The next Splatfest for Splatoon 3 asks players to decide which popular cryptid is real: Nessie, Aliens, or Bigfoot. Splatfests have been a consistent source of new content for Splatoon 3 fans, and with the April 4 event coming off the heels of a victory for Team White Chocolate in February, players will have another opportunity to show their support for a member of Deep Cut. While this may just be a fun way to get players to battle for turf over their favorite cryptids, it could also be hinting at future content involving these creatures.
The Splatoon series has set a precedent for the outcome of Splatfests affecting future content, with the final Splatfests of both Splatoon 1 and Splatoon 2 changing the plot of their sequels. Although this upcoming cryptid Splatfest is certainly not the final one for Splatoon 3, it could still build upon lore established in the Return of the Mammalians campaign to lay a foundation for new, interesting creatures to be added to Splatoon 3 - or future games. With how naturally these cryptids would fit into the world of Splatoon, it would be a waste not to make them more relevant beyond a Splatfest theme.
How Cryptids Could Play a Role in Splatoon 3
Each of the cryptids featured as team mascots for this upcoming Splatfest would make perfect additions to the Splatoon universe. Nessie seems like the obvious choice, being another aquatic creature that could have survived (or even been created) in Splatoon's post-apocalyptic world. Giving something akin to Nessie the role of a King Salmonid in Salmon Run would make the most sense, as the Loch Ness Monster has a supposed relationship to the prehistoric plesiosaur would make for an imposing boss alongside Cohozuna and Horrorboros.
Although the typical gray alien doesn't necessarily fit into the aquatic lore of Splatoon, there are other references to aliens that could suggest they do exist somewhere out there. The Slammin' Lid Boss Salmonid in Salmon Run is a clear allusion to the classic flying saucer UFO, and the Mothership that appears during special waves of Salmon Run also references stereotypical alien contact. With these connections in mind, an alien-like creature making an appearance as a Boss Salmonid seems like an inevitable idea for future Splatoon content, and could even play a role in an alien invasion-themed Big Run.
Bigfoot is the most interesting cryptid of the bunch when it comes to they ways it could fit into the world of Splatoon. With the prominence of mammals in Splatoon 3's single-player campaign, it seems like Bigfoot would be a perfect addition to the line-up of villainous creatures in future DLC or even a new game (if one doesn't already count Mr. Grizz as some equivalent to the idea). Since information about the upcoming Side Order story DLC for Splatoon 3 limited, it's hard to say how it will connect to Splatoon 3's main campaign. However, if it were to tie into Return of the Mammalians, Bigfoot could be featured as a boss.
It's not likely this Splatfest theme has larger implications beyond a limited-time event. However, with the way the Splatoon series has incorporated the outcomes of Splatfests in the past, it's possible the winning team of this event could see their cryptid included as a future reference in the game given how naturally they could fit into the world. Although this is just speculation, players should be prepared to defend their team's turf once the event gets going.
Splatoon 3 is available now for Nintendo Switch.