Nintendo has surprised fans by introducing health bars in Splatoon 3, over three years post-launch. This significant feature was included in the game’s latest update (version 11.0.0), allowing players to see opponents' remaining health during battles. This update also introduced the "Aura Flow" feature, which rewards players for streaks of eliminations with bonuses. Players have had mixed reactions, with some expressing it disrupts the established gameplay style that relied on visual cues from ink coverage. Discussions have emerged suggesting that these changes might be a test run for future iterations of the franchise, particularly with speculation about Splatoon 4.

Why did Nintendo add health bars to Splatoon 3 so late in its lifecycle?

Nintendo may be experimenting with new features for future Splatoon games, gathering player feedback through Splatoon 3 as a live environment to influence changes in upcoming titles.

Splatoon 3, launched in September 2022, has consistently evolved, garnering a dedicated community. The series is notable for its unique blend of third-person shooter mechanics and territory control gameplay, focusing on painting maps with ink rather than simply defeating enemies. The anticipation for future Splatoon iterations, including potential spin-offs like Splatoon Raiders, adds to the excitement surrounding the franchise, as players eagerly await more innovative gameplay elements.