Dive into Splatoon 2 with our Splatoon 101

If you’re new to the world of Splatoon 2 on Nintendo Switch, we’ve got a handy rundown for you – with a little help from our friends at the Squid Research Lab.

But before you do anything else, you'll want to make sure you've Liked our official Splatoon Facebook page, and followed Nintendo UK on Twitter for all the latest updates. All done? All right, let’s dive in!

What is Splatoon 2?

Splatoon 2 is a unique action-shooter where players take control of Inklings, creatures with the ability to turn from kid to squid and back again! The aim of the game is to cover as much of the stage in your team’s ink colour as possible within the time limit. When time’s up, the team that inked the most territory wins!

Wait? I can be a kid…and a squid?

What about the other team’s ink?

Avoid it or ink over it! Getting caught in enemy ink will slow you down, making you an easy target for your opponents! Take enough hits from rival Inklings and you’ll get splatted, losing valuable time and giving your foes more chances to claim turf. You can blot out rival Inklings with your weapons, so don’t hesitate to take them out as you claim territory!

Righto! Which weapon should I choose?

Weapons in Splatoon 2 come in all shapes and sizes, so try them all out and see which ones suit how you play. The trusty Splattershot is a great starting point for new Inklings as it strikes the perfect balance between power, range and rate of fire. There are other weapons too, like the long-range Splatterscope, the Splat Roller that’s great at claiming lots of turf fast or the new Splat Dualies that let you perform a neat Dodge Roll. Check out this Squid Research Lab update for more information on the weapons of Splatoon 2.

Each weapon also comes equipped with a sub weapon and a special weapon too, providing plenty of tactical options! Yep, you guessed it, we’ve got Squid Research Lab reports on sub weapons and special weapons too.

Which mode should I try out first?

If you want to learn the basics, hone your splatting skills and get accustomed with all sorts of different weaponry, then Hero Mode is a great place to start! In this offline single-player adventure, you’ll face off against the Octarians, cunning foes who behave very differently to the Inklings you're usually up against, so stay on your tentacles! You can find out more about Hero Mode in this post by the Squid Research Lab.

Okay, I think I’m ready to start splatting with other players!

You’re best to start things off with Turf War. Playable in both local* and online multiplayer**, these 4-on-4 battles have you claiming territory by covering it in ink. The team that claims the most turf wins! Whether you like to charge into battle or hang back and ink undisturbed, players of all styles and skill levels can contribute to their team’s result.

My style’s a bit lacking… What’s the best way to stay fresh?

Once you’ve played for a bit you can spend your winnings at the Galleria! This really is the place to be for the fashion-forward Inkling, with the shops here selling a variety of stylish gear and weaponry!

Inklings love to stay current with the latest trends, and they do so by purchasing Gear! These pieces of snazzy apparel provide Gear Abilities, like reducing your ink consumption, or letting you swim a bit faster through ink. Different Gear comes with different Abilities, so mix and match them to create a look that’s uniquely you. Money might not lead to happiness, but it can buy you a fresh hat, which is basically the same thing. Find out more about the hottest Inkling fashions in this Squid Research Lab report.

Nice! Think I’m ready to really start splatting with the greats!

Steady on there! You’ll have to reach level 10 before you can jump into Splatoon 2’s Ranked Battles. In these online** matches, players earn online ranks based on their wins and losses. There are four types of Ranked Battle – Splat Zones, Tower Control, Rainmaker and the recently added Clam Blitz– each with their own unique objectives! Read about the first three Ranked Battle modes, or check out the latest report on Clam Blitz!

Any other ways I can splat with friends?

Looking for something different? Salmon Run is a new co-operative multiplayer mode for 2-4 players, playable both locally* and online**. In this mode, Inklings must work together to survive three waves of Salmonid enemies and collect Power Eggs. The waves get tougher the further your team gets, so communication is key, especially against the larger Boss Salmonids! These big beasties drop Golden Eggs, which Inklings have to deliver to a basket in order to fulfil their quota – fail to do so before time runs out, and the job’s over! The Squid Research Lab dived into Salmon Run in this special bulletin.

What are these Splatfests I’ve been hearing about?

Have you ever had to choose between two really awesome things? Like… Cake vs. Ice Cream, or Cats vs. Dogs? Inklings like to settle these choices with Splatfests! Put the debate to rest in 4-on-4 Turf Wars, where victory is yours if your team wins more matches than the opposition. Splatfests happen regularly so keep an eye out for one happening in Inkopolis and get involved!

Find out more about Splatoon 2 at the official Splatoon 2 website, and get further updates at the official Splatoon Facebook page, and by following Nintendo UK on Twitter.

*Local multiplayer requires one console and one copy of the software per player.

**Internet connection required during online play. The registration and linkage of Nintendo Account and acceptance of the Nintendo Account Agreement and Privacy Policy are required. Online services require a Nintendo Account. Starting 2018, some online services will also require a paid subscription. Paid online service availability may be limited based on location. Find out more about the paid online subscription service.