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Splatoon 3 Salmon Run explained

Splatoon 3’s Salmon Run: Next Wave is the next iteration of Nintendo’s ink-based competitive shooter’s cooperative horde mode on Switch, and here’s how it works

Four characters in orange rubber outfits like their fishermen stand in front of a tall basket in a screenshot from Splatoon 3 Salmon Run.

Splatoon 3’s Salmon Run is an exciting horde mode in the ink-filled shooter. As you can read in our Splatoon 3 review, this sequel brings tonnes of different tweaks and additions to make the splatting experience better than ever – and Salmon Run has received its fair share too.

So, head below to see what’s new in Salmon Run (and also just directions on how to get started in the mode), then jump into a hard day’s work for mean old Mr Grizz. Once you’ve got all you need, we have Splatoon stuff all over the site. There’s a feature evangelising the Splatoon 3 soundtrack (with a good dose of love for the new Deluge Dirge), a Splatoon 3 weapons guide and tier list, and some Splatoon 3 idols info to keep you sated.

Splatoon 3 Salmon Run

Four characters dressed in orange rubbery outfits sat in a helicopter with a stage outside the door in the distance in a screenshot from Splatoon 3 Salmon Run.

What’s new in Splatoon 3’s Salmon Run?

Beyond the new boss salmonids, there’s also the ability to throw golden eggs. You need to collect these golden eggs by defeating boss salmonids and chucking them into the basket. Now that you can throw them, this process is a whole lot quicker.

Splatoon 3’s Salmon Run also has all the new movement abilities that come with the new game. There’s the squid roll – a dodge roll that lets you jump in the opposite direction that you’re swimming in to get some damage resistance – and the squid surge – which enables you to shoot up the side of an inked wall and launch from the top of it to catch enemies by surprise.

Various strange fish monsters walking out of the water with a grand orange sky behind them in a scene from Splatoon 3 Salmon Run.

How do I play Splatoon 3’s Salmon Run?

Once you start the game and are hanging out in Splatsville, there are two ways to get into a game of Salmon Run. The easiest way is to follow these steps:

  • Press X to open the menu
  • Select the ‘Grizzco’ option
  • Press L to open the menu
  • Select the game type you want
  • Get splattin’!

Alternatively, you can walk up the large steps in Splatsville towards the lobby, then head to the right before entering to find the Grizzco building with iron gates outside. From there, press L, choose your mode, and get started.

Easy peasy, right? That’s all the Splatoon 3 Salmon Run info for now. For more, check out our Splatoon amiibo and Splatoon 3 hairstyles guides.