Splatoon 3 Version 11.0.0 Update Arrives January 29 — New Mechanics, Balance Changes & More
Nintendo has detailed the upcoming Version 11.0.0 update for Splatoon 3, set to launch January 29, 2026, as a free download on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. This latest patch brings several big gameplay improvements, visual aids, balance tweaks, and new mechanics designed to freshen up battles and give players new strategic options.
Flow Aura — New Combat Boost Mechanic
One of the headline additions in Version 11.0.0 is Flow Aura, a dynamic new state triggered when players splat multiple opponents in quick succession. Once activated, Flow Aura surrounds the player with a burst of ink and grants several temporary buffs:
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Increased run and swim speed
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Enhanced ink resistance
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Boosted intensify action effects
Flow Aura lasts about 30 seconds, but players can extend its duration by continuing to splat or assist teammates, making it a powerful reward for aggressive or supportive play.
Enemy Health Bars & Hitbox Adjustments
The update also improves player awareness and accuracy in combat:
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Temporary health bars will now appear above enemy Inklings or Octolings after you hit them — as long as they’re not hiding or submerged — helping you track damage more easily.
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Hitbox sizes for opponents in swim form have been slightly reduced. This change makes it harder to hit foes hiding around corners or behind cover, reflecting players’ increasing skill with motion aiming and helping balance engagements.
Balance Tweaks & Gameplay Adjustments
Version 11.0.0 includes more detailed refinements to combat systems and gear interactions:
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Collision detection tweaks, particularly affecting how weapons hit Inkling and Octoling forms, offer a more consistent and competitive feel during fights.
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Certain equipment effects, such as Super Jump (Sluipsprong), have been adjusted so travel times are more balanced, preventing overly easy enemy overwhelm strategies.
These balance changes are part of Nintendo’s ongoing effort to keep Splatoon 3’s turf wars competitive and fair for players of all skill levels.
Release Details
The Version 11.0.0 update will be available from January 29, 2026, at no extra cost. Nintendo confirmed that this patch focuses on quality-of-life improvements and combat enhancements rather than introducing new weapon kits at launch, though players have speculated on future content additions as the game continues to evolve.