Nintendo has given out a full list of changes coming to Splatoon 3 version 4.0, which will signal the start of the game's Sizzle season. Ever since its release last year, the game has been positively received, with Nintendo also giving it plenty of support. This includes regular updates and events, with each of them being separated by seasons. The first three seasons of Splatoon 3 were Drizzle, Chill, and Fresh, with a fourth one on its way very soon. This is known as the Sizzle Season, which is a reference to the Summer heat.

Each new season of Splatoon 3 brings plenty of new content to the game. This includes a new Big Run shift for Salmon Run during the Sizzle Season, with the season itself starting on June 1st, 2023. This includes a series of new weapons, gear, titles, decorations, and stages to battle one. While a trailer for the season was released earlier this month, the full list of patch notes has been revealed on Nintendo's website ahead of the game's scheduled update.

The full list of notes is quite extensive, having several changes to the seasonal catalog and weapons. Two new main weapons were introduced, one being a blaster weapon known as the S-Blast '92 that is based on Nintendo's old lightgun peripheral the Super Scope, much like how the game references the classic NES Zapper peripheral with the N-ZAP family of weapons. It will also introduce a new brush weapon known as the Painbrush, which is a slower but more powerful version of the Inkbrush main weapon. There will also be nine different weapon sets that will be added to the game as well.

A number of Splatoon 3's weapons have also been adjusted, which includes the intervals of launching ink, reduced ink consumption, and damage. Special weapons have similarly gotten nerfs or buffs in this update. This season will also introduce a new multiplayer mode known as Challenges, which are limited-time battles with special rules that can be tackled by themselves or with a group of friends. This will allow players to accumulate Challenge Power based on match results, and can even be used to qualify for online tournaments.

A number of smaller changes have also been made, such as the lobby and battles now playing some new tracks, along with the usual bug fixes that come with a big seasonal update like this. Anarchy Battles, Tableturf Battle, and the Lobby have had a number of aesthetic or QOL improvements made as well.

Update 4.0 Patch Notes

New content revolving around Sizzle Season

A new catalog, which will give new titles, Splashtags, decorations, stickers, and emotes.
Two stages: the brand-new Barnacle & Dime stage and Humpback Pump Track from Splatoon 2.
2 new main weapons, the Painbrush and S-Blast, along with 9 new sets of existing main weapons paired with different sub and special weapons.
A new stage for the Salmon Run mode, Jammin' Salmon Junction.
11 new Tableturf Battle cards.

Multiplayer Changes

Three new songs have been added to play during matches.
New S-Blast main weapon, Blaster type.
New Painbrush main weapon, Inkbrush type.
New weapon sets: Annaki Splattershot Nova, H-3 Nozzlenose D, Rapid Blaster Pro Deco, S-BLAST '92, Big Swig Roller Express, Painbrush, Heavy Splatling Deco, Custom Dualie Squelchers, Light Tetra Dualies, Tenta Sorella Brella, Splatana Wiper Deco.
Points needed for Neo Splash-o-matic, Rapid Blaster Deco, and Ballpoint Splatling have increased.
Under certain victory conditions, two players of the winning team will celebrate each other's efforts.
Two Color Lock combinations can be made.
Weapons have been rebalanced.

New Content Revolving Around Challenges

Limited-time battles with special rules known as challenges have been added. Can be played solo or with friends.
Challenge Power is calculated during battle, and will be granted depending on a player's wins and losses.
After the time period is up, players can check how high their Challenge Power was overall.
Players can use the Shell-Out machine using Shell-Out tokens earned during Challenges.

Anarchy Battle Changes

Anarchy Power is calculated for a team as a whole, which changes based on wins and losses. Will reset when the mode or stage changes.
Anarchy Power is recalculated if the group members change.
Anarchy Power is distributed in a duos and team division, with groups consisting of 3 or more members qualifying for team division.
Matchmaking mechanisms have been adjusted.
Players can now change gear while maintaining the original group.
Selecting Stop after a battle ends will return players to the awaiting Ready! State instead of forcibly leaving the room.

Salmon Run Changes

Main weapons have been adjusted.
The amount of Fish scales have been doubled after fighting a King Salmonid in Big Run.
Eggstra Work can be played solo.
If a player joins Eggstra Work with a group that has less than four players, other players will be gathered to make it a 4-player attempt.
Overlapping weapons will be automatically reselected or will be given a warning.
Newly added items available for trade with Fish scales are now clearly marked.

Additional details can be found on the Nintendo site.