Stage 08 : Octoling Invasion

You can take any path you’d like through this maze-like level, but watch out for enemies. The Octolings you encounter on this stage are dangerous and intelligent. In addition to aggressively attacking you, they’ll hide in their ink and occasionally toss Splat Bombs in your direction—all of this is excellent training for ink battles. To avoid getting splatted, take the high ground offered by the catwalk. You can fire down through the mesh floor of the catwalk to hit Octolings below. However, if you turn into squid form, you’ll fall through the mesh floor, potentially landing in enemy ink.

Once on the catwalk, rush the cylindrical platform in the center. The large crate here contains armor. Armor is vital during battles with Octolings, helping prevent you from getting splatted—the armor takes the damage instead of you. The top of this platform can also be inked, allowing you to hide in your ink and replenish your ink tank. So if you’re on the catwalk and need ink, move to this platform to reload. This is an ideal spot for raining down ink and Splat Bombs on the Octolings below.

Sunken Scroll The level’s Sunken Scroll is hidden behind this ramp leading up to the catwalk—not far from the Zapfish. Be sure to grab it before completing the level.

You must use a couple of Inkrails to reach the Zapfish here. But before making a move for the Inkrails, make sure the area is clear of Octolings. In this fight, you’re likely at a height disadvantage. Instead of firing up at the Octolings, stay behind cover and lob Splat Bombs onto the upper platform—this is a good area to use the level’s Inkzooka as well. When you’ve splatted all Octolings here, traverse the Inkrails to grab the Zapfish.