Turf War has always been the most iconic mode in theSplatoonseries, but that may have changed with some major revamps made inSplatoon 3. The core concept of two teams facing off to try and ink the most turf before time runs out has been at the heart ofSplatoon’s identity since the first entry was announced with a reveal trailer at E3 back in 2014. However, with a greater emphasis placed on Salmon Run inSplatoon 3, this PvE mode may have claimed Turf War’s spot as the quintessentialSplatoongame mode.
Each entry in theSplatoonseries has added to the variety of modes available to players. The first game established Turf War as the primary mode, with Ranked Battles and a single-player campaign being secondary additions.Splatoon 2was the first to featureSalmon Runalongside these other modes returning fromSplatoon 1, but it wasSplatoon 3that really upped the ante by not only introducing Anarchy Battles to its ranked mode, but by giving Salmon Run a makeover in the form of Salmon Run Next Wave. This rework has propelled the mode to the top of conversations aroundSplatoon 3.
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Splatoon 3’s Salmon Run Love Shows that it’s Now the Primary Game Mode
Salmon Run has seen some big changes fromSplatoon 2toSplatoon 3, beyond just new maps and weapons. One of the biggest additions inSplatoon 3is the Xtrawave and the introduction of King Salmonids, massive bosses that take much more teamwork to take down than the usual Boss Salmonids.These super bosses are a great way for players to challenge their skills and team coordination as these bosses can be tough, but offer unique rewards not available elsewhere in the game. New King Salmonids like the recently-addedHorrorboroskeep the game mode fresh and their additions act as a kind of mini event for players to enjoy upon release.
Splatoon 3features plenty of other events for Salmon Run as well, with some that even rival the likes of Splatfests for Turf War. Big Run events give players the chance to defend their home turf from Salmonids by taking on the creatures on Turf War maps in a chilling, horror-esque portrayal of events surrounding the invasion. The upcomingEggstra Workevent adds even more variety to Salmon Run by allowing players the chance to tackle 5 waves instead of the usual 3 in order to earn special bonus rewards.
In addition to the updates Salmon Run itself has gotten inSplatoon 3, the lore surrounding the mode has also made its way into the game’s single-player campaign. The Return of the Mammalians paintsMr. Grizzin a new light, elevating him to true villain status as the primary antagonist of the campaign. Giving him such an important role in the game’s story and overarching series lore demonstrates just how much Salmon Run has become a core component of the series, and it holds a lot of potential to influence the lore of future entries.
While Turf War still gets a lot of attention in the form of new maps and consistent Splatfests, it’s clear that Salmon Run rivals its status as the definitiveSplatoon 3game mode. Discussions surrounding all of its new events likeBig Run, Eggstra Work, and the addition of Horrorboros has dominated discussions within the community, and excitement for the mode is greater than ever before. With all the potential Salmon Run has as a co-op PvE mode, it’s very likely that it will continue to be expanded upon in future entries in theSplatoonseries.
