01: Return of the Octarians

Legend

Lair Entrance

This entrance is located a few steps beyond the Boss Kettle, in the center of the platform. Simply ink the invisible entrance to make it appear, then hop inside.

Sheldon Request

Sheldon has no specific requests for completing this first level—complete it using the Hero Shot supplied by Marie. Of course, you can return to this level later and complete it with any weapon you’ve unlocked during your Octo Canyon adventures.

Key Locations

Flanking Maneuver

The Shielded Octotrooper here is manning a turret with a protective shield. A frontal attack is not advisable, as the shield always protects the Octotrooper from taking damage. Therefore, slowly swim through the ink and flank the Octotrooper from the side. Maintain a slow speed while swimming, otherwise the Octotrooper will detect your movement and attack, spreading purple ink. Once you’re behind the Octotrooper, pop out of your ink and open fire. Alternatively, you can toss a Splat Bomb behind the Octotrooper, making him rotate and exposing his back.

Key Search

This platform’s launchpad is secured by a vault—you must find a key to open it. The key is located among the crates to the right, but this area is blocked by a vertical grate. Enter squid form to swim beneath the grate. You can also jump through the grate while in squid form. Once on the other side of the grate, use the Hero Shot and Splat Bombs to destroy the crates and any Octotroopers hiding inside. The key is stashed in the large reinforced crate, which requires repeated hits from your weapon. Grab it and return to the vault to proceed to the next platform.

Tenta Missiles Ahoy!

The three vaults on this platform are guarded by a staggering 12 Octotroopers. Use the Tenta Missiles retrieved from the previous vault to thin out the resistance. Lock on to as many Octotroopers as possible, then fire a volley of Tenta Missiles onto the platform below. While effective, the Tenta Missiles aren’t powerful enough to wipe out all of the Octotroopers, but they do an excellent job of spreading ink and creating chaos among the Octarians. Maintain the high ground and fire down on the survivors using the Hero Shot and Splat Bombs.

Collectibles

Sardinium

Avoid this vertically oriented launchpad, behind the Shielded Octotrooper, until you’ve collected the Sardinium located in the crate atop this platform. Ink and swim up the wall, careful to avoid making contact with the launchpad. Smash the crate to claim your reward!

Sunken Scroll

This lair’s Sunken Scroll is stashed in an orange crate beneath a narrow walkway. Cross the walkway, then enter squid form to drop through a grate, passing through three squid rings on your way down. Turn around and follow a perimeter path to locate this crate resting on a grate. Ink the metal diamond plate section, then swim upward to access the crate.