Play Local Multiplayer in Splatoon 3 by entering the Shoal to battle against friends nearby. Read on to find out how to play local multiplayer and if couch co-op or split screen is available, as well as see all the modes and stages you can play.
List of Contents
| Steps to Playing Local Multiplayer |
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The Shoal can be found in Splatsville beside the lobby. You can easily identify the entrance by the two green arrows above it. You can also fast travel to the Shoal by pressing X and selecting the Shoal from the menu.
Splatsville Features and How to Unlock Them
To start a Local Multiplayer Match in the Shoal, you'll need to interact with the Front Desk by facing it and pressing A. This will open up the Match Menu. You can also open the Match Menu by pressing L while inside the facility.
In the Match Menu, you can choose to either start a Salmon Run game or a Private Battle. Up to four players can join a Salmon Run game, while up to eight can join a Private Battle.
Once you have selected a Game Mode, you can also choose to enter a room or create a room. Entering a room will allow you to join matches that your friends have started. However, you can also create your own room by pressing Y.
By creating your own room, you can choose the game mode to play, the rules of the match, and other features. You can also set a password for the room so only the players who know the password can enter.
If you change your mind about the room, you can always close it by holding the − Button before the match officially starts
Once you have joined or created a room, you'll just need to wait until all your other friends have entered so you can start the match. You cannot begin the match until a sufficient number of players have joined.
While waiting for the match to begin, you can also practice in the Shoal's very own Test Range, similar to what the Lobby and Grizzco have.
Test Range Features
How to Use the Test Range
Splatoon 3 does not have split screen multiplayer. You cannot play couch co-op however you can still play locally. Players can play through local wireless, however they would need to have separate Nintendo Switches.
Salmon Run is a co-op multiplayer mode that was available in Splatoon 2, and has returned in Splatoon 3. Like in Splatoon 2, this will be playable by up to 4 players via online or local wireless.
Salmon Run in Splatoon 3 is described as the “next wave” of the game mode, so expect a more fun and challenging experience this time around.
When setting up Private Battles, you can choose which stage you want to play in! All currently available stages in the game can be played in Local Multiplayer regardless of what is currenly in rotation.
All Stages: New and Returning Maps
there are five playable Game Modes when playing a Private Battles in Splatoon 3. These include all Regular and Anarchy Battle Modes. At the moment, it seems like you cannot play Tricolor Turf War in Local Multiplayer.
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
 Turf War |
A Turf War is a type of match where two teams of four compete to ink the most turf. The number of times you are splatted and respawned do not matter, as long as your team covers the most ground. |
 Splat Zones |
Take control of all the zones around the map by covering them in ink to start your countdown timer. The match is won by having less time left on your timer by the end of the match or by having it reach 0. |
 |
Both team must take control of a tower and ride it to the enemy base. Whichever team gets the tower to the other base first or gets it the farthest before time runs out wins. |
 Rainmaker |
Both teams must take control of a rainmaker, which slows you down but can also attack enemies. The team that gets the rainmaker to the enemy base or gets it the farthest before time runs out wins. |
 Clam Blitz |
Collect clams and shoot them into the opposite team's goal. The first team to reach a score of 100 wins. |
Pokemon Splatfest Dates and Time
Updated 10/9/2022
Splatoon 3 is celebrating the upcoming release of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet! Read on to learn the dates and time of the upcoming Pokemon Splatfest
Available Platforms
Updated 9/10/2022
Splatoon 3 will be released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on September 9, 2022!
Release Date Countdown
Updated 9/14/2022
Splatoon 3 will release on September 9, 2022. See more details on its release and a countdown to its release date!
Splatoon 3 Direct Summary
Updated 9/27/2022
The Splatoon 3 Direct will came out on August 10, 2022. See all the new features introduced in the direct!
Splatfest World Premiere Guide
Updated 8/31/2022
Splatfest World Premiere is a limited-time event available in the demo for Splatoon 3. Find out how to download the demo and all the contents included!
Pre-order Bonuses
Updated 9/7/2022
Several goodies are in store for those who are interested to pre-order Splatoon 3. Compare the different bonuses available in this guide!
Preload Guide
Updated 9/5/2022
Splatoon 3 is now available to preload. Learn how to prelaod the game from the Nintendo eshop, as well as other benefits!
Multiplayer Features
Updated 9/28/2022
Splatoon 3 will have several online and local multiplayer features available. See all the things you can do with other players in our guide!
New and Returning Features
Updated 9/11/2022
Splatoon 3 retains a lot of what fans loved from Splatoon 2 but also adds and improves on known features! Check out what's new!
amiibo Guide
Updated 10/11/2022
Learn how to scan amiibo at Splatsville and all the rewards you can claim!
Nintendo Treehouse Live Summary
Updated 8/26/2022
The Nintendo Treehouse: Live released on August 2022 showcased many of the upcoming features available in Splatoon 3. See a detailed summary in our guide!
Splatoon 3 Nintendo Switch OLED Model and Pro Controller
Updated 9/1/2022
A special edition Splatoon 3 NIntendo Switch OLED Model and Pro Controller are set to release in celebration of Splatoon 3. Learn its release date, price, pre-order guide and system features!
All Trailers and Gameplay Videos
Updated 9/1/2022
A number of trailers and gameplay videos have been released for Splatoon 3. Check them out to learn more about the inkoming game!
Splatoon 3 Review and Ratings
Updated 9/26/2022
Read our thoughts and opinions about Splatoon 3 in this review!
All Free Update Contents and Release Dates
Updated 9/5/2022
Check out all the free updates and contents coming to Splatoon 3!
SplatNet 3 Guide
Updated 10/5/2022
Check out where and when to download SplatNet 3!
Save Data Rewards and Benefits
Updated 10/3/2022
Check out the Rewards and Benefits from having a Splatoon 2 Save Data!
Will There Be DLC?
Updated 9/26/2022
Check out the possible DLCs coming to Splatoon 3!
Nintendo Server Maintenance
Updated 9/16/2022
See if Splatoon 3 is currently undergoing server maintenance and when Nintendo will get them back up!
Splatfest Results
Updated 9/26/2022
The most recent Splatfest has just finished and results are already in! Read on to learn who won the Splatfest.
Is Splatoon 3 the Last Game?
Updated 10/10/2022
Read our thoughts as to why Splatoon 3 is unlikely to be the last Splatoon game.
Splatoon 3 Sweepstakes Rewards?
Updated 10/10/2022
Read on to learn more about the My Nintendo Sweepstakes and the prizes you could get!
Local Multiplayer Guide | Can You Play Couch Co-op or Split Screen?
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