The new Splatoon 3 patch alters Tricolor battles, fixes multiplayer errors

destructoid.com:

A massive Splatoon 3 patch just dropped, and it has implications for multiplayer, as well as the Tricolor Battle system (which will impact future Splatfests). Let’s dig in, because there’s a lot to unpack.

On a technical level, some bugs were fixed, including a Squid Roll exploit, as well as bugs like interactions with water, and general multiplayer connection problems. Matchmaking has been a contentious thing for some, and ideally this patch should smooth things over. A small story mode bug was addressed too, as well as connection and technical issues with Salmon Run.

But the big focus here is the “Tricolor Battle,” the new mode that features three teams duking it out at once. As a lot of folks experienced with the free Splatfest demo (rock, paper, scissors) before launch, the pure chaos of the mode really didn’t work out in its favor. For now, the “rate of the Tricolor Battle occurrence” (which you’re randomly matched into as the winning team) has been “adjusted,” and will “trigger somewhat less frequently than before.”

Interestingly, Nintendo provided an extra explanation at the end of their patch notes, which isn’t a normal occurrence. They mention that this patch was “prioritized” because it deals with multiplayer connection issues, which can have a “significant effect on game progress.” Also, the Tricolor Battle changes “should be considered temporary,” the team says, which is inline with their recent commitment to rebalancing the mode long term.

Nintendo teased a new major patch in December, alongside of the start of the new season, as well as a minor update “mid-season,” from now through the end of the year.

You can read the full patch notes here, or below.

Changes to Splatfests

Changes to Player Controls

Changes