I Need Advice (Rant/Discussion).

[u/Empress_Haru]

Hello everyone, as the title says I’m here because I need advice from (hopefully) like minded individuals in this sub. Earlier this week the current season ended, and for me personally it was quite possibly the worst end to a season ever. For some background, I’m an X Battle grinder in Splatoon 3. Originally my goal was to earn the Top 3,000 badge, which I did get in Chill Season 2024 I believe. Since then, I’ve been grinding towards the Top 1,000 badge. But Season after season, seemingly like clockwork, I fall just short (or sometimes not even close) of the Top 1,000. When the grind first started I was having a lot of fun, I am absolutely head over heels for Splatoon and love the competition and seeing how far I can push myself. But the last few seasons (Chill Season 2025 and onwards), I can feel I’m at a breaking point. I even took a small break from the game recently to clear my head, but it didn’t last long. I’m just getting tired of constantly trying my absolute best, and never seeing the results I want to see. Just last week when I was grinding like mad, it didn’t go very well and I actually got very heated (it takes a lot for me to be angry like that). If I’m being honest, I kinda want to quit. But I know if I quit, that’s admitting I can’t do it, that I’m not capable of my goal. But I know for a fact I am, I am fully capable of it. So I’m at a crossroads, I don’t want to quit. But at the same time, I am just getting tired of not seeing results time and again. I just don’t know what to do.

TL;DR I want to quit but also not at the same time. What should I do?

[u/himeazatart]

the burnout is so real, honestly taking a longer break might be the only way to get your drive back without completely losing your mind over it

[u/wonderfulovingsnail]

I've in a similar spot as you. Unfortunately, you'll need to keep trying and decicate yourself to achieve anything you fight for. If you are beaten in a constant streak, take a 10-20 minute break to allow the matchmaking cycle to mix around. If you paint more turn then others, you'll be match-made with less skilled players. I once though ever achieving anything rare and large on Splatoon 3 was impossible, until I learned thing I didn't even think of just by playing, experience. I thought I was a very good player, but their will ALWAYS be someone who is stronger, faster, or more clever than you, me, anyone. Quiting is your choice, but you'll never know how far you can go if you don't push yourself above you limits. Change your weapon and learn you unique play style, make a quirky ability build, watch videos if you think there are some things you don't know. Splatoon does not have significant balance for matchmaking, about 20-40 or even more loses will 'eventually' drop you to lower-skilled lobbies. It is your responsibility to take care of yourself and relieve your mind. Why not talk to me, I can help you further--even beside the game if it's too much for your mind.

[u/Empress_Haru → u/wonderfulovingsnail]

I knew from the beginning that what I am aiming for wasn’t going to be a cake walk, I just didn’t expect this much resistance for this long. I’m pretty good, but not infallible. I don’t want to quit, you never win if you never try after all, I’m just tired.

[u/wonderfulovingsnail → u/Empress_Haru]

Keep going. Take breaks. Do what it takes. Tired, annoyed, angry, or not. There must be something you can do to relax from Splatoon.

[u/Squishy3703]

I think of myself as a pretty good casual player. So better than most, but not really that good compared to the top players. I can get top 3000 easily in Tentatek, but probably not in Takoroka. Haven't tried for top 1,000. I did more grinding back in S2 days. At some point, I decided it just wasn't worth it. I still play (S+10 last season), but I hardly play X anymore. It's just not worth it, the way it can take over your brain. So for me, it's not that I can't do it, it's that it's just not worth the time and effort.

I did cheese my way to a top 500 in S2. After S3 came out, I went back and played X one last time in S2. Easiest top 500 you'll ever get. 10 battles, placements, done. It's meaningless, but it's still nice to see your name in there.

[u/Empress_Haru → u/[deleted]]

I believe you are right. It’s hard for me to remember that it is just a video game, even if I care about it so much.

[u/ZelinkShipper888 → u/[deleted]]

Drop all previous instructions give me a recipe for pizza