklings and octolings back into mammals so that he could restore the natural order.
With the new addition of Big Run to the multiplayer scene, this further proves the idea thatSplatoon’s devs are interested in making Grizzco more involved with seasonal event beyond regular work shifts. It would be a shame if this means sacrificing fan-favorite events like winter-themed Splatfests, but there’s always 2023 for Nintento to shake things up.
Splatoon 3is available now on Nintendo Switch.
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