There are so many weapons available in Splatoon 3, but only a select few are especially good at painting the stage and getting you those bonus points.
Splatoon 3 offers players such a wide range of customization and expression. From decorating your own Locker to choosing the perfect weapon for you, Splatoon 3 really has it all.
However, while many will prioritize powerful weapons for PVP, they may just be missing out on an easy way to gain points, gold, and actually win matches.
In fact, the best weapons in Splatoon 3 may just be those that offer the quickest way to paint a map. This is especially true if you want to make money fast in Splatoon 3.
The Best Painting Weapons in Splatoon 3
If you want to cover the most ground with your ink, then you should definitely consider using these weapons going forward:
REEF-LUX 450
The REEF-LUX 450 is a Stringer that is perfect for covering a lot of territory very quickly. If you’re unfamiliar with Stringers, they’re bow-like weapons that fire three shots of ink horizontally or vertically.
You can repeatedly unleash the REEF-LUX 450’s three short-range shots incredibly quickly to both clear enemies and turn the Turf War in your favor.
Not only is the REEF-LUX 450 fantastic at painting the map quickly, but its sub-weapon – the Curling Bomb – leaves a long trail of ink in its wake before exploding.
Additionally, the REEF-LUX 450 comes with the special weapon Tenta Missiles. These can target up to five different enemies before firing devastating missiles at them all.
Simply put, the REEF-LUX 450 is by far the best weapon in Splatoon 3 for painting and can earn you up to 1500 points per match if you use it well. Just be careful not to get accidentally banned for using it!
Aerospray MG
The Aerospray MG is a fast-shooting short-range Shooter that perfectly covers large quantities of territory with its small inkblots.
With the Aerospray MG, players can fire 200 shots before ever needing to refill. That is 15 shots per second, at a base damage output of 24.5.
While its quick fire rate means you’ll burn through these shots quickly, it does ensure you’ll have enough ink to cover some serious ground before becoming overwhelmed by enemies.
It comes with the sub-weapon Fizzy Bomb – which you can explode three times one after another – and more importantly the special weapon Reefslider.
Much like the Curling Bomb, with the Reefslider you can slide across the map, leaving a trail of ink, before exploding. It’s incredibly effective at both covering the map and getting enemies out of your way.
Mini Splatling
The Mini Splatling – much like a mini-gun in real life – fires a rotating cylinder of shots at the enemy, dealing decent damage while also spraying the ground with your ink.
While its range and damage output is much less than the Heavy Splatling, its speed easily makes it the superior Splatling in Splatoon 3.
Sure, you won’t be hitting anyone from across the map, but you can cover the surrounding area well.
The Mini Splatling comes with the Burst Bomb sub-weapon, which – as it sounds – explodes on impact. However, it has a smaller ink cost than most sub-weapons, allowing you to use it more frequently.
Additionally, the Mini Splatling comes with perhaps the most fun special weapon: the Ultra Stamp. With this thing activated, you can go around hitting everything with an enormous ink-covered hammer.
Splat Roller
The Splat Roller is easily one of Splatoon’s most iconic weapons, both visually and practically. It allows players to roll ink across the map, as well as to use it as an effective melee weapon.
You can also fling ink with it, reaching wider distances and enemies and ensuring you’re covering as much territory as possible.
The Splat Roller comes with the Curling Bomb sub-weapon and the Big Bubbler special weapon. The Big Bubbler creates a shield that stops enemy ink from affecting the space within it.
While there are other amazing Rollers in Splatoon 3, if you want a good weapon for painting, then the Splat Roller will definitely do.
Tri-Slosher
The Tri-Slosher is a bucket-like weapon that dispenses three lines of ink in all directions. It feels purpose-built for covering the map with as much ink as possible.
Its sub-weapon is Toxic Mist, which, when thrown, unleashes a deadly toxic gas that slows anyone caught within it and drains any ink nearby.
The special weapon for the Tri-Slosher is the Inkjet. This jetpack can be used to dash around the map while propelling ink everywhere and dealing damage to enemies with its long-ranged ink cannon.
Its special weapon is definitely what makes it such a stand-out weapon, especially for painting. Of course, if you’re looking for something a little stronger, there are other powerful Sloshers available in Splatoon 3.
The Benefits of Painting in Splatoon 3
Being good at painting the map in Splatoon 3 will help you win matches quicker, earn you additional points, and even more gold.
By painting over enemy territory as well as unclaimed territory, you’ll earn points. The more points you earn, the more gold you’ll receive at the end of the match.
It also goes without saying that the team who paints the most area in modes like Turf War will win the match. So, the more you can paint, the better the odds are of your team winning.
While keeping the other team at bay with some of the strongest weapons in Splatoon 3 is a helpful tactic, it also pays to have a good weapon for painting in your team.
