![Splatoon 3: Back to S-rank via Splat Zones [13(4)-7, Carbon Roller Deco] @TigerEars](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lep3_IYqL3g/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
That little crown isn't entirely representative of my prowess. I've been working my way up the ranks since the start of the season, and am in a rank-up battle. I won't see a silver crown again for a while. But in the battle, I get lucky and miss a Dolphin zipping in to our Splat Zone, but then get a little unlucky when giving chase. I get some glancing hits, but nothing enough for a splat, while getting deeper in to blue turf. Of course, I'm splatted. I take the central route back, ignoring the Splat Zones for the moment, and attract some attention. I turn to face it and miss my flicks again, but at least manage to run away this time. I counter a Dolphin with a Trizooka, getting one lucky splat on the final shot, before heading up the centre to splat the Tri-stringer from behind.
I fluff an ambush on the E-litre 4K and get caught by the N-ZAP '89, and return with some caution. I drop down behind a Dolphin and get an assist, before hiding from a distant Kraken. I kinda sneak to the blue turf and chase the Tri-stringer, managing to squish them nicely, and stumble in to the Dapple Dualies. I use our ink to slink unnoticed and pause in a good spot, where the N-ZAP '89 drops nicely in to my lap. I move on, but don't get far before the Tri-stringer stops me.
Everything looks a bit blue on my return, but sticking to our turf seems okay. Heading across to the other side looks good too, once the Tri-stringer has been avoided. The E-litre 4K is ripe for an ambush, but maybe not a bad one. I stumble around, but nothing is going to help me. I try to be sneaky next, and I really don't know if the Tri-stringer sees me or just gets lucky. Either way, I need to start again. I avoid the centre this time, at least to start with, but we still have some ink there, so I head to the blue turf and try to ink the Splat Zone and give chase to an inkling, dunno which one. I don't catch them, but I put myself in just the right place to wait for the Kraken to revert back to inkling.
Heading down the middle finds the Dapple Dualies looking at a squidmate, and then everything's quiet for a bit. It's quite nice. My squidmates must be doing good things. But I push up after a while and find some action, if only it wasn't me getting between two blue inklings. At least we retake the lead, which we apparently lost at some point. I return with the N-ZAP '89 uncomfortable in our turf, but they move on, leaving a super-jumper in their place. I muck up that ambush, much like the others, which is embarrassing for wielding the Carbon Roller, but never mind, the Splat Zones are orange, even if a Kraken is at large. I run from them, straight in to a nice splat behind the Splat Zones, even if I miss another super-jumper landing. I give chase and splat them, and although I get splatted too, the victory, and my return to S rank, is complete. Woomy!
That little crown isn't entirely representative of my prowess. I've been working my way up the ranks since the start of the season, and am in a rank-up battle. I won't see a silver crown again for a while. But in the battle, I get lucky and miss a Dolphin zipping in to our Splat Zone, but then get a little unlucky when giving chase. I get some glancing hits, but nothing enough for a splat, while getting deeper in to blue turf. Of course, I'm splatted. I take the central route back, ignoring the Splat Zones for the moment, and attract some attention. I turn to face it and miss my flicks again, but at least manage to run away this time. I counter a Dolphin with a Trizooka, getting one lucky splat on the final shot, before heading up the centre to splat the Tri-stringer from behind.
I fluff an ambush on the E-litre 4K and get caught by the N-ZAP '89, and return with some caution. I drop down behind a Dolphin and get an assist, before hiding from a distant Kraken. I kinda sneak to the blue turf and chase the Tri-stringer, managing to squish them nicely, and stumble in to the Dapple Dualies. I use our ink to slink unnoticed and pause in a good spot, where the N-ZAP '89 drops nicely in to my lap. I move on, but don't get far before the Tri-stringer stops me.
Everything looks a bit blue on my return, but sticking to our turf seems okay. Heading across to the other side looks good too, once the Tri-stringer has been avoided. The E-litre 4K is ripe for an ambush, but maybe not a bad one. I stumble around, but nothing is going to help me. I try to be sneaky next, and I really don't know if the Tri-stringer sees me or just gets lucky. Either way, I need to start again. I avoid the centre this time, at least to start with, but we still have some ink there, so I head to the blue turf and try to ink the Splat Zone and give chase to an inkling, dunno which one. I don't catch them, but I put myself in just the right place to wait for the Kraken to revert back to inkling.
Heading down the middle finds the Dapple Dualies looking at a squidmate, and then everything's quiet for a bit. It's quite nice. My squidmates must be doing good things. But I push up after a while and find some action, if only it wasn't me getting between two blue inklings. At least we retake the lead, which we apparently lost at some point. I return with the N-ZAP '89 uncomfortable in our turf, but they move on, leaving a super-jumper in their place. I muck up that ambush, much like the others, which is embarrassing for wielding the Carbon Roller, but never mind, the Splat Zones are orange, even if a Kraken is at large. I run from them, straight in to a nice splat behind the Splat Zones, even if I miss another super-jumper landing. I give chase and splat them, and although I get splatted too, the victory, and my return to S rank, is complete. Woomy!
![Splatoon 3: Back to S-rank via Splat Zones [13(4)-7, Carbon Roller Deco]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lep3_IYqL3g/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Back to S-rank via Splat Zones [13(4)-7, Carbon Roller Deco]
That little crown isnt entirely representative of my prowess. Ive been working my way up the ranks since the start of the season, and am in a rank-up battle. I wont see a silver crown again for a while. But in the battle, I get lucky and miss a Dolphin zipping in to our Splat Zone, but then get a little unlucky when giving chase. I get some glancing hits, but nothing enough for a splat, while getting deeper in to blue turf. Of course, Im splatted. I take the central route back, ignoring the Splat Zones for the moment, and attract some attention. I turn to face it and miss my flicks again, but at least manage to run away this time. I counter a Dolphin with a Trizooka, getting one lucky splat on the final shot, before heading up the centre to splat the Tri-stringer from behind.
I fluff an ambush on the E-litre 4K and get caught by the N-ZAP 89, and return with some caution. I drop down behind a Dolphin and get an assist, before hiding from a distant Kraken. I kinda sneak to the blue turf and chase the Tri-stringer, managing to squish them nicely, and stumble in to the Dapple Dualies. I use our ink to slink unnoticed and pause in a good spot, where the N-ZAP 89 drops nicely in to my lap. I move on, but dont get far before the Tri-stringer stops me.
Everything looks a bit blue on my return, but sticking to our turf seems okay. Heading across to the other side looks good too, once the Tri-stringer has been avoided. The E-litre 4K is ripe for an ambush, but maybe not a bad one. I stumble around, but nothing is going to help me. I try to be sneaky next, and I really dont know if the Tri-stringer sees me or just gets lucky. Either way, I need to start again. I avoid the centre this time, at least to start with, but we still have some ink there, so I head to the blue turf and try to ink the Splat Zone and give chase to an inkling, dunno which one. I dont catch them, but I put myself in just the right place to wait for the Kraken to revert back to inkling.
Heading down the middle finds the Dapple Dualies looking at a squidmate, and then everythings quiet for a bit. Its quite nice. My squidmates must be doing good things. But I push up after a while and find some action, if only it wasnt me getting between two blue inklings. At least we retake the lead, which we apparently lost at some point. I return with the N-ZAP 89 uncomfortable in our turf, but they move on, leaving a super-jumper in their place. I muck up that ambush, much like the others, which is embarrassing for wielding the Carbon Roller, but never mind, the Splat Zones are orange, even if a Kraken is at large. I run from them, straight in to a nice splat behind the Splat Zones, even if I miss another super-jumper landing. I give chase and splat them, and although I get splatted too, the victory, and my return to S rank, is complete. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Small margins in Rainmaker [19(6)-6, Custom Splattershot Jr]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mxYBGj62pOg/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Small margins in Rainmaker [19(6)-6, Custom Splattershot Jr]
Im not sure what I can do to the Rainmaker shield without putting myself in danger, so I kinda hide. But behind me the purple Octobrush is trying to sneak an early splat, and gets it, thankfully getting splatted themselves without needing me to step in. I dont get on well with brushes. Meanwhile, the Rainmaker is free, but not entirely free, if you get my drift. I dont snag it and run away instead, losing it to the purple team, who somehow drag their heels long enough for me to splat them trying to dunk it on the checkpoint. I look forwards as the Rainmaker recovers, getting a lucky splat in the middle of the Museum, before running in circles having no idea where anyone is.
A squidmate grabbing the Rainmaker gives me an idea of which direction to look, at least. I start inking turf, and see an opportunity to get inside a purple Bubble, which makes the Blaster vulnerable. Another Bubble is raised, and someone is super-jumping in to it. I reposition myself and manage to catch the Octobrush landing. If I had known it was them, I would have stayed back. Im surprised not to be splatted by that. But Im on the column, so to help with progress I jump to the purple ledge, where I play with the Splash-o-matic for a bit. That ends when in trying to get away some ink falls on my bonce. So it goes.
A Torpedo points to someone on the central column, but my ambush attempt goes awry. Thats okay, as I pop up inside the Splattershot Jrs Bubble to splat them, then run in to the Blaster, before rushing the Rainmaker itself. I think Im on to a Wipeout, but the super-jumper isnt quick, and the Splash-o-matic picks me off easily. I think a super-jump back is safe, and it is, and we push for the checkpoint. A squidmate drops the Rainmaker early, but that opens up the opportunity to splat the Blaster, and then we just about have enough space to burst the Rainmaker free and hit the checkpoint before the Octobrush gets in the way.
We have the lead, and Im wondering if we can extend it. Not if my super-jumping target is splatted before I launch. I start to ink defensively, only for my squidmates to surprise me and dash the Rainmaker forwards a little, but we need to be defensive after that. The Octobrush launches themselves towards us, which isnt that wise even for them, and the Splattershot Jr comes our way a little obviously. Less obvious is the Inkstrike behind me. Meanwhile, the purple team jump the Rainmaker to our ledge, and struggle to get up the checkpoint. I chase the Octobrush, not hoping for much, as a squidmates Dolphin stops the purple team recovering the Rainmaker, which looks positive but doesnt stop me getting splatted by the Splash-o-matic.
At least a squidmate grabs the Rainmaker and moves it away from our checkpoint. The moment still feels defensive, so I hold the turf for a while, protecting our ramp, although not quite enough to stop the Rainmaker getting dunked. But thats as far as the purple team gets. We recover the Rainmaker, and I grab it. I get a lucky splat from one blast, but dont account for the Splattershot Jr being unsporting and hiding beneath the ledge. Still, the Rainmaker has to come back the long way. I start using my Torpedoes more to stop that happening again, and do well to splat the Splash-o-matic and retreat from the Octobrush, before moving up to support the Rainmaker.
I pass an inkling as I jump to the ledge, turning for a good splat, and drop down to stop our Rainmaker from being hassled by the Blaster, and move around to do the same to the Octobrush. My little flurry stops as a squidmate saves me from the Splash-o-matic. By then, time is pretty much up. Our Rainmaker is holding their turf, no purple inklings are near, so I whip out a Wave Breaker and we celebrate for the final second. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Splats come eventually in Splat Zones [11(7)-3, Custom Wellstring V]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/n96ACcI50Q8/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Splats come eventually in Splat Zones [11(7)-3, Custom Wellstring V]
I think Im doing well peppering the Splat Zones with ink and keeping safe, right until the Carbon Roller scares the ink out of me. At least theres a Beakon to save me a bit of time, not that I can catch the Carbon Roller beneath me. Do they super-jump out? I didnt see, so I stay on the ledge a bit longer, timing it just right to drop down in front of a Hammer. Then a Trizooka appears, but we survive both, and my squidmates get a full Wipeout, so were good. I help capture the Splat Zones, and push forwards quickly, to apply some of our own pressure.
I still cant hit the Carbon Roller, and they know what theyre doing by inking turf to get another Trizooka. I run away to safety, something one squidmate cant do, having been splatted, and give the Splat Zones some attention. I push the Bloblobber from the perch, or they just move, and help keep the Splat Zones inked for long enough to give us the lead. Nice! Some inky pressure comes our way, and I just about ride it out, more by luck than judgment, but a focus on the Splat Zones is definitely working, as were close to the knockout victory. Close, but not quite there. Two points away, and the green team get enough ink in the Splat Zones to stop us winning, and give us a hefty buffer. Still, our lead is strong.
I run away from a Hammer, and the Carbon Roller, and think I do a good job. But how long do Hammers normally last? Slightly longer than I expect, anyway. Were overrun, but only briefly, and my squidmates get some more splats, giving us access to the Splat Zones again, which turns them pink. I push up once more and pepper the ledges with shots, noticing the Carbon Roller coming from our right. I try to stop them, but a squidmates on them too, so I ink the Splat Zones instead, being rained on in green at the moment. The Carbon Roller survives, but doesnt come for me, which is good, so I tidy up a bit and get back to general inking.
The Carbon Roller does a circuit of the Splat Zones, getting some splats and capturing them, but avoids me. They needed to, as we were on the verge of winning again, but they avoid my shots too, despite getting a hit. I become a target soon enough, when their Trizooka comes out, but hiding works, a tactic I also use against the Hammer. But my place has been marked, the Carbon Roller seeking me out. I see them coming too, but am not sharp enough to stop them.
I super-jump back and help stop the green teams score, before getting a strong impression that the Carbon Roller is back on the flank. I send a shot their way, and, my goodness, what a good shot. I get a second splat seconds later, as the Splatana gets more desperate to ink the Splat Zones. With less than twenty seconds left in the battle, you can see why. A third splat follows, helped by our Octobrush, and then we just have to count down the final ten seconds until we secure a decent victory. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Being more effective when mobile in Salmon Run [45-34-35, 37/906]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nSFYtl4ld0s/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Being more effective when mobile in Salmon Run [45-34-35, 37/906]
I muck an egg throw early on, which is more embarrassing than a problem, unlike going back to pick it up again, which wastes a lot of time for little gain. But then Im a dervish of activity, bringing down a Lid, popping up to destroy a Flyfish bin, and splatting a Stinger. I make a meal of a Scrapper while dodging drizzle, which only continues, so I make sure to splat one of the Drizzlers when the opportunity presents. We then have loads of eggs to dump in to the basket, thanks to an Inkstrike, not that we can ignore the continuing influx of bosses. I splat another Scrapper, dunk some more eggs, and we get through the wave with a decent haul.
I lob blobs until I have no more ink as the second wave starts, but I recover enough to splat the Maws coming for me. Next are Flippers, which the Bloblobber doesnt cope well with, but a Drizzler is a fine target, as is a Lid. A Steelhead doesnt last long, and a Scrapper brought back to the basket coincides with a Snatcher bringing some eggs our way, which is nice. I think about going for the Stinger, but a Steelhead by the basket is too tempting, if only the Cohocks wouldnt get in the way. Im then mired in ink, from a Flipper, a Fish Finger, and a Flyfish, so I flee to relative safety before heading back to splat the Finger. I drop down to splat two Steel Eels and cram some last-second eggs in to the basket, to see us nicely in to the final wave.
I finish with the H-3 Nozzlenose, and in fog, at low tide. More walls to ink! And a Stinger to splat, next to a Steelhead, as a Big Shot waddles on to shore. This calls for a B-bomb. That clears the turf nicely, and I start shooting eggs back to the basket. Another Big Shot appears, along with two Maws, which is a bit of trouble, but the Big Shot cant be left alone. I use my second B-bomb, which incidentally splats a Stinger. Sorry, Stinger. I know what its like to walk in to a B-bomb by accident. There are lots of eggs to be shot, but also lots of salmonids coming my way, so I leave them and head back, hoping Snatches will help us out. Sadly, another Big Shot appears, but theres not much I can do about that, not with a Flyfish and Stinger in front of me. I splat them and head back, running in to a Flipper that I really hope flops on landing, but doesnt. Never mind, Im revived, splat a Scrapper and the Flipper, and revive a squidmate by the Big Shot. Now to dunk eggs, or I would if another Flipper didnt target me. At least we get enough eggs in the basket, and at least half of us stay unsplatted so we successfully complete the Run. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Leaving eggs on the turf in Salmon Run [47-37-55, 39/1028]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nZmDQ7RBUtA/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Leaving eggs on the turf in Salmon Run [47-37-55, 39/1028]
Oh yeah, Im inking all the walls! And that Stinger doesnt stand a chance, coming up alone. When the salmonids split their approaches, though, thats when we need to start paying attention. At least its high tide, making their options limited, and not even a Flyfish can appear too far distant. We do well to splat the Steelhead from the Lid, and the Lid, but I start to get flustered when I try to throw a Splat Bomb past a Flipper, and squid backwards in to a Scrapper. Its simple enough to recover, and I leave the Scrapper and new Steel Eel to the bottom dwellers, to instead scale a Fish Finger. Another one appears, so I shoot up that too, and drop down to splat a Stinger, Drizzler, and Scrapper in short order. Maybe I had some help. I finish of the Flyfish finally, and then we just need to dunk eggs. And probably keep splatting the Chum, judging by one splatting me. There are a couple more casualties before the end of the wave, but we have a good egg tally to show for it.
I have the Dynamo Roller for some normal-tide action, which is fine, unlike having to deal with Fish Fingers with it. Someone else can do that, as I squish Cohocks left and right. There doesnt seem too much to do for a bit, with too much being far away, but a Scrapper and Steel Eel wander up to the basket with friends, so I keep the Dynamo rolling, even if a second Steel Eel gets me all wrapped up. Then its back to dunking eggs, as our conscientious squidmates are keeping the Stingers quelled. Its a decent wave in the end.
The final wave has the tide come in again, and I get a Bloblobber. Thatll do. I fluke the first boss splat before trying to climb a Fish Finger and failing, and running out of ink. I try to make up for that with an audacious Splat Bomb throw on a Flyfish, which misses, getting me splatted at the pointy end of a Steel Eel. Im revived, help splat a Flipper, and realise I still have a couple of Special weapons, as two Steel Eels wind their way around. A squidmate has the same thought, pulling out an Inkjet, and we both fight over a Flyfish. Its probably splatted, I dunno, Im helping with the other side, where a Lid splats a Steelhead, and I drop two Stingers quick smart. We have eggs galore, but still the bosses come, so I use my second B-bomb to clear the turf, and then we really are just dunking eggs as quickly as we can. We do pretty well, clearing the half-ton nicely for the wave, and pulling in a good total for Mr Grizz. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Clearing the way for the Rainmaker [6-2, Carbon Roller Deco]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nsZGkXwqwa8/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Clearing the way for the Rainmaker [6-2, Carbon Roller Deco]
We burst the Rainmaker free but dont really get anywhere with it. I run away like the coward I am, and help our splatted squidmate super-jump back in to cover, before hiding a bit more. Then I pounce! I splat the Rainmaker, which is good and means that my own splatting moments later isnt so bad. Or it wouldnt, if the orange team didnt simply recover the Rainmaker and steal our lead. Not by much though. Im confident we can recover this.
I deal with the menace of a Curling Bomb, and once happy it is well and truly not posing any more threat, move on. I get a tasty beverage and, nicely refreshed, grab the Rainmaker. My squidmates get a splat to make the corner safe, and I push forwards, pulling back to get a lucky couple of splats myself. That clears the way to the checkpoint. Nice!
I dunk and push forwards. Maybe a bit too forwards. I am a distraction but little else. The Rainmaker keeps going, safely ensconced in a corner I can super-jump to. I get one splat, as the Splattershot drops down to assault our Rainmaker, and push forwards looking for more. I miss the Splat Roller but catch the Tri-stringer with a solid hit, as the Rainmaker comes my way. In splatting the Splat Roller I also manage to put myself in-between them and the Rainmaker, and that leaves the way to the podium clear for the dunk, and a sweet victory. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Glowflies lead to Joe in Salmon Run [37-42-51-xs, 42/1567]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ntbyJX6ryto/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Glowflies lead to Joe in Salmon Run [37-42-51-xs, 42/1567]
Thats a classic Dualies move, near the start. Dodge-rolling in to water. Beautifully executed. Im revived and do well to stay away from the water for a while, helping splat bosses and dunking eggs instead. I use the power of the Dousers to splat a Drizzler quickly, dont dodge-roll on a Lid to fall off, and splat a very inky Flipper mid-air. I spot a Snatcher accidentally helping us out, bringing eggs to the basket, but then get carried away and try to splat another Flipper mid-air, only this one isnt very inky. That gets me stuck in their ink patch, and struggling to get away. I manage it, thankfully, and complete the wave with a few more eggs. Easy peasy.
On to the second wave, and I have a Decavitator for some high-tide action. This will be fun, because the Decavitator is good at Chum control, and I try to mow down the salmonids as best I can, in-between Steel Eels. Literally in-between them, at one point. Everything goes swimmingly for a good while, which is nice, with general splatting of bosses and collecting of eggs. I find my attention caught by a Stinger waddling up to shore nearby, with half a Flyfish next to it, so I hang around to splat both of them, before grabbing an egg and looking to splat a Steel Eel. I think I do, but its head sticks around a little longer, and I am pinballed in to a school of salmonid, and spooned. Its okay, theres still time to be revived and dunk a few more eggs.
The final wave gives me a basic Splattershot, which is fine, and we get Glowflies, which is less fine but probably okay. We know what were doing. We position ourselves nicely, try not to shoot each other, and keep the eggs close to the basket. Everything is fine. Not only is everything fine, but we have most of our Special weapons left. We may as well use them, so out they come. There are a few splattings, but nothing serious, except right near the end when Im splatted, and we finish with a healthy ally of eggs. Nice!
Were not finished, though, because Joe is making an appearance. I have the Bamboozler for this, which is okay, and we start splatting bosses and hitting Joe. I use an early golden egg to splat a Drizzler quickly, because they can be a pain, before Joe targets me. I drag the big guy somewhere, before helping a straggling squidmate, and keeping the boss splats coming. I try to splat a Steel Eel with an egg, but my reactions are pretty poor and I just waste the egg. Still, there are lots more lying around, and although we cant see Joes red spot, we just hit the body for now. Joe appears on the other side of the Junction, which isnt great, but he targets me again, so rather than ping-pong everywhere I move across to keep things consistent. I think that helps my squidmates, and hopefully so does lobbing my extra B-bomb at the Stinger. I find myself dealing with the little guys again, but I get some good hits on Joe after that, and would continue if not for little Joe, or Maws. But its okay. Even with time running out, we have plenty left for that final, splatting blow. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Finding my calm in Salmon Run [44-35-35, 29/966]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nvmjuHXhg28/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Finding my calm in Salmon Run [44-35-35, 29/966]
Right, weve got our fourth squidmate back, lets do this. The walls arent being inked very well, which is disappointing, but were a quarter of the way to quota pretty quickly. I move on to splat the Stinger, my Luna Blaster ideal for the task, and just about avoid being brained by a Cohock and cohorts. I dont grab an egg on my way out, but I find plenty under a dropped Lid, and I take a couple back to the basket with me, along with a Maws. That gets us quota. Nice. More eggs come, thanks to a Steel Eel, but so also comes a Big Shot. Im tempted to ignore it, so close to the end of the wave, but as I can fire my carried egg with its cannon I go for the splat, and get it. A couple of fired eggs, and one more I personally launch, and we have a decent total for a straightforward wave.
.96 Gal time for the second wave. Early bosses are easy enough, and eggs are dunked. Our Inkbrush easily deals with a Fish Finger, which takes me too long to realise, so I settle for a Steel Eel. Dropping behind it seems like a good idea, but maybe not with rain falling. I just about get clear, and move on to trying a twofer with a Lid and Stinger. A squidmate makes things quicker, splatting the Lid, so I use some time taking eggs to the basket. Im nearly scrapped trying to splat a Lid from the turf, but luckily it was aiming for a squidmate so Im just booped. The pair of us deal with double Scrappers, and an incidental Drizzler, and I chew through some Chum to help keep the turf clear. That chews through my ink tank too, though, and I dont recover enough to throw my last egg. Still, we did well enough in the wave.
On to the final wave, and the fog rolls in as much as the tide. A Flyfish appears first, nice and easy, and the Stinger is early enough for my Dread Wringer to handle. I splat some Cohocks and help with a Drizzler, while a Flipper flops nearby. A squidmate needs reviving, and a Goldie wanders past the basket, maybe laden with golden eggs. I jump in to an Inkjet to extract five eggs from the Goldie, and nearly splat a Fish Finger, as I land just about safely. Flyfish missiles are causing me problems, though, and I suspect its true of my squidmates, so its a quick one-two with the Inkjets, where I actually manage to splat almost two whole Flyfish with the second. I like that. Were not quite at quota yet, but there are plenty of eggs, and I make half-a-dozen more easily enough. It would be nice if the Flyfish would stay away, but never mind, I dodge everything without too much fuss, and throw a Splat Bomb in to another bin. I dunk a couple of last-second eggs, and continue to stay out of trouble, to complete a Run where I wasnt splatted. I kinda find a zen enjoyment from this. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Beating Horrorboros in Salmon Run [41-27-33-xs, 20/1615]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oGgaiIVrDIY/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Beating Horrorboros in Salmon Run [41-27-33-xs, 20/1615]
Grillers! Easy peasy at Gone Fission Hydroplant, if you know what youre doing. I get myself in to position, call for the others, and start blasting. With the Luna Blaster, I can hit the Grillers well enough, but it is invaluable if I focus on the Smallfry. So I do that too. There are a couple of casualties, and one inkling out of position, but the wave goes pretty smoothly from my point-of-view.
I get the .52 Gal next for a standard wave. The only real problem to start with is a squidmate suggesting we drag the early bosses closer to the basket. Thats a fair point, but also they arent that far away, and at the higher levels its best to splat, dunk, and move on. Im happy with what were doing. As for moving on, I am tempted towards a Lid, but a Flyfish and Stinger are bigger threats. If only I could chew through the Cohocks quicker. I get there, and the Stinger is splatted. I make a bit of a mess of the Steelhead, but I manage to loose a Splat Bomb at the Flyfish before escaping. I loop back and revive a less lucky squidmate, before splatting two Drizzlers with missiles, and spotting another splatted squidmate. I head up a Fish Finger, splat it and a Lid, then help out with eggs that we still need. We get there. On to the final wave!
Its low tide, so down to the shore we go. I dont get my aim in against the Lid, despite a few attempts, so I splat a Flyfish instead. Eventually. A Drizzler disappointingly doesnt get hit by its missile, so I move back to the basket, reviving a squidmate, splatting a Maws, a Drizzler, and heading up a Fish Finger. A Lid is a better target up here than on the ground, and I have eggs to throw. I also splat a Drizzler long range, almost splat another Lid, and splat a Steelhead. If it werent for the Flyfish targeting me, Id stay up here longer. I use one Dolphin to splat a pink Drizzler, and a second to try to splat everything else, if only the Steelheads played along. Never mind, they dont last long, leaving eggs that we cant collect quickly enough. But weve done it, and I survived the whole Run. But can I survive a Boros?
I have the relatively puny Splattershot Nova for the extra wave. Im sure it will be fine, particularly if we mostly have to deal with Flippers, whose landing patches are easy to ink for the Nova. And maybe we kinda do. A Drizzler gets in the way, but one egg for three is a good trade, and the eggs we are getting are hitting Boros right in the mouth-bomb. Despite my staying out of trouble, a couple of squidmates arent as lucky. A Splat Bomb sorts them out, and I can get back to splatting Flippers. Not that I need to, as Boros is really weak, and I cant even get one more throw on it. Suck it, Boros. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Its the shots you miss in Splat Zones [15(3)-4, Splat Charger]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pCmcZvZtCRg/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Its the shots you miss in Splat Zones [15(3)-4, Splat Charger]
Im back with the Splat Charger, and wondering if maybe I should have picked it up again between A and S ranks. After my first dozen shots, Im thinking I ought to have done, but I manage to redeem myself a little by splatting the Splattershot chasing me across the Splat Zones. I get back to my little perch and accidentally find someone hiding on the wall, making me clean them up a bit. Another pinkling is around, and I cant help but think theyll be coming up the inside wall. And they do. I grab a drink, clean up more walls, and see another pinkling coming up one. A squidmate splats them, which is good, but I also hear inky sounds behind me. I run away, and head up a wall to see a Zipcaster I managed to avoid.
I whip out an Ink Vac to protect me from a pinkling in our Splat Zone, and they run far enough away that I have to aim the inksplosion elsewhere. It hits someone, which is good, but I find myself alone, so I run away too. I probably should have run backwards, and not to the pink Splat Zone, but those are just details. I risk a super-jump back to my ledge, and get quickly squished by the Flingza Roller, and so next take the slow way around the back, made slower by not being able to hit a wall. I pop up on the top of the back wall, miss a shot or two, but get a couple of splats, while also being a good super-jump beakon for my squidmates.
Weve lost the lead, but theres plenty of time left to regain it, and we at least stop the pinklings score for a bit. I miss some more shots, and dont even manage to grab a drink this time, before a Zipcaster splats me easily. That buffer we added to the pink score is helping us now. At least a Beakon has been planted neatly behind the back wall, making my return quicker, not that I can hit a stationary pinkling launching Tenta Missiles. How embarrassing. Almost as bad as squidding right in to a Splat Bomb.
I super-jump back to a Beakon, actually hit a pinkling this time, but not hard enough to splat them, and instead rely on my old friend the Splat Bomb. It does the trick. I then chase a pinkling around the Splat Zones with my laser sight, only managing to splat them when they are properly stuck in our ink, but they all count. And we are still struggling with the Splat Zones. An Ink Vac helps keep me safe, while stopping further onslaught, and bags me two more splats, which is nice. I run away from Tenta Missiles, go back to green Splat Zones, and sadly mis-time a Splat Bomb drop for a pinkling coming up a wall.
With thirty seconds to go, we have the Splat Zones, but a long way to go with them. My squidmates push ahead, doing well to suppress the pinklings, while I stick to the back. I think thats a good place for me. I also hear the Flingza Roller nearby. Theyre coming up the wall, and this time my Splat Bomb is perfectly timed. Theyre splatted, and the Splat Zones remain green. I even splat the Zipcaster in the other Splat Zone to help keep our score ticking over. It feels now or never, in the final ten seconds, and thats when my squidmates complete the pinkling Wipeout. Nice! I think its worth a little dance, as we dont need to do much more to secure the victory. But we do need to do a little bit more, and missing the shot on the Splattershot Jr before they can pop a Bubble is unfortunate, particularly as we only lose by a single point. Ah well, good battle, everyone.")
![Splatoon 3: Glowflies go smoothly in Salmon Run [41-39-36, 33/1324]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/phDRA1eMsRg/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Glowflies go smoothly in Salmon Run [41-39-36, 33/1324]
Still gotta ink the walls when its high tide. Its more important, in fact! They need to be inked in case you get booped off the turf and need to cling to the wall in desperation. But theres only so much you can do when water surrounds you, so Im soon splatting Maws and Scrappers before ignoring a Stinger to ink more walls. I fluff splatting a Steelhead, so clamber up a Fish Finger to avoid its headbomb before trying again. Then its an easy Flipper, some eggs, and focussing on a Drizzler or two, a silly Snatcher getting in the way of the second one. A dash across the turf to help with another Steelhead, finishing with a Drizzler and some last-second egg throwing, with a bit of showboating, being the only inkling up, and were heading to the second wave.
Im happier with an L-3 Nozzlenose in my hands, even with Glowflies. Everyone seems to know the drill, at least, with the only real problem being needing to find time and space to get eggs in to the basket. We suffer a couple of splattings, but the difficult wave is actually pretty well handled, and we sail through to the final wave.
The tide comes in again, leaving me less room to dodge-roll with the Dualie Squelchers, which will be interesting. I manage it nicely with the first Fish Finger, but the second has too many Chum wandering around. I leave it for a Stinger, and, as it turns out, another Fish Finger, both of which I splat comfortably. Im left with no ink for a Flyfish, though, so I splat just one bin before retreating. I get my timing a bit wrong to splat a Steelhead, and end up squidding up an empty Fish Finger for some short sanctuary. I see two squidmates huddling together in their rubber rings and drop down to help them out, before getting splatted myself by so many Flyfish missiles. Some Specials are being deployed and, when revived, I use mine too, only to land and recklessly dodge-roll backwards right in to more trouble. But its fine. We surpassed quota and completed the wave to finish a pretty decent Run. Woomy!")
