Sea levels continued to rise as both the Inklings and Octarians moved onto land.
The growing scarcity of surface turned their relations sour, and the Great Turf War broke out between the two sides.
The initial clash was won by the Octarians due to the easygoing Inklings not wanting to get up early in the morning. The Octarians also had their Great Octoweapons, which helped them maintain their technological superiority.
But the tides were turned when an Octarian cord was accidentally unplugged and the Inklings were able to launch a counterattack. A youthful Cap'n Cuttlefish was leader of the Squidbeak Splatoon, which served on the Inkling side of the war.
The Great Turf War culminated with an Inkling rally and victory. The defeated Octarians were forced to retreat to the underground domes in Octo Valley. The verdict for the war was provided by Judd.
The birth of the Great Zapfish followed the Great Turf War. This creature would become indispensable as an energy source for everyday life.