Baller

The Baller is a special weapon in Splatoon 2. It puts the user into a Inkling/Octoling-sized hamster ball that protects them and can explode on command.

Appearance
The Baller is a transparent sphere that is just large enough to encase an Inkling or Octoling. There are two white strips of tape encircling the Baller that are ripped off when it takes enough damage. A small reservoir of the user's ink rests in the bottom of the Baller.

Splatoon 2
When using the special, an Inkling or Octoling enters the Baller. This allows them to move quickly and blocks incoming damage taken while inking the ground as they move, and also allows them to roll up walls. If is held while in the bubble, or after a set time, the Baller explodes, covering the surrounding area in ink. The Baller being inked results in it shrinking, eventually disappearing, instead of the player using it taking damage. The Baller works similar to Splash Wall in matters of destructive bombs. They explode immediately upon touching it, which can be disastrous for teammates nearby.

It appears in three Octo Expansion Stations:
 * Roll Out Station
 * Ballercise Station
 * Whack-Fu Station

Special Power Up
Equipping Special Power Up with Baller increases its durability and explosion radius. The following table shows the HP increase percentage for Baller when stacking the ability.

Quotes
"Enter a defensive ball that protects you from a certain amout of damage as you play. The ball will eventually explode, allowing you to use the moment you emerge from it as an attack.

You can also hold to build up power and cause the ball to explode yourself."

- Sub & Special Guide

Strategy
For competitive tips about the Baller

Trivia

 * When a player is splatted by a Baller's explosion, a message with "The Baller Inksploded!" appears. The message "Splatted by Baller!" appears in other instances.
 * The weapons with the smallest special gauges for Baller are tied with the .52 Gal, and Krak-On Splat Roller at 170p each. The largest are the L-3 Nozzlenose, and Custom Explosher at 220p each.
 * Baller, Splashdown, and Ink Armor are the only special weapons to appear on at least one weapon in every class.
 * According to The Art of Splatoon 2, researchers made the Baller to find out how to contain ink released by Inklings when they used a special weapon.
 * It was revealed that to hold all the ink, the Baller would have to be 7 times its volume than the prototype. Though it would become unable to roll around the stage.
 * They settled on having the Baller hold a portion of ink and releasing the rest as the user moved around inside.