Overview
- Nintendo’s official notes set the release for 29 January 2026, introducing sweeping balance and mechanic changes rather than new maps.
- A new Flow Aura state triggers after rapid splats, boosting speed, resistance and intensify actions, with duration extending through additional splats or assists.
- A Stealth Jump gear ability hides a teammate’s landing point from opponents, with longer jump flight time added to curb its power.
- Visible health bars now appear above damaged players except when they are behind cover or submerged in ink.
- Player hitboxes shrink in swim form and several weapon hitboxes are adjusted, changes Eurogamer reports could significantly shift competitive play, and the outlet also suggests a native Switch 2 version may be on the horizon.