Turf War Guide: Rules and How to Play

Turf War is a 3-minute 4v4 battle in Splatoon 3 where two teams compete in inking the most turf. Read on to learn how to play Turf War, as well as some tips on how to win it!

How to Play Turf War

Turf War Overview

Play Regular and Private Battles

Test your inking abilities by joining Turf Wars! Go to the lobby through the menu or by entering the lobby located in Splatsville.

From there, you can choose whether to play Regular Battles or Private Battles. These are the two multiplayer modes where Turf War is available.

Turf Wars Also Available During Splatfests

Ink's up Inklings and Octolings because Turf Wars are also available during Splatfests! Just like regular Turf War battles, they're available in the lobby during the event.

Splatfest Battles Guide

Stages Cycle Around

The stages where Turf Wars will be held cycle around. The Turf War stages for the day are announced by the Deep Cut Trio during the Anarchy Splatcast upon starting the game.

All Stages: New and Returning Maps

Ink the Most Turf in 3 MInutes

As soon as you land on the arena, start inking! The entire Turf War will only last for 3 minutes so make sure your team covers more ground than your opponent within the limited time.

Enemy Ink Slows You Down

Inking more turf isn't just for winning. It helps your team get around the arena much easily if it's covered in your team's ink.

Stepping on your opponent's ink will slow you down so make sure to ink it first before attempting to walk or swim in it.

Super Jump to a Teammate

If you get splatted by an opponent, you can perform a Super Jump to any of your teammate after you respawn so you can get straight back to the inky action.

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!

What is Turf War?

3-Minute 4v4 Battle

Turf War is a 3-minute 4v4 battle where two teams compete in inking the most turf. Use your best weapons, equip your freshest gear, and splat opponents to emerge victorious!

Splatoon 3 Related Guides

All Game Modes and Rules