Splatoon 2 is a third-person shootervideo game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch.[1] Released worldwide on July 21, 2017, it serves as the sequel to the 2015 Wii U title Splatoon and centers on multiplayer battles where players control Inklings—anthropomorphic, squid-like characters—who wield ink-shooting weapons to cover arena floors with their team's color while splatting opponents.[2][1] The game emphasizes fast-paced, team-based action in 4-on-4 matches, with players able to transform into squid form to swim swiftly through their own ink for mobility and strategic repositioning.[2]The core multiplayer mode, Turf War, tasks teams with covering more ground than their rivals within a time limit, promoting objectives beyond mere elimination.[2] Additional competitive modes include Splat Zones, Tower Control, and Rainmaker in Ranked Battles, while Salmon Run offers cooperative play against waves of ink-spewing Salmonids for rewards like gear and currency.[2] The single-player Hero Mode unfolds in Octo Valley, where players navigate platforming and puzzle-infused levels as Agent 3 to thwart the Octarian army, unlocking weapons and abilities along the way.[2] In 2018, the Octo Expansion DLC introduced a narrative-driven campaign playable as an Octoling, spanning 80 missions and expanding the lore with Agent 8's story.[3]Developed by Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development (EPD) under producer Hisashi Nogami, Splatoon 2 launched with refined mechanics from its predecessor, including new weapons like Splat Dualies and deeper customization options for Inklings' appearance and abilities.[2] It supports online multiplayer through a Nintendo Switch Online subscription and features regular free updates with new stages, weapons, and seasonal Splatfest events pitting teams against each other in themed rivalries.[2] Critically acclaimed for its innovative gameplay, vibrant art style, and addictive multiplayer, the game holds an aggregate score of 83 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 100 reviews.[4] By December 2022, Splatoon 2 had sold over 13 million copies worldwide, establishing it as one of the Nintendo Switch's top-selling titles and solidifying the Splatoon series' success.[5]
Gameplay
Core Mechanics
Splatoon 2 is a third-person shooter in which players control Inklings, squid-like characters capable of transforming between humanoid and squid forms to navigate and battle in ink-filled environments.[6] The game supports motion controls for precise aiming and shooting using the Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con controllers or Pro Controller, allowing players to tilt the console to adjust their view and target enemies or surfaces; traditional stick-based aiming is also available as an option.[7] This setup emphasizes fluid movement and strategic positioning, with players primarily engaging in 4v4 online battles where objectives revolve around ink deployment.[6]Central to the gameplay are the ink mechanics, where players use weapons to shoot streams or bursts of colored ink to cover the stage's turf, marking territory for their team while hindering opponents.[6]Inklings can transform into squid form by pressing a dedicated button, enabling them to swim rapidly through friendly ink for enhanced mobility, climb ink-covered walls, pass through grates, and execute longer jumps or shortcuts.[7] Swimming in enemy ink slows movement significantly, adding risk to traversal, while submerging in allied ink recharges the player's ink supply from the tank, which depletes with each shot fired.[6] This dual-form system promotes dynamic play, as squid form allows hiding from view and quick repositioning but prevents weapon use.[7]The health system eschews traditional hit points for an ink-based mechanic: players have a damage meter that fills when hit by enemy ink shots; once full, the Inkling is "splat," exploding into a cloud of ink and forcing a respawn at a team spawn point after a short delay.[6][8] This encourages frequent swimming in allied ink to clear the damage meter for durability and refill the inktank, as a low tank limits firing capability while a filling damage meter increases vulnerability to splatting.[6]Weapons are categorized by type, each with distinct firing patterns, effective ranges, and ink consumption rates to suit different playstyles. Shooters, such as the Splattershot, fire rapid bursts of ink blobs for balanced close-to-mid-range combat and efficient turf coverage, while variants like the Splash-o-matic prioritize speed over power for quick inking.[9] Chargers, exemplified by the Splatterscope, require players to hold and release the trigger to charge a powerful long-range shot that pierces through targets, consuming more ink for high-damage sniping but leaving the user stationary during charge-up.[6] Rollers, like the Splat Roller, allow players to roll across surfaces for wide-area ink trails in humanoid form or fling ink forward in vertical swings when jumping, offering strong turf control at short range but slower mobility due to their weight.[9] Other categories include dualies for dodge-rolling evasion, blasters for explosive bursts, and more specialized tools, all unlocked progressively through gameplay levels at Ammo Knights.[7]Each weapon loadout includes a sub-weapon for utility (e.g., bombs or sensors) and a special weapon, activated once the special gauge fills through actions like covering turf with ink and splatting opponents.[6] Examples include the Inkjet for aerial flight and bombing runs or the Splashdown for a powerful ground-pound explosion, providing game-changing bursts of power when the gauge reaches full.[10] The gauge's fill rate varies by weapon and gear abilities, rewarding aggressive inking to enable timely specials.[11]
Multiplayer Modes
Splatoon 2's multiplayer modes emphasize team-based competition in 4v4 formats, where players alternate between humanoid and squid forms to swim through ink for faster movement, shoot ink to cover surfaces and splat opponents, and fulfill mode-specific objectives. These modes build on coremechanics like ink-based mobility and territory control to create diverse strategic experiences, with matches typically lasting three to five minutes. The game supports both casual and competitive play through a variety of formats accessible via the online lobby.[2]Turf War, the primary regular battle mode available from the start, pits two teams of four against each other to cover the greatest percentage of the stage with their team's ink color within a three-minute timeframe. Victory is determined solely by turf coverage at the end, encouraging constant movement and area denial rather than direct confrontations, though splatting opponents respawns them quickly to maintain pace. This mode rotates stages on a four-hour schedule and serves as the foundation for all multiplayer matchmaking.[2]Ranked battles, unlocked upon reaching player level 10, introduce competitive depth with four rotating modes—Splat Zones, Tower Control, Rainmaker, and Clam Blitz—each lasting up to five minutes or until an objective is achieved, with outcomes influencing a player's rank from C- to X. These 4v4 modes shift focus from pure turf coverage to objective control, promoting coordinated team dynamics and special weapon usage for breakthroughs.[12][13]In Splat Zones, teams vie to control one or more designated zones by covering them entirely with their ink and maintaining dominance for a cumulative time limit, such as 80 seconds per zone; the first team to reach the total or hold control when time expires wins. Real-time UI indicators show zone status, allowing dynamic shifts as opponents ink over contested areas to reclaim them, unchanged from the original game's implementation.[14]Tower Control centers on a central tower that teams ride to escort it along a fixed path toward the enemy base, passing checkpoints that advance its progress only when inked by the riding team. The escorting team must protect riders from splats while pushing forward, with the tower halting if contested; victory goes to the first team to reach the goal or the one with the tower farthest at match end. Checkpoints create natural defensive chokepoints, emphasizing area control and counterattacks.[15][16]Rainmaker revolves around a powerful central weapon shielded by a barrier that teams must break by covering it with ink, then carry it—firing explosive charged shots en route—to the enemy pedestal to score. The carrier's shield depletes with damage, dropping the weapon if broken, allowing the opposing team to seize it; the first to plant it or position it closest when time runs out secures the win. This mode rewards aggressive pushes and defensive disruptions around the weapon's path.[17][16]Clam Blitz, added in December 2017, scatters golden clams across the stage for players to collect by swimming over them, forming a chain that follows until thrown into the enemy goal basket; accumulating 100 clams opens the basket, requiring a player to grab the emerging golden clam and hurl it through the uprights to score, akin to American football. Matches end with the first score or the team with more points at time limit, fostering collection rushes, blocking, and goal protection strategies.[18][19]League mode, a variant of ranked play for coordinated groups, matches pre-formed teams of four against similar squads in the current ranked mode over a two-hour window aligned with map rotations. Points accumulate from wins and losses during this period, contributing to a global team leaderboard that resets seasonally; it emphasizes squad synergy over solo queuing, with ranks scaling from C- to X based on collective performance.[20]Private battles enable up to eight players to engage in customized matches with friends via online or local wireless connections, allowing hosts to select stages, rules from any mode, weapon sets, and even passwords for exclusivity. This format supports spectator views and level caps, ideal for practice or casual play without affecting public rankings.[21][20]The matchmaking system prioritizes stable connections and skill-based pairing to minimize lag and balance matches, drawing from player levels and ranks while accommodating squads of up to four; stages and modes follow a predetermined rotation schedule updated regularly by Nintendo to promote map familiarity and variety across regions.[13]
Single-player Campaign
The single-player campaign in Splatoon 2, titled Hero Mode, casts the player as Agent 4, who dons a specialized Hero Suit to navigate the underground Octo Canyon and battle Octarian forces responsible for the disappearance of the Great Zapfish.[22][23] Guided by Marie via a headset, Agent 4 progresses through structured sectors, adapting core ink-shooting and swimming mechanics to solo challenges that emphasize exploration and combat precision.[24]Octo Canyon features 27 distinct missions, organized into eight sectors, each culminating in a boss encounter.[25] These side-scrolling levels incorporate platforming elements, such as jumping across ink-covered obstacles and avoiding enemy fire, alongside puzzle-solving that requires strategic ink placement to create swim paths or activate mechanisms. Checkpoints allow restarts from key points mid-level, while collecting golden power eggs—scattered orbs dropped by defeated enemies—contributes to scoring thresholds that unlock weapon upgrades via collected Sardinium at the Tentakeel Outpost. Hidden Sunken Scrolls, one per mission plus additional ones in sectors, provide narrative lore snippets about the Octarian-Inkling conflict when uncovered.[26][27]Boss battles pit Agent 4 against mechanical Octarian constructs, like the Octo Samurai or Octoboss, demanding tailored strategies such as dodging projectile barrages, exploiting weak points with specific hero weapons (e.g., the Splat Charger for charged shots), and using environmental ink to maneuver.[28] Compared to the original Splatoon’s Octo Valley, Hero Mode expands mission variety with challenges like rail-grinding sequences for high-speed traversal and extended ink-swimming gauntlets that test endurance and timing.[29]Upon full completion, players unlock replica Hero gear sets for multiplayer use, including the Hero Suit Replica and corresponding weapons, while the campaign's finale enables post-game interactions with both Callie and Marie at the Squid Sisters' booth in Inkopolis Square.[30]
Setting and Story
World and Lore
The world of Splatoon 2 is set in a post-apocalyptic Earth approximately 12,000 years after a catastrophic rise in sea levels due to environmental destruction and climate change, which led to the extinction of humans and most land-dwelling species.[31] In this flooded landscape, highly intelligent squids evolved, migrating onto the remaining landmasses and developing the ability to transform into humanoid forms known as Inklings—teenage squid-human hybrids who instinctively seek to cover territory with their colorful ink.[31] The society's infrastructure revolves around an ink-based ecosystem, where Inklings "turf" surfaces by splattering them with ink to claim space, reflecting their evolutionary drive for territorial dominance.[32]Central to this universe is Inkopolis, a bustling metropolis and cultural hub for Inklings, featuring vibrant plazas, trendy shops for gear and weapons, and public spaces that emphasize fashion and self-expression as core societal values.[33] In Splatoon 2, the primary gathering spot is Inkopolis Square, a dynamic area two train stops from central Inkopolis, where Inklings, Octolings, and even jellyfish coexist, fostering a fusion of cutting-edge trends and interspecies interactions.[33] Broadcasters play a key role in community life; while the Squid Sisters, Callie and Marie, remain iconic pop figures from prior lore, the new duo Off the Hook—consisting of the rapping Inkling Pearl and DJ Octoling Marina—hosts news updates from their studio in Inkopolis Square, blending music and announcements to engage the populace.[34] Cultural events like Splatfests further define social dynamics, pitting participants into teams based on binary themes such as cars versus planes or early birds versus night owls, where they compete in ink battles over limited periods to determine popular preferences.[35]The lore is shaped by ongoing conflict between factions: the surface-dwelling Inklings and the subterranean Octarians, octopus-like antagonists who reside in underground domes.[31] This rivalry traces back to the Great Turf War about 100 years prior, a protracted battle over control of the surface world that the Inklings ultimately won, forcing the Octarians below ground.[32] Leading the Octarians is DJ Octavio, a recurring villain and mastermind of their schemes, often plotting to reclaim power through thefts and hypnosis.[36] Vital to both societies is the Zapfish, a massive electric catfish serving as the primary power source for Inkling cities like Inkopolis, frequently targeted by Octarians to fuel their operations and escalate tensions.[31]Turf stages across the game draw inspiration from real-world locations and architecture, such as urban markets, shipyards, and arenas, adapted into ink-soaked battlegrounds that highlight the world's reclaimed, flood-scarred terrain.[37] Pop culture permeates daily life, with bands like Off the Hook producing electrifying tracks that reference memes and contemporary vibes, reinforcing the youthful, trend-driven essence of Inkling society.[34]
Plot Summary
In the single-player campaign of Splatoon 2, known as Hero Mode, the player assumes the role of a new Agent 3, a young Inkling recruited by the elderly Captain Cuttlefish into the New Squidbeak Splatoon to combat a resurgent Octarian threat deep within the underground region of Octo Canyon.[38] The narrative begins with the mysterious disappearance of the Great Zapfish, Inkopolis's primary power source, alongside the vanishing of Callie from the Squid Sisters pop duo, prompting Agent 3 to venture into enemy territory under Cuttlefish's guidance and the support of Callie's cousin, Marie, who provides mission briefings and commentary.[22]As Agent 3 progresses through a series of missions in Octo Canyon, the plot unfolds via in-game dialogues, animated cutscenes, and collectible Sunken Scrolls that reveal backstory on the ancient Great Turf War between Inklings and Octarians, highlighting the ongoing rivalry and the Octarians' motives tied to the stolen Zapfish.[38] Key events center on efforts to rescue the brainwashed Callie from Octarian control and a climactic confrontation with the Octarian leader, DJ Octavio, whose schemes threaten Inkopolis's stability. The story explores themes of friendship through the bonds between Agents and the Squid Sisters, identity amid the Inkling-Octarian divide, and reconciliation amid historical enmity.[39]Upon completing the main campaign, players can access additional lore through the collectible Sunken Scrolls, which reveal deeper backstory on the Great Turf War and other elements of the world's history, as well as post-mission interactions with Marie that reflect on the adventure's outcomes and the restored peace in Inkopolis.[40]
Development
Conception and Design
Splatoon 2 was developed by Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development (EPD), with additional support from Monolith Soft and TOSE, and Hisashi Nogami serving as producer, building directly on the foundation of the 2015 Wii U title Splatoon.[41][42] The sequel's development commenced in earnest around October 2015, coinciding with continued post-launch support for the original game, allowing the team to incorporate lessons from player feedback and updates.[43]Central to the project's goals was enhancing the online multiplayer infrastructure, as the first Splatoon's local play mode saw limited adoption among users, with most playtime spent online.[43] The team expanded the single-player campaign, known as Hero Mode, into a more extensive narrative adventure featuring larger levels and diverse objectives to better engage solo players. Motion controls were refined for the Nintendo Switch's portability, with Joy-Con support enabling precise aiming through gyroscopic input, while HD Rumble provided tactile feedback simulating ink spraying and weapon recoil for heightened immersion.[44]Design iterations included the addition of Salmon Run, a cooperative mode pitting up to four players against waves of Salmonid enemies to collect golden eggs, introducing team-based strategy distinct from competitive turf wars. Weapon balance was adjusted from the original, with tweaks to firing rates, ink efficiency, and special abilities to promote diverse playstyles and reduce dominant loadouts. Stages were enlarged and redesigned for improved movement flow, accommodating the Switch's hardware while maintaining the fast-paced, ink-based combat core.[43]Adapting from the Wii U to the Switch presented key challenges, including optimizing for hybrid docked and handheld play without compromising frame rates or control responsiveness, and integrating Joy-Con motion aiming to feel natural in portable scenarios.[45]The game was first announced on January 12, 2017, during the Nintendo Switch presentation event, with initial trailers showcasing core mechanics. Playable demos appeared at E3 2017, highlighting multiplayer modes and new weapons, while three Global Testfire beta weekends in March, April, and May 2017 allowed public access to test servers and provide feedback on balance and connectivity.[46]
Audio and Visuals
Splatoon 2 employs a vibrant cel-shaded art style that delivers bold, colorful visuals with sharp outlines and exaggerated proportions, creating a lively, cartoonish world filled with ink-splattered environments.[47] This aesthetic extends to fluid ink animations, where liquid effects simulate realistic splattering, swimming, and coverage dynamics, enhancing the sense of movement during gameplay.[48] Players can customize their Inkling avatars with options including 16 hairstyles, 21 eye colors, nine skin tones, and various gear pieces that alter appearance and provide gameplay bonuses, promoting personal expression through urban-inspired outfits.[49]The core ink mechanics allow dynamic stage alterations driven by ink coverage, which progressively transforms surfaces to enable squid swimming. Some stages feature environmental effects that interact with the ink. The game's high-definition graphics are tailored for the Nintendo Switch, supporting both docked and handheld modes with optimized rendering for portable play, resulting in crisp details on smaller screens without compromising the chaotic, ink-drenched battles.[2]The soundtrack, composed primarily by Toru Minegishi alongside Ryo Nagamatsu and Shiho Fujii, blends chiptune elements with rock and electronic dance music (EDM) to evoke an energetic, youthful vibe that complements the fast-paced action.[50] Iconic tracks feature performances by virtual idol groups such as the Squid Sisters and Off the Hook, with Splatfest anthems like "Nasty Majesty" incorporating upbeat EDM rhythms to heighten event excitement.[2]Audio design emphasizes immersive sensory feedback, including squishy, viscous sounds for ink interactions and sharp, varied effects for weapons like splattershots and rollers.[51] These are augmented by the Nintendo Switch's HD Rumble feature, which provides tactile vibrations mimicking ink flow and weapon recoil, such as the rhythmic pulsing during squid-form swimming.[2] Character voice acting utilizes a mix of gibberish syllables for Inklings to maintain universality, while key figures like Pearl and Marina feature English-language performances accessible across global regions, supporting the game's multilingual text localization.[52]The overall design draws influences from pop art through its graffiti-like ink motifs, urban fashion via customizable streetwear aesthetics, and Japanese idol culture in the charismatic, performance-driven idol groups that anchor the game's social events.[48] These elements combine to craft a sensory experience that feels fresh and culturally resonant, prioritizing style as a core component of immersion.[53]
Release
Platforms and Dates
Splatoon 2 was released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch console.[2] The game launched simultaneously worldwide on July 21, 2017, including in North America, Europe, Australia, and Japan.[54] It was made available both as a physical cartridge and digitally through the Nintendo eShop.[2]The standard edition retailed for $59.99 in North America, £49.99 in the United Kingdom, and ¥5,980 in Japan at launch.[2][55] Bundle options including the Octo Expansion downloadable content were offered later for $79.98, providing the base game plus the $19.99 DLC add-on.[2]While the core release schedule was uniform across regions, the Japanese version featured localized Splatfest themes tailored to cultural preferences, such as Rock versus Pop, distinct from Western themes like Callie versus Marie.[56]The Nintendo Switch's hybrid design enabled Splatoon 2 to support TV mode, tabletop mode, and handheld mode, allowing multiplayer battles in portable settings via local wireless connections or online play.[57]Backward compatibility with the Wii U predecessor was limited to amiibo figures; scanning amiibo containing save data from the original Splatoon unlocked specific gear sets and bonuses in Splatoon 2, but direct save file transfers were not supported.[58]
Marketing and Promotion
Splatoon 2 was initially teased on October 20, 2016, in the official reveal trailer for the Nintendo Switch console, showing Inklings in a stadium setting that hinted at a sequel to the original game.[59] The title was officially announced on January 12, 2017, during Nintendo's Switch Presentation livestream, where a trailer showcased new weapons like the Splat Roller and confirmed a summer 2017 release.[60]To build hype, Nintendo hosted the Global Testfire beta events, first announced on February 13, 2017, with demo sessions on March 24-25 and June 16-18, 2017, allowing Nintendo Switch owners worldwide to playtest online multiplayer modes such as Turf War for limited one-hour windows.[61] At E3 2017 in June, Nintendo demonstrated Turf War gameplay on the show floor, highlighting team-based ink battles and new features.[62] Promotional trailers, including the "Turf War" show floor demo and an introduction to the new idols Off the Hook (Pearl and Marina), were released to emphasize the game's vibrant music and competitive elements.[63]Amiibo promotions featured new figures of Pearl and Marina in a 2-pack set, exclusive to the Splatoon series and available starting July 21, 2017, which unlocked special in-game gear and content when tapped to the Nintendo Switch.[64] These tied into Splatfest events, with a pre-release global Splatfest on July 15-16, 2017, pitting Cake against Ice Cream to test the event system and encourage early player engagement.[65]Partnerships included collaborations with fashion brands for officially licensed apparel, such as Kyoto-based EDITMODE's Splatoon-themed clothing line revealed in June 2017, featuring items like t-shirts and hoodies inspired by in-game designs to appeal to the game's style-focused audience.[66] Retail bundles paired the game with special Nintendo Switch consoles, including neon green and pink Joy-Con editions announced for Europe and Japan in May 2017 and North America in August 2017, often exclusive to retailers like Walmart.[67]Media exposure came through multiple Nintendo Direct presentations, including a dedicated Splatoon 2 Direct on July 6, 2017, that detailed single-player modes and updates.[68] A manga adaptation was announced on February 16, 2017, expanding on the game's world with stories centered around Inkling teams in Turf Wars, serialized in CoroCoro Comic and later receiving an official English release by Viz Media.[69] Animated shorts, such as promotional videos introducing Off the Hook and lore-expanding clips tied to Splatfests, were produced to deepen the narrative around Inkopolis and its inhabitants.[63]In Japan, regional efforts emphasized idol promotions, with virtual concerts featuring the Squid Sisters beginning in 2016 and continuing as live performances at events like Niconico Tokaigi, positioning the characters as pop idols to drive fan excitement ahead of the sequel's launch.[70]
Post-release Content
Updates and Expansions
Following its launch, Splatoon 2 received extensive post-release support from Nintendo, including a major paid DLC expansion and numerous free software updates that introduced new content and refined gameplay.[71] The most significant addition was the Splatoon 2: Octo ExpansionDLC, released on June 13, 2018, which expanded the single-player campaign with over 80 challenging missions set in an underground test facility known as the Octarian Deepsea Metro.[3] In this storyline, players control Agent 8, an amnesiac Octoling who navigates perilous tests alongside Cap'n Cuttlefish to reach the surface of Inkopolis, unlocking Octolings as a playable multiplayer race upon completion.[3] The expansion also included bonus Octo-themed gear and integrated seamlessly with the base game, allowing Octoling customization in online battles.[3]In addition to the DLC, Nintendo delivered over 15 major free updates through version 5.5.2, progressively adding new weapons, stages, and modes to keep multiplayer fresh.[71] For instance, version 1.3.0 (July 2017) introduced stages like Snapper Canal and weapons such as the Rapid Blaster Pro, while version 4.1.0 (October 2018) added Skipper Pavilion and new Kensa weapons to diversify combat options.[72] X Power, a competitive ranking system for higher-skilled players featuring league battles with stricter matchmaking, was introduced in version 3.0.0 (April 2018). These updates often coincided with seasonal events, briefly tying into community Splatfests for enhanced player engagement.[71]Balance patches formed a core part of the update cadence, with regular adjustments to weapon stats, special abilities, and map elements based on aggregated player data to promote fair play.[73] Examples include version 2.2.0 (January 2018), which increased damage for undercharged shots on certain blasters by about 63% while tweaking ink efficiency, and subsequent patches that modified sub-weapon behaviors like the Inkjet's flight speed or Splat Bomb trajectories.[74] Later updates, such as version 4.5.0 (March 2019), refined squid-form swimming speeds and special charge times for weapons like the Tri-Slosher to address overpowered combinations observed in competitive scenes.[75] These changes were typically released every few months, ensuring evolving meta without overhauling core mechanics.[71]The final major content update, version 5.0.0 (July 31, 2019), aligned Splatoon 2 features with the impending Splatoon 3 release by archiving older gear catalogs into a Drizzle Season collection and adjusting stage hazards like object placements in Splat Zones and Tower Control modes.[73] Subsequent versions, including 5.5.0 (September 2021) and beyond, focused on minor refinements such as Salmon Run gear tweaks and multiplayer stability improvements.[71] As of version 5.5.2 (October 15, 2025), Nintendo continued providing bug fixes, such as resolving League Battle issues for cross-play between Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 systems.[76]Nintendo maintained dedicated data centers for low-latency online play, with ongoing server support evidenced by periodic maintenance and the 2025 updates, ensuring Splatoon 2's multiplayer remained accessible years after launch.[77]
Events and Community
Splatfests in Splatoon 2 served as recurring multiplayer events held every two weeks, pitting players against one another in team-based Turf War battles themed around binary choices, such as Order versus Chaos.[56] Players voted for their preferred side upon entering Inkopolis Square, with the in-game hosts Off the Hook—comprising the DJs Pearl and Marina—announcing the theme, providing commentary during the event, and revealing global results afterward based on total territory inked, votes, and individual performance across three stages. Winning teams unlocked exclusive rewards, including unique apparel, player icons, and titles displayed in online lobbies, while all participants received tiered bonuses like Super Sea Snails for ability enhancements depending on their contribution.[78]Salmon Run offered cooperative gameplay through rotating shifts at Grizzco Industries, where teams of up to four players repelled waves of Salmonid enemies on randomized stages to collect golden eggs during timed defenses.[79] These rotations, which cycled every few days, featured varying weapon sets and environmental hazards, culminating in boss encounters with king Salmonids such as the Coal Eel or Scrapper that demanded coordinated strategies to defeat.[80] Successful completions triggered paydays from Mr. Grizz, distributing cash, chunks for gear customization, and occasional Grizzco-branded equipment, emphasizing teamwork against escalating threats like fog or goldie swarms.[81]Community interaction in Splatoon 2 echoed the social elements of Miiverse through an in-game bulletin board in Inkopolis Plaza, where players could post simple drawings and text messages visible to others in the hub, fostering casual sharing ahead of matches.[82]Nintendo supported fan creativity via official art contests, including a 2017 UK competition inviting submissions for display at the Hyper Japan Festival, with winners receiving themed merchandise like Pro Controllers and amiibo figures.[83] Private Battles facilitated grassroots tournaments by allowing up to eight players to customize modes, stages, and rules, bolstered by LAN connectivity for offline events and a spectator mode for up to two observers to follow and broadcast matches.[84]The Splatoon 2 fan culture thrived on expressive activities, including cosplay showcased at conventions like San Diego Comic-Con 2017, where official Nintendo setups highlighted detailed Inkling and Octoling outfits alongside playable demos.[85] Enthusiasts also created fan animations depicting in-game scenarios and characters, while communities engaged in theory-crafting the series' lore, such as interpreting Octarian history and environmental themes through Splatfest outcomes that influenced narrative directions.[86]Nintendo encouraged this through social media channels like Twitter, sharing event highlights and developer insights to build hype, though structured AMAs were rare compared to promotional posts.[87]Nintendo hosted major community events like the 2022 Inkopolis Showdown, a four-weekend tournament series for North American players using private battles to compete for prizes including trophies, gaming gear, and My Nintendo points.[88]
Reception
Critical Reviews
Splatoon 2 received generally favorable reviews from critics, earning an aggregate Metascore of 83/100 on Metacritic based on 100 reviews for the Nintendo Switch version.[4] Reviewers frequently praised the game's addictive multiplayer gameplay and its seamless optimization for the Nintendo Switch hardware, highlighting the consistent 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second even during intense battles.[4] The vibrant art style and colorful aesthetic were also lauded for creating an engaging, immersive world that stood out in the shooter genre.[89]Critics noted significant improvements in the single-player campaign over its predecessor, with greater depth through diverse weapon trials and co-op modes like Salmon Run, which added strategic variety to the experience.[90] Social features, such as expanded customization options for characters and gear, were appreciated for enhancing player expression and community interaction.[91] IGN awarded the game an 8.3/10, commending its core loop for providing strong replayability through refined mechanics and ongoing content updates.[89] Similarly, GameSpot gave it an 8/10, emphasizing the "consistently a blast to play" multiplayer that felt fresh despite iterative changes.[90]Despite these strengths, some reviewers criticized launch-day server instability, which led to frequent disconnections and matchmaking issues that hampered the online experience in the game's early weeks. The single-player campaign's length was seen as limited, often clocking in at around 5-7 hours, potentially leaving players wanting more narrative substance before diving into multiplayer.[91] Motion controls, while central to precise aiming, presented a learning curve for newcomers, with some outlets noting the adjustment period could frustrate those unused to gyroscopic inputs.[89] Additionally, a few critiques pointed to repetitive game modes that, while polished, lacked bold innovation beyond refinements to the original formula.[92]Reception evolved positively following the release of the Octo Expansion DLC in June 2018, which earned its own Metascore of 82/100 and was hailed for deepening the narrative through challenging single-player levels and themes of identity.[93] Critics appreciated how the expansion addressed earlier shortcomings in story depth, offering a more rigorous and story-driven experience that boosted overall perceptions of the game's longevity.[94]IGN scored it 8.8/10, praising the "expansive amount of levels and a multi-tiered finale" for elevating the campaign's impact.[94]The game was celebrated in reviews for its diverse character designs and inclusive themes, particularly in the Octo Expansion, which explored motifs of acceptance, xenophobia, and coexistence among differing groups like Inklings and Octolings.[95] This approach was noted for fostering a welcoming environment that resonated with broader audiences, emphasizing unity over division in its whimsical yet thoughtful world-building.[96]
Sales and Market Performance
Splatoon 2 experienced robust commercial performance following its July 2017 launch, becoming one of the Nintendo Switch's top-selling titles. The game sold over 1 million copies worldwide within its first week, driven by strong attach rates to the newly released console and promotional betas that built anticipation.[97] Strong initial sales continued into the first month, with over 1 million units sold worldwide by mid-August 2017, bolstered by hardware-software bundles and positive early reception.[97]As of December 2022, Splatoon 2 had sold 13.6 million units worldwide (the last reported figure from Nintendo, with no updates in subsequent financial reports through 2025), more than double the lifetime sales of its predecessor and ranking it among the best-selling Switch games.[98] Regionally, Japan accounted for over 4 million units, reflecting the franchise's cultural popularity there and making it the first home console title to exceed 2 million sales in the country in nearly a decade.[99] In the Americas, the game saw strong holiday season performance, topping U.S. sales charts for July 2017 and benefiting from widespread console adoption during the 2017 festive period.[97]Europe exhibited steady growth through word-of-mouth and multiplayer community engagement, contributing to balanced international reach.The Octo Expansion DLC, released in June 2018, further extended the game's economic impact, appealing to players seeking additional single-player content.[100]
Legacy
Awards and Recognition
Splatoon 2 received several nominations at major industry award ceremonies shortly after its release. At The Game Awards 2017, the game was nominated for Best Family Game, ultimately losing to Super Mario Odyssey, and for Best Multiplayer Game, where it competed against titles like PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds.[101][102]In 2018, Splatoon 2 earned a nomination for Multiplayer at the 14th British Academy Games Awards, facing competition from games such as Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Fortnite.[103] The game was honored with the Excellence Award in the Game Design Division at the 2018 Computer Entertainment Developers Conference (CEDEC) Awards, recognizing its innovative multiplayer mechanics and level design.[104]Additionally, Splatoon 2 holds a Guinness World Record as the most critically acclaimed shooter video game for Nintendo Switch, based on an aggregate score of 82.84% from 54 reviews on GameRankings as of March 5, 2018.[105]The Octo Expansion DLC was praised for its narrative depth but did not receive formal award nominations in categories like excellence in narrative design.
Influence and Sequel
Splatoon 2's Octo Expansion DLC, released in 2018, introduced playable Octolings as characters in its single-player campaign, a feature that unlocked their availability in multiplayer modes upon completion and directly paved the way for their full integration as selectable protagonists in Splatoon 3. This expansion's narrative and mechanics, including Agent 8's journey, influenced Splatoon 3's story elements involving Octarian themes and expanded the series' lore around interspecies dynamics between Inklings and Octolings. Additionally, Splatoon 2's multiplayer framework, supported by the Nintendo Switch Online service launched in 2018, established a shared online infrastructure that Splatoon 3 built upon, enabling cross-game connectivity for features like save data transfers that reward players with bonuses such as gear unlocks and golden licenses for weapons.The game helped solidify Nintendo's approach to live-service models through regular free updates, including new weapons, stages, and seasonal Splatfest events that kept the community engaged without aggressive monetization. Splatoon 2's emphasis on non-toxic multiplayer, achieved via motion controls and the absence of voice chat, carved out a welcoming niche in the shooter genre, promoting cooperative play over competitive toxicity and influencing perceptions of accessible online gaming. Its esports scene, driven by community tournaments, further demonstrated Nintendo's potential in organized competitive play, with events like the Splatoon 2 World Championship fostering grassroots growth.The series' squid-kid aesthetics, featuring customizable Inklings and Octolings with vibrant, fashion-forward designs, permeated popular culture through official merchandise lines including apparel, figurines, and accessories sold via Nintendo's stores. These elements extended to animations, such as the in-game Splatfest concerts and external media like animated shorts, which popularized the franchise's colorful, youthful vibe. Splatoon 2 also advanced diverse representation by normalizing non-humanoid characters with varied body types, genders, and cultural inspirations in its roster, contributing to broader discussions on inclusivity in gaming narratives.Many of Splatoon 2's refinements, such as the Salmon Run co-op mode introduced in 2017 and enhanced with Octoling support via the Octo Expansion, were directly carried over to Splatoon 3, where the mode—now called Salmon Run Next Wave—added new bosses and levels while retaining core horde-defense mechanics. However, Splatoon 3 diverged by incorporating more open-world elements in its single-player campaign, with the hub area of Alterna allowing greater exploration and platforming freedom compared to Splatoon 2's more linear Hero Mode and Octo Expansion levels.In October 2025, Splatoon 2 received version 5.5.2 update for compatibility with the Nintendo Switch 2, demonstrating continued official support. The modding community has complemented this by sustaining the game's longevity through platforms like Nexus Mods, where creators release custom content and tools as of 2025, including visual enhancements and expanded single-player experiences. These efforts, alongside fan archives of stages, weapons, and events, preserve the title's content for offline play and nostalgia, ensuring accessibility amid the shift to Splatoon 3.