While there are no set-in-stone narrative moments for the Grizzco weapons to shine, the shady nature of Grizzco and its crafty, over-the-top weapons could become a story element down the line. Each weapon in the Grizzco line has an unusual amount of power balanced by just as many setbacks. So whether Splatoon 3’s story addresses these tools or not, each weapon is rightfully banned from regular use in Turf War and Anarchy Battles.
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Grizzco Weapons Are Heavy Hitters
The main joy of using a Grizzco weapon, if players get one in their random rotation, is the amount of damage each one does, be it the Blaster dealing with huge waves of salmonids or the Splatana soloing bosses. Because of this, most weapons in Grizzco’s artillery are noted as being illegal for regular use in-universe. Additionally, during and after Salmon Run waves, Mr. Grizz will comment that they made the weapon themselves, and ask the players if they enjoyed using it.
These comments suggest that not only are the weapons specially made only for slaying salmonoids, but likely without the knowledge of any official manufacturer. Their damage output could be a major factor in why such weapons would be a valuable asset for ambitious inklings and octolings who want to get ahead in battles, making it a possible potent story element later in the series. Mr. Grizz played a big part in the story of Splatoon 3, so it’s possible he may return again.
Grizzco Weapons Are Rare
Grizzco weapons rarely show up in the rotation during Salmon Run shifts, only during periods when the entire cache is randomized. A majority of the time, Salmon Run players get assigned a specific rotation of weapons that anyone can use outside of Salmon Run. This makes using Grizzco weapons a special treat.
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It may be within Grizzco’s best interest to keep these weapons seldom used, even when trying to help players gather Golden Eggs. Considering the actions Mr. Grizz takes in Splatoon 3’s story mode, nearly destroying all of inkling society, making and shipping illegal weapons is well within his parameters. Whether that will be elaborated upon in the future, none but Nintendo can say for certain, yet it would be interesting to see how different NPCs would react to the weapons making their way streetside.
Grizzco Weapons Have Major Setbacks
The disadvantage of using Grizzco weapons is that they have major setbacks in exchange for their high damage and inking rates. Most Grizzco weapons deplete ink reserves quickly, for one forcing the player to submerge and reload more often than with a standard weapon. Other setbacks for specific weapons include the removal of common features, such as the Grizzco Brella’s ability to open into a shield. Other weapons like the new Grizzco Splatana have shorter firing ranges, making them more viable in close-quarters fights with salmonoid bosses.
One has to wonder whether this means the weapons would be viable in a competitive setting. However, even if they wouldn’t literally be useful, the illusion of broken weapons could be leveraged for a story that sees them arrive in Turf War matches unannounced. Ultimately, fans will just have to wait and see what Splatoon 3 does with Grizzco next.
Splatoon 3 is available now on the Nintendo Switch.
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