The new Splatoon 3 update just made an unexpected change

the latter Splatoon 3 The update added health bars to the game. This marks a rather peculiar first for it Splatoon Series, a decision that is also made unfamiliar by the facts Splatoon 3 At this point it is over three years old.

Splatoon 3 It debuted on the Nintendo Switch in September 2022, where, like its predecessors, it immediately received a strong critical reception. Splatoon 3 Currently holds a top critic average of 83 on OpenCritic, the same score Splatoon 2. Despite announcing regular support for Splatoon 3 Due to end in September 2024, Nintendo continued to release updates into 2025, bringing new content to the game along with performance improvements for the Nintendo Switch 2.

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Splatoon 3 added health bars 40 months after launch

On January 27, 2026, Splatoon 3 Got another surprise update. Just titled 'Version 11.0.0', this latest Splatoon 3 The update added a handful of new mechanics to the game. While some of these mechanics have been well-received, there's one new addition that stands out as a bit odd, and that's the addition of health bars.

All three on the main line Splatoon In games, players need to closely observe enemy character models for signs of damage, as the only way they can determine how much health their opponent has left is by seeing how much paint they are covered in. But following this new version 11.0.0 update, Splatoon 3 Now features a traditional health bar that appears after hitting an enemy's head for a few seconds. This health bar regenerates quickly if the opponent avoids another hit, and it disappears completely if they hide behind cover or sink to the ground. That said, painting an opponent with thermal ink or marking them with something like a point sensor or wave breaker will keep their health bar on-screen even when the opponent dives into cover. Players will also be able to have health bars appear above their allies.

Naturally, this change to the main feature of the game so long after its launch has caused mixed reactions online. Some fans have expressed their disappointment with the sudden change, believing it makes the game more competitive and less casual-friendly, while others have tried to find a reason for the change, theorizing that Nintendo is using this latest update as a way to test yet another new feature. Splatoon the game

Everything else included in Splatoon 3's version 11.0.0 update

But when it is definitely a strange change Splatoon 3In the version 11.0.0 update, health bars are far from the only thing added or tweaked. a new one flow aura A mechanic is also introduced, which is activated when a player defeats several opponents in quick succession. Once activated, Flow Saw will produce a burst of ink around the player, giving them a 30-second boost to their running speed, swimming speed, ink resistance, and quick action. Defeating additional opponents while Flow Saw is active will increase its duration, as will eliminating opponents who themselves have Flow Saw active.

Some other key Splatoon 3 The mechanics have also been tweaked. Super Jump airtime is increased based on distance when players have Stealth Jump equipped. For example, Stealth jumping It will only take a second or two to get close to the spawn, but a bit longer to stealth jump to the back of the arena.

Hit detection This has also been adjusted in the latest update. The hit box for an Inkling/Octling in swimming form has been reduced. To try to balance this out, Nintendo has also increased the hit boxes of players' shots. In general, short-range main weapons have “very large” hit boxes, while long-range main weapons have their hit boxes “slightly increased”.