When is the next Splatfest?

Splatoon 3 developer Nintendo recently revealed information about the game’s 11th Splatfest, bringing back a holiday celebration not seen since 2020.

Splatfests are a big deal in the world of Splatoon. They act as both unifying events and weekend-long parties for everyone involved, transforming the hub worlds of Splatsville and Inkopolis Plaza into a night-time festival, where players can watch their favorite idols perform and listen to specialty songs while battling in the Splatfest.

In Splatoon 3, each Splatfest has a theme and three teams that players can choose from. Once they’ve chosen their team, each Turf War battle they win throughout the event grants points for their team. The team that wins at the end of the event will receive special rewards, such as additional Super Sea Snails over the losing two teams.

Splatoon 3’s Splatfests are unique from previous entries in the series because they are the first time three different teams have been able to compete on the same map, with the additional playlist of Tricolor battles available at the halfway point of each Splatfest.

The game’s previous Splatfests have featured themes such as Rock, Paper, Scissors and references to other Nintendo franchises, such as Pokémon’s Water, Grass, and Fire, or The Legend of Zelda’s Power, Wisdom, and Courage. This time, Nintendo asks you to decide what is your go-to greeting. A handshake, fist bump, or a hug?

Eager to get started? Here’s when the 11th Splatfest starts in Splatoon 3.

Splatfest: Handshake, Fistbump, Hug start date and time

The next Splatfest will start on Friday, Nov. 17 at 6pm CT and will run until Nov. 19 at 6pm CT. Players will have two full days to get as many games as they can in for their team.

Once the Splatfest begins, you’ll be able to pick from one of three teams: Handshake, Fistbump, or Hug. You will receive a special team shirt only available during the event, which must be worn for all Turf War and Tricolor battles. Turf War is divided into three playlists: Open, Pro, and Tricolor. Tricolor Turf War is only available after the halfway results and pits four players from one team against two teams of two from the opposing teams.

After the Splatfest ends, the wins for each team will be tallied, and members of the winning team will receive special rewards. This is only one of many more Splatfests for Splatoon 3, so be sure to keep an eye out for additional announcements in the future.

Think hard about what matters most to you, and choose your side wisely!