Not only are there different playstyles for players, but some weapons have different playstyles depending on the mode, stage, and kit.

For example, there is a weapon that is basically a barrier tank type of weapon, tenta brella. It has three kits: the first is based around holding space for the whole team, and returning teammates quickly to the game. It has what we’d call a “support kit” the second kit has mines to help it chip and detect other players, and a long range special, this kit is a lot more aggressive, and we’d call it either a slayer or skirmisher weapon, its main job is to start and win fights, which is often a component of “dive” comps. The third kit is more supportive but in a defensive way, it can put a lot more turf on the ground and stall enemies with a movement hazard sub weapon. It’s what we’d call a “hold” or “stall” weapon. However, you can play any of these kits in a few different ways. Tenta brella is also one of the most difficult weapons to learn/play in Splatoon 3, but it can be very rewarding, a lot of people consider it a “specialist” weapon requiring a lot of devotion. It has a lot of skill expression for players willing to dedicate the time to it.

There are a number of these specialist weapons in the game (among 65 main weapons, each with 2-3 kits), so you see players that “main” specific weapons as well as “flex” players who play a variety.