Spawn point

The spawn point is the starting area for players in a stage. In multiplayer modes there are two Spawn Points on each stage, one for each team. In Octo Valley, spawn points are called checkpoints and appear throughout every mission.

Appearance
A spawn point is a large, metallic device with a flat surface on top filled with the ink of the team it belongs to, the surface of which perpetually rippling. There are three antenna-like fixtures on the outside edge that glow with a pulsing light the color of the team's ink. When a splatted Inkling's ghost enters a spawn point, the Ink bubbles up and creates a new body for them.

Octo Valley checkpoints are simply miniature versions of their multiplayer counterparts; while normal spawn points fit four players, checkpoints are only made for one player, Agent 3.

In Splatoon 2, spawn points are visually similar to the top of a cappuccino machine.

Online battles
In a short pre-battle sequence, all players on a team appear on their spawn points in squid form. They then assume humanoid form and shake off the remaining ink on them. When an Inkling is splatted, whether by an opponent or a stage hazard, they will reappear on their Spawn Point after about four seconds and are able to continue playing. Respawn time can be shortened with the Quick Respawn ability.

A Spawn Point is also a safe space for all players it belongs to; it is protected by an invisible wall through which no enemies or their attacks can go through, including special weapons such as the Inkstrike or Killer Wail. This allows players on the spawn point to splat opponents without being in danger themselves. These features help to combat spawn camping, though a well-coordinated team can still do it by staying in the area outside the spawn point's shield and splatting those who try to leave.

Spawn points can also be Super Jumped to at any time, giving players a way to escape a dangerous situation if no teammates or Squid Beakons are available. However, this leaves the user vulnerable while preparing to jump; it is not recommended if there are opponents in the immediate area.

On top of that, Spawn Points also act as an inked surface, allowing players to swim in it for healing and refilling their ink tank.

Octo Valley
In Octo Valley, Checkpoints allow the player to respawn at them whenever they get splatted. This, however is only allowed at least three times during a single stage, as made noted by the "Lives" meter in the top left corner of the screen. Although, if the meter is missing at least one section, one section can be refilled every time the player reaches a checkpoint. They do not appear in boss battles, except for the first mission and the final mission.

Trivia

 * A player holding the Rainmaker cannot enter their own spawn point, instead they will bounce off the surrounding force field as if they were an enemy.
 * In Octo Valley, a Checkpoint does not need to be stepped on directly to be activated; the ground around it also works.