Mode



Modes in Splatoon are different types of gameplay that can be accessed by players at different levels.

Level system
Online modes share a leveling system where 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". Booyah Base shopkeepers will only serve players if they have reached a certain level. Level 20 is the current maximum level, and is the level that must be reached for Spyke to add ability slots to gear or re-roll gear abilities for 30,000 Cash.

Regular Battle
Regular Battle modes can be accessed by players of all levels.
 * Turf War: A mode consisting of four players in two teams. The team with the highest ink coverage after three minutes wins the match.

Ranked Battle
''Ranked Battle becomes accessible when a player reaches level 10 by playing Regular Battle. The modes included in this category require a higher level of strategy compared to regular modes, and wins and losses will be counted toward players' ranks. Players begin with a "C-" rating, but are able to improve and regress based on how well they perform. It wasn't available until enough players worldwide reached level 10. Updates on the progress of the "Ranked Splatometer" were posted on official Nintendo social media accounts. Ranked Battle was unlocked on June 1st, 2015.''
 * Splat Zones: Two teams of 4 fight to keep control of specially marked Zones on the map and try to cover it in their color ink. While controlling a zone, the opposing team's timer counts down toward zero. Both teams start at 100 on their counters. The team whose timer runs out wins the match.
 * Tower Control: Players compete for control of a central Tower platform, which will move through the stage towards enemy territory when you or an ally stand on it. If the Tower is overtaken by an opponent, it will reverse direction. Whoever pushes the tower to their team's goal wins.
 * Rainmaker: It was introduced in the 5.7.2015 Splatoon Direct. Rainmaker is a "Capture the Flag"-type mode where the teams must grab the Rainmaker, which is a golden fish-like item, and carry it to a goal at the enemy team's spawn.



Special
''Special modes are neither Regular Battle nor Ranked Battle modes. They can be accessed by players of all levels.''
 * Battle Dojo: A local 2-player mode, 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 30 points. If the timer runs out before one player has reached 30 points, whoever has the most wins. Getting splatted will subtract points and points earned during the last minute are doubled.
 * Hero Mode: A single player story mode with puzzle and platforming elements. It stars an Inkling in the Hero Suit fighting the Octarians in Octo Valley.
 * Recon: A single player exploration mode of a stage. This is useful to find new vantage points and turf. Recon mode can be accessed from the Battle Lobby and pressing Y.
 * Splatfest: Special recurring event that happens on an irregular basis hosted by the Squid Sisters. Players choose between two teams, such as Cats (orange) or Dogs (blue), and battle. Splatfest features its own ranking system based on the player's total points earned during the event. At the end of the event, the player is awarded an amount of Super Sea Snails based on their final ranking.