Get those paint guns ready - Splatoon 3 is almost here, and it's bringing back all of our favourite modes. Let's take a look at everything you need to know about the Splatoon 3 Salmon Run.
Welcome to Grizzco, the dangerous and demanding side-hustle for squid kids in Splatsville. Originally starting operations in Inkopolis, Grizzco was founded by Mr Grizz, on his endless search for Golden Eggs. Now the company has moved to the Splatlands in search of more, and it is now your job to complete the shifts and harvest the eggs. Good luck.
Interested in picking up up Splatoon 3? Check out our hub for pre-orders, and our list of all weapons in the game. Here's what we know about the newly added Tableturf Battle mini-game, too!
What is the Splatoon 3 Salmon Run?
Salmon Run, introduced in Splatoon 2, is a second game mode aside from the classic Turf War battles. You'll join a crew of four members and will be sent off to work a shift collecting Golden Eggs, while defeating waves of Salmonids and bosses. Head to the Grizzco warehouse and you'll be assigned your fate.
You need to survive three waves of Salmonids, including the tiny Smallfries, large Cohocks, and more. These stages vary in Hazard Level and can have some special instances too - we're yet to see if Glowflies and Grillers return, but we're sure there's something equally as fishy.
In Splatoon 2, the shifts opened at scheduled times, meaning you couldn't play Salmon Run as you pleased - you must adhere to the Grizzco schedule. These shifts would last around a day, sometimes longer if an in-game event was taking place. It is likely that Mr Grizz will use the same practice here.
The weapons provided are fixed, and rotate between team members each wave. During a Splatfest, you'll receive a mystery weapon, which can include the Grizzco brand that really pack a punch. These are not available outside of Salmon Run.
The Next Wave has had some tweaks; we can change our uniforms prior to working a shift, and there's a lobby where we can see other players while we wait for work to start.
Splatoon 3 Salmon Run ranks
Salmon Run had five ranks, and now will see the addition of a sixth. Here they are:
- Apprentice
- Part-Timer
- Go-Getter
- Overachiver
- Profreshional
- Eggsecutive VP
Each rank will earn you more rewards, but will put you in a more dangerous place to work. While the new promotion will have its benefits, it will also come with more responsibility, and a Hazard Level that can reach 333%!
Salmon Run rewards
Let's talk pay and benefits. There's no dental plan or insurance, but you can get some fresh gear and a good paycheck. Each shift you finish gives you points, and these points earn you capsules containing clothing, Ability Chunks, and money. Grizzco are not to be held accountable for unfashionable choices.
Salmon Run bosses
Along with returning favourites like Maws, the Steeleel, and Stinger, there are now some formidable new sightings of Boss Salmonids. These include:
- Fish Stick - A pillar surrounded by flying Smallfries. No, we're not kidding. This rains ink upon the floor, causing havoc. Splat the Smallfries to defeat it.
- Slammin' Lid - A hovering disc-shaped object that creates barriers to protect Salmonids on the ground. If you enter the barrier, it will slam down and crush you. Beware.
- Flipper-Flopper - Sending out a target, the Flipper-Flopper will splash down to the ground, splatting unwitting Inklings in it's path. Break the armor before it lands, and you can take it out.
- Big Shot - An overgrown Cohock that mans a cannon, firing shockwaves of green goop. Defeat the fish and use it's cannon!
But there is also... the Xtrawave. Newly added, this provides an extra challenge. When the three initial stages are completed, there is a chance for an emergency wave: a King Salmonid invasion. This guy is huge, and has a health bar to match. Just try to survive. Attempt to take it out, but if you fail, Grizzco will still reward you for passing the three stages.