Mode

Modes are gameplay configurations available to the player. The Splatoon series features both online and offline modes, accessible from Inkopolis Plaza (in ), Inkopolis Square (in ), or Splatsville (in ), with the majority of online modes being accessible from the Battle Lobby.

Level system
Online modes share a level system where Battle Points earned during matches add up to a new level. As the player's level gets higher, in-game characters will notice and will compliment the player on becoming more "fresh". As players level up, they unlock new weapons to purchase, new modes to play, etc. At Level 20, players can go to Spyke or Murch to add ability slots to gear or re-roll gear abilities for 30,000 Cash or one Super Sea Snail. Additionally, players can receive a new piece of gear or weapon from Judd every five levels starting at Level 25 in. The current maximum level is Level 625, as of version in, although in , the maximum level is 50.

Matchmaking
Matchmaking mode choices are available from the battle lobby menu. The matchmaking mode determines which stages a player can play on, which game modes can be played, and how opponents are chosen.

Mode Icon The Shoal.png Shoal
The Shoal is the local multiplayer option, available in Splatoon 2 and Splatoon 3. It allows players to play any battle mode or Salmon Run locally, using either wireless or LAN connections between Nintendo Switch consoles.

Story campaigns
Games in the Splatoon series include at least one single-player story mode with puzzle and platforming elements.


 * &mdash; Agent 3 fights the Octarians to get back the Great Zapfish.
 * &mdash; Agent 4 fights the Octarians to get back Callie and the Great Zapfish.
 * Octo Expansion (Splatoon 2 DLC) &mdash; Agent 8 escapes the Deepsea Metro.
 * &mdash; The current Agent 3 fights the apparently Fuzzy Ooze-infused Octarians.
 * Side Order (Splatoon 3 DLC) &mdash; An unnamed Octoling explores a bleached version of Inkopolis Square.

S Brand amiibo.png amiibo challenges
amiibo challenges are single-player missions that are only accessible through tapping in a Splatoon amiibo in the amiibo box, only available in Splatoon. The challenges have the player taking on levels in Octo Valley with a twist. Completing these challenges will net cash and exclusive rewards. In Splatoon 2, amiibo no longer provide challenges but instead allow the player to gain exclusive gear, save loadouts and take pictures with their amiibo.

S Icon Battle Dojo.png Battle Dojo
Battle Dojo is a local two-player mode only appearing in Splatoon, with one player using the Wii U GamePad and the other using a separate controller, such as the Wii U Pro Controller, and the TV screen. Both players must attempt to pop balloons to reach thirty points. If the timer runs out before one player has reached thirty points, whoever has the most wins. Getting splatted will subtract points, which will vary depending on what position the player splatted was in. In the last minute of the battle, every balloon popped is worth double the points.

Unreleased
There are two unreleased game modes in the files for. These were found with the use of datamining.


 * Rocket: A mode where a "Rocket" sits in the middle of the map and must be shot to launch it. The more powerful the shot, the further it goes.
 * Eight-Ball: A mode where there is an 8-ball in the center of the stage and the player must push it to the other team's goal. This concept was later used as a mechanic in some levels of the Octo Expansion.

Other
These are other miscellaneous minor modes in the game.


 * S Icon Arcade.png Arcade machine: A local single-player mode allowing players to play any of the retro squid mini-games they have unlocked outside of the battle lobbies. In Splatoon, only Squid Jump is unlocked by default. Squid Racer, Squidball, and Squid Beatz can be unlocked via amiibo Challenges. In Splatoon 2, only Squid Beatz 2 is available.
 * Recon: Single-player exploration of a stage, accessed from the Battle Lobby by pressing in Splatoon and Splatoon 2. The time limit, stage layout, and features match that which the player chose from the current rotation, allowing for some scoping out of the stage without the pressure of a battle. In Splatoon 3 it is now available offline and accessible via the Recon Guide in Splatsville and Inkopolis Plaza, where players can explore for one hour regardless of the chosen Mode. It can also be played online through Private Battles with friends.
 * Tutorial: The tutorial can be played when the player starts Splatoon, Splatoon 2, and Splatoon 3 for the first time.