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Everything we learned from Splatoon 3 Direct (August 2022)

How to Transfer Your Splatoon 2 Save File to Splatoon 3

Easy as 1, 2, 3.

The next edition of Nintendo’s colorful and messy arena-painter, Splatoon 3, launches for Switch on September 9. Based on the recent Splatoon 3 Direct, we should expect new features, game modes, and customization along with the usual activities from previous titles. Players that invested in their Splatoon 2 profiles will be happy to know that Splatoon 3 offers an easy, fast way to transfer their save data straight to the upcoming sequel, and even rewards them for doing so. If you’re looking to find out how, read on to learn how to transfer your Splatoon 2 save file to Splatoon 3.

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Related: Splatoon 3 Pre-Order Bonus Guide

Trailer via Nintendo

How to Transfer Your Splatoon 2 Save File to Splatoon 3

Transferring your save data is simple and, after a few quick steps, you’ll be done and ready to start inkin’. First, make sure that Splatoon 3 is installed on the same system as your Splatoon 2 game file, along with the relevant save file. Next, launch Splatoon 3 and the game should automatically detect your previous save file along with a prompt to confirm that you’d like to use it. If you don’t get this prompt, just connect to the game’s online lobby and your save file will be automatically detected and transferred over for you.

Make sure you’re signed into the correct Nintendo account before launching Splatoon 3, as this can only be done once per account!

Bonuses for Transferring Save Data to Splatoon 3

You’ll definitely want to take advantage of transferring your Splatoon 2 save data over, as you’ll be rewarded with some perks for doing so. As per the Splatoon 3 official website, transferring your save data will grant you:

  • 3x Gold Sheldon Licenses – exchangeable for main weapons of your choice, regardless of your player level
  • Unlocked Anarchy Battles (Ranked) – ranked mode unlocked immediately, regardless of your player level
  • Start Splatoon 3 with a higher rank – your starting rank will be based off your Splatoon 2 rank
  • Skill level matching – you’ll be matched against players of similar skill levels from Splatoon 2

Who doesn’t like free stuff?

Splatoon 3 launches on September 9 for Nintendo Switch. Grab your weapons and get ready to spill some ink.


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Author
Image of Matt Vatankhah
Matt Vatankhah
Associate Editor
Matt's writing career began when he joined Prima Games in 2022. As Managing Editor, he tries to make sure everything you read looks as pretty as possible. He's had a passion for video games all of his life and really loves Final Fantasy, retro FPS, roguelikes, and metroidvanias. He will absolutely stomp you in Tetris.