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How to Start a Local or Online Multiplayer Game (Splatoon 2)

Instructions on setting up a multiplayer game in Splatoon 2.

The multiplayer modes in Splatoon 2 require that each player have their own Nintendo Switch console and copy of the game.
The Splatoon 2 Online Lounge feature of the Nintendo Switch Online app was discontinued on 29 July 2021.

Which game mode do you want to play? (Steps will unfold below the table.)

Mode	Players
League Battle: Players ranked B- or higher can play for keeps with your Squid Squad.	2-4 Players (Online Multiplayer)
Ranked Battle: Players level 10+ can face off in a ranked battle.	8 Players (Online Multiplayer)
Regular Battle: Play Turf War with players from all over the world.	8 Players (Online Multiplayer)
Friends: Join a friend in an online battle.	2 Players (Online Multiplayer)
Private Battle (Online): Set the mode, stage & teams in an online battle with friends.	2-10 Players (Online Multiplayer)
Private Battle (Local): Set the mode, stage & teams in a local multiplayer battle with friends.	2-8 Players (Local Multi-Card Play)
Salmon Run: Team up for co-op fun and defeat waves of enemy Salmonids.	2-4 Players (Local Multi-Card Play)
Online Lounge: Play and voice chat with friends.	2-8 Players (Online Multiplayer)
LAN Play: Players can play a local Private Battle or Salmon Run game together via LAN connection.	2-10 Players (Online LAN Multiplayer)

From Inkopolis Square, press the X Button to bring up the menu, then select “The Lobby” in the Map section.
Select “League Battle”. (This is only available to players ranked B- or higher).
Select “Yeah!”
Choose the battle mode you want to play.
Follow the onscreen instructions to begin the battle.

From Inkopolis Square, press the X Button to bring up the menu, then select “The Lobby” in the Map section.
Select “Ranked Battle”. (This is only available to players ranked 10+).
Select “Yeah!”
Choose the battle mode you want to play.
The console will search for other players. Once 8 players have joined, the battle will begin!

From Inkopolis Square, press the X Button to bring up the menu, then select “The Lobby” in the Map section.
Select “Regular Battle”.
Select “Yeah!”
The console will search for other players. Once 8 players have joined, the battle will begin!

From Inkopolis Square, press the X Button to bring up the menu, then select “The Lobby” in the Map section.
Select “Friends”.
A list of your Friends will appear. Friends that you can join will say “Joinable” by their name.
- Friends not currently online will be greyed out and can’t be selected.
- If you see the message “You can't join that friend”, it means they are not currently participating in a battle that you can join.
Select a “Joinable” friend, then select “Yeah!”
The console will search for other players. Once 8 players have joined, the battle will begin!

From Inkopolis Square, press the X Button to bring up the menu, then select “The Lobby” in the Map section.
Select “Private Battle”.
One player (player 1) needs to create the room.
1. Have player 1 press the Y Button (“Create a Room”).
2. Choose “Yeah!” to continue without a password, or press the Y Button to set a password for the room. (The password option requires you create and share a 3-digit PIN with anyone who wants to join the room.)
3. Use the options on the left side of the Lobby screen to adjust the stage and mode as desired.
Once the room is created, all other players need to join the room.
1. Player 1’s name should now say “Joinable” in the Private Battle screen. Select the name.
2. If player 1 has set a PIN to join, enter the 3-digit code when prompted.
3. Select “Yeah!” to enter player 1’s room.
When all players are in the room, have player 1 select “Ready”.
Have player 1 select a team for each character, then select “Looks good!”.
Have each player select “Ready” again to begin the match.

From Inkopolis Square, press the X Button to bring up the menu, then select “The Shoal” in the Map section.
One player (player 1) needs to create the Lobby.
1. Have player 1 select “Host a Private Battle”.
2. Choose “Yeah!” to continue without a password, or press the Y Button to set a password for the room. (The password option requires you create and share a 3-digit PIN with anyone who wants to join the Lobby.)
3. Use the options on the left side of the Lobby screen to adjust the stage and mode as desired.
Once the Lobby is created, all other players need to join the Lobby.
1. Have all participating players select “Find a room”.
2. Player 1’s name should appear on the screen. Select the name.
3. If player 1 has set a PIN to join, enter the 3-digit code when prompted.
4. Select “Yeah!” to enter player 1’s Lobby.
When all players are in the Lobby, have player 1 select “Ready”.
Have player 1 select a team for each character, then select “Looks good!”.
Have each player select “Ready” again to begin the match.

From Inkopolis Square, press the X Button to bring up the menu, then select “The Shoal” in the Map section.
One player (player 1) needs to create the Lobby.
1. Have player 1 select “Host a Salmon Run”.
2. Choose “Yeah!” to continue without a password, or press the Y Button to set a password for the room. (The password option requires you create and share a 3-digit PIN with anyone who wants to join the Lobby.)
3. Use the options on the left side of the Lobby screen to adjust the stage and mode as desired.
Once the Lobby is created, all other players need to join the Lobby.
1. Have all participating players select “Find a room”.
2. Player 1’s name should appear on the screen. Select the name.
3. If player 1 has set a PIN to join, enter the 3-digit code when prompted.
4. Select “Yeah!” to enter player 1’s Lobby.
When all Players are in the Lobby, have player 1 select “Crew set!”
Have each player select “Ready” to begin the match.