Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Splatoon.
What is Splatoon?
Splatoon is a unique third-person shooter franchise where players control anthropomorphic Inklings who transform into squid to swim through special ink. The core gameplay revolves around covering the most ground with your team's colored ink rather than simply eliminating opponents.
Who are the main playable characters?
Players primarily choose between an Inkling boy or girl, customizable avatars that define their appearance and gear loadouts. While these are the protagonists of the story modes, the series also features distinct non-playable leaders like Callie, Marie, Pearl, and Marina who host the events.
Where should a newcomer start playing?
The best entry point is Splatoon 3, as it includes all current online servers and offers the most accessible tutorial for learning mechanics. If you prefer to experience the series chronologically, Splatoon 1 provides the original foundation, though its online multiplayer has been discontinued.
What are Squidlings?
Squidlings are small, baby squid that serve as mascots and helpers throughout the franchise, often appearing in cutscenes or as team members. They frequently assist players by managing equipment or providing comic relief during story missions.
Who is DJ Octavio?
DJ Octavio is a charismatic octopus who leads the Octarians, a faction of intelligent cephalopods that serve as the primary antagonists in the original game and its sequel. He opposes human expansion into his territory while seeking to reclaim the planet for his kind.
What is the significance of Turf War?
Turf War is the flagship multiplayer mode where two teams compete to cover the map with their ink color within a time limit. Victory is determined by which team has covered the largest percentage of the arena, emphasizing territory control over kill counts.
Why do characters transform into squid?
Inkling and Octoling characters can shift between bipedal human form and aquatic squid form to navigate the battlefield efficiently. This transformation allows them to swim rapidly through their own ink, dodge attacks, and replenish ammunition instantly.
What is the Salmon Run mode?
Salmon Run is a cooperative PvE mission where four players defend against waves of hostile Salmonids while collecting Golden Eggs. It serves as a popular alternative to competitive play, offering unique rewards and requiring teamwork to survive increasingly difficult rounds.
Who are Pearl and Marina?
Pearl and Marina are the twin Octoling idols who host the Splatoon 3 tournament and lead the agency known as the Off-the-Hook Agency. They represent the modern era of the franchise, bridging the gap between the human world and the Octarian culture.
What is the biggest lore mystery in the series?
The origin of the humans who once ruled the planet before the Great Turf War remains a central mystery, with only fragmented evidence left behind. Players must piece together clues from ancient ruins to understand why civilization collapsed and how the Inklings rose to prominence.