Splatoon 3 Splatana Guide: Tips, Build, and Perks

Katanas are one of the most universally-recognizable kinds of swords. That big, curved blade, the wrapped pommel, it’s all iconic. Of course, you can’t go swinging an actual sword around in an ink fight, so we’ll settle for something vaguely katana-shaped instead. Here’s a guide to using Splatanas in Splatoon 3.

Splatoon 3 Splatana Guide: Tips, Build, and Perks

One of the two brand new weapon types introduced in Splatoon 3, Splatanas are melee weapons to a tee. Pulling the trigger swings the Splatana, launching out a small horizontal shockwave of ink a few feet in front of you. Hold down the trigger for a second to charge up, then release it to fire off a vertical shockwave that’s greater in size and strength.

There are two primary types of Splatana to choose from:

• Splatana Wiper: Basic model, no gimmicks.
• Splatana Stamper: Slower swings, deals more damage.

Splatanas are all about offense, offense, offense. If you’re the kind of player who loves to rush right into the fray with a Roller or Brush, then you’re gonna love using a Splatana. At close range, these things are absolute monsters, splatting opponents in just a few regular swings. With the proper aim, a charged slash can even be a one-hit-splat.

However, as far as inking turf goes, Splatanas lag a bit. Their shockwaves don’t travel very far or wide, so they’re not so great for long-range firefights. Honestly, Splatanas are a bit underwhelming for Turf Wars in general; they’re better suited instead for other game modes where splatting is more important than inking turf. The best situation for a Splatana is an attack from above; ambush enemies from higher ground and give ’em the ol’ one-two before they can react.

Between the two of them, the Wiper is more highly regarded than the Stamper. The Stamper’s attack is just too slow, making it very easy to avoid, and its included Zipcaster special doesn’t really jibe that well with its play style. The Ultra Stamp and Torpedo that come with the Wiper are much more helpful, and its higher speed makes it better for a fierce offense.

Related: The Best Abilities in Splatoon 3 – Splatoon 3 Abilities Tier List

If you’re coordinating for a Splatana build, look for Gear with these abilities:

• Stealth Jump: You can’t very well ambush someone if they can see your Super Jump a mile away. Use this ability to mask your presence from distant foes.
• Intensify Action: While this ability’s primary purpose, improving Squid Rolls and Surges, isn’t that helpful here, it’s an improvement to mid-air aiming can do wonders for an aerial ambush.
• Run Speed Up: When you’re running with a melee weapon, you want to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible.
• Swim Speed Up: Same deal as Run Speed Up; speed is absolutely paramount to a Splatana-wielder, so make sure all of your movement methods are maximized.

As long as you don’t mind throwing yourself headlong into danger, you too can master the ways of the blade. Or the windshield wiper blade, at least.