Can you Beat Splatoon 3 Without the Hero Weapons?

Splatoon 3 released, and I've always wanted to try a challenge video with this franchise!
See my Videos Early! ► / @nathanielbandy
Bathaniel Nandy ► / nathanielbandy2
NB Clips ► / bandyclips
Merch ► crowdmade.com/collections/nat...
Video Edited by: @TotallyNotJon_
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:19 The Crater
5:39 Site 1
7:14 Site 2
12:40 Site 3
13:24 Site 4
17:51 Site 5
19:41 Site 6
21:22 Rocket Battle
23:25 After Alterna
26:22 Outro
Channel Avatars by Charriii5: / @charriii5

[@Domiyu]

To be completely fair: In reality, the game is completely beatable without hero weapons because the only hero weapon is the hero shot. Other, non-hero weapons, take away all of your hero gear (yes, it takes every upgrade). It’s a technicality that doesn’t change the overall main weapon intention, but yeah.

[@ezze_pz]

Think of it as "Can you Beat Splatoon 3 With Only Sub Weapons?

[@mricci07]

Actually nope, because of Octo Crater. You need at least 2 shots to beat the game without hero weapons

[@mricci07]

(from hero weapons)

[@Domiyu]

@@mricci07 Oh yeah, I completely forgot about the crater. My bad!

[@boudinajjar9842]

Smart boi.

[@DillyBirdBK]

Dude! You're a mad lad for completing DJ Octavio like that!

[@elainad6728]

Tell me about it. Pure dedication. NOICE

[@DillyBirdBK]

@@elainad6728 I can't agree more. NB is absolutely amazing that he can do this kinda stuff and stick to it until he is positive that something is impossible, even if it takes him hours to do.

[@zanmolecules4105]

Thanks for letting me be surprised by the content I’m about to watxh

[@kooperjacobs3162]

I mean it’s not really a level but ok

[@Sanitized-Agent-8]

Nice

[@Gamechamp3000]

Okay thank god you're using a different ruleset, my video isn't outdated before I even started (by the way I've been told throwing Smallfry at Octavio's vacuum is optional, which would make the fight take 1 shot. I, uh, am still in the middle of my attempt though. I have been in the middle of it since last night) Can't watch any more for fear I steal all your jokes, will watch later~

[@majoraguy]

Hope the fact you comment will make people stop saying that he stole your idea

[@LinkyLove123]

I was waiting for your comment XD

[@medrash8862]

If im right in assuming you’re doing a clean save, good luck with grinding the first level for days on end or finding a way around it (considering the amount of eggs required to remove the ooze and get the first bombs in the hero equipment)

[@garyismad8283]

Gamechamp3000 GOOD LUCK CUZ YOU ARE GOING TO NEED IT

[@JustADoodle00]

you where actually the first thing that came to mind when i saw this video. i was like "oh frick is gamechamp just gonna have to basically make a copy of this vid 😭" i cant wait to see your vid of minimum shots for splatoon 3 and i wish you the best. good luck, you are gonna need it

[@psychosalad7812]

Fun fact about shielded enemies: Throwing Smallfry at one will make it spin around trying to hit it. Maybe that’d help with the final boss?

[@CreeperAssassins1]

with upgraded smallfry he just 1shots the sheild and then 1 shots the enemy, i have no idea why he wasnt used since he's obviously got full or at least part of the upgrades

[@wadetata9108]

It also works for the rest of the enemies!

[@Drakoni23]

Or you throw a splatbomb behind them, they'll turn around to look at it and shield it and you have a free shot on them with either small fry or splat bombs.

[@tokyodaze462]

@@CreeperAssassins1 "no idea why he wasn't used" bruh he's out here risking his life to fight a bear for you sumo style give him some slack 😭

[@mori2037]

@@CreeperAssassins1 yea, not to mention that throwing small fry at the grizz's stomach spot will reveal the fuzzball practically instantaneously. i understand that burst bombs are great for movement, but smallfry, when fully upgraded at least, is phenomenal for splatting and damaging things

[@davidferguson8040]

level 3 and 4 of the prolouge are actually possible shotless. It requires to squid surge in a specific way off of the the spawn point/ checkpoint in the levels to do. Ill try to upload footage here soon

[@SquidPartyDude]

Um sooooooooo where is it? It’s been 6 months.

[@davidferguson8040]

@@SquidPartyDude I recorded the footage, but never uploaded it bc gamechamp3000 already talked about it in their video on the subject.

[@Roxlecmc]

@@davidferguson8040vg myths

[@AntonioTheTurtle]

Gamechamp 3000 uses she/they pronouns. Seriously do not use he/him for them

[@davidferguson8040]

@@AntonioTheTurtle Sorry! Edited it as soon as I realized! Thank you for letting me know.

[@Gardivanyth]

Now that Gamechamp's finished the challenge herself, I'm kind of interested if you'll record a reaction of some kind. I think it'd be pretty fun seeing how you react to some of the crazy tech that came about as more was discovered about this game!

[@Salty-ji1pb]

That would be really entertaining actually

[@bucket7819]

Actually, ive beaten level 9 no shot. Curling bombs are unique in that they leave ink where they go, even if not on the floor. So if you jump and aim the curling up, you can hit the top switch. From there you just run past all of the enemies that you can, and in the shield section you can shell out bombs fast enough the break the shields and kill the enemies, despite the healing. Hope this helped!

[@Glory2Snowstar]

Perfect timing, me and lots of other folks have very recently cleared the story! Thumbnail’s spoiler-free too! All nice gestures that are small but super appreciated, really shows that you care. Thank you!

[@CheesyLizzy]

5:46 You only have burst bombs since you've upgraded your gear, but a new save file starting this run wouldn't have access to that. So should we call this a New Game + run?

[@Phhearryyee]

Couldn’t you go back and do it later in the run?

[@CheesyLizzy]

@@Phhearryyee This is actually a required level so technically on a fresh save file the run would just end here But that'd cut the video short and I enjoyed this video so I'm glad that he did this level and the others with all the gear unlocked. If this roadblock wasn't here though, I'm curious if you'd be able to get far enough into the campaign with just lil buddy so that you can get enough stuff to unlock bombs and then complete the rest of the campaign that way.

[@dantefromthedevilmaycryseries]

It doesn't even add shots to the run, even if he didn't have those to start out. Specials are fair game with this ruleset so you can use the canned special on the first level to avoid shots. You can do the next mission, "Octopods At Rest Tend To FLIP OUT!" in under three minutes with the splatling option (gives burst bombs). Grind that out enough to get the power eggs to clear fuzzy ooze and do other levels that are shotless. Keep going until you have 5 sardinium and you can unlock splat bombs, and then you can keep going from there, clearing more stages, etc. It just saves time, I guess.

[@Coolmar15]

Someone did it ! Someone actually beat after Alterna's rail section while using only Burst Bombs !

[@ikbenmaxim]

3:34 btw you can try to ink the ground via the spawn and then you can recharge your special with it so 0 shots 3:44 smallfry creates ink when he kills an enemy so try to get those flying octotarians to the ground and let smallfry kill them a

[@SquidPartyDude]

Yea I did that

[@niar1726]

I know it did in the second game, but doesn't breaking your armor create some ink as well?

[@ikbenmaxim]

@@niar1726 it wont send out ink once you are damaged in this game

[@blockz9397]

i tried that on my personal run but couldn't do it

[@aidanmoore8751]

Splatoon 3....what an inkcredible game!

[@firesans1688]

Oh, brother...THIS GUY STINKS!!

[@chips627]

Tip for the big man fight: using small fry can seriously help against the clones and bombs

[@Maria.Annette]

Can I be honest? I never realized that you can even damage Shiver when she's in the ink tornadoes or swimming around the platform. You can bait her to attack like a Maws in Salmon Run by staying in your ink. If you throw a bomb (or Small Fry because I sorta ALSO didn't realize you can switch subs during those boss fights) then it beaches the shark, letting you get in damage. So... Yeah. You learn something new every day.

[@LadyRaccoonz]

Hey, I just did the Amusing a Bemused Muse with the Sling! It's very precise, but it IS possible, I suggest starting from the back, the splash only happens when you break the boxes, so if you hit into them twice to make them one hit, you can take out multiple boxes at once, just be very careful Edit: FYI I only just did it after watching this, because I am a sucker for a challenge

[@A_Ali173]

You’re already doing challenges for this game. The quality and dedication of your work is impressive

[@EndermanPierce]

dude the fact that you even attempted after alterna is insane, and what you did with octavio is something i didnt even know was possible. you are the most dedicated man on planet earth!

[@jedisalsohere]

Getting in there before Gamechamp has the chance, I see.

[@flynnmaxwell4089]

yep i hope she will still do a video on it as well

[@MathMoji]

6:44 This first part is actually possible. For the three switches that are stacked vertically, you can jump up, throw your curling bomb at the peak of your jump. And also remember to look straight up as this won’t work otherwise. I’m not sure about the rest of the level, but very good job bro ❤

[@kirbymanCC]

just tested it out and was able to beat the level without needing to shoot

[@MathMoji]

@@kirbymanCC thanks for letting me know🧎‍♂️

[@Gtune_]

18:41 It's probably a good thing that burst bombs aren't available in this level, it was already pretty damn precise with a standard weapon. I can't imagine going through it like that. It took me a lot of tries to beat and tbh I think the biggest fault was having no checkpoints. I think it would've been my favorite level had it not been for that; having to replay the entire thing after every attempt just sucked a lot of the fun out of it. Anyways, I'm hoping After Alterna doesn't kick my ass too hard.

[@oak607]

Me: hold up, anit you Nathanial b?

[@CodesTheOtaku]

Protip for Mr. Grizz: When you actually get to him, throw Lil’ Buddy at the ink splotches. He actually clings on and causes enough damage to make the Fuzzball appear, AND it makes it possible to fall back if necessary and avoid his attacks.

[@t-elijahmorrison6855]

That means completing all 27 lairs and defeating all five bosses with the same weapon. After that, it's unlocked in the Splatoon 2 multiplayer modes. For example, gamers can unlock the Hero Shot in Lair 1.

[@tetra_kirby5691]

Huh?

[@demetrisbarnwell2798]

What?

[@MrMooYT-ty8yl]

I’m glad I’m not the only one utterly confused by what this is trying to say

[@haileyturner3309]

What are you talking about?

[@smc397]

For those who are confused he is talking about How you can get the hero shot if you complete all levels with it in Splatoon two hero mode

[@Jinkaaaa]

This is impressive however I noticed you started with an account that already had a max hero level and gear, therefore if you was playing on a fresh account it would take a lot more shots considering you don't start with burst bombs. Still impressive and like the video though

[@sakura368]

but what about little buddy

[@lavalamp130]

@@sakura368 the problem with little buddy is that he doesn't ink the ground. So any walls you have to climb, switches you have to ink, or jumps you need to swim to make become roadblocks if you only have buddy.

[@sakura368]

@@lavalamp130 yes but little buddy can nom on the enemies while you do other stuff with the bombs

[@lavalamp130]

@@sakura368 (nom XD... how glorious) Well the point is that you wouldn't have bombs at the beginning if you use a new file. Bombs take a while to unlock so at the start you're supposed to only have little buddy.

[@sakura368]

@@lavalamp130 yes, but i find it funny that for the missions where he could choose the hero gear and just have all the bombs, little buddy, and splashdown he just didn't

[@Pinkyorangegirl]

Honestly they should've made the single player story mode with sub weapons, bc of how easy it is with the hero weapons

[@yishiyash]

I think it has the perfect difficulty, remember that there are also newbies getting into splatoon with splatoon 3. Also you dont have to do it with the Hero shot soo yeah

[@kip3978]

No clue if you’ve seen it yet, but there is a recent video from splaticalerror where he beats all of after alterna with only burst bombs

[@bigdon001]

"Good morning everybody and welcome back to Nathaniel bg myths."

[@StickMaster500]

Probs to Nathaniel for making these videos to see how hard he can make the game

[@therealswonk]

And then he dares say he’s bad at whatever game he’s playing

[@Flegz1]

You are already making Splatoon 3 challenge videos?! Awesome!

[@t-elijahmorrison6855]

Agreed

[@louiepikmin3184]

Honestly I might try a challenge like this. I loved storymode but like it was way too easy compared to octoexpansion and I might try this out

[@yishiyash]

I think it has the perfect difficulty, remember that there are also newbies getting into splatoon with splatoon 3.

[@supernova9833]

@@yishiyash the dlc is probably gonna be just as crazy as the octo expansion. Main campaign needs to be easy enough for every player to beat, even newcomers

[@yishiyash]

@@supernova9833 yup

[@Ranixo286]

After Alterna HAS been beaten with solely Burst bombs now! Which is incredible!

[@ExperiencersInternational]

Still amazing how you attempted the full game, I came along to the one stream you made doing this, and the Crater was painful, but Area 1 was smooth sailing which was nice.

[@Timmothy_plays]

This should be called "How many shots does it take to beat Splatoon 3 Story mode?" because it was rather clear the answer was going to be no~ But damn was it still entertaining to see just how *FEW* shots you could squeeze out of it!

[@thatzenoguy2577]

I was wondering when someone would do this, I am thoroughly impressed

[@Uhhhhh1188]

I like to think that this was inspired by GameChamp3000's Splatoon challenges.

[@fchef8370]

He did recently comment on her latest video so it is possible

[@someonenotimportant]

I just saw this video earlier today and it was of some dude beating After Alterna with only burst bombs. He actually beat it after 11 hours. His channel name is splaticalerror.

[@Octo4533]

btw, you can also extend your ink by squidbagging in one place, it's slightly quicker than swimming REEEALY slowly, great video nathaniel, been looking forward to a challenge videos for splatoon 3. 10/10

[@PlasmaCore]

Yeah, I did the singleplayer with no upgrades, and the After Alterna grind rail shooting range was absurdly hard for me, as well

[@txmpo5668]

Hold up aintchu Nathaniel b?

[@mang0_p]

by the way Bandy, a player named Kiwi actually managed to complete the second section of after alterna with only burst bombd idk if this is helpful but it proves that it is indeed possible

[@adr2215]

“The String’s The Thing” is actually completable with only curling bombs, as you can just throw the curling bombs at the switches to ink them.

[@deanomood]

9:59 this reaction can put a smile on my face any day

[@Jay-BS.]

I actually love when he has live reactions it's a more better feeling

[@logancoles8940]

Splaticalerror actually did all of After Alterna with burst bombs only, so it is possible just insane

[@fr0stdr4ke95]

Gamechamp will remember this.

[@desh206]

This is truly an insane challenge,congrats on the hard work

[@zemyla]

Big Man is easier if you throw Smallfry at the beginning, because then all the shots will be aimed to him.

[@uknown3170]

Hold up ain't you Nathaniel b

[@falclairen]

13:48 there you go, just timestamped the level, the video is in the replies in case i cant send links:

[@falclairen]

there is no sound cause i did not pay attention to my capture card's volume in OBS but you can see that it is definitely possible: zxTK4uHTvH0 (it's the youtube link, I can probably not post it)

[@parkthecar39]

I love that the Big man fight is a callback to the mantra ray boss from super Mario sunshine! When I fought him for the first time I figured it out right away

[@NinjaV_Editz]

You spent so much time on this and I respect your choice

[@kurtdfi1963]

Congrats on 1 million subs Nathaniel!

[@marster772]

14:19 Nathanial, I proved you wrong, it was annoying but I did it, you’ll just have to take my word of it untill I get around to recording a full run

[@Goatman_Gamer]

Gonna be honest with you, I had no idea there were decoy eels either.

[@marsybarz]

the first person i've seen that hasnt shoved the final boss in the thumbnail is literally nathanial bandy still, great video nathaniel!

[@ThatRyeMcFly]

Dude. You can't handle me. Wait a minute ain't you Nathaniel B?

[@clark1964]

Bro you are way to good

[@minilopgamer1950]

Someone actually made an 18 minute video beating after Alterna with only burst bombs

[@sir.goat4595]

Even though it wasn’t possible, you were amazing at this!

[@blitz0.8]

16:13 callie is celebrating with you!!

[@Salty-ji1pb]

13:46 Oh no, someone's not gonna do it because you challenged them, gamechamp was gonna do it anyway... ok, well minimum shots, but still.

[@Peter-wt8vt]

I decided to do all deep cut bosses without shots,only all of the bombs,and it was hard.You’re a mad lad for doing most levels with nothing except subs

[@KitsuneYashaX48]

I was looking away from my screen during the second live reaction for the target level, and Bandy made me jump from my chair. Like a damn FNaF jumpscare. Lol

[@jethromcgl3697]

Gamechamp3000: "You dare oppose me, mortal"

[@GamerFunOriginallyAarush]

Lovely challenge you have here!

[@Rin_I_Guess]

There are so many moments in this video that are possible, but you weren't doing them corrently I'm going to test them out with my method when I can!!

[@daily_prophecies]

It's actually possible to beat the level "the string's the thing" with only curling bombs. It's super hard and requires jumping and aiming the camera up so your inkling throws it a bit into the air

[@M1TZUKII]

I was inspired by your challenge and decided to try and complete "Amusing a Bemused Muse" with only the zipcaster, and I spent a good while on it and did it. I panicked a lot, but powered by determination, spite, and a bit of caffeine, I made it through. I'll try to post a video of it once I find my capture card to record it.

[@octogorb9853]

waited long enough for this :D

[@AsmatixASMR]

Super cool to have some live reactions during the video!! 😄

[@nicolasantolik1794]

I was waiting for this video

[@winner546]

Small fry turns the shield enemies around which would've helped at the end but great job beating it with as little shots as possible

[@voidenterprises]

nice to see a more casual perspective on this challenge before gamechamp goes absolutely insane

[@Cringeworthy_Guy]

Awesome video!!

[@NovaStar976]

My go on the level "the strings the thing" - Ok ok, I just wanted to try "the strings the thing" and I figured out how to pass the vertical switch door where you got stuck, when you throw the curling bombs, when they hit a wall while still in air, it can ink that surface. At this point getting to the first launchpad is easy as ever, just outrun the Octarians using curling bombs. Surprisingly, killing the Octocopters that you need to kill for the 2nd launchpad, is actually really easy since they are low to the ground. Now I have reached the final checkpoint, now for the hard part. Once you reach the area with the shielded enemies, try to use curling bombs to wear down the shields it's hard but possible. And boom! Use the curling bombs to open the goal and win! Side note: if you read through all of that, thank you for your time :) Thank you for coming to my TedTalk about funni squid game

[@Ansel_G]

crazy seeing the advantages and disadvantages between shooting, and using squid form.

[@thepinkcoin1512]

the string's the thing (site 1 tri-stringer level) is actually possible with just the curling bombs, you just have to jump and aim towards the top switch with the curling bomb

[@ImAnArtist80085]

Ain't you Nathaniel B?

[@rivetsquid8887]

Lazer during the Grizz fight is explicitly an over powered, slow charging version of the special Ink Vacuum, so very much not a hero weapon.

[@rithvikiyer9641]

Ain't u nathaniel b?

[@Xstep7878]

2:21 that jump is actually possible I even tried it myself and after like 45 minutes I actually got it (keep in mind I have played splatton for 2 days

[@micahheyward5342]

This video was hinted at in "The Good and Bad of Splatoon 3"

[@warpstarrogue3554]

16:51 the fail balloons are actually quite sturdy, so you can probably get away with hitting both centers to pop them all without dying.

[@Windowmeiker]

I don't know if this would help anywhere but: you can transfer wall ink to the floor above it in squid form

[@cookiescream8628]

From what I understand, Theortically, as long as someone finds out how to get the key in the third crater level, The two shots in the octobot fight should be the only time you're required to use your weapon to beat the story. NOW IF SOMEONE FINDS A WAY TO PRODUCE INK WITHOUT FIRING IN OCTAVIO WOULD BE LIT AF

[@kittenfan7664]

someone else did this challenge ON A FREASH save file and managed to get the key in crater 3 and the second octovio shot is not required as you don't need to throw smallfry in phase 2 or 3 as it only effects flying ink.

[@lozangekitten-gamer7626]

gotta say this is maddening... and I was stuck at the final part of After Alterna stage since you basically have to "clutch" a 1vX (honestly, I didn't count it at all) Also, Big Man was a 20/10

[@NotoriouslyNiko]

The string's the Thing is actually possible, if you tilt your camera up all the way and jump, youll be able to hit the last target to open the gate, and the last section, youll be able to throw the curling bombs behind the octarians, it will take a while though

[@Sans-ft4en]

Nathaniel Bandy's worst nemesis, grind rails.

[@shoebill4902]

Or Nathaniel B

[@damonlam9145]

I bet there will either be a part 2 of this challenge or vg myths will do one in the future but either option will take awhile so if that were to happen I can’t wait for it.

[@anonymousanonymous9587]

Technically speaking, this is a mini version of the Gamechamp no shooting run

[@IMADDTICTEDTOHELLUVABOSS]

I'M SO GLAD YOU MADE A SPLATOON 3 VIDEO YES

[@MoreNatecaed]

i couldn’t even beat splitting crosshairs with a weapon and you beat it without. Bravo

[@The9thagent]

was waiting for this cuz i was pretty sure it was possible

[@kingtenacious2728]

The crab tank be giving me PVZ GW2 Citron vibes

[@16BitGamerCat]

Wait you had trouble burst bombing the first 4 boxes at the final checkpoint in that grind rail stage? I can break em all with ONE. CONSISTENLY. That angle ain't awkward.

[@itsfuuzlol]

Wait I know I’m late BUT WE FOUND NATHANIEL B

[@benthecat4345]

Prepare for trouble! And make it double! To protect the world from devastation! To unite all squids within our nation! To denounce the evils of chaos and order! To extend our reach to the stars above! Shiver! Frye! Deep Cut inks off at the speed of light! Surrender now or prepare to fight! Ay! (Big Man!) Ay! (That's right!) (I can't be the only one who saw the Splatoon 3 idols as the Splatoon version of everyone's favorite Team Rocket trio, Jessie, James, and Meowth)

[@Kazolzen]

"splaticalerror" on youtube actually managed to beat After Alterna with only burst bombs, so it is possible! Well done on your challenge run though, very impressive :)

[@missingtexturez]

Octavio's ink vac is based off of a special that's used in multiplayer,and specials are allowed for the challenge so I'd say you can use it

[@noobdee177]

Hold up, ain’t you Nathaniel B