[Overfishing] Optimizing a Normal Wave

(Originally written by マー (Marty) from the Overfishing Discord server, added here by me for easier access)

Normal waves are the most common waves in Salmon Run, and arguably the most difficult wave types for Overfishing, although their potential when it comes to Overfishing is now higher than most night events (unlike in Splatoon 2) when close to Hazard Level Max.

Timer and Spawn Directions

Players should make use of the table shown above to improve their awareness. By being aware of bosses as they spawn (instead of “after they have spawned”), players can keep up with the demanding pace of high difficulty and avoid getting overwhelmed. This is especially important on normal waves due to the higher number of bosses, although this timer is also useful on waves such as Rush and Grillers.

Luring and Overluring

Luring bosses remains important for Overfishing despite the addition of egg throwing in this game. Players who are being targeted by multiple bosses should avoid luring them further from the basket, with exceptions when it comes to Big Shot cannons.

However, Overluring can happen when players decide to forcibly lure all bosses to the basket without being flexible in their strategy. Certain lurable bosses, such as Steelheads and Drizzlers, can be dealt with early if players think they pose a big threat or if the eggs can be recovered or optimized.

Due to Snatcher optimization, certain bosses can be killed immediately without considering luring. Players should keep in mind Snatcher travel time to decide whether a boss should be killed early, as Snatchers require time to grab and transport the eggs.

As a general rule, players should attempt to lure some bosses if there is an opportunity for multitasking that does not involve Snatcher or egg throwing, as luring bosses makes it easier to recover their eggs.

At Hazard Level Max, the pace can be very demanding. It is advised for players to kill “failed lures”, such as stopped Drizzler or Steelheads during the early or mid stages of the wave.

Far and Basket Eggs

Far eggs tend to be prioritised over the eggs near the basket as it is time-consuming and difficult to retrieve them, and collecting them too late may disrupt lurable bosses. In Next Wave, some far eggs can be retrieved more easily due to Big Shot cannons and Snatchers. Players should keep these elements in mind to decide which far eggs to focus on.

During the late stages of a wave, it may be a good idea to give up on far eggs if there remain many lurable bosses, as it would be counterproductive to stop luring those bosses to get far eggs.

Basket eggs tend to be left to players who have to return to the basket due to being targeted by lurable bosses, or to deposit an egg. However, the host of the room is sometimes left near the basket more often to collect eggs faster, as they have no lag. This is especially important at higher hazards and on Fog waves. The host should be aware of the situation at the basket more often to decide whether to collect basket eggs or far eggs.

Splits and Interferences

Unlike in Splatoon 2, where splits were important for the retrieval of far eggs, splits have become less important in Splatoon 3, although they are still used. The most common splits are the 3-1 and 2-2 splits.

3-1 splits occur when a player stays alone at the basket, usually with lurable bosses and eggs, and deals with those while the other players retrieve far eggs and deal with far threats. Players can shift from being 1 to 3 depending on what other players have to accomplish (such as depositing an egg or being targeted by a lurable boss).

Due to egg throwing, the 1-3 split has changed, such as 1 player retrieving far eggs alone instead, or multiple players separating and each retrieving far eggs. The name itself, “1-3 split”, may not be accurate as each player may each be dealing with specific far eggs or tasks.

2-2 splits may occur for reasons similar to the 1-3 splits. A split with 2 players at Big Shot cannons and 2 players in the basket area may happen when bosses are spawning near the Big Shot cannons and players need to collect eggs around them and the basket.

Due to the more demanding pace of higher hazard, and the addition of egg throwing, players can now be more independent in this game. To keep up with boss Salmonid spawns and egg collection, players are advised not to interfere with each other in certain tasks. For instance, it is counterproductive for 3 players to climb a Fish Stick together or to retrieve 3 far eggs together in an area with no Salmonids (as this task can be performed by a single player).

Extension on Weapon Roles

While understanding a weapon’s role is important for all wave types, it is especially important for normal waves, as many parameters need to be taken into account, such as:

-the ability to kill lesser Salmonids quickly
-the ability to kill Fish Sticks, without climbing on them
-the ability to paint Flipper Floppers
-the ability to reach far bosses
-the ability to kill Steelheads

A weapon’s role can fluctuate depending on the other weapons in rotation. For instance, while a Tenta Brella may be the main Stinger slayer in a weapon composition with 3 Dynamo Rollers, it may become the main Fish Stick slayer in a weapon composition with 3 Undercover Brellas. Players should understand weapon strengths and weaknesses to improve their decision-making skills.

Big Shot Cannons

Big Shots can appear on normal and low tides. Since they may spawn in high numbers, and their attacks can quickly disable player actions, they are a high priority target in most cases.

It is wise to kill bosses around the Big Shot cannons until bosses stop spawning. Past this point, players may have to resort to luring.
While players are using the Big Shot cannons, other players should pay attention to lurable bosses such as Maws and Scrappers, as these should preferably still be lured towards the basket. They should also retrieve eggs around the basket as soon as possible to prevent Snatchers from stealing them.

It may be a good idea for the host to stay near a Big Shot cannon regardless of weapons if too many eggs pile up near it.