Splatoon 3’s Halloween Splatfest “Splatoween” returns October 24-26 with Zombies vs Skeletons vs Ghosts. New scoring system could shake up previous results.
The Spookiest Splatfest Gets a Second Chance at Glory
Get ready to ink up your Halloween spirit – Splatoon 3‘s beloved Splatoween event is making its return October 24-26, and this time the competition could look very different. While repeat Splatfests don’t always generate the same buzz as brand-new themes, this Halloween revival brings something special: a completely revamped scoring system that could flip previous results on their heads.
The burning question remains the same – which spooky creature makes the best friend: Zombies, Skeletons, or Ghosts? But thanks to major changes in how Splatfest victories are calculated, Team Zombie might finally have their shot at redemption.
Why This Isn’t Just a Copy-Paste Event
Before you dismiss this as lazy content recycling, consider what’s actually different this time around. Splatoon 3’s 7.0 update fundamentally changed how Splatfests work, affecting everything from match scoring to Conch Shell calculations.
The big changes that matter:
- Revised point calculations give losing teams more meaningful scores
- Updated weapon balance since the original event changes team dynamics
- Player base evolution means different skill distributions across teams
- Meta shifts in popular weapons and strategies since the first run
The Zombie Redemption Arc We Deserve
Here’s where things get interesting for the undead faithful. In the original Splatoween, Team Zombie scored a humiliating 0 points overall – getting completely shut out across all categories. But under the current scoring system? They would have earned 105 points for their second-place finishes in two categories.
What this means for Team Zombie:
- No longer facing the psychological barrier of that 0-point devastation
- Improved scoring gives them actual competitive viability
- Previous supporters might return with renewed hope
- Underdog status could attract players looking for a challenge
While 105 points still wouldn’t have won the original event, it shows how dramatically the scoring overhaul impacts team viability.
Team Ghost: Defending Champions Under Pressure
Team Ghost took the crown last time, but defending a Splatfest victory is harder than winning one. The target is now on their backs, and several factors could work against them:
Potential challenges for Team Ghost:
- Popularity curse – Too many casual players could hurt performance metrics
- Complacency factor – Previous winners sometimes see reduced enthusiasm
- Meta changes – Weapon adjustments might not favor their typical strategies
- Bandwagon effect – Some players might switch teams just for variety
The Strategic Considerations Each Team Faces
Team Zombie Strategy: Focus on the redemption narrative. This team has everything to gain and nothing to lose, which often translates to more aggressive, creative gameplay. Expect high motivation levels from players who remember that embarrassing 0-point finish.
Team Skeleton Strategy:
The middle-ground option that could benefit from voters seeking a compromise between the previous winner and loser. Historically, skeleton-themed teams perform well in Halloween events across various games.
Team Ghost Strategy: Lean into their proven track record while avoiding overconfidence. They need to maintain the coordination and skill level that won them the original event without getting complacent.
What the Updated Scoring System Actually Means
The 7.0 scoring changes weren’t just minor tweaks – they represent a fundamental shift in how Splatfest victories are determined. Here’s what’s different:
Before: Dominant teams could completely shut out opponents
After: Every category performance contributes meaningful points
Before: Popular teams had clearer advantages
After: Skill-based metrics carry more weight
Before: Lopsided victories were common
After: Closer, more competitive final scores
This creates a more balanced competitive environment where every team has legitimate winning potential.
The October 24-26 Timeline That Actually Matters
October 17 (Approximately): Team selection opens October 24, 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET: Splatoween begins
October 26, 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET: Event concludes
Strategic timing considerations:
- Weekend event means higher participation rates
- 48-hour duration allows for multiple play sessions
- Halloween proximity maximizes seasonal engagement
- Post-work Friday start captures evening gaming crowds
Reading the Community Sentiment
The Splatoon community’s reaction to repeat Splatfests has been mixed, but Halloween themes consistently perform well regardless of repetition. The spooky aesthetic, seasonal timing, and iconic team options create engagement that transcends novelty.
What players are saying:
- Excitement about potential scoring upsets
- Curiosity about how weapon changes affect team performance
- Nostalgia for the original event’s memorable moments
- Anticipation for revenge matches and redemption arcs
The Splatoon Raiders Elephant in the Room
While Splatoween generates excitement, many fans are still focused on the mysterious Splatoon Raiders announced for Nintendo Switch 2. The silence since that announcement has the community wondering about the franchise’s future direction.
Why this matters for Splatoween:
- Some players might be saving enthusiasm for the new game
- Current Splatoon 3 events feel like they’re in maintenance mode
- Community attention is partially divided between current and future content
- Event participation might reflect broader franchise investment levels
Practical Team Selection Advice
Choose Team Zombie if:
- You love underdog stories and redemption narratives
- You prefer teams with high motivation and nothing to lose
- You enjoy being part of potential upset victories
- You remember that 0-point devastation and want revenge
Choose Team Ghost if:
- You prefer backing proven winners with established strategies
- You enjoy the pressure and responsibility of defending a title
- You believe their previous victory indicates superior team coordination
- You like the classic Halloween monster aesthetic
Choose Team Skeleton if:
- You want a balanced option between winner and loser
- You prefer teams that might benefit from being overlooked
- You enjoy the strategic middle-ground position
- You think skeletons are genuinely the best spooky friends
What This Event Means for Splatoon 3’s Future
Repeat Splatfests like this serve multiple purposes:
- Testing ground for scoring system changes
- Content bridge while new themes are developed
- Nostalgia engagement for long-term players
- Data collection on how meta changes affect team dynamics
The success of this repeat event will likely influence Nintendo’s approach to future Splatfest programming and whether other popular themes get second chances.
The Bottom Line
Splatoon 3’s Halloween Splatfest return isn’t just seasonal tradition – it’s a genuine competitive reset that could produce dramatically different results. The updated scoring system gives every team realistic winning potential, while weapon balance changes and evolved player strategies add fresh dynamics to familiar matchups.
For Team Zombie supporters: This is your redemption arc. That 0-point humiliation is history under the new scoring system.
For Team Ghost defenders: Prove that your victory wasn’t a fluke by repeating your success under different conditions.
For Team Skeleton strategists: Position yourselves as the smart compromise choice that could surprise everyone.
Most importantly: Don’t let the “repeat” label fool you into thinking this is just a rerun. Between scoring changes, meta evolution, and player base shifts, this Splatoween could be completely different from its predecessor.
Mark your calendars for October 24-26 and prepare for the spookiest Splatfest redemption story of the year.
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