Image Credit: Bethesda
Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Splatoon 3 New Squidbeak Splatoon Agent 3 Callie Marie
Image via Nintendo

Do you need to play Splatoon 1 and 2 to understand Splatoon 3’s story? Answered

How much do you need to know going in?

Going into sequels without playing previous games can be daunting for new players. For anyone who enjoys a good story in their games, going into a game blind without knowing the lore and background information for what is happening can ruin the experience. Is this the case with Splatoon 3? Do you need to play Splatoon 1 and 2 to understand the Return of the Mammalians story?

Recommended Videos

Related: When does Splatoon 3 take place? Timeline explained

Should you play Splatoon 1 and 2 before playing Splatoon 3 Return of the Mammalians?

There is not a lot of information you need to know to understand Splatoon 3 because it is taking place in a new location against a new threat, and most of the important things to know are introduced in the game here. There are returning characters that you can learn about more in Agents 1, 2, 3, and Cuttlefish, but if you really want to. There is not much to Agents 1, 2, 3, and Cuttlefish stories in the previous games. They are just side characters there to lead you through the game.

If you haven’t played any of the previous Splatoon games and want to know what happens, we recommend taking a quick internet search for either the cutscenes or a breakdown of everything. None of these games have a dense narrative, so we wouldn’t recommend going out of your way to get a Wii U to play the first game, and putting the money down for the sequel on Switch is not really worth it either since Splatoon 3 essentially makes it a pointless purchase with so much carrying over into the new game.

If you want to, you can play the previous Splatoon games, but neither experience is needed to enjoy Splatoon 3. Don’t waste your time or money trying to learn about a story that is not much to write home about, to begin with.


Gamepur is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of John Hansen
John Hansen
John Hansen is a Full-time Staff Writer for Gamepur as well as a host for the YouTube channel Pixel Street Videos where he co-hosts a weekly gaming podcast and more. His favorite games include Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Breath of the Wild, Left 4 Dead 2, and Overwatch. He covers Overwatch 2 and other FPS titles, Minecraft, Sonic the Hedgehog, Legend of Zelda, and whatever zombie games are placed in front of him.