Main weapon



"Your go-to weapon can be short-range, long-range, or just plain messy (like the Splat Roller). Each has its own benefits and weaknesses, so there's something for every play style!"

- Splatoon's official website

The main weapon is the primary type of weapon players use in the Splatoon series. Each main weapon has its own set of sub weapons and special weapons.

Shooters


Shooters are guns that fire small blobs of ink in quick succession. Most shooters continuously fire when the player holds the trigger, but some shooters offer semi-automatic functionality, requiring the player to tap the trigger repeatedly instead of holding it for some or all aspects of operation.

Prior to, the shooter class additionally included blaster-type weapons, which were separated into their own class in that game.

Rollers


Rollers can be pushed along the ground, leaving a trail of ink. Users can attack by flinging ink and damage is also dealt if enemies come into contact with the weapon while it is being pushed, sometimes crushing the opponent in one hit. As of, rollers can do a thinner long-ranged vertical swing when the player is in mid-air.

Prior to, the roller class additionally included brush-type weapons, which were separated into their own class in that game.

Chargers


Chargers can instantly splat opponents at long range once charged up (with the exception of the Snipewriter 5H and Bamboozlers). Uncharged shots do not have enough range or damage to be used effectively for attacking, but they can be used for covering turf. Precision aim is required and a laser shows everyone (including enemies) where the shot will land. Some chargers allow the player to store their charge when swimming around in ink.

Sloshers


Sloshers are single-shot, bucket-like weapons that hurl ink in an arc. The ink can be hurled over obstacles to hit opponents. Some sloshers allow the player to ink in different ways, such as hurling ink in three different directions simultaneously or shooting out long-range projectiles which explode on impact with solid surfaces.

Splatlings


Splatlings are rotary cannon or minigun type weapons that generally have a high rate of fire and considerable range. In-game, they operate similar to chargers but release a stream of small ink bullets instead of a single powerful one. Like chargers, a full charge is necessary to achieve the maximum potential range and firing duration.

Dualies


Dualies are paired sets of ink guns that give their user the ability to dodge roll. After a dodge roll, the two dualies are held together by the player, enhancing their performance in various ways depending on the dualie. This weapon class was introduced in Splatoon 2.

Brellas


Brellas are shotgun-like weapons with deployable shields. Depending on the brella model, the shield can be held in front of the user or launched forward. Brellas can also fire while the brella is opened giving the user a shield like cover, but the cover can usually be extinguished by some Sub Weapons. This weapon class was introduced in Splatoon 2.

Blasters


Blasters are weapons that commonly fire large globs of ink with a delayed explosion. Often these explosions aren't the best for inking turf, but better for splatting opponents, for example, the explosion allows users to attack opponents located behind obstacles, around corners, or while on lower ground.

Blasters have been in the Splatoon series since the first game. However, the blaster class was introduced in ; prior to that game, blasters were classified as shooters.

Brushes


Brushes can be pushed along the ground, much like rollers. They are especially fast but leave a narrow trail of ink. They do not deal nearly as much contact damage, making crushing enemies virtually impossible. However, instead of flinging large waves of ink, brushes quickly swipe from side to side, flicking many smaller globs. This rapid-fire flick is their primary means of spreading ink and attacking enemies, making them ideal for fast, close-combat action.

Brushes have been in the Splatoon series since the first game. However, the brush class was introduced in ; prior to that game, brushes were classified as rollers.

Stringers


Stringers are large bow weapons that fire similar to a charger. They have vertical and horizontal shots, similar to the rollers. They shoot three strings of ink per shot. The weapon class was introduced in Splatoon 3.

Splatanas


Splatanas are sword-like weapons that are used similar to a brush, without the rolling function. Instead, if is held, it will charge a more powerful vertical swing. The shots will travel in the air for some time, splashing ink beneath them. The weapon class was introduced in Splatoon 3.

Rare


Rare weapons are modified weapons from existing classes. During wildcard rotations of Salmon Run, one of Mr. Grizz's personal weapons are accidentally added to the mix. Rare weapons are tweaked versions of normal weapons with much more powerful stats. These weapons are only available at certain times and can only be used within Salmon Run and cannot be used or obtained anywhere else.

Abilities
Abilities on a player's gear can affect main weapons. The following abilities have effects that directly improve the performance of main weapons.