![Splatoon 3: Defence to attack in Tower Control [14(2)-6, Carbon Roller Deco] @TigerEars](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FLBtW93ZRMc/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded December 2024 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
That first splat is a gimme. They weren't even subtle. I don't go much farther, not without a decent coating of ink, so I start doing that. But when things look quiet, I move to the Tower and start riding. There's a pinkling ahead, so I jump off to splat them, only to run in to an Octobrush, and I rarely come off well against them. The pinklings turn the Tower around, beating the tiny lead I gave us, but we leap in to action. I actually leap over a pinkling, but it's okay, as I hit the bucket, and see other pinklings get splatted, before the .52 Gal splats me in the back.
Despite us looking to come out of the fracas on top, the pinklings recover the Tower and come our way again. I get a lucky splat as I push forwards to the Tower, but then just flick somewhat aimlessly and out of range, until I'm put out of my misery. I use my Ninja Squid to sneak up on the Tower next, which works well. I splat one inkling off the Tower, hit another by accident beneath it, and finally get a good hit on the .52 Gal just beyond. Sure, I am splatted in the process, by running straight towards them, but a triple splat is a good result, and it finishes a team Wipeout. Nice!
I head back with my squidmates looking to gain turf, ignoring (or missing) the bucket to the side in preference for the Splattershot ahead. A first flick is too slight, and I need a second to get the splat, at the expense of a splatting. It's not a great result, but we're extended our turf control and kept the pinklings at bay for a minute. The pinklings push back, but this time we get the splats, even if my own contribution is catching a super-jumper. But we're on the move, and helped by a Trizooka hitting the Splattershot on their ledge.
The way ahead looks clear, which could mean the pinklings are moving elsewhere. A look backwards sees the .52 Gal harassing my squidmate on the Tower, so I splat them, then push forwards again, splatting the unsuspecting Splattershot and the less-unsuspecting Octobrush who splats me back. It's okay, though, as we've taken the lead, and are still going. I super-jump back, my squidmates getting the splats making it safer. A squidmate is chasing the pink bucket away from the action, so I look ahead, and get forced off the ledge by the .52 Gal. By the time I get back on to the ledge, we've won, my squidmates having trundled the Tower safely all the way to the goal. Woomy!
That first splat is a gimme. They weren't even subtle. I don't go much farther, not without a decent coating of ink, so I start doing that. But when things look quiet, I move to the Tower and start riding. There's a pinkling ahead, so I jump off to splat them, only to run in to an Octobrush, and I rarely come off well against them. The pinklings turn the Tower around, beating the tiny lead I gave us, but we leap in to action. I actually leap over a pinkling, but it's okay, as I hit the bucket, and see other pinklings get splatted, before the .52 Gal splats me in the back.
Despite us looking to come out of the fracas on top, the pinklings recover the Tower and come our way again. I get a lucky splat as I push forwards to the Tower, but then just flick somewhat aimlessly and out of range, until I'm put out of my misery. I use my Ninja Squid to sneak up on the Tower next, which works well. I splat one inkling off the Tower, hit another by accident beneath it, and finally get a good hit on the .52 Gal just beyond. Sure, I am splatted in the process, by running straight towards them, but a triple splat is a good result, and it finishes a team Wipeout. Nice!
I head back with my squidmates looking to gain turf, ignoring (or missing) the bucket to the side in preference for the Splattershot ahead. A first flick is too slight, and I need a second to get the splat, at the expense of a splatting. It's not a great result, but we're extended our turf control and kept the pinklings at bay for a minute. The pinklings push back, but this time we get the splats, even if my own contribution is catching a super-jumper. But we're on the move, and helped by a Trizooka hitting the Splattershot on their ledge.
The way ahead looks clear, which could mean the pinklings are moving elsewhere. A look backwards sees the .52 Gal harassing my squidmate on the Tower, so I splat them, then push forwards again, splatting the unsuspecting Splattershot and the less-unsuspecting Octobrush who splats me back. It's okay, though, as we've taken the lead, and are still going. I super-jump back, my squidmates getting the splats making it safer. A squidmate is chasing the pink bucket away from the action, so I look ahead, and get forced off the ledge by the .52 Gal. By the time I get back on to the ledge, we've won, my squidmates having trundled the Tower safely all the way to the goal. Woomy!
![Splatoon 3: Defence to attack in Tower Control [14(2)-6, Carbon Roller Deco]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FLBtW93ZRMc/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Defence to attack in Tower Control [14(2)-6, Carbon Roller Deco]
That first splat is a gimme. They werent even subtle. I dont go much farther, not without a decent coating of ink, so I start doing that. But when things look quiet, I move to the Tower and start riding. Theres a pinkling ahead, so I jump off to splat them, only to run in to an Octobrush, and I rarely come off well against them. The pinklings turn the Tower around, beating the tiny lead I gave us, but we leap in to action. I actually leap over a pinkling, but its okay, as I hit the bucket, and see other pinklings get splatted, before the .52 Gal splats me in the back.
Despite us looking to come out of the fracas on top, the pinklings recover the Tower and come our way again. I get a lucky splat as I push forwards to the Tower, but then just flick somewhat aimlessly and out of range, until Im put out of my misery. I use my Ninja Squid to sneak up on the Tower next, which works well. I splat one inkling off the Tower, hit another by accident beneath it, and finally get a good hit on the .52 Gal just beyond. Sure, I am splatted in the process, by running straight towards them, but a triple splat is a good result, and it finishes a team Wipeout. Nice!
I head back with my squidmates looking to gain turf, ignoring (or missing) the bucket to the side in preference for the Splattershot ahead. A first flick is too slight, and I need a second to get the splat, at the expense of a splatting. Its not a great result, but were extended our turf control and kept the pinklings at bay for a minute. The pinklings push back, but this time we get the splats, even if my own contribution is catching a super-jumper. But were on the move, and helped by a Trizooka hitting the Splattershot on their ledge.
The way ahead looks clear, which could mean the pinklings are moving elsewhere. A look backwards sees the .52 Gal harassing my squidmate on the Tower, so I splat them, then push forwards again, splatting the unsuspecting Splattershot and the less-unsuspecting Octobrush who splats me back. Its okay, though, as weve taken the lead, and are still going. I super-jump back, my squidmates getting the splats making it safer. A squidmate is chasing the pink bucket away from the action, so I look ahead, and get forced off the ledge by the .52 Gal. By the time I get back on to the ledge, weve won, my squidmates having trundled the Tower safely all the way to the goal. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Pushing back in Tower Control [22(4)-6, Range Blaster]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FQQGTOysNMk/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Pushing back in Tower Control [22(4)-6, Range Blaster]
I dont seem to be alone in having my clever idea of using a blaster in Tower Control. Worse than that, I charged in to the middle to get picked off by the charger and achieve nothing! My squidmates dont seem to be doing any better to start, and the green team ride the Tower in to our turf. When I move up to threaten, I run in to an Ink Vac and am not only rendered harmless, but splatted to. This is not going well. The Tower keeps coming, the green team keep splatting us and turning turf green, but then a spot of luck! Despite whiffing my shots a couple of times, a third lands on the Dapple Dualies, and our bucket turns the Tower around. Flush with confidence, I push in to the sea of green and show the Rapid Blasters than Range is better, before the Splat Charger jumps right in front of a shot, so I dont have to aim. I finish off with the returning Dapple Dualies, who manage to splat me, but not before I complete the Wipeout. Nice!
The lack of green team looks to give us a bit of piece to ride the Tower, and maybe some momentum. My squidmates are happy pushing head-on, so Ill provide the flanking cover. I get a few more splats, but the Tower has reset, so we have to get that moving again. I leave that to my squidmates for the moment, and apply more flanking pressure, which apart from a brief stint on the Tower seems like the right idea for me. Still, I have to recover the Tower when I am the last of the team standing, but doing that from behind works well. Then I head back to the side, where the Splat Charger hasnt learnt the lesson that I can splat them from below if they stand on that grate.
I struggle for a moment to hop up a step, but never mind that. My squidmates get us the lead! Nice! I move around to get back on the Tower and try to keep the push going, as my squidmates go skirmishing instead. That works nicely, even if Im not paying enough attention to realise the splat I got makes a Wave Breaker redundant. Our lead is extending, and I am sneaking around a different flank. The poor Splat Charger feels my blast again, this time more directly, and a Rapid Blaster cant find me quickly enough. The other one can, though. My squidmates dont quite reach the goal either, so the push stalls.
We are on defence for a little bit, and more manoeuvring finds the Splat Charger from another angle, but the Dapple Dualies ride a Dolphin right through me. My squidmates turn things around again, and push the Tower forwards, as I provide some ranged support once more. The Splat Chargers had enough of my splatting them and has changed positions, which seems sensible, but Im still tempted by them. They are much safer, though, and I cant reach them, even if they can reach me. I just rely on some fancy footwork to stay safe on the Tower. I relinquish it to the Dapple Dualies, which they emphasis by splatting me, but with only a few seconds left in the battle, our victory is secure. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Nearly the two-ton Salmon Run [79-76-44, 66/636]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FRzMSfGfRR8/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Nearly the two-ton Salmon Run [79-76-44, 66/636]
High-tide hunt the Goldie! And with a Hydra Splatling! It may as well just be a challenge to see how many eggs we can get in the basket, particularly as my squidmates look like they know what theyre doing. Everything goes nice and smoothly, except on the Goldies final pass of the basket, and I think I get in the way of the Hydra Splatling, which is unfortunate. And one egg gets overthrown, missing the basket. Still, I doubt a single egg will make that much difference in the end, right?
As if 79 eggs werent enough, we have another high-tide special wave, this one Mothership. Its like splatting Chinooks in a barrel. Im also kinda glad I get the Octobrush now, rather than when it matters. Even so, Im not at my best, getting flustered at moments, not knowing if Im throwing an egg or running with it, but we still get another good tally of more than seventy eggs.
Its a normal wave to finish, and at normal tide. Its a little disappointing, but I have the Hydra Splatling to make up for it. Not that it looks like I know what Im doing for the first thirty seconds. But I catch up, even though I am throwing more Splat Bombs at Maws than shooting. Still, its good hectic fun, my squidmates doing an excellent job at keeping the longer-ranged bosses, like the Flyfish and Stingers, off our backs at the basket, and I do what I can with everything else. Its a good finish, if not exceptional, but the total, at 199, is perhaps the highest Ive ever achieved in a standard Salmon Run. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Sloshing for splats in Tower Control [21(3)-6, Tri-slosher]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FeyITFoTsjg/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Sloshing for splats in Tower Control [21(3)-6, Tri-slosher]
I dodge an unexpected Suction Bomb nicely, unlike a squidmate who gets hit by presumably the S-Blast. Im sure Ill be fine, but maybe I shouldnt run straight towards a Trizooka. I get the splat, somehow, only to be surprised by that S-Blast. The orange team gets the advantage and moves the Tower. I jink away from my squidmates, who have the same idea of taking cover, until a B-bomb passes, then its up on the ledge and over, surprising an inkling I see coming, and myself, for splatting a second I didnt see. I push in to the middle turf and back to the Tower, where my squidmates have taken control of it, and I help one out by sloshing where they are shooting, bagging another splat. Now were making progress.
An inkling runs past me, and straight to the Tower. Maybe not the best tactics, and they are splatted quickly, and I let my squidmates ride the Tower whilst watching for what I can do. We take the lead, which is nice, and I hop in to an Inkjet to provide aerial support. Not that I generally hit much when Im up there. I run away on landing, and see the Splat Roller trying to hide, and the S-Blast trying to get in to our turf. I eventually realise they are free to go there, as we are still pushing the Tower forwards. That stops, maybe from lack of support, and a B-bomb comes flying in from afar. I just keep my head down, then pounce from what is now the turf behind the Tower, splatting one inkling off the Tower, and two more besides.
I ride the Tower for a bit, until circumstances even hint at becoming threatening, and I slosh and run away. My squidmates take over, and with some reflection realise I could be more helpful. Back to the Tower! And just as a Trizooka takes aim. They hit a squidmate, then me, but not before I can slosh them back. At least our lead is strong. I return, keeping a low profile, and wait to see what the orange team will do. Throw a B-bomb and ride the Tower, right towards me. I like that, and bag myself three more splats before the S-Blast picks me out.
I keep a low profile on the way back again, this time trying to sneak an early ride on the Tower. That doesnt work out when an orange inkling gets there first, and I am running all around trying to slosh them from below. Helped by a B-bomb, the Tower is cleared, but Im being targeted by the S-Blast again, only this time I manage to get the ink on them. Nice! I clean up some mess, not realising the Splat Roller is right next to me, which I survive thanks to a squidmate. I hide again, waiting for the right moment to pop out, and miss that moment spectacularly.
The orange team get a Wipeout and start pushing the Tower. We have a good lead, but we shouldnt get complacent. I try some distraction techniques, and get one splat, but I really shouldnt run towards an S-Blast shooting at me. I try to take that advice to heart, but manage to still make myself a target when the blaster ends up being somewhere other than I thought they were. With thirty seconds to go, the orange team threaten our lead. Splatting the Tower clear almost helps, but not when I am at the centre of an orange B-bomb that splats me right back. Thankfully, my squidmates stop the Tower just before the lead is stolen from us, and I return to help keep the Tower clear so the orange team doesnt get a final opportunity. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Cooking in Clam Blitz [17(1)-7, Octo Shot Replica]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/G1FnKagxQaM/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Cooking in Clam Blitz [17(1)-7, Octo Shot Replica]
Im trying for more Sheldon tickets, so Ive pulled out the Octo Shot Replica for a bit. The Splat Bombs are nice, as is the Inkstrike, bagging me three early splats, even as I fail to avoid a Hammer. My plan to hit the flank is thwarted by a Tri-stringer paying the barest attention, which is a shame. My next attempt, which I mean to be a feint, works better, surprising the N-ZAP from the side, but being too surprised by the Inkbrush to splat them properly. I keep moving, following a squidmate down the side, who laments missing their power clam throw. Its okay, Im right behind them, breaking the orange barrier before getting smacked by another Hammer.
I grab some roof clams and try to surprise the orange team from the opposite flank, which nearly works, if not for the Inkbrush paying attention this time. At least I get away, and after avoiding a Killer Wail I switch to the other flank, where I end up chasing the Tri-stringer to my ultimate doom. The orange team are piling up their power clams. I suspect they are hoping their Inkbrush will get close to our basket. Or maybe they arent that organised. I stop one inkling with a Splat Bomb, and hide to recharge, but dont count on the Sploosh-o-matic to make a charge past me. I dont track them quickly enough, and succumb to their ink.
The orange threat seems lessened, and we have a power clam in the hands of an Inkbrush now. Sadly, our Inkbrush is caught heading around the back. I try to recover their power clam, splatting their attacker neatly, but it disintegrates moments before I get there. I keep going, hoping someone can super-jump to me, and I splat the Tri-stringer nicely, but get out of my depth with a Killer Wail and Inkbrush on me at the same time. And from up here I can see the Inkbrush running to our basket. I land at just the right time to stop them, for some quick karma.
I surge forwards, avoiding the Hammer for a change, and collect some clams, missing a couple for a power clam but making it to the orange basket. I splat the returning Inkbrush, which feels good, and call for assistance, but none comes. I throw out an Inkstrike, splat the Inkbrush a third time, sorry buddy, but the Sploosh-o-matic ends my time under the basket. My squidmates have stopped an attack, which is good, but our lead is slight. I look for clams, tussle with the Sploosh-o-matic, and splat them just as they whip out a Hammer, but as I get close to the Tri-stringer an orange inkling hits our basket.
I bide my time, trusting my squidmates, particularly with the Tri-stringer not near our basket. And although they aimed their Killer Wail at me, they seem to forget I am there, and my push forwards and turn-and-throw splats them nicely with a Splat Bomb. In the dying seconds, we have a power clam near the basket, which feels like a good time to use an Inkstrike. That inks some turf and provides some cover, and moving up gets me a clearing splat. A squidmate uses their Splashdown, recollects their power clam, and breaks the orange barrier just as overtime starts, to seal the victory. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Never entirely sure whats happening in Tower Control [19(6)-6, Range Blaster]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GBGg_Iov9Ns/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Never entirely sure whats happening in Tower Control [19(6)-6, Range Blaster]
My squidmates clear the central turf efficiently and are straight on to the Tower. I blast over the ledge, incase anyones there, then move up in support, only to find one of the Dualies aiming right at me. I super-jump back, as my squidmates are making it look like this will be a quick battle, dropping back as I see some ink behind us. It takes me three shots, but I splat the flanker, before moving back to the Tower. Green ink is flying in. I add to the mess with a Wave Breaker, as a couple of inklings scoot past the Tower. One is splatted by a squidmate, as I manage to hit the Splat Roller before their Bubble protects them. I think they splat me back too, even at that long range, but, no, I was hit from the side by the Bloblobber.
I take the slow route back, albeit lunging over the ledge, and lob a Suction Bomb across the other side. Maybe that forces the Dualies to drop down, maybe they were going to anyway, but either way it makes them a nice target. We lose the Tower, and without any vision beyond the wall, I dont risk rushing to get it moving again. I hide to the side, and spot the Bloblobber, who spots me. They come for me, which doesnt work out for them. The Splat Roller then has a go, but gets sidetracked by my squidmates, and becomes another target for me. I race away from some Dualies shooting at me, back to the Tower, where I hide again, this time from a Crab.
Once the Crab has gone, I pop up, getting a weirdly late splat on the Bloblobber trying to share the Tower with me, and just about weathering the Splat Dualies ahead, only to be splatted by the Splat Roller from the side. My squidmates keep the Tower moving, and I super-jump back to help. Or maybe just to run away. I get back on the Tower after a splat, and with my squidmates keeping the green team busy. That just leaves the Bloblobber aiming at me, with a super-jumper on their way. I take the prudent path of leaving a Suction Bomb and running away. A Wave Breaker lets me see where the green team is, and gives me confidence in getting back on the Tower. Even seeing the Dualies on the sponge doesnt seem too bad, as I can easily hit them. Or they can hit me first.
I return to be alone, but I dont temper my enthusiasm. I leap over the ledge and assault the Tower from both sides, bagging two more splats, and waiting to see where the other inklings are. Im not sure, but I cant stay still, so I poke my nose out, get in to the wrong position, and get splatted. At least I manage to throw out a revengeful Suction Bomb first. My squidmates get back on the Tower as I return, so I blast over the ledge opportunistically, and see the Splat Roller jump over. I miss them, and they hide. I dont get drawn in to an ambush, and wait to see them head back towards the advancing Tower. Now I spring, and get a glancing hit, before being waylaid by the Splat Dualies. I splat them, just about, and move up, the Tower close to the goal.
I throw out a Wave Breaker, move up to the Tower, and hop on. I drop a safety Suction Bomb, just as the Splat Dualies join me on the Tower. I wont hit them at this range, so dont try, which gets me splatted, but the Suction Bomb splats them, completing a Wipeout, and letting my squidmates trundle the Tower past the final checkpoint to the goal. They dont wait for me, but I dont mind. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Drawing level in Splat Zones [5(2)-6, Custom Wellstring V]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GqHjv_4ebq8/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Drawing level in Splat Zones [5(2)-6, Custom Wellstring V]
Still at the Dime, but with the Wellstring instead of bucket. My range means I fear no Point Sensor, but, as nearly always, a bit of confidence goes to my head, and pushing forwards only gives the other team the opportunity to complete their Wipeout. Were immediately pushed back deep in to our turf, but still a Point Sensor does not bother me. A Kraken does, and even though I do well to dodge it, and time its return to inkling form, it survives a decent peppering to splat me anyway. Im not happy.
I manage to get back to the Splat Zones just before we suffer an early loss, although squidmates have more to do with rescuing the battle, and I dont help by squidding through a Splat Bomb. I really could benefit from not doing that so often. I return with the Splat Zones still a deep red, which is nice, and I keep the ink flowing. I can ink the Splat Zones nice and efficiently, if nothing else. I also dodge a Splat Bomb, which is amazing, and hide from another Kraken, popping out from between Inkstrikes to throw a Wave Breaker and contest the Splat Zones again.
Sure enough, I can keep the Splat Zones inked nicely, and with my squidmates being more aggressive I can push to the middle turf to apply some pressure of my own, without getting in to any trouble. A Trizooka changes things, and I run away, as the teal team hunt me down, but not successfully. I hide from a Kraken, dodge an Inkstrike, and pop up to get a splat. Nice! But I cant jump a Wave Breaker, apparently. Throwing my own was poorly timed. At least it gives the Dualie Squelchers something to shoot, making them an excellent target for our own Trizooka.
The Splat Zones are captured again as I return, and were back to contesting them, the teal team throwing all theyve got at us. I get a good bead on the Range Blaster, but they chicken out when my shoots land near and turn in to a Kraken. I dodge them with undeserved confidence, and get back to inking the Splat Zones. They need our attention. When we are down to two inklings, though, and we are clumped in one corner, I feel one of us should move. Not me, with the range, but my squidmate isnt going anywhere. I pick the wrong corner, though, not helped by being hit by a Wave Breaker. I fear a Point Sensor when I am in range to be splatted.
I return to remember I have a Point Sensor myself! I should probably use at least one. But then I see how useful it is for my squidmates, and just keep tossing them. I could have done this sooner. Time is running out, but the Splat Zones stay red, and not even a Kraken can scare us away. We enter overtime, just a few points shy of a valorous victory, and I even get a splat as the Specials start flying. I ink over an Inkstrike, which stops our score and shifts it back one, to avoid the draw. We can win this, but instead of keeping the ink flowing I try to stop the teal ink, and act rashly in closing the distance to the Splattershot. If only I had kept my range and focussed on the Splat Zones.")
![Splatoon 3: Tough-fought battle in Clam Blitz [17(4)-5, Range Blaster]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Gv_98Qdn1XE/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Tough-fought battle in Clam Blitz [17(4)-5, Range Blaster]
Weve got two Painbrushes on our team. I think that means we win by default. But wait, the other team is Japanese! I dont know what to think now. I kinda want to hide. Instead, I bravely stick to my corner, until I think I spot a splat to be had, and run away quickly when I dont get it, using the scissor lift for cover. I head back down the side and get a nice splat, only to be hit with a Wave Breaker, demanding another retreat. I counter with my own Wave Breaker, with one blue inkling looking to shake its effects pretty quickly. I drop down to battle again, quickly needing to hide from an Inkzooka, one of two it seems, as I pop out to try to blast one only for another to start. There is additional pressure too, but they fall down, which helps even the numbers, and we splat each other.
I take a little short-cut back, finding some clams an squidding happily in a suspicious amount of orange ink. We seem to be doing okay. I wonder if we can press this advantage to score, as do my squidmates, but I still to the lower turf to cover our flank. One squidmate is splatted by a nearby Nautilus, for whom I get vengeance, but I miss where some shots come from an nearly get caught out. A bit of manoeuvring and I get a lucky splat as I run away. A blue Wave Breaker appears, so I head further back and get some height, dropping down to splat my opposite Range Blaster before dropping my own Wave Breaker.
More splats are happening, and I try to protect squidmates, at the same time as I jump over my own Wave Breakers waves, but I push my luck a little getting on their scissor lift. A missed blast spells a splatting. Gaining more confidence, I get right back in to the battle, if a little recklessly. Its cute that one inkling squids up to me to drop a Suction Bomb, rather than trying to shoot me. I dodge it, and another, and splat who I think is the culprit, the Nautilus before too long. I take a breath and push forwards again, squeezing past a Suction Bomb to get one splat, then two, and maybe creating an opportunity. I look to see what I can do close to the blue basket, and the answer is to get splatted in the face by a Trizooka.
No score yet! But now were low on numbers and the blue team are pushing with power clams. I stop one with a Suction Bomb, almost another with a blast, a squidmate stopping them, and then do very badly at close range with the Nautilus coming up the side. How I didnt get splatted I dont know, but a squidmate gets them first and we have a Wipeout. Is it time to score? Not without a power clam, and we dont make one quickly enough to get close to the basket before the whole blue team is back. But we have clams everywhere, and a blue team pushed back, it feels like only a matter of time.
The Nautilus tries to clear the turf, but I dodge their Splashdown and splat them on landing. Finding clams after that looks like our best opportunity so far to do something. I throw down a Wave Breaker, and pass my power clam on to a brave squidmate who breaks the deadlock. Nice! I try to follow, but merely flop. But were in the lead, with only thirty seconds left to battle. It feels like a time for defence, but my squidmates are getting splats nicely, and jumping in to see a friendly Wave Breaker highlight the Nautilus, I join in. Thats another Wipeout! My squidmates take full advantage and break the barrier again, following with more clams to increase our lead. I just run out of ink. But never mind, theres not much the blue team can do, and they run out of overtime before Ive barely returned. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Holding on as three in Splat Zones [16(2)-6, Tri-slosher]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GzJMiu_IPHk/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Holding on as three in Splat Zones [16(2)-6, Tri-slosher]
I keep to the lower turf to start, throwing Toxic Mist to help a squidmate before popping up to dance with the Flingza Roller. I just about splat them before they get a flick on target, before dropping back to splat the Splattershot Jr holding out in the middle. With them gone, the Splat Zones turn green, and we start our score ticking over. I recover some ink and watch the opposite bucket grab a drink and surge up the wall, in a way that is a little too obvious. I drop back and watch the Splat Zones, but want to do more, so hop in to an Inkjet to get some practice. I need it, because Im not very good still, and the Flingza Roller splats me a bit too easily.
I ink a route down the back only to realise I could have super-jumped to a squidmate, but never mind. I drop back, see my squidmates getting splatted, so duck through the middle to get behind the pinklings. This isnt missed by the Flingza Roller, who bars my way then gives chase. Getting over the wall helps me, and a bit of sloshing gets them off my case. Weve lost the lead in that time, but I capture one Splat Zone as my squidmates deal with the other, and Ive laid a good foundation of ink to use. I add some Toxic Mist, and hear the noise of someone getting caught in in. More sloshing, and another wall clinger is splatted, although they are avenged pretty quickly.
A super-jump lands safely, but feels threatening, so I run away, or maybe more forwards. Swinging back to the Splat Zones catches the unfortunate bucket as they land a super-jump, and the Wipeout makes it clear my squidmates are doing well. We capture the Splat Zones again, and although trying to track the pinklings below gets me caught from above, we retake the lead at the same time. Nice! Another super-jump lands safely, but getting back to the Splat Zones finds the Splattershot Jr inflating a Bubble, which is bad timing for me.
I super-jump to the top of the wall, or thereabouts, and focus on the Splat Zones for the moment. I catch the Tri-slosher surging up a wall again, which is nice, but pushing forwards bags me a splat in return for my own splatting. Thats not terrible, but as I wait to return I notice our Splattershot has gone. We have the lead, but the dynamics of the battle, and the risks we can take, undergo a rapid shift. I head back, wait for squidmates to super-jump, and pop up to clear some turf of a pinkling, and then head down the side for some quick sloshing. It doesnt really go to plan.
With less than thirty seconds to go, we need to hold our lead, which means capturing the Splat Zones. I risk a super-jump to the rear wall, and quickly drop down the side to try to flank the pinklings. They dont see me coming, and a bit of softening up by a squidmate bags me a double-splat with a single slosh, which also captures a Splat Zone. I turn back and sneak in to the Splattershot Jrs Bubble, taking their attention away from inking the Splat Zones, and maybe sneaking one last splat in before we manage to seal the victory. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Taking on the Triumvirate in the Grand Festival Big Run [67-58-65-xf, 46/2012]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HWecTMuhELM/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Taking on the Triumvirate in the Grand Festival Big Run [67-58-65-xf, 46/2012]
Its the Grand Festival Big Run! All-Grizzco weapons, and egg cannons to help with deliveries. I get a bucket to start, which is lovely but so bad at inking walls. At least I can show my value right at the start, splatting a Flyfish, and then show a Drizzler what its armour means to me. A stuffed Goldie is splatted right next to an accurate cannon, whose fireworks flare, but something needs to be done about the Drizzlers. The Stinger is being splatted, which is good, so I splat a Drizzler, to stop some rain, then see a Steelhead next to a Flyfish, just right for the bucket. A Stinger is brought down with a nicely pitched slosh, and a Fish Finger is easy, if you know the trick. More fireworks herald another splatted Goldie, and the last eggs are neatly dunked thanks to some efficient squidmates.
I keep the bucket for the second wave. We fight for the first boss, a Fish Finger, but a Steelhead and Flyfish are jobs for me. My squidmates stay on top of things, so I try not to waste ink and look instead for salmonids coming from elsewhere, which they do. I hop across an ink rail to splat a distant Stinger, although I miss grabbing the last egg, and return to splat a Steelhead before delivering some eggs. There are more bosses around, but also eggs to be collected, and as time is running out in the wave, I stick to grabbing eggs. We end the wave with another good tally.
The final wave has the tide come in, and I have a Brolly. Itll do. Generally, you dont want to go far form the basket, but with the egg cannons we have some leeway in splatting distant bosses. Even so, it would still be easier closer to the basket, so we encourage our squidmates to return, which they eventually do. Things get a little more hectic, but thats kinda the point, and we still have some Special weapons to use. The cannon near the basket is accurate too, so we can splat the bosses in a wider radius and still deliver them all. Which is what we end up doing. A couple of Splashdowns help too, and we get another good total of eggs for the wave.
But its not over, as the main act comes on to the stage! Its the Triumvirate. Im back with the bucket, which I dont think will be as much help, until two Flyfish immediately appear. Even so, its the bosses that we need to splat, and getting cornered isnt great. But I keep moving, trying to find space, aiming ink at bosses and kings, and throwing whatever eggs I can find at handy targets. We do well to splat Horrorboros, even if the other two are still looking healthy, but now we can focus on the ground targets. Or I can angle upwards and not see a mini-Joe, or Maws. With time running out, getting splatted twice in quick succession loses a chunk of ink. Maybe we could have splatted the Triumvirate with a bit more late focus, who knows. We still got a good way through all three, were rewarded nicely, and got a quite decent gold-standard egg tally. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Trouble with Smallfry in Salmon Run [38-28-42-xs, 23/1138]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/H_iP44XOtNs/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Trouble with Smallfry in Salmon Run [38-28-42-xs, 23/1138]
Smallfry aint a problem in the first wave. The E-litre 4K might be. Im not great with it, which should be obvious when I miss a Flipper flopping on the ground, oh my goodness. At least I hit the Steelhead, and dont get eaten by Maws, and I redeem my earlier mistake by splatting the next Flipper. Sure, it was at point blank range, but I still hit it. I hope my squidmates are dealing with the new Stingers, as Im not suited for them, and wait for the Flyfish instead. A Maws comes too, and I dodge to stay safe from the Stingers, only for a second Flyfish to splat me. So it goes. That one is splatted, or maybe its another new one, as theres one across the water. I head there and splat that too, not bothering to take an egg back, before missing a Drizzler, then stopping a Snatcher. The eggs get as confused as me, but I toss a couple up, hoping to boost our tally in the last few seconds.
On to the second wave, where we have Mudmouths. This is where Smallfry become a problem. The Mudmouths arent dangerous, but all the little spoony fellows they spew are. I do my best to keep them off me and our E-lite 4K, but I only have so much ink, and there are far more Smallfry. I call for help, as we need to keep the Smallfry population down before caring too much about eggs, but its still a struggle. I really think our Dread Wringer should be doing more about the Smallfry, as it can splat many of them with each slosh. But where are they? In the end, I succumb to the spoons, but thankfully we scrape through the wave.
Now I get the Dread Wringer. Never mind. Its low tide, and the first few bosses are straightforward enough, and although it starts to get busy its nothing we cant handle. A Flipper gets pretty inky, so I slosh to make sure it doesnt flop again, and I use a Lid to get to a Fish Finger, dropping down to finish splatting a Flyfish. I hear a Killer Wail activate, reminding me I have two Inkstrikes to use. With a Flyfish appearing, that feels like a good use for one, although I dont find a use for the second, a B-bomb flying in to a Steelhead, the lone boss for the moment. Thats okay, I just dunk a few more eggs, and we cruise to the end of the wave. But not the end of the Run.
In comes Horrorboros. Our E-litre 4K hits the mouth bomb first, as a couple of us splat the Scrapper and Steel Eel, and keep the Chum population down. I bring down a Lid too, and splat a Maws, giving us loads of eggs, and move on to start damaging Boros. Were doing well, inksploding consecutive mouth bombs, and a Dolphin zipping past reminds me again of my Inkstrike. Why not use it against the Steelhead, Steel Eel, and Boros? We get a load more eggs, and can just hit Boros indiscriminately. Not that I do, still aiming for the mouth, but the splat comes quickly, and we are nicely rewarded for our efforts. Woomy!")
![Splatoon 3: Dash to the podium in Rainmaker [8(2)-3, Range Blaster]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Hn-vg8yn7OY/mqdefault.jpg "Splatoon 3: Dash to the podium in Rainmaker [8(2)-3, Range Blaster]
I would like to say my jink helps my squidmates burst the Rainmaker free, by stopping a couple of yellow inklings from inking, but Im not sure. Weve got some good inkpower. Anyway, the Rainmaker is free, so lets move it. The way looks clear, then it doesnt, and when it looks clear again it really isnt.
I super-jump back to see a squidmate dash for the checkpoint. They dont make it, and the yellow team swarm. I hit one of the firmly in the head, which is nice, but a panic Suction Bomb, pooped when thinking I wasnt getting away, drains my tank to the point where I dont get away from the second inkling. So it goes.
Fearing the worst, I take a defensive route back, including a safety Suction Bomb on the podium. But neither are needed, as my squidmates have things under control. I try to add some pressure, which doesnt really work, and end up instead dodging Inkstrikes. And after failing to make an impact in the middle of the Pump Track, I at least manage to contribute to the next yellow counter-attack.
We have the numbers advantage, and turf. I sit back and cause some interference from the side, which kinda helps. The Rainmaker and three squidmates surging straight towards the podium arguably causes more tension for the yellow team. I should move around too, but only after I throw a Wave Breaker on the ledge and a Suction Bomb towards the dropped Rainmaker. That gets a lucky splat, which is nice.
Getting around the corners requires splatting an inkling, which I just about manage, and then my range and blast radius really helps out. I make another dash, getting closer to the podium but really not that close. Never mind, I super-jump back, as the Rainmaker gets closer still to the podium, and start applying proper Range Blaster pressure. The yellow team cant stop us bursting the Rainmaker free, and then its every inkling for themselves in the rush to dunk it. Maybe I dont pick it up, but Im there in spirit. Woomy!")
