Competitive:Neo Splash-o-matic

Unofficial

Quick facts
A.k.a.: Splash

Role: Slayer /Support Flex

Strengths: Accuracy, mobility, turfing, Bomb Launcher farming

Weaknesses: Short range, dependent on abilities to increase either damage or special usage rate

Use

 * The Neo Splash-o-matic has elements of both a slayer's and support weapon:
 * Its near-perfect accuracy and high rate of fire make it very efficient at splatting opponents within its range.
 * Its lightweight nature and Burst Bombs make it very mobile, more so than the Splash-o-matic in.
 * The rapid firing rate and excellent ink coverage of the Neo Splash-o-matic make it an excellent turfing weapon, allowing it to more easily maintain map control, capture Splat Zones, and build up the special gauge.
 * However, the Neo Splash-o-matic cannot excel as either a slayer or a support without a significant investment in abilities:
 * Compared to most other slayer's weapons, the Neo Splash-o-matic is lacking in both damage and range:
 * Main Power Up can increase the damage of the Neo Splash-o-matic, capping off at 33.3 health points (HP) with 31 ability points — achievable with either one main and seven subs or two mains and four subs. For a smaller but nearly-effective investment, 21 ability points – reached with seven subs, one main and four subs, or two mains and one sub – are enough to exceed 32 HP of damage, while 10 ability points, or one main, will exceed 30 HP.
 * To offset the Neo Splash-o-matic's short range, it user will have to rely more on flanking and sharking rather than charging opponents head-on. Swim Speed Up can help either close the distance towards an opponent or flee from an unfavorable matchup, while Ninja Squid allows its user to swim along non-vertical surfaces at full speed undetected at the cost of some swimming speed.
 * While it can benefit from Comeback, Quick Respawn, and Stealth Jump, Main Power Up and Swim Speed up are a higher priority for the Neo Splash-o-matic to keep up with other typical slayer's weapons.
 * The Neo Splash-o-matic has a higher special gauge requirement than most other slayer's weapons, offsetting its rapid turfing. Special Charge Up can further hasten building up the special gauge, allowing for more Suction-Bomb Launcher use.
 * It is recommended to choose one role – slayer or support – and plan a build based off of its playstyle. A Neo Splash-o-matic user who attempts to fill both roles simultaneously will be outclassed by other slayer's and support weapons.
 * The instant explosion and good ink efficiency of Burst Bombs offer plenty of uses:
 * The quick explosion of ink will instantly turf inkable surfaces, permitting either a fast pursuit of an opponent or a rapid retreat from an unfavorable situation.
 * Their quick damage makes them suitable for either leading off attacks or finishing off injured opponents who attempt to flee.
 * Opponents hit by Burst bombs will be surrounded by friendly ink (which is hostile to the opponent), further crippling the opponent's health and mobility.
 * Direct hits will inflict 60 health points (HP) of damage, while splash damage will only deliver 25-35 HP. Always go for direct hits whenever possible.
 * Ink Saver (Sub) allows the player to throw bombs more often and conserve more ink for the main weapon.
 * Sub Power Up can increase the throwing range of Burst Bombs, compensating for the short range of the Neo Splash-o-matic.
 * When used at the right time, the Suction-Bomb Launcher can turn the tide of a battle:
 * Either capturing or holding onto a zone while forcing opponents away from the zone.
 * Either leading or stopping a Tower, Rainmaker, or Power Clam push by clearing opponents out of the way.
 * Quickly popping the Rainmaker's shield to instantly start or restart a Rainmaker push.

Countermeasures

 * Having shorter range and weaker damage than most other typical slayer's weapons, the Neo Splash-o-matic would be at a disadvantage against them:
 * All variants of the Splattershot, the N-ZAP '85, the L-3 Nozzlenose, and the Splattershot Pro outrange the Neo Splash-o-matic.
 * Blasters, rollers, and sloshers easily overpower the Neo Splash-o-matic.
 * However, do not overlook its Burst Bombs, as they can provide its user more damage and range than expected from the main weapon.
 * Any mid-ranged or long-ranged weapon, such as chargers and splatlings, can fire upon the Neo Splash-o-matic with impunity unless it gets too close.
 * Check the map periodically for opposing ink forming around flanks to anticipate a flanking attack.
 * To prevent sharking, keep track of all four opponents – particularly which ones have neither been splatted nor super jumped to their spawn point – and turf suspicious puddles of opposing ink, preferably with a sub weapon. Point Sensors, while unable to turf, can expose any sharking opponents.
 * Splashdown and Booyah Bomb, if timed properly, can negate the Suction Bombs of a Suction-Bomb Launcher.
 * A counter Bomb Launcher can nullify the effects of Suction-Bomb Launcher, preventing its user's team from either capping a zone or continuing a push.