Cheats & Secrets

Cheats & Secrets in Splatoon 3

Splatoon 3 does not feature traditional cheat codes (e.g., invincibility, infinite ink, level skip) in any version on Nintendo Switch. All content is unlocked through legitimate gameplay, progression, and optional purchases. However, the game is packed with developer-intended secrets, hidden content, and Easter eggs that reward exploration and dedication. Below is a comprehensive list of all known hidden features and secrets.

Story Mode (Return of the Mammalians) Secrets

• After Alterna – The Secret Final Level

Complete all 30 main levels (including the boss stages) in the single-player campaign, then talk to Cuttlefish near the train station in the Splatlands. He will mention a “weird noise” coming from the crater. Return to the Crater in the center of the map (where you first landed) and you’ll discover a hidden entrance. Enter to face Secret Boss: DJ Octavio (with new attacks) and play the “secret final level.” This is required for 100% completion and unlocks the “Splatland Youth” decal (a gear item).


• Sunken Scrolls – Lore Collectibles

There are 12 hidden Sunken Scrolls scattered throughout the campaign (some in levels, some in the hub world). Collecting all reveals the full backstory of the Splatoon universe. Notably, Scroll #12 is only available after completing After Alterna and is found in the Secret Area (the after-boss room).


• Hidden Super Sea Snails

After completing the final boss, you can obtain Super Sea Snails from Judgy (the cat). After unlocking the Splatfest concert, talk to Judgy in the Lobby to receive 1 Super Sea Snail per day (max 999). This is a hidden recurring bonus.



Multiplayer Hidden Content




• Splatfest Secret Dialogue

During Splatfest events, speaking to Frye, Shiver, or Big Man in the Splatfest area triggers unique dialogue based on your team and previous results. The most well-known secret: if you stand idle for 30 seconds near the Splatfest Shrine, the idols will start a “secret conversation” commenting on your inactivity.


• Tableturf Battle Unlockable Cards

Tableturf Battle (the in-game card game) has hidden cards that can only be obtained by completing specific challenges in the card shop or scanning specific amiibo. For example, scanning a Callie amiibo unlocks the “Callie (Tableturf)” card. There are 49 cards total, 4 of which are exclusive to amiibo.


• Splatfest Shrine Trophy

After each Splatfest, the winning team’s Shrine in the Lobby has a rotating statue that shows the winning idol’s pose. If you take a photo of the shrine with the camera emote during the post-fest results, you unlock a special Splatfest Shrine Background for your locker.



Salmon Run Secrets




• Secret Boss: King Salmonid

In Salmon Run, increasing your Hazard Level to maximum (≥200%) and surviving long enough has a small chance to spawn a Cohozuna, Horrorboros, or Megalodontia (depending on the rotation). Defeating the King Salmonid rewards a Super Mystery Box and a unique Gold Scale. This is the only way to obtain Gold Scales, which can be traded at Grizzco for exclusive gear (e.g., the King Salmonid hat).


• Hidden Grizzco Weapon Usage

While rare, you can occasionally receive Grizzco weapons (e.g., Grizzco Blaster, Grizzco Stringer) in Salmon Run. These weapons have hidden stats – for example, the Grizzco Blaster fires explosive shots that cannot be deflected, and the Grizzco Stringer has homing arrows. There is no way to guarantee them; they appear randomly.


• Secret Dialogue from Mr. Grizz

If you fail a wave of Salmon Run repeatedly (3+ times in a row), Mr. Grizz will sometimes play an exasperated audio clip or a hidden voice line via the radio. These are easy to miss because they occur only during the failure screen.



Amiibo Exclusives



Scanning any Splatoon 3-compatible amiibo (Inkling, Octoling, Callie, Marie, Pearl, Marina, Octo Expansion) gives you:

• The amiibo’s gear (head, body, shoes) – most gear is exclusive and cannot be bought.


• Special photo mode props – each amiibo unlocks a unique pose or background for the Locker.


• Secret song unlock – scanning a Squid Sisters or Off the Hook amiibo adds a secret track to the jukebox in the Lobby.


Hidden: The “Secret” amiibo
The “Splatoon 3 – Squid” amiibo (the default inkling) unlocks the Hero Suit (replica of the Splatoon 1 hero gear) and a special greeting in the Lobby. If you scan all 4 of the new Splatoon 3 amiibo (Inkling, Octoling, Smallfry), you get a hidden golden badge for your locker.



Miscellaneous Easter Eggs




• Jukebox Secret Tracks

In the Lobby, the jukebox has hidden songs that are not listed by default. To unlock them:
- Win 100 matches in Ranked mode to get “Seasick (Frye Remix)”.
- Collect 50 Sunken Scrolls (impossible in one playthrough, but cumulative) to unlock “Tentacular Circus”.
- Scan any Splatoon 1-era amiibo to unlock “Splatattack!” (original Splatoon theme).


• Locker Secret Props

Your locker can be decorated with items from Salmon Run, but there are 5 hidden props that only appear by:
- Playing 500 battles total: “Mysterious Urn”
- Reaching S+ rank in any mode: “Gold Rank Badge”
- Completing After Alterna: “Octavio’s Hat” (a mini statue)
- Scanning the Smallfry amiibo: “Smallfry Plush”
- Winning a Splatfest 100x Battle (this triggers a special animation that can be saved as a locker prop).


• “???” in the Gear Shop

When visiting Sea Breeze Cove, the gear shop has a mysterious “???” item that appears after you have purchased all other gear. It takes the form of a random piece of gear from past Splatfests (like a team shirt from an old event). This is a rotating secret.


• Photo Mode Secret Locations

In the Splatlands hub, there are several hidden photo spots that trigger a secret stamp in your album. These include:
- The train station (stand on the tracks during evening)
- The secret alley behind the Crab-N-Go shop
- The top of the Splatsville tower (requires climbing via ink rails)


• Returning Character Cameos

By completing all story missions, you see Captain Cuttlefish’s final dialogue. If you then go to Inkopolis Square (the Splatoon 2 hub, accessible via the train in Splatsville), you can find Callie and Marie sitting on a bench. Speaking to them triggers a secret scene referencing the events of Splatoon 2.

Note on “Exploit-Safe Secrets”

All secrets listed above are intended by developers and do not rely on glitches. For example, the Super Sea Snail daily bonus is a designed reward, not an exploit. There are no known safe exploits in Splatoon 3 (e.g., infinite ink or gear duplication) that are not considered bugs and thus risky to use (ban risk). This guide only covers legitimate hidden content.

Summary Table

Splatoon 3 rewards deep exploration. While there are no cheat codes, these secrets give players a sense of discovery and pride. For the latest updates, check the official Nintendo website or in-game news for Splatfest-only unlocks.