The Octo Expansion

Lore & Background

Beneath the colorful streets of Inkopolis lies a sprawling, neon-drenched transit system known as the Deepsea Metro. This forgotten facility was once the home of the Octarians before they retreated underground after the Great Turf War approximately 102 years before Splatoon 2. The expansion reveals that Commander Tartar has been hoarding the ingredients for 'Thangs' or 'Mem Cake', which he believes holds the key to his twisted plan of judgment and purification. The lore explores the complex history of the two species, suggesting that the conflict was not purely one-sided but rooted in misunderstanding and fear. The Octarians, led by their charismatic leader DJ Octavio, believe they are the true victims of history. However, the narrative also highlights the potential for peace, as seen through the eyes of Agent 8, an Octoling who seeks to prove that both species can coexist without violence.

In Their Own Story

The neon lights of the Deepsea Metro flickered like dying stars against the damp concrete walls. Shiver adjusted their cap, the familiar weight of the Golden Treasure heavy in their pocket, not as a prize, but as a burden. 'They think it's about winning,' Shiver muttered to the hollow air, watching an Octoling patrol march past with rigid precision. 'But Octavio... he doesn't see us anymore. He only sees the past.' A sudden rumble shook the floor tiles, echoing the distant roar of the Boss Octo-Drill. The Inkling transformation device hummed in their hand, a reminder that they were neither fully one thing nor the other, but something new standing on the precipice of a choice that could end centuries of war.

Reader's Guide

The journey begins when an Inkling is invited to the Deepsea Metro by Shiver, who claims DJ Octavio is testing candidates for a 'Golden Treasure' that can grant any wish. The player must navigate four distinct floors of the metro, each filled with unique puzzles and combat challenges against Octarian minions. As the adventure progresses, the Inkling discovers they can transform into an Octoling using special devices found throughout the city. This transformation allows access to new areas and reveals hidden truths about the Octarians' culture and their desire for recognition rather than destruction. The player must defeat four major bosses representing different aspects of Octavio's ideology. In the climax, the protagonist confronts DJ Octavio himself in a massive arena. After defeating him, Shiver offers the chance to use the Golden Treasure to wipe out all Inklings or to destroy it and forge a new path. The player chooses to shatter the treasure, leading to an uneasy truce where Octavio retreats but acknowledges the possibility of future cooperation.

Did You Know?

• C.Q. Cumber is the guide character who oversees the player's progress through the Deepsea Metro.
• The Deepsea Metro environment is inspired by classic 1980s cyberpunk aesthetics mixed with the franchise's signature pop culture style.
• Defeating Commander Tartar does not result in his death, but rather his defeat as the final boss of the Octo Expansion.