
Update #3 [Mon 8th May, 2023 10:30 BST]: Splatoon 3's battle of the Triforce powers is over, and Team Power has claimed a decisive victory over Team Courage and Team Wisdom.
Team Power absolutely destroyed the competition, winning every single category. Courage and Wisdom were close during the Halftime Report, but Power held on to the lead.
Update #2 [Fri 5th May, 2023 11:00 BST]: With all of us counting down the days until next week's launch of Tears of the Kingdom, it has been easy to forget about Nintendo's other Zelda event taking place in Splatoon 3. Well, this is your friendly reminder that the Zelda-themed Splatfest kicks off this weekend.
The question this time around is all to do with the Triforce, asking "Which do you seek?" between teams Power, Wisdom or Courage. You can find the exact times of when the inking gets underway in your region down below:
- North America - 5pm PT on 5th May to 5pm PT on 7th May
- Australia - 6th May to 8th May
- New Zealand - 6th May to 8th May
- UK - 6th May to 8th May
- Europe - 6th May to 8th May
- Japan - 6th May to 8th May
For all of the latest on this event, be sure to keep an eye on our Splatfest guide. Happy splatting!
Update #1 [Fri 28th Apr, 2023 15:00 BST]: With a little over a week left until Splatoon 3's Zelda-themed Splatfest gets underway, Nintendo has today announced that team voting is now open.
The central square in Splatsville is once again home to the event's pledge stand, where you can go to pick your team — but choose carefully, because this can't be changed.
Picking your team will also get you your in-game Zelda-themed t-shirt, which you can wear in matches on the run-up to the event to start levelling it up and unlocking new abilities. As was the case with the Pokémon-themed Splatfest back in November, these t-shirts can be purchased in the real world via the My Nintendo Store, so you can continue to rep your team long after the splatting is over.
Nintendo has also revealed a special QR code for the event which unlocks a free in-game food item when scanned in the Nintendo Switch Online app. Consuming the item will temporarily double the cash that you and your team receive during online matches, so it is well worth getting if you are looking to grab some new items in the run-up to the Splatfest.
The event itself gets started next weekend, running from 5th-7th May. Be sure to check out our original post below for the full details.
Original article [Fri 14th Apr, 2023 15:30 BST]: Splatoon 3's next Splatfest has been revealed, and it's a doozy of a collaboration between the inklings, octolings and The Legend of Zelda series. The Zelda-themed Splatfest kicks off on 5th May at 5pm PT and finishes at 5pm PT on 7th May.
To celebrate the launch of the highly anticipated Tears of the Kingdom next month, you need to answer that all-important question — Which do you seek? Power, Wisdom, or Courage? That's right, it's all about the pieces of the Triforce, which is pretty darn fitting. Not only that but during the Tricolor Turf War, matches will take place in a unique triforce-shaped version of Scorch Gorge for this Splatfest only.
And, as with all Splatfest announcements, we've got some pretty fresh-looking art to commemorate the occasion.
So, you could take this poll to mean what power do you want, or who do you side with — Ganondorf, Zelda, or Link? Or which of the Golden Goddesses do you like the most — Din, Nayru, and Farore? Or maybe you'll just side with your favourite member of Deep Cut again.
Mark the date in your calendars for the next Splatfest, then! The previous Splatfest was all about mysterious creatures, with Team Nessie taking the crown. But who will you be siding with? Vote in our poll below and let us know in the comments!
Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.
[source twitter.com]
Comments 94
Whilst I don't play Splatoon 3, this is a great idea for a 3 way splatfest.
Ideally they will sell those key chains and shirts just like the Pokemon Splatfest a while back.
OH MY GOD YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!

It was pretty obvious that they might do something for TOTK given they did the same thing for Pokemon SV when they were about to come out, but this is still utterly incredible! AND WE'RE GETTING AN ACTUAL TRICOLOUR SPECIFIC STAGE? IN THE SHAPE OF A TRIFORCE!? Somebody hold me I must be dreaming.
As for my team choice?

Much like my nationality, I gotta go with the boy in green 😁🇮🇪
Neat. Excited about getting a special map for Tricolour this time around. I miss Shifty Station.
Undecided on my team for now. Need to consult my friends that I play with but I'd probably lean towards Wisdom.
I wonder if they're ever going to do a splatfest between Splatoon 1, 2, and 3 🤔
Courage all the way! I’d say it’s the most admirable of the 3, tho wisdom is a great gift. I often wish I had more of it. This is a very great idea for a splatfest.
Makes perfect sense for them to do this, and I'm glad we're getting another crossover theme!
I really need to play Splatoon 3. Was so excited and got it on launch, but haven't had the time to give most games lately. The Splatfests have all sounded really good so far and will hopefully get chance to have a go at this one.
Just wanna say I literally called this like months ago hehe. Really cool splatfest theme though, I'll try and get in if possible I think I might go with courage...
I think the tricolor battle this time 3v3v3
That's an awesome Splatfest idea, though I have no idea which team I'm gonna go with. Can't go wrong with any of 'em!
T-shirts are available in the North American online store - just a heads up for those interested
"Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because it has been said, it is the quality which guarantees all others"
– Sir Winston Churchill.
I called this one a long time ago along with others, even the timing, but I never expected Shiver to be for power and Frye for wisdom. I guess it’s because Shiver is the most menacing member of Deep Cut. Big Man for courage was to be expected even though it’s ironic because he’s known for being a little timid, but that didn’t stop Luigi and Courage the Cowardly Dog. This will be one legendary Splatfest!
Always go with Big Man
I'll go with either power or courage. I love Link and Ganondorf both.
I haven't played Splatoon 3 yet, but if I were to take part in this Splatfest I'd pick Wisdom for sure since it fits me the most other than being Zelda's, Nayru's and apparently even Frye's!
Courage. For Link!
Reminder that Power isn't the evil triforce. It doesn't corrupt, but amplifies "everything" about it's wilder, including their own corruption and evil ... but also their positive traits. So don't feel bad about picking it ...
Who am I kidding, we're all just going to go with Big Man.
Wisdom is the true path to victory.
Honestly it’s super cool to see them do a themed splatfest again this looks really nice and cool. And that special version of scorch gorge? I gotta play it at least once during this splatfest. As for my choice it’s easy. Power and that’s the side Shiver is on? ITS NOT EVEN A DEBATE.
Great theme, even if it is a cross-promo. Though I think Power will get most of the votes. I’m leaning towards picking Wisdom in honor of the first LoZ game.
@Vortexeo Squid Sisters vs Off the Hook vs Deep Cut, eh? That’ll be the most divisive Splatfest ever! Make it 72 hours, add a Tri-Color Shifty Station, it would be so insane!
This was kinda a no brainer theme but I was NOT expecting a unique stage which looks quite cool
Idk what team to pick I’ll have to think abt it more
Wait what if we could get the splatfest tees in TOTK like that nso shirt
Glad they’re not doing it the weekend I’m away like the last one was. Already bad enough I'm traveling the weekend Zelda TotK releases. My kids are going to be so far ahead of me playing handheld before we get home. Oh well.
First time I'll vote on Big Man's side. Go, Team Courage!
YO!!!!! They have the shirts for sale on the Nintendo US store. I bought one of each. I love when they actually put the shirts up to match the festival!
YOOOOO I freaking love Nintendo crossover Splatfests, really hope there's more in the future!
As for my choice, I'm stuck between Power and Wisdom. Wisdom was my definite original choice because of the cool light-blue ink colour and I originally thought it would be the most unpopular choice by a country mile (thus the least mirror matches and tri-colours will actually matter) but the votes, at least on this site, have made it out that it's nearly as popular as courage! Plus I've been on Frye's team 3 times compared to Shiver's 2 and Big Man's 1 so I sort of want to avoid being on Frye's team once again in order to have idol variety in my Splatfest team choices.
As for Power, I will admit, the inner edgelord who wants to be on the "villain" team is playing a massive part in my decision but I also think the red ink colour looks cool.
@IronMan30 Thanks. I knew what I meant while I was typing it but it did read wrong. Changed a word or 3, think it's fixed well enough.
POWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRR
Lately the winners have been the opposite of logical choices. I present white chocolate and nessie as the basis of my thesis.
So in order to win - I will vote Power on this one.
I like the way they're suggesting that Gannondorf is a Dynamo user!
Man do I love being wise! (:
Very nice Splatfest. I'm going with team courage.
Love the theme and the stage. I'll be joining Team Courage for sure. It probably won't happen, but how great would it be if there was a Zelda song added for this Splatfest performed by Deep Cut?
Whoa yeah! One more black t-shirt to add to the collection.
Very excited for this. Triforce stage is so good.
It had to happen with three-way Splatfest.
I'll be team Wisdom then.
@Vortexeo I absolutely expect a Splatfest showdown between Squid Sisters/Off the Hook/Deep Cut down the road, if not for the finale
I complained about just about every Splatfest theme so far, so i want to say that this one is very fun and good. I suspect courage will win the popular vote, but it won’t be an absolute blow out like some of these have been
Not a huge Zelda fan but this is a great idea for a Splatfest! I think most people knew that this would be coming though, because “tri”color Turf War. I’ll go courage because I like it the most and the ink color is cool
But wait, who is representing which choice? Is it from left to right chronologically or is it color-coded?? I'm confusing myself
...See, Nintendo? You're capable of making actually fun, cool themes for Splatfests!
That being said, I already know what side I'm picking...
Wisdom, because of the 3, that is what I need most.
I'm excited about the Tri-Force Tri-Color stage! Go courage!
Shiver is weak and she needs power.
Frye is stupid and she needs wisdom.
Big Man is a wimp and he needs courage.
I’m changing sides to power just for the terminal montage meme with.
I knew I should’ve waited to decide because now I’ve switched to choosing Power. I must return to my octo queen. All hail Shiver!
Here’s hoping my real world tee arrives in time for the Main Event. With my “Self-Proclaimed Monarch” titles, small Pearlescent Crown, and having pink eyes and serious brows instead of my usual blue & light blue with thick brows, I look freshly regal. POWAH!
Team power/shiver all the way!
Wait do I play the splatfest or watch the King’s Coronation??
Great theme but I can't myself to be nearly as interested in the game as I was in the first couple of months sadly.
The splatfests are the only thing bringing me back and even then I lose interest in them pretty fast.
So many people called that this would happen. Go Courage!
Anyone ever pick by the ink colour you like best? I'm going for Wisdom for that very reason, the Zelda tie in is cool, but I'd wish they'd give us things to actually fight about.
Do not look away. You witness a queen’s revival… and the birth of her new world.
I voted for Courage, assuming that most people won't do the same. First time I've voted with Big Man and I've voted with every idol at least once, going back to the first game.
Team Courage. This will be my first Splatoon 3 Splatfest. I am really looking forward to this. Not sure how the tri color turf war works, but it would be cool, if Team Wisdom and Team Courage could fight Team Power together.
This should be the best Splatfest in Splatoon 3 yet. As much as I would love for Team Power to hit this out of the park like Ganondorf in Home-Run Contest, this Splatfest will be fiercely fought. Anything seems possible, from the seemingly unpopular Team Power winning the battle modes, Team Wisdom perhaps being underrated enough to win, to another Big Man sweep for Team Courage.
While I’m gonna go with courage I’m gonna be gone for the weekend. Hooray for terrible scheduling!
@Jhena That's possible, because the defending team is usually the one in the lead.
Tri-Color works by having two members of separate two teams (attacking teams) fighting one team of four members(the defending team).
If you're on the attacking team, focus on taking turf only from the defending team at first, basically until both Ultra Signals have been captured. The reason to not go after the other attacking team is because even if your attacking team scores the least, you'll still win but come in second place if the other attacking team scored the highest. Try and capture the Ultra Signal when it appears, it's basically like a giant permanent sprinkler. Only two appear during the match and help maintain turf you've taken. The main goal as an attacking team is to make sure the defending team loses. The other attacking team is like an ally, but their ink can slow you down and they can splat you. When going for an Ultra Signal try and go for it when your teammate can defend you, it takes a few seconds to activate an Ultra Signal and while activating it you cannot move or fight back. You can place a Big Bubbler around the Ultra Signal so you can't be splatted from a distance and you can capture an Ultra Signal with less risk. Booyah Bombs are also good for this since the other teams can't get close to you or your teammate while they're detonating.
As the defending team, you'll want to prevent the attacking teams from capturing the Ultra Signals, you'll also need to take turf in order to win. Best thing to do is to try and stay close to the Ultra Signal when it appears, keep it within shooting distance so you can splat the opponents who are trying to take it. Take as much turf from the attacking teams as possible but never leave the Ultra Signal unguarded for too long. It's still possible to win as a defender even if both Ultra Signals are taken but it becomes more difficult. The first Ultra Signal launched won't be too helpful for the attacking team that gets it, as it appears nearby where they spawn, but if one team gets both, the second Ultra Signal will appear in the center of the stage which is your territory. If both attacking teams each get an Ultra Signal each one will appear near their spawning point and neither Ultra Signal will appear in the center.
In Tri-Color, you can only play with one friend, but in a normal Turf War you can play with three. In Tri-Color you'll always have one partner, even as a defender, the other half of the defending team will spawn on the other side of the stage across from you. Tri-Color battles become available during the second half of the Splatfest and take up the slots where anarchy battles appear. Deep Cut will announce when you can participate in Tri-Color battles.
Hope this helps, good luck in the Splat Fest!
#TeamPower/Shiver!
@Tourtus
Nice thank you for the big explanation.
I wanted to go with Courage but the misses went with Wisdom meaning I had too as well to play online together lol
I wonder what would happen if we chose different teams but joined the lobby together in online play.
My comrades and I fight for POWER
Honestly disappointed by the results. It goes to show what people really value in life, that being dominion over others. But what good is power if you don't have the wisdom to use it correctly, or the courage to not use it at all?
I think back to the conversation that Tywin Lannister had with Tommen in Game of Thrones (specifically, Season 4, Episode 3), as to what makes a good king. Tommen gave several answers, all rebutted by Tywin, until he finally landed on wisdom.
And then Tywin gave what was probably my favorite line of his: "A wise king knows what he knows and what he doesn't. You're young. A wise young king listens to his counselors and heeds their advice until he comes of age. And the wisest kings continue to listen to them long afterwards."
And for those who know their history, especially their Bible history, King Solomon asked God for wisdom to better lead his people, instead of self-serving rewards like power, riches, longevity, or the destruction of his enemies.
I do wish people would reevaluate what is really important in life and embrace wisdom over something like power. A lot of times, as the old saying goes, power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
These things never go how I expect them to.
Typical the one time I actually pick a winning side and I don't play it that much. Idk with Splatoon 1 and 2 I was always excited for Splatfests but here? my motivation to play just isn't there anymore.
Team power win with power
But I was a team wisdom fan
Even though I lost (wisdom) I really enjoyed this splatfest with the Triangle themed stage for the Tri colour battle.
Got me thinking, they should add crossover themed maps in normal play as well, some maps based off Mario, Pokémon and Zelda would be cool. Like they did with the Mario Kart 8 DLC by adding stages based on Zelda and Animal Crossing.
@UltimateOtaku91 It sucks that us wisdom supporters lost, but I agree with you, that was a really fun Splatfest. (Despite the disconnection issues) It’s always nice to see the big Anarchy Rainbow event.
Gah heh heh! Excellent work, team! We hit this out of the park like Ganondorf in Home-Run Contest. We rule! This crowns Shiver as the Queen of Splatsville as far as I'm concerned.
I enjoyed the Triforce map very much and will miss it. It’s nice that the votes were so unpredictable for once. I underestimated Team Wisdom. I thought Team Courage would've done better and not be last place. Poor Frye is back to being a big Splatfest loser by losing three in a row after her one win with Team Sweet. I won't be surprised if Nintendo tries to throw her a bone again next time with a good theme.
Between the Splatfest premiere to the Zelda splatfest (so 8 months worth of events), in terms of the battle points, Frye's team has only won the Pro category in the NA/EU Rock vs Paper v Scissors splatfest and the Open category in the Spicy v Sweet v Sour splatfest. That's...HONESTLY really depressing when you stop and think about it. Also in the end I decided to go for Team Power over Team Wisdom so I really dodged a bullet there xD
Darkness consumes the land. All hope is lost…
I really don't like clean sweeps like this. Can the results be any more boring?
At least the fest itself was fun, but like, come on. This is dumb.
Great job, Team Power. You were excellent teammates. Respect to Teams Wisdom and Courage too, though. They had strong players too.
One interesting bit of trivia is that villainous teams have a history of winning, such as Team Decepticons in Splatoon 1 and Team Villain in Splatoon 2’s Smash Bros. Splatfest.
This Splatfest got me thinking, it could be interesting if Nintendo did a Ganon spinoff taking place in the defeated hero timeline between OoT and LttP.
gg ez
I picked Power btw
The Splatfest was great fun. Thanks to my teammates I was able to contribute 1 414 029 points to team courage.
@AstroTheGamosian Is this a serious comment?
Also Team Power GG!
Man I really should just get rid of my copy of Splatoon 3
This is like the third or fourth Splatfest I haven't been able to play in a row haha
Jeez, I picked Team Power but I wasn't expecting a full sweep.
Fun Splatfest though.
@AstroTheGamosian
See it positive. More people voted for Wisdom and Courage. And in just a few more days you can defeat the powers of evil in the new Zelda game.
@TheBigBlue And in the words of Megatron: "Power flows to the one who knows how."
all hail the mighty Wafu Shiver.
Well. At least I learnt one thing about this splatfest.
That if Nintendo made a game that ends with ganondorf beating link and marrying Zelda then everyone will think “hey he deserved it we’re glad he’s happy” (yeah I’m a bit sour after losing and getting a nasty losing streak against power)
Boooooo
(Obligatory filler text)
FINALLY I was on a winning team! Congrats to Team Power!!!! And respect to Wisdom & Courage, you all fought valiantly. I'm so happy it was a clean sweep though! Judging by some of the more recent comments here, there's a lot of salty hate towards the victors. Oh well
First splatfest win for me in splatoon 3, FINALLY. My friends and I are stoked. Won 2 out of 3 100x battles which I was pretty happy with. Tri colour map was pretty cool but I still don’t know if I like that mode
Really wasn’t expecting Power to come out with the win as Courage were the ones that were giving my solo queue teams trouble. That, and I had a pretty decent WR in Pro, roughly 65%, with Tricolor and Courage pulling me down to 50% by the end. GGs to Power and Courage and great efforts by my Wisdom teammates.
Special shout-outs to my solo queuers (on both sides) in my absolute banger of a Rainmaker Open session afterwards! The quick wins and sweaty firefights made that slow crawl to my next rank-up battle a blast! The synergy was there from the get-go and now I’m not dreading Rainmaker like I did before. (Splat Zones can still GDIAF though)
It seems the other teams caught shiver mid-suavemente
@RubyCarbuncle Splatfests aren't becoming unfun, you just got older.
Man, I’ve gotten really lucky with my team choices. Team Power, Nessie, and White Chocolate have driven me to lovely victory each time! Hope I’m so fortunate next time.
@Porky That's exactly what it is. I'm getting older and some people in this very comment thread take things way too seriously, no names given lol.
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...