After completing the tutorial, you land in the center of Inkopolis Square, a bustling hub of activity for Inklings obsessed with Ink Battles. Turn your attention to the overhead monitor for the latest broadcast of Off the Hook, hosted by Pearl and Marina. Apparently the Great Zapfish is missing…again. Could this be the work of the Octarians? As if that’s not bad enough, Marina reports that Callie, of the Squid Sisters, has also gone missing! Perhaps Callie just needs a break from the spotlight? After all, her team did lose the last Splatfest to Marie—that can’t be easy. After the broadcast, feel free to explore the Square; there’s plenty to see and do.
Deca Tower
Deca Tower is the gathering spot for all Ink Battle participants. Come here to compete in online Turf Wars or Ranked and League matches. Upon choosing a game mode, you enter a matchmaking screen where you’re grouped with seven other players—three teammates and four opponents. Competing in Ink Battles earns you Battle Points (BP), which are then converted into gold. Use gold earned from online matches to purchase new weapons and gear from the shops at the Galleria. For more information on how online matches work, flip ahead to the Ink Battles chapter.
Galleria
The Galleria consists of four shops where you can purchase new weapons and gear for use during Ink Battles. You need to earn some street cred before shopping here. The gear vendors won’t sell you stuff until you’re Level 4. However, Sheldon, of Ammo Knights, starts selling you weapons at Level 2.
Head to Deca Tower and start making a name for yourself, and earning gold, by competing in Ink Battles. For more information on the shops and their inventory, reference the Weapons & Gear chapter.
Ye Olde Cloth Shoppe
Tired of that boring old Basic Tee? Pay Jelfonzo a visit at Inkopolis Square’s clothing shop. Here you can find a variety of T-shirts, jackets, and tops, perfect for your next Ink Battle. Jelfonzo’s inventory is limited to six items per day, but stock is updated daily, so check back frequently.
Headspace
If you’re looking for a new hat, headband, or eyewear, check in with Flow at Headspace; the shrimp on her hat is Craymond. Like the other gear shops, you can find six different items for sale here each day. Make daily visits to find that perfect head accessory.
Shella Fresh
Bisk is the proprietor of Shella Fresh, the Square’s exclusive source for the latest and greatest fashions in footwear. The store’s stock is rotated daily, offering six different pairs of shoes per day. Stop by often to see what Bisk has in stock.
Ammo Knights
Sheldon, the talkative shopkeeper of Ammo Knights, has moved his popular weapon shop to Inkopolis Square. He manufactures and sells a variety of weapons designed for Ink Battles. Unlike the other shops, the number of weapons available for purchase increases based on your level—the higher your level, the more weapons are unlocked. Be sure to check in with Sheldon each time you level up.
Octo Canyon
Who’s that standing on the sewer grate? She looks familiar…but different somehow. Follow the mysterious Inkling into the grate to reveal her identity and launch the game’s single-player campaign. There are five areas in Octo Canyon, each guarded by a challenging Octarian boss. Do you have what it takes to bring the fight to the Octarians and rescue the Great Zapfish? Flip ahead to the Octo Canyon chapter for more details.
The Shoal
Visit the Shoal if you prefer a more casual, offline experience. While playing games in the Shoal, you earn no gold or XP. However, it’s an excellent way to get familiar with various maps and game modes before going online. You can also earn tickets redeemable at Crusty Sean’s food truck. Upon completion of a session, you receive a stamp on your Shoal card. Accumulate eight stamps to receive one ticket. Take the ticket to Crusty Sean to purchase a food or drink item—these offer a variety of Ink Battle bonuses. See the Ink Battles chapter for more information on Crusty Sean’s delicious food truck offerings.
Grizzco
Grizzco Industries recently leased this space in Inkopolis Square. Since arriving, Mr. Grizz has been hiring Inklings at a steady pace. Come here to play an online match of Salmon Run, the new cooperative game mode. Working together with three other Inklings, you must survive three rounds of aggressive Salmonids while collecting Golden Eggs. Before you can join a match, you must complete the training exercises. Training serves as a tutorial, explaining gameplay concepts and introducing you to a variety of Salmonids. For more information on this mode, flip ahead to the Salmon Run chapter.
Judd
When he’s not officiating Ink Battles, Judd can be found snoozing near Deca Tower’s entrance. Speak to Judd to get tips for your upcoming Ink Battles. Judd serves another purpose too. By winning Ink Battles, you increase your Fresh Meter rank, visible in the lobby screen. For each rank you achieve, you earn bonus BP, resulting in more money and experience. Once you reach Level 30, Judd awards you one Super Sea Snail; this award continues for each additional level. Give Super Sea Snails to Murch to customize your gear. For more information on Judd and the Fresh Meter, reference the Ink Battles chapter.
Murch
Once you acquire some Super Sea Snails, take them to Murch, near Deca Tower’s entrance. Just like Spyke, Murch can order and customize gear. If you’re not satisfied with a gear item’s randomized sub abilities, you can pay Murch to reroll them. Or Murch can wipe the sub abilities completely, returning the remnants as ability chunks. Ability chunks can be collected and eventually installed into pieces of gear, allowing for even greater customization. For more details on Murch and gear customization, take a look at the Ink Battles chapter.