Salmon Run in Splatoon serves as an engaging cooperative horde mode that challenges players to work together to fend off waves of Salmonid enemies. The mode is designed for four players and features distinct mechanics that ensure an exciting and tactical gameplay experience.

Structure of Salmon Run

1. Three Waves Per Run: Players must navigate through three waves, each more challenging than the last. The number of Salmonids increases, and new, tougher boss Salmonids emerge, requiring strategic coordination among players.

2. Objective: The primary goal is to collect Golden Eggs, which are dropped by defeated bosses. Teams must deposit these eggs into a central basket to meet a specific quota before the time runs out. Fulfilling the quota allows the team to advance to the next wave, enhancing the sense of urgency as they work against the clock.

3. Player Roles and Weapons: Each player is assigned a unique weapon from a predefined rotation, which may vary with each run. This specialization encourages players to adopt roles within the team—whether it’s providing cover fire, supporting with specials, or focusing on egg collection. Notably, players can only carry one Golden Egg at a time, necessitating collaboration when delivering eggs to maximize efficiency.

4. Revival Mechanics: Teamwork is crucial in Salmon Run, particularly in the revival mechanics. If a player is splatted, they float on a ring and can only be revived by teammates, who must allocate time and ink to rescue them. If all players are splatted simultaneously, the run fails, creating a tense atmosphere that emphasizes the need for teamwork.

5. Environmental Variation: The gameplay experience is further enriched by environmental changes across different waves. The tide levels can alter the map’s accessible areas, leading to diverse strategies and altering how players interact with the Salmonids, keeping each run fresh and dynamic.

6. Special Waves and Events: Occasionally, Salmon Run introduces special waves, such as the Xtrawave, shifting the focus from egg collection to defeating a massive King Salmonid boss within a specific timeframe. Players must adapt their strategies to utilize egg cannons effectively while under pressure, adding an extra layer of challenge.

7. Time and Pressure: As the clock winds down, players receive notifications at 30 and 10 seconds left, ramping up the urgency and prompting quick decision-making. This feature intensifies the gameplay, heightening the stakes as players scramble to meet their objectives.

Conclusion

Overall, Salmon Run seamlessly blends traditional horde mode elements with innovative mechanics such as egg collection, revival strategies, and engaging environmental factors. By emphasizing cooperation and tactical combat, it offers players a rich experience that capitalizes on teamwork and the thrill of combat against uniquely themed aquatic adversaries. Each run offers different challenges and demands adaptability, ensuring that players remain engaged and invested in mastering the intricacies of this beloved game mode.