Splatoon 3 has a variety of game modes, including different battle and match types, that you can play in both multiplayer and singleplayer. Read on to see a list of all game modes, their rules, number of players, and how to play them!

Turf War

Turf War is the game mode that is most associated with the Splatoon series. In this mode, two teams of four compete to ‟ink the most turf,” which means to to cover the most surface of the stage with ink before the time ends.

The number of times you are splatted and respawned does not matter, as long as your team covers the most ground.

Turf War Guide

Salmon Run Next Wave

Salmon Run is an co-op multiplayer mode in Splatoon where up to four players can work together to take on waves of fish-like enemies called Salmonids. There are also powerful Boss Salmonids to look out for, so be prepared when taking on this challenge.

To play Salmon Run, you first have to reach level 4 by playing a few Regular Battles. Once you reach that level, you can head to Grizzco to begin training.

Salmon Run Next Wave Guide

Hero Mode

Hero Mode, also known as Story Mode, is the single player campaign of Splatoon 3 entitled ‟Return of the Mammalians”. In this mode, you play as Agent 3, the newest recruit of the New Squidbeak Splatoon, as they set out on a mission to defeat the Octarian army.

The mode is entirely single player and cannot be played online. Several characters will be returning from previous Splatoon games, alongside some new enemies and bosses.

Hero Mode Walkthrough

Anarchy Battles (Ranked Battles)

Anarchy Battles replace what was previously known as Ranked Battles. However, you still compete against other players to increase your ranking in the current season. There are two types of Anarchy Battles to choose from.

Anarchy Battles and all other Ranked Modes are only unlocked after reaching level 10. However, if you have Splatoon 2 save data, you can unlock this immediately after one online match.

Anarchy Battles (Series)	・Solo Only ・Multibattle Mode ・Pay Rank Points to Play ・Higher Rank Point rewards
Anarchy Battle (Open)	・Solo or with Friends ・One Extreme Battle Mode ・Lower Rank Point Rewards

Anarchy Battles Guide

All Anarchy Battle Modes

There are four modes to choose from when playing Anarchy Battles. The rules and goal of each mode are different so it is best to familiarize yourself with each one to have a better chance at winning. The information below is based on Splatoon 2, but rules will likely remain the same in Splatoon 3.

Mode	Description
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.
Tower Control	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.

Splatfest Battles

Splatfests in Splatoon are events where players can pick teams and battle against members of the opposing team in Splatfest Battles. In the past, you were only allowed to pick between two teams, but in Splatoon 3, you can choose among three times during a Splatfest.

Splatfest Battles Guide

Tricolor Turf Wars

Tricolor Turf Wars are a new type of match that you can play during the second part of Splatfests in Splatoon 3. In this mode, players compete in a traditional round of Turf War, but instead of two teams, there are three.

It is also now a 4v2v2 match instead of the usual 4v4. One team defends the area while the other two flank them for control.

Tricolor Turf War Guide

Tableturf Battles

Table Turf Battle is a new 1v1 in-game tabletop card game that is a spin-off of Turf War. You can play Table Turf Battle in the Table Turf Battlle Dojo in Splatsville. Every player will be gifted an in-game Starter Deck, and there are over 150 cards to collect.

Tableturf Battle Guide

X Battle and League Battle

Comming Soon in a Free Update!

X Battle and League Battle are two competitive game modes that were present in some form back in Splatoon 2. Though they were not available at the launch of Splatoon 3, they are confirmed to be added in a later update.

All Free Update Contents and Release Dates

Splatoon 3 Related Guides

Splatoon 3 Wiki Front

All Categories
Latest News and Events	Main Weapons
Sub Weapons	Special Weapons
Gear Abilities	Tips and Tricks
Stages	Characters
Game Modes	Gear Brands
Hero Mode	Bosses
Salmon Run	Gear and Equipment
Updates and Patch Notes	Message Boards