Salmon Run is one of the most popular cooperative modes in Splatoon 3, but it’s not available right away when you start the game. You’ll need to reach a certain point in the multiplayer mode first before you can team up with friends or random players to take on hordes of aggressive Salmonid fish.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about unlocking access to Salmon Run and how to actually play matches once you’ve gained entry
Reaching Multiplayer Level 4 is Required
In order to play Salmon Run, you must first reach level 4 in the multiplayer. This requires playing online Turf War battles and earning experience points.
Don’t worry – level 4 doesn’t take too long to reach. Just play regularly, focusing on inking turf and winning matches, and you’ll hit the threshold after 5-10 games or so.
Once you see that you’ve reached multiplayer level 4 you can head over to Grizzco and check out Salmon Run.
Where to Find Grizzco in Splatsville
Grizzco is located on the upper right side of the main square of Splatsville Look for the large neon Grizzco sign – you can’t miss it
Interact with the bear statue outside the entrance and you’ll meet Mr. Grizz, the owner of Grizzco and coordinator of the Salmon Run operation.
After a brief introduction, he’ll let you inside to try out your first training round.
Completing Training with Mr. Grizz
The first time you enter Grizzco, Mr. Grizz will take you through a training session to explain the basics of Salmon Run and get you accustomed to the mode.
Pay close attention during training – Mr. Grizz will teach you:
- How to defeat Salmonids and collect Power Eggs
- What weapons and specials you’ll have access to
- How to deposit Power Eggs in the basket to meet quotas
- How the waves and increasing difficulties work
Once you complete the training, you’ll be free to play real matches by interacting with the Grizzco machine inside.
Starting a Salmon Run Match
After finishing the training session, starting a Salmon Run is simple:
- Walk up to the machine inside Grizzco and interact with it.
- Select “Freelance” to play with randomly matched teammates. Or create/join a friend’s room.
- Choose “Start” to begin matchmaking and start the run.
You’ll join a lobby while waiting for other players. Make sure you have a stable internet connection or Salmon Run may not start.
Once 4 players have joined, you’ll automatically be taken to the first wave’s battlefield.
How Salmon Run Matches Work
Salmon Run matches consist of 3 waves by default. Each wave has a rising Power Egg quota that your team needs to meet.
Work together to defeat Salmonids, collect their dropped Golden Eggs, and deposit them in the central egg basket. Fill the quota before time runs out to clear the wave.
If your team fills the quota very fast, you may trigger a bonus 4th wave with an even higher egg goal.
Between waves, you can open gushers to find random supplies and gear. After the final wave, your rewards will be tallied based on your personal score and your team’s performance.
Tips for Success in Salmon Run
Here are some tips to help you consistently clear waves and earn better rewards:
- Stick together – lone players are more vulnerable. Support teammates in combat.
- Focus on lesser Salmonids before targeting tougher ones like Steelheads.
- Collect and deposit a few eggs at a time, don’t get greedy.
- Use your specials often to clear crowds of Salmonids.
- Revive downed teammates when safe to maintain your squad strength.
With some practice, you’ll be splatting Salmonids and hitting quotas with ease. Just remember to work as a team, play the objective smartly, and have fun!
When You Can Play Salmon Run Matches
One final thing to note – Salmon Run is not available at all times like regular multiplayer.
Instead, Grizzco and Salmon Run are only open during certain schedules, which rotate every 12 hours or so. Make sure to check the Grizzco sign to see the hours of operation before heading in.
Ideally, form a dedicated squad with friends so you can coordinate playtimes and grind for rare rewards and gear. With some effort, your crew can climb to the top Salmon Run ranks!
Big Run
Big Runs are a special event where Salmonids invade the city, causing a multiplayer stage to become a temporary Salmon Run stage. Players can then fight against the invading Salmonids and collect their Golden Eggs on the reworked stage. Big Runs share similarities to Splatfests, as they are announced one week in advance, last for 48 hours, and feature final results with rewards for participating players.
Fish scales
Damaging the King Salmonid during an Xtrawave rewards the player with fish scales, a precious resource that has three types: bronze, silver, gold; the less common varieties of which are associated with higher hazard levels.[7] Fish scales can be exchanged for Splashtag banners, locker room items, and Grizzco-approved alternate work outfits.[7]
The Xtrawave grants the player scales ranging from 2 to 13; two for entering the Xtrawave, one for every 12.5% damage the team dealt to the King Salmonid (a maximum of eight for a victory), and one for every ten seconds remaining on the clock when the King Salmonid is defeated (a maximum three for 30 seconds or more left).[8]
Getting silver and gold scales is random, with the chance percentage correlates to the hazard level using the formula 5 + 15/333 * H for silver and 3/333 * H for gold, where H stands for hazard level percentage. At max hazard level (333%), there is a 20% chance per scale to be silver, and a 3% chance per scale to be gold.[8][9] The list below shows some calculated examples.
| Hazard level | Silver fish scale | Gold fish scale | Team average rank for that hazard level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | 5% | 0% | Apprentice 0/99 |
| 20% | 5.9009% | 0.1802% | Part-timer 0/99 |
| 111% | 10% | 1% | Profreshional +1 55/99 |
| 130% | 10.8559% | 1.1712% | Profreshional +2 50/99 |
| 168% | 12.5676% | 1.5135% | Eggsecutive VP 40 |
| 200% | 14.0090% | 1.8018% | Eggsecutive VP 200 |
| 222% | 15% | 2% | Eggsecutive VP 310 |
| 333% (max.) | 20% | 3% | Eggsecutive VP 865+ |
Since Version 9.0.0 (Splatoon 3), it is guaranteed to get a minimum of 3 silver fish scales and 1 gold fish scale from the rewards meter per rotation, at 500 Grizzco points and 1100 Grizzco points respectively.
33 Salmon Run Tips You MUST Know
FAQ
What level do you have to be to play Salmon Run in Splatoon 3?
It can be played via local multiplayer (local wireless or LAN) at the Shoal, or online at Grizzco Industries during certain time slots. The online version requires the player to be at least Level 4 to be able to play.
Is Salmon Run in Splatoon 3?
Salmon Run Next Wave, also known simply as Salmon Run, is a co-op multiplayer mode in Splatoon 3 for up to four players. It is the sequel to Salmon Run in Splatoon 2 and was revealed on 9 February 2022 during a Nintendo Direct.
Where can I find Salmon Run?
- Ganaraska River at the dam in Port Hope.
- Duffins Creek at the Lamprey Barrier in the lower river.
- Humber River at Etienne Brulé Park.
- Credit River at Erindale Park.
- Bronte Creek.
- Beaver River at the Dam in Thornbury.
How does salmon run work in Splatoon 3?
Salmon Run rewards players after accumulating 100 points by playing Freelance Jobs in Splatoon 3. Read on to learn more about the featured gear, capsules, and other exclusive Grizzco rewards you can earn, as well as how to claim rewards and an efficient way to earn as many rewards per day.
How do you unlock salmon run in Splatoon 3?
In order to unlock Salmon Run in Splatoon 3, players will need to reach Level 4 in multiplayer. This could either take a few matches or many, depending on how many you win and how many you lose. While you are leveling up in multiplayer, you will also be able to purchase new weapons from Ammo Knights, provided you have the Sheldon Tickets.
How many fish scales can you get in Splatoon 3?
Since Version 9.0.0 (Splatoon 3), it is guaranteed to get a minimum of 3 silver fish scales and 1 gold fish scale from the rewards meter per rotation, at 500 Grizzco points and 1100 Grizzco points respectively. Big Runs are a special event where Salmonids invade the city, causing a multiplayer stage to become a temporary Salmon Run stage.
Is salmon run available 24/7 in Splatoon 3?
Rather, we’re confirming that Salmon Run is available 24/7 in the Splatoon 3 game! That means you can work nonstop to climb the corporate salmon ladder – maybe all the way to Eggsecutive VP! Now, at the end of the day, it’s all about that paycheck. And we think Salmon Run workers are handsomely rewarded!
Is salmon run a co-op mode in Splatoon 2?
For this mode’s first iteration in Splatoon 2, see Salmon Run. Salmon Run Next Wave, also known simply as Salmon Run, is a co-op multiplayer mode in Splatoon 3 for up to four players. It is the sequel to Salmon Run in Splatoon 2 and was revealed on 9 February 2022 during a Nintendo Direct.
Is salmon run a sequel to Splatoon 2?
It is the sequel to Salmon Run in Splatoon 2 and was revealed on 9 February 2022 during a Nintendo Direct. Like in Splatoon 2, each Salmon Run shift consists of three waves; to complete each wave, players must collect Golden Eggs by defeating Boss Salmonids and depositing them at the egg basket to reach a given quota.