Opening Gambit

Opening Gambit is an ability in Splatoon and Splatoon 2.

Opening Gambit boosts run speed and swim speed for the first 30 seconds of the match, allowing players to move much faster. The ability is ideal for reaching objectives before opponents during the start of the match, and gaining a tactical advantage. After 30 seconds have passed, the effect wears off for the rest of the match. Players may prefer to use, or , which last the entire match, however one main slot of each of these abilities does not have the same strength as Opening Gambit. The timer can be extended by 7.5 seconds by getting a kill or assist. This ability is restricted to headgear as a main ability, and cannot be rolled as a sub ability.

Mutual exclusivity
This ability is found as the main ability only on headgear, so other abilities found only on headgear are mutually exclusive with it; in other words players cannot have them together. These abilities are, , and.

Gear
Opening Gambit is the main ability of:

Data
Opening Gambit has an effect equal to three mains of and.

Gear
Opening Gambit is the main ability of:

Data
Opening Gambit has an effect equal to five subs of, , and. While the effects normally lasts for 30 seconds, the timer can be extended by 7.5 seconds for each splat or assist the user is credited with. Splatting an opponent or being credited for an assist after the ability has worn off will not reactivate the effects of the ability.