How to get and use Conch Shells in Splatoon 3
turn 3 has revamped certain elements of the franchise’s classic formulas to ensure players can do more or improve on outdated models – including additional ways to affect the outcome of a Splatfest event.
Clam Shells are a new item introduced as a Splatfest-exclusive item in Splatoon 3. These can be used to obtain items throughout the event, but are also used as a scoring category that will help add up the results for the three teams.
Players also don’t necessarily have to participate in an ongoing Splatfest, as Conch Shells can be earned once the Sneak Peek for an upcoming in-game event goes live. Be wary of certain glitches that have surfaced around the new collectible “currency.”
Related: Conch shell glitch on turn 3 threatens to disrupt upcoming Splatfest results
You can only earn and use Conch Shells for a limited time, so be sure to use them to snag some extra goodies while you have them. Because of that, here’s how to earn and use Clam Shells before and during a Splatfest turn 3.
What Do Conch Shells Do and How Do You Use Them? turn 3
How do you get conch shells in? turn 3
As soon as a new Splatfest is announced turn 3, an event booth should appear near the spawn in Splatsville. This is where you choose which of the three teams you play for during the event and how you unlock the ability to earn conch shells.
Once you’ve selected a team, playing online matches or modes outside of custom games will earn you Conch Shells as your catalog level increases. This is the only way to earn Conch Shells for now, probably because the developers want to see how much of an impact this new mechanic will have on Splatfest results.
Your first win of each day also earns you bonus Catalog Tier XP, so you can use this as a little incentive to win at least a few games each day until the end of Splatfest.
How to Use Conch Shells in turn 3
Following the catalog tier system, clam shells don’t just count towards your Splatfest team’s overall score at the end of the event.
At the Shell Out machine in the lobby, you can exchange a Conch Shell for an item scroll, which will give you a random reward. You can still use coins for a toss instead, but Conch Shells despawn immediately once a Splatfest event ends, so you’ll want to prioritize those first.
You also don’t have to worry about subtracting from your team’s clam shell total when you use them, as each clam shell earned by a player counts toward that running score and is automatically saved. Conch shells earned during Sneak Peak also count toward this total.