Tricolor Turf War Battles Guide: Tips and How to Play

Tricolor Turf War is a 4v2v2 Turf War battle in Splatoon 3 played during Splatfests where three teams compete to ink the turf. Read on to learn how to play Tricolor Turf War, how to activate the Ultra Signal and its effects, some tips on how to win it, and why tricolor battles are not working!

How to Play Tricolor Turf War

Participate in a Splatfest

Before you can play Tricolor Turf Wars, you need to participate in a Splatfest first.

You can do this by selecting a team to represent in the Splatfest during its Sneak Peek. You can pick your team at the Pledge Box located at a booth down the stairs from the front the lobby in Splatsville.

Once the Splatfest officially starts, join Splatfest battles at the lobby and do your best to get your team to 1st place.

Splatfest Battles Guide

Play During the Second Half of Splatfest

Tricolor Turf Wars are exclusively available during the second half ot the Splatfest. It works just like your regular Turf War Battles, only this time, there are 3 teams fighting in a single match and there are additional mechanics with the Ultra Signal.

Splat your opponents and cover more ground to win a match!

Tricolor Turf War Might Not Be Available If There Aren't Enough Players

It is possible for you to be placed in a regular Splatfest battle despite queueing for Tricolor Turf War battles if there aren't enough players from each of the teams.

When this happens, finish the regular Splatfest battle first, then try queueing again for the new game mode.

Tricolor Turf War Ultra Signal Mechanics

How to Activate the Ultra Signal

The Ultra Signal appears as a beacon in the center of the stage. To use it, simply touch it and you'll charge it for a few seconds - this will leave you vulnerable to attacks!

Activated by the 2nd and 3rd Place Teams

The Ultra Signal can only be activated by the 2nd and 3rd place Splatfest teams. This is considered 'fair game' as this allows the teams to catch up and contend for 1st place.

Ultra Signal Effects

Once activated a dialogue from a Deep Cut member will appear and will provide assistance for the team that activated it.

Activates Sprinkler of Doom

The member of the Deep Cut associated with the team will send down a Sprinkler of Doom. This functions similarly to a Sprinkler, but larger in size and could turf a huge area with the team's ink.

Tricolor Turf War Tips

Get on Higher Ground When Using Ranged Weapons

It is very helpful to get on higher ground when you're using ranged weapons because it helps you scatter ink easily and take down enemies below you.

You'll be easily spotted by enemies but not when you splat them first!

Use Squid Surge and Squid Roll

Don't forget to utilize your Squid Surge and Squid Roll when dealing with enemies.

These techniques can help you scale walls faster and slightly repel ink from enemies!

Splat Opponents

Although covering the most ground is the main objective, you're absolutely allowed to splat opponents! Doing so will allow your team to ink more turf while your opponents are down.

Vertical Walls Don't Count

Although it's satisfying to cover absolutely everything in your team's ink, unless you’re inking walls as a means of fast travel or enemy ambush, don’t bother - vertical surfaces don’t count in your final score!

Why Are Tricolor Turf War Battles Not Working?

Lower Probability of Tricolor Battles

In the version 1.1.1 update of Splatoon 3, one of the patch notes states that ‟The rate of Tricolor Battle occurrence has been adjusted. From the defending team’s perspective, they will trigger somewhat less frequently than before.”

This has likely affected how often players enter Tricolor Turf War battles even if they select it in the lobby. If a player is not placed into a Tricolor Turf War, the match is cancelled or they are placed into a regular Turf War battle instead.

Update 1.1.1: Patch Notes and Changes

What is Tricolor Turf War

4v2v2 Turf War Battle

Tricolor Turf War is a 4v2v2 Turf War Battle recently added in Splatoon 3. It is exclusively available during the second half of the Splatfest.

Its mechanics work just like regular Splatfest battles, only this time, there are 3 teams fighting in a single match.

Four members of the team currently in first place will start at the center of the arena while two players each from the opposing teams will try to take them down from opposite sides.

Splatoon 3 Related Guides

All Game Modes and Rules

Splatfest Battles	Salmon Run Next Wave
Tricolor Turf War	Turf War
Tableturf Battle	Anarchy Battles
Clam Blitz	Splat Zones
Rainmaker	Tower Control