Splatoon 3 Sheldon Licenses: How To Get & Use

Splatoon 3 brings a new method to Unlock weapons in the game. Learn more about them here.

Unlike the previous installments of the Splatoon series, where players used cash to buy weapons from Sheldon, this time again, weapons are still sold by Sheldon, but instead of money, he has made special currency for his weapons. This currency is called the Sheldon License.

Armor Knight, weapon shop.
Sheldon’s Weapon shop is known as Armor Knight.

Key Highlights

In Splatoon 3, acquiring weapons is done through a Sheldon License, which is obtained by:

  1. Playing the game daily and leveling up regularly.
  2. Increasing the “Weapon’s Freshness” level by using a particular weapon.
  3. If you’ve played Splatoon 2, you may receive a “Golden Sheldon License.”

This new approach replaces the previous method of purchasing weapons directly with in-game currency.


Basically, Sheldon License is a license that lets you buy a weapon in Splatoon 3. Using this license, you can head to Sheldon’s game shop and buy the weapon. In every game, he relocates his shop to different areas. And in Splatoon 3, this shop is in Splitsville.

Sheldon Licenses to buy weapon in Splatoon 3.
Players use Sheldon Licenses to buy Weapons.

Apart from the Sheldon License, Sheldon has added a few new weapons to his shop. These weapons are Stinger and Splatana. You can learn more about these and other weapons in our Splatoon 3 Weapons Tier List. We’ve ranked each of the weapons in the game to make it easier for you to select one.

Methods To Get Sheldon License

You might be wondering how to get these Sheldon Licenses. Well, getting these Licenses is really easy. You will automatically get these as you progress through the game. Here’s what you need to do to get Sheldon’s License. You can get these Licenses by two methods.

Here are the methods in more detail:

  1. Leveling Up:
    • As you progress in the game, you will naturally level up.
    • Participate in multiplayer matches, as winning these matches will reward you with experience points that contribute to your level.
    • Each time you level up, you will receive one Sheldon License.
    • Playing both regular and online ranked battles will help you level up and unlock new weapons.
  2. How to Level Up Quickly:
    • Play the game daily and aim for wins, especially in modes with a special purple icon.
    • Winning daily matches can earn you up to 7,500 points on your first win in the purple-icon mode.
    • Regularly playing and winning will not only level you up but also improve your skills.
  3. Eat Food:
    • Visit the cafeteria in the game’s lobby (to the right of the Locker room).
    • Purchase food and drinks that boost your experience gains.
    • Some food items can increase experience gains by up to 50%, while others can double them.
    • The effects of food last for up to 20 matches, enhancing your overall experience points.
  4. Raising Weapon’s Freshness Level:
    • Each time you increase a weapon’s freshness level by one star, you will receive a Sheldon License.
    • Weapon freshness increases as you use the weapon in battles.
    • Play multiple matches with a weapon to increase its freshness level.
    • You can focus on one weapon at a time or switch between weapons to increase their freshness levels.
    • Higher freshness levels not only reward you with Sheldon Tickets but also improve the performance of your weapons.

Remember that Sheldon Licenses are obtained through continuous gameplay and progression. Keep playing, leveling up, trying different weapons, and increasing their freshness to earn these licenses and unlock new weapons.

Leveling up.
Leveling up in Splatoon 3 gives you Sheldon Licenses.

And if you’re there to win, you can check out these Turf War Tips and Tricks.

The Golden Sheldon License

Players who have played Splatoon 2 can earn a special Golden Sheldon License, known as the Gold Sheldon License. This license allows them to obtain any weapon available in the Weapons shop, regardless of their level or the weapon’s cost. Here’s how to get the Gold Sheldon License by importing Splatoon 2 data into Splatoon 3:

  1. Play Splatoon 2:
    • Start by playing Splatoon 2 for a few hours. This step is necessary to ensure that your Splatoon 2 save data is recognized when you transfer it to Splatoon 3.
  2. Ensure a Stable Connection:
    • While playing Splatoon 2, make sure you have a stable internet connection. A poor Wi-Fi connection or network issues could potentially affect the data transfer process.
  3. Launch Splatoon 3:
    • After playing Splatoon 2 for a while, launch Splatoon 3 on your Nintendo Switch.
  4. Import Data:
    • Splatoon 3 will automatically search for your Splatoon 2 save data on your device.
    • If it detects the Splatoon 2 data, the game will prompt you to import it into Splatoon 3.
    • You will receive a notification that you’ll be rewarded with the Gold Sheldon License for importing the data.
      using gold Licenses.
      Using Gold Licenses to buy weapons.
  5. Confirm Import:
    • Accept the prompt to import your Splatoon 2 data into Splatoon 3.
      buying weapon with gold sheldon licenses.
      Buying Weapons using the Gold License.
  6. Play One Match:
    • After importing the data, play at least one match in Splatoon 3.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you will receive the Gold Sheldon License as a reward for transferring your Splatoon 2 data to Splatoon 3. With this special license, you can choose from a wide range of weapons available in the game, making it a valuable bonus for players who have experience with Splatoon 2.

Keep in mind that as of now, you can earn up to three Gold Sheldon Licenses through this data transfer process. There may be future events or updates that introduce additional Gold Licenses, but for now, you have the opportunity to obtain three of them by importing your Splatoon 2 data.

Importing game data rewards.
The reward for importing data from Splatoon 2 to Splatoon 3.

How To Use Sheldon License

When a player has Sheldon’s License, they can head over to Sheldon’s shop. There, he will be selling you a weapon for 1 Sheldon License. This price will be 1 Sheldon license if the weapon level is equal to or lower than your current level. If it is higher than that, then each higher weapon will cost 3 Sheldon licenses.

1 sheldon license weapon.
Weapons on the same or lower than your level cost 1 Sheldon License.

While buying these weapons, you can test them out. That is a great option as players won’t end up wasting their hard-earned Licenses on weapons that aren’t for them.

3 sheldon licenses.
Higher-level weapons will cost 3 Sheldon Licenses.

Are you having a hard time deciding which weapons to get in Splatoon 3? Then don’t worry, we got it all covered. If you are looking for the overall best weapons, here’s our guide that covers the 10 Best Splatoon 3 Weapons. If you want to get better in competitive gameplay, then how about 14 Best PvP Weapons? Want to try something unique? Then there are the 10 Best Special Weapons in Splatoon 3.

Final Words

The game has well over 50 weapons. If you want to check out each one fare in battle, then you should hurry and get your hands on these Licenses. A weapon on your player level or below will cost 1 Sheldon License. And if the weapon level is higher than yours, it will cost 3 Sheldon licenses.

Although, if you are a returning player from older installations, then you’re in luck. You can always import your old game’s data, and it will give you many benefits. One such benefit is the 3 Gold Sheldon Licenses. These will allow you to get whatever weapon you want for 1 Gold Sheldon License.

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Zohaib Abdullah is a Guides Writer on eXputer who’s been obsessed with FPS and RPG titles from a young age. He is constantly looking for new games to play, although you can mostly find him falling back on Skyrim. He has several years of experience writing for video games. Learn a bit more about Zohaib's gaming journey on his Steam profile.

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