Signal

Signals are quick messages in online multiplayer battle modes in Splatoon. They are only sent to members of the same team, and serve as a means of communication and localization of friendly Inklings in peril. There are currently two different signals: one used to indicate joy, and one used to call other players to the caller. The messages have some visual and audio effects, accompanied by the message's text appearing on-screen. These signals are not visible to the opposing team, and the only way an enemy has to know a signal has been sent is by observing the Inkling's pose, if they do one.

Using
At any point during a match, a message may be sent by using ; the message depends on the direction pressed. It is possible to send the "Down" signal at any point, even when the Inkling has been splatted, but the same is not true for the "Up" signal, which requires the character to be alive. This is perhaps to stop players from calling their friends to certain demise.

In Octo Valley, serves to switch between Sub Weapons instead.

Appearance
When the player sends a signal, some rings come out from below their Inkling, and the text corresponding to the message appears on-screen above the messenger. If the Inkling is standing still, they'll also strike a pose, which can be canceled at any time by moving. For the other players on the same team, the message's text also sticks to the borders of the screen, when the player is not facing the signaling Inkling, and appears through walls, regardless of distance. Inkling teammates that are sending a signal will have the message displayed on top of their large button, on the right side of the GamePad's screen.

Audio-wise, teammates will hear an Inkling announce their signal out loud, if they're in range. As for the calling player themselves, they will only be able to hear their own Inkling's signal shout through the GamePad. The GamePad will also play signal voice clips from teammates.

Current signals
Currently, there are two signals in-game, activated by pressing Up or Down on. The exact text sent by the signals differs between region.

At its core, the intent is for the "Up" signal to alert teammates that the Inkling needs help, or wants them to jump to them, and for the "Down" signal to serve as a general happiness shout. The signal's text appears on the screen of each player on the signaling Inkling's team, but while the signal is the same, the on-screen text corresponds to the respective player's region. For instance, if a North American player presses Down on, they will see "Booyah!" on their screen, but an European teammate will see "Nice!" appearing from the first Inkling. Because of this, some confusion may arise if players misinterpret the "Up" signal, which could be seen as either encouragement or a cry for help, due to the ambiguity of the term "C'mon".