Getting Started

Inkling Creation

As in the original, in Splatoon 2 you assume the role of an Inkling, a humanoid-squid hybrid. When first starting the game, you’re prompted to choose a Girl or Boy Inkling—this is the character you’ll play during the single-player campaign, as well as online matches. Your Inkling’s gender is purely aesthetic and has no bearing on how your character performs. The same is true for your Inkling’s skin tone, eye color, hair color, and legwear, four other attributes you’re prompted to select. Later on, you can further customize your Inkling with different clothing, shoes, and headgear. The abilities attached to these items enhance your Inkling’s performance, but for now, make do with the standard-issue Basic Tee, Cream Basics, and White Headband.

Tutorial: The Path to Inkopolis

After personalizing your Inkling, you’re immediately ushered into a quick tutorial that gives you a chance to familiarize yourself with the game’s controls in a hostile-free environment.

Advance through this stage while popping balloons and spreading ink—shoot with ZR. There’s no rush, so take some time to experiment with the game’s unique gameplay mechanics. For example, spread ink across horizontal and vertical surfaces, then swim through your ink in squid form. While swimming in your ink, your Ink Tank replenishes at a much faster rate. Swimming also makes you more difficult to detect, allowing you to sneak past enemies.

Get familiar with the Splat Bombs as well. Hold down R to see the bomb’s trajectory before throwing. This allows for more precise targeting, particularly when throwing a Splat Bomb from behind cover. When you feel comfortable with the game’s controls and mechanics, continue to the launchpad at the end of the stage. Stand on the launchpad and press ZL to perform a Super Jump that takes you all the way to Inkopolis Square.