Get to Know Alterna, Your Only Choice

Get to Know Alterna, Your Only Choice is the sixth level in Splatoon 3 story mode, Return of the Mammalians, and the first level of Future Utopia Island and Alterna overall.

Description
This level introduces many mechanics that will play a role in future levels, teaching the player how to use them effectively.

Access
This kettle is the very first one accessible upon gaining access to Alterna, being just a short walk away from the Squid Sisters' Camp. Despite being the first level in Alterna, if done correctly, can be completely optional.

Walkthrough
Note: Due to the level having no fee, you may retry from checkpoints as many times as you want, even if you lose all your lives.

Checkpoint 1
The level begins with an inactive Ride Rail directly in front of Agent 3. After optionally shooting two Balloons and jumping through a Squid Ring, the player will arrive at a platform with a pair of Crates ahead of them. Moving forward will reveal that the path to the goal is blocked by three Vaults, each of which requires a key. The keys can be collected in any order.

Checkpoint 2
On the left side of the central platform is a Gusher, which leads to a set of smaller platforms connected by an inactive Inkrail. It is too far away for the Hero Shot's ink to reach, but it can be activated by throwing Smallfry at it. Upon reaching the other side, activate the Propeller to reach the first key.

Checkpoint 3
Two Squid Rings will appear to guide Agent 3 back to the central platform. They will land near an Ink Switch, a Sprinkler spreading Octarian ink, and a Squee-G. There is also a pair of Dash tracks nearby, which can optionally be used to pass through two more Squid Rings- if Agent 3 doesn't change into swim form to pass through the grate, a nearby Bounce Pad will help them return to the central platform.

Activating the Ink Switch will extend an inkable block outward that can be used to scale the nearby wall. At the top is a Balloon and a wall with a second Squee-G patrolling it. Bypass the Squee-G and the second key will be available.

Checkpoint 4
At the right is a Bounce Pad, which can be used to optionally reach another Crate, and an Ink Roller. If shot, it will run into a nearby Sponge. Climbing up the Sponge will lead to a pair of Ride Rails and a Squid Ring located between them; on the other side is a pair of Inkfurlers leading to another platform directly across from the last key. A nearby Canned Special dispenser providing Trizookas will make short work of the two nearby Shielded Octotroopers and trigger another Inkfurler.

After collecting all three keys, simply open the corresponding Vaults to reach the goal.