Splatoon 3 Still Has Some Serious Matchmaking Issues

I love Splatoon 3, but it’s not without its faults. Many of these manifest through its online play, from players disconnecting mid-game to already queued players unable to join a started game. There’s also the matter of tweaks that some of the game modes need, like better customization options in Salmon Run and a mode in Turf War that allows lower-level players to match up with others of a similar level for a fairer experience.

Disconnect Is Still A Big Issue

As many Splatoon players (and online players in general, for that matter) will understand, teammates disconnecting is a problem. Online games should, and usually do, remedy this problem by adding in new players to fill the gap the disconnected players leave behind. In the case of Splatoon 3, there must be four online players on each team for a match to commence, but I’ve noticed the game can be inconsistent regarding disconnected players, with some instances leading to the entire session shutting down or the match continuing without the missing player.

I understand that Nintendo has implemented measures to curb rage-quitting, but it has also come to my realization that not everyone’s internet strength is created equally. It’s a bit difficult to predict what can happen that leads to each disconnection, but queued players should be allowed to participate in an already started match when one teammate disconnects for some reason.

The exact same argument applies to Salmon Run, which is based off of teamwork and coordination. There is no direct voice chat in the actual game to convey info to your teammates (a solid reason for its inclusion in eventual updates). If you really want to know just how short your Salmon Run session will be, take into account how many teammates suddenly drop out of game before the second or third wave.

If Nintendo were to ever implement these suggestions, I have no doubt that Splatoon’s momentous popularity would explode threefold as players of all skill levels flock to it.

Each member increases your chance at Salmon Run success, so including queued players for that mode to replace a disconnected one would help immensely. Going back to the voice chat, it’s a bit ridiculous that you’re expected to actually download the Splatnet 3 app on a mobile device just to talk with your teammates during a session, provided they have the app installed too. Discord or Messenger offers the same voice chat experience and is not tied to possessing a particular game to work.

Can I Not Get Paired With OP Opponents?

Turf War and Salmon Run could both use some tweaks, as those are the modes that casual players will most frequently engage in. Turf War, while a casually competitive experience, can by very polarizing at times. After each death you experience, you can view the weapon your opponent killed you with, and having seen the superior equipment my enemy was using that’s available on a higher level which I haven’t reached, I realize that Turf War has serious a tier-matching problem.

Remember, this is a game geared towards a younger audience, so having an option to tier with other players of a similar level, with weaponry and gear that doesn’t outclass yours by a landslide, wouldn’t be a bad idea at all. It would help in creating a fairer experience for everyone.

Salmon Run is enjoyable in short bursts, but like I’ve said above, lack of coordination can lead to a game over and pay cut very quickly. A good portion of this is attributed to specials that don’t recharge and the randomized weapon rotation, with players often given weapons that they’re not familiar with.

I’d suggest that there be a ‘freestyle’ mode that lets players bring their own hard-earned or familiar equipment and weaponry into Salmon Run, akin to Team Fortress 2 players bringing their own playstyle and tools to that game’s PVE mode, Mann Vs Machine. I understand just how chaotic this can be, but there’s no doubt in my mind that slaying a Cohozuna with a squad of Slosher-mains is an achievement begging to be reached.

If Nintendo were to ever implement these suggestions, I have no doubt that Splatoon’s momentous popularity would explode threefold as players of all skill levels flock to it.