What is a Salmon Run Xtrawave in Splatoon 3?

Salmon Run makes a return in Splatoon 3, where the goal is more or less the same as the second game: splat the Salmonids, swipe their eggs, and don’t die. However, in the time since Splatoon 2, the Salmonids have gotten testier, and if their mood so dictates, they may decide to let loose the big guns on you to get their eggs back. So, what is a Salmon Run Xtrawave in Splatoon 3?

What is a Salmon Run Xtrawave in Splatoon 3?

Just like in Splatoon 2, a Salmon Run shift is made up of three waves of Salmonids. As you splat Salmonids, grab their Golden Eggs, and throw them in the basket, you’ll work toward filling that wave’s quota. If you meet the quota before time runs out, and at least one player is still standing, you’ll clear the wave. Clear all three waves, and it’s a complete success.

However, in rare occurrences, the shift won’t end after you complete all three waves. A siren will sound, and the Salmonids will begin swarming in once again. This is the Xtrawave, and you’re officially in the danger zone. Not only will large quantities of Boss Salmonids swarm in, but they’ll be joined by a colossal, super-powerful King Salmonid who’s looking to splat you.

Related: What is SplatNet 3 and How Does it Connect to Splatoon 3?

During the Xtrawave, you won’t get an egg basket in the center of the stage like usual. Instead, it’s a straight-up boss fight between you and your companions and the King Salmonid. You’ll only have a few minutes to attack the King Salmonid and completely drain its health. To facilitate this, every player is given an Egg Cannon, which can launch Golden Eggs at the King Salmonid to deal heavy damage. You can use your ink weapons too, but the Cannon is what’s going to seal the deal, so make sure to splat the Boss Salmonids for egg ammo.

If the whole team is wiped out during the Xtrawave, don’t worry; you’ll still be paid for completing the regular three waves, and the shift will be treated as a success. However, if you can damage or even defeat the King Salmonid, you’ll receive Fish Scales, a special currency that can be traded in for alternate Salmon Run work outfits, Splashtag components, and Locker cosmetics. Fish Scales drop in Bronze, Silver, and Gold varieties, with higher-level Scales dropping on higher Hazard Level shifts.

The short version is that the Xtrawave is a bonus round after completing a Salmon Run shift. If you’ve still got that GrizzCo corporate spirit in your heart, then fight to earn some Fish Scales!