Splatoon 3 Game Modes: All PvP and Other Modes Explained

Splatoon 3 has a variety of game modes, whether PvP, single player or co-op, there is something for every player. But if you’re new to the series, or just bought the game and haven’t played much, you might want to know about them. Because understanding how these modes work can help you win matches easily. So without further ado, let’s quickly check out all the game modes in Splatoon 3.

All game modes in Splatoon 3

• PvP modes
  • Table lawn battles
  • Tricolor Turf War
  • Territory war
  • Anarchist battles
• Single player or co-op modes
  • Story mode
  • salmon run
  • Test range

Let’s check them all:

All PvP modes in Splatoon 3

• Casual Modes: This lists all casual modes that will not affect your rank.
  • Turf Battles: This is a new game mode introduced in Splatoon 3. Tableturf is a 1v1 battle where both players have 12 turns to paint the turf with their color. But unlike your usual Splatoon gameplay, it’s more like playing a strategic version of Tetris.
  • Tricolor Turf War: This is another new mode in the series. Unlike your usual 4v4 turf battle. Three teams this time. A team of 4 players takes control of the center of the map. While the other two teams consist of 2 players each. The goal is to cover as much territory as possible by gaining control of the beacon. I suggest you check out our dedicated guide on what tricolor battles are for a detailed explanation.
  • Turf War: Classic gameplay that has been around since the first Splatoon. It’s a 4v4 mode where the goal is to paint the turf the color of your team’s ink.
• Ranked Mode/Anarchy Battles: These battles affect your rank and are much more intense than the modes above. All the modes described below are related to anarchic battles.
  • Clam Blitz: In this mode, the goal is to pick up and collect the Clams scattered throughout the scene and place them on the goalpost next to the enemy base. After collecting 10 clams, you will turn them into powerful clams. You can use this power clam to destroy barriers near enemy gates.
  • Turret Control: Turret control is very similar to Payload in Overwatch. There is a tower in the center of the map. The player who reaches the tower first gains control and pushes the tower towards the enemy base. The goal of the opponents is to regain control of the tower and push it back. The match ends when one team leads the tower to the other end. Or depending on which team manages to advance the tower further before time runs out.
  • Rainmaker: Rainmaker and Tower Control are very similar. Instead of a tower, one player on either team takes control of the Rainmaker. The objective here is also very similar as you need to get to the enemy base with the Rain Maker. What has changed in this mode compared to Splatoon 2 is the presence of checkpoints.
  • Splat Zones: In this mode, players must capture zones and hold them until the meter goes down. This is a 4v4 mode where you can capture an area with 70% ink coverage.

Single player or co-op modes

• Story Mode: This is the story mode of the game called Return of the Mammals.
• Salmon Run: This is a co-op mode where you can team up and play with up to 4 players. The goal is to carry the golden eggs to or into the basket. You must complete this objective in different waves and complete the wave quota before the timer expires. There are many bosses waiting for you in this mode.
• Proving Ground: This is not really a mode, but rather a shooting range where you can train or practice shooting. This is perfect if you want to try out new weapons and gear.

This guide covers all PvP and other game modes in Splatoon 3.