Squid Research Lab/Archive/2018

This is an archive of all the posts from the Live from Squid Research Lab Tumblr. It is a direct copy of the source material, and as such, any errors are retained. Tumblr tags are designated with a box around it:.

January


Research has indicated that a deco-rated new weapon will be joining the others at Ammo Knights—the Rapid Blaster Deco! The stats of this weapon are the same as the Rapid Blaster but, as you can see, it has a fresh new style. This well-rounded kit also comes with Suction Bombs to push forward, and the Inkjet special to draw your opponent’s attention to the skies above!

2018-01-26

February


A Luna landing is happening at Ammo Knights today! The Luna Blaster Neo has the same stats as the Luna Blaster, and is great for getting up close and personal. This weapon comes with the Ink Mine sub to protect your surroundings and the Suction-Bomb Launcher to throw a party. A party of…Suction-Bombs. Um. Yes.

2018-02-23

March




Research indicates that a fan-favorite stage will re-open for battles tomorrow! Piranha Pit, located in a mysterious quarry, is famous for its industrial style and tricky conveyor belts. It’s hard to convey just how important the conveyor belts are, so perhaps you should experience it for yourself. Wapow!

2018-03-29



Introducing a Spring Sports Splatfest! This theme asks you to keep your eye on the ball…a sports ball. Yes, sports fans, which one do you like better: baseball or soccer? Do you hunger for home runs or pine for penalty kicks? Do you cover your bases or go for a hat trick? Do you like winning a trophy or winning a…ok, I guess both sports have trophies.

The Splatfest will take place from 4/6 (Fri) 9:00 p.m. PT – 4/7 (Sat) 9:00 p.m. PT

2018-03-30

April




This is C.Q. Cumber, a humble sea cucumber who works as a subway conductor and guide to the underground test facility. Despite his mysterious looks, this diminutive dude is a total pro and takes his job quite seriously. Whenever you’re in trouble, try talking to him.

2018-04-02





With all the discussion around Version 3.0, we forgot to mention that Camp Triggerfish is also making a big return tonight! This wooden fort is situated in the middle of a lake: the perfect place for splatting in the great outdoors. Prepare for fresh air, team building memories, and (hopefully not) falling in the water…

There are also FOUR more weapons arriving tonight. Moving forward, a batch of several weapons will be added once a month instead of the ol’ “once a week” schedule that was happening. Ammo Knights will soon be stocked with:

-Neo Splash-o-matic w/ Burst Bombs & Suction-Bomb Launcher -Foil Squeezer w/ Splat Bomb & Bubble Blower -New Squiffer w/ Autobomb & Baller -Glooga Dualies Deco w/ Splash Wall & Baller

You won’t get our fancy descriptions for these weapons this time (this massive update has resulted in quite a bit of sleep deprivation), but please head to Ammo Knights to check out these beauties.

2018-04-24







A special tournament-style Splatfest is coming to Splatoon 2! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are rising up to take the stage, and it’s up to you to vote and battle for your favorite Turtle! Will you root for Raph? Lay down some ink for Leo? Make some noise for Mikey? Or dominate for Donnie?

The first of three Splatfest tournaments will pit Raph against Leo on 5/4-5/5, with the second on 5/11-5/12, featuring Mikey vs. Donnie, and the final match between the winners takes place on 5/18-5/19. Which brother will be crowned the most bodacious?

The first round of the @tmnt Splatfest features Raph vs. Leo and oozes into action 5/4 at 9pm PT!

2018-04-26



PUBLIC SQUID ANNOUNCEMENT: The Splatoon 2 US/Canada Inkling Open 2018 Finals are almost here! Stay tuned to root for your favorite team of highly skilled Inklings when the competition begins 4/28 at 8am PT!

To watch visit: http://bit.ly/2HSn2a2 or twitch.tv/nintendo

2018-04-28

May


Let’s meet at Wahoo World! This amusement park stage, which is also a hot date spot for hip Inklings, will be added to the rotation tonight. Near the rides in the middle of the stage the floor will rotate and the paths above will connect or disconnect after certain intervals.

2018-05-31

June
As they say, the best defense is a good…defense. The Tenta Sorella Brella will provide plenty of protection, especially with its Splash Wall sub. Just don’t forget about the offensive punch that the Curling-Bomb Launcher provides.

2018-06-29









These are the featured Ranked Battle stages for July. Per usual, eight stages are available in each mode, and two out of eight stages will be playable in a given two-hour rotation.

2018-06-29

July


These are the featured Ranked Battle stages for August. Per usual, eight stages are available in each mode, and two out of eight stages will be playable in a given two-hour rotation.

2018-07-31

August


Play in style as an Inkling in the upcoming Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. With a full array of ink-powered weapons, you can rack up the damage!

2018-08-02



Greetings from the Squid Research Lab! We’ve just received word that the next Splatfest has been announced! The question this time is which utensil do you think is more useful? Do you stick to your points with a fork? Or do you get the scoop with a spoon? Both utensils have their pros and cons, so please chews carefully! (And sorry…“spork” is not an option.) Pick your preferred utensil and charge into splattle starting 8/24 at 9pm PT!

And as a reminder, the Nintendo Switch Online service will be launching in the second half of September. Please note that Nintendo Switch owners won’t automatically become members when the service starts, so you’ll will need to purchase an individual or family membership in order to avoid disruption of your online play in compatible games. To make sure you don’t miss a minute of online play (including Splatfests!), please visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch/online-service for more info. Terms apply.

2018-08-17



It’s a battle to determine the most useful utensil! Team Fork and Team Spoon start their Turf War this Friday, 8/24, at 9pm PT! Which side are you on?

2018-08-22



PSA: The monthly weapon shipment to Ammo Knights is expected to arrive in early September. Please sit tight until this new shipment becomes available.

2018-08-29



From the evening of 8/31, Starfish Mainstage will be closed due to repair work. During construction, this stage will not be available in Regular, Ranked, and League Battle. The stage will still be playable in Private Battle though. Your understanding is appreciated.

2018-08-29



A preview of what’s to come! These are the featured Ranked Battle stages available for September. There will be eight stages available in each mode, and two out of eight stages will be playable in each two-hour rotation. Starfish Mainstage will become available as soon as the construction work is finished.

2018-08-30

September




Inklings and Squid Kids alike! We’ve been invited by a nice lady named Isabelle to go camping with her and her friends. We at the Squid Research Lab have been hard at work trying to determine what these creatures are, but they seem friendly. It’s been confirmed that their campsite is safe for all Inklings and Octolings, so go make some new friends and ink things up! Please check this out if you’re interested.

https://ac-pocketcamp.com/en-US/site/topics/ANNOUNCEMENT_1109136

2018-09-13



The release of Splatoon 2’s Ver.4 was just announced! New weapon sets, part of the Kensa Collection, are coming tonight. In addition, Splatfest has been refreshed with new features, and new sub and special weapons are on the way soon. Stay tuned for more info!

2018-09-13



We just received more details on the new Special Weapon called the Booyah Bomb! Summon a powerful ball of ink, and then unleash it at your opponents for a big inkplosion. Once activated, charge it up faster by signaling “Booyah!”. Teammates can also get a small bonus to their special meter with “Booyah!” rally cries of their own!

2018-09-27



These are the featured October Ranked Battle stages. The new stage, Skipper Pavilion, will be added to the game through the Ver.4.1 update and will join the stage rotation in early October.

2018-09-28

October


Meet Diss-Pair, the odd-couple duo delivering discordant ditties that have turned the music scene upside down. The group is made up of Ikkan, former bassist of the world-renowned Squid Squad, and Warabi, the up-and-coming prodigy beatsmith. These two are a mismatch made in heaven. When crafting new songs in the studio, they avoid each other at all costs to ensure each track maintains its one-of-a-kind edge and tantalizing tension.

2018-10-01



After that intro, I’ll bet you can’t wait to hear their first song, Seasick. This little number features the hard-rocking riffs and heavy metal vocals that Ikkan sometimes used in the Squid Squad’s songs. Listen as the electric rhythms stitch their threads between the driving bass beats in this banging battle backdrop.

2018-10-01



And don’t sleep on the latest track they’ve dropped, Kinetosis. This gem features Warabi’s funk and dance-steeped programming, paired with a lively, bouncy bass beat that just won’t quit. It’s hard to know if these two are complementing or competing with one another, but whatever the case, the result is an overwhelming aural onslaught.

2018-10-01





Tonight at 7pm PT, Version 4.1 will bring the 2nd batch of Kensa Collection weapons. This is a special line in which familiar weapons are equipped with different subs and specials. This time all 4 weapons will have either the new Fizzy Bomb sub or the new Booyah Bomb special!

In addition, full details on other changes in the Ver. 4.1 update can be viewed later today at: https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/27028/p/897

2018-10-02



The Kensa Splattershot Pro is a limited-edition, custom Splattershot created in collaboration with Toni Kensa. Check your opponents with Splat Bombs and finish them with the main! Use the Booyah Bomb special to cover the stage in a whirlwind of ink and instantly set the pace of battle!

2018-10-02



The Kensa Luna Blaster is a limited-edition, custom Blaster created in collaboration with Toni Kensa. Control your opponents’ movement with Fizzy Bombs, and when they have nowhere to run, bring the pain rain with the Ink Storm! Sheldon recommends this set for battle technicians who like to control foes with their sub and special before finishing them off!

2018-10-02



The Kensa Dynamo Roller is a limited-edition set created in collaboration with Toni Kensa. Turn the tide of battle in your favor with the Sprinkler, then press the advantage with the Booyah Bomb!

2018-10-02



The Kensa Sloshing Machine is a limited-edition, custom Slosher created in collaboration with Toni Kensa! Push foes back with blasts from the Fizzy Bomb sub, then watch their colors run as you rinse and repeat with your Slosher main! If anyone’s still standing after that, drop the hammer on ‘em with the Splashdown special! Sheldon suggests this set for mischief makers who can’t resist shaking the soda bottle before popping the top!

2018-10-02

https://youtu.be/JaQO_be55yw

As you might have noticed, Ver.4.0 added a new automatic spectator camera function in Private Battle mode. Our colleagues captured a video using this function to show how it works! You can see updates near the player icons in the upper portion of the screen, which now display the combined total of splats and assists, number of specials used, and current special gauge amount.

2018-10-02







According to our research, there seems to be a higher percentage of “ghouls,” “jack o’ lanterns,” and “pumpkin-flavored treats” being spread around. Yes, there’s no mistaking: it’s time to get excited for Splatoween!



Both Inklings and Octolings are going batty about this special Splatfest happening later this month. The spooky celebration runs from Friday, 10/19 at 3pm PT, to Sunday, 10/21 at 3pm PT - 48 hours total!







Speaking of treats, you can get special in-game treats! Via an upcoming Nintendo Switch News article scheduled for this Friday, 10/5, you’ll be able to receive four different pieces of spooky headgear. You will need to follow the Squid Research Lab Report (Splatoon 2) News Channel on your Nintendo Switch, and launch the Splatoon 2 game from the corresponding news article. If you haven’t followed the channel yet, now is a great time to consider it!

You will receive: • Kyonshi Hat • Li’l Devil Horns • Hockey Mask • Anglerfish Mask

Our researchers have two notes about this: 1) Please make sure that you either have the game card inserted or the digital version of the game on your system.

2) Be sure to receive the items before the article ink-dives off your news feed. We recommend grabbing the items as soon as possible!









Reports indicate that Inkopolis Square will also be getting quite the Splatoween makeover to spice up the festive atmosphere. You might even spot other residents of Inkopolis getting into the spirit!









Even battle stages will receive Halloween-themed graffiti. Outside of battle, you might want to use the Recon feature to freely explore!

We hope you enjoy Splatoween and the spooktacular in-game gear!

2018-10-03



Heads-up Inklings and Octolings! With the Splatoween Splatfest right around the corner, you’ve only got until the evening of 10/4 to pick up your Super Sea Snails from the Retro Vs. Modern Splatfest. So if you haven’t already, head over to Inkopolis Square and grab your gastropods today!

2018-10-03



In-game voting for the Splatfest is now available. Head over to the kiosk in Inkopolis Square and join Team Trick or Team Treat! And don’t forget to launch the game through the recent Splatoon 2 Squid Research Lab Report post on the Nintendo Switch News Channel to receive the special Splatoween gear!

2018-10-05





Everyone in the research lab is excited for International Octopus Day and the return of Inktober! While busy scientists like ourselves may not have the fine art skills required for 31 days of drawings, we did discover one Senior Researcher with skills equal to or greater than the amount required to pay the proverbial bills!

If you’re participating in Inktober and draw anything Splatoon 2 related, tag it with Splatoon Inktober so we can check it out!

2018-10-08



Heads up, there’s fresh new amiibo figures joining the ink-splatting action! This 3-pack, featuring Octoling Boy, Octoling Girl, and Octoling Octopus will be available on 12/7, and gives Inklings and Octolings special access to some stylish new gear!

If you befriend the Octoling Girl amiibo figure, you’ll get the spellbinding look of the Enchanted gear! From the Octoling Boy amiibo, you’ll armor up with the Steel gear, and last but not least, with the Octopus amiibo, you’ll get the Fresh Fish gear, based on a popular character in Inkopolis! (Note: balloons not included.)

2018-10-11



The spooky worldwide Splatoween Splatfest is getting closer! Will you drop a whoopee cushion with Team Trick or canvas the block for houses giving out full size candy bars with Team Treat? This special 48 hour Splatfest kicks off Friday, Oct. 19th, at 3pm PT!

And if you haven’t already, make sure to launch the game from the recent Squid Research Lab Report post in the Nintendo Switch News Channel to claim your Splatoween gear.

2018-10-15





The worldwide Splatoween Splatfest kicks off tomorrow, 10/19, at 3pm PT, and runs until 3pm PT on 10/21! To celebrate this special 48 hour occasion Pearl and Marina from Off The Hook will be sporting a special look!

2018-10-18



Here’s a sneak peak at the decorative new Shifty Station stage making its debut in this weekend’s Splatoween Splatfest!

2018-10-18





With a 2-1 win, Team Treat enjoys the sweet taste of victory! Thanks to everyone who participated in this special spooky Splatoween Splatfest, and don’t forget to pick up your Super Sea Snails!

2018-10-21



Good news, we’ve also received this video of the new Torpedo sub weapon in action! We’re excited to see what kind of data further field tests will provide once it’s available!

2018-10-31

November


Update Ver.4.2.0 is coming to Splatoon 2! This update includes the 3rd set of Kensa Collection weapons, the new Ultra Stamp and Torpedo weapons, and gameplay changes. This update is scheduled to arrive 11/6!

More version updates are planned even after Ver.4.2.0, and we’ll keep you posted on these.

2018-11-05

Whether you’re Team Salsa or Team Guacamole, this tricky Shifty Station level will require some strategy. And make sure you’ve got your team color memorized, because those gushers won’t forget!

Get ready to dip when the Splatfest kicks off tonight, 11/16, at 8:00pm PT!

2018-11-16





The Splatfest results have been calculated, and Team Salsa stays fresco with a 3-0 win! Thanks to both sides for playing!

2018-11-18

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9JTCIzqQn8

Incoming message from the Squid Research Lab! Splatoon 2 Ver. 4.3.0 will arrive on December 5th! It brings a brand new gear ability, additional weapons, and more. Watch the video for the full details, featuring a senior member of the Lab.

2018-11-26



Noticing a little chill in the air? Getting darker a little sooner? That must mean it’s almost time for Frosty Fest! This special global in-game event will turn Inkopolis Square into a winter wonderland! The graffiti in stages will also be winter themed, and Inklings and Octolings will get to use some very fancy glitter-filled ink!







In keeping with the season, this Splatfest asks: Who do you get most excited to spend the holidays with, Friends or Family? Grab a coat and battle it out in the 48-hour event from January 4th, 2:00pm PT, to January 6th, 2:00pm PT.







Along with the Frosty Fest, special gear items will be distributed via the Squid Research Lab Report (Splatoon 2) News Channel on your Nintendo Switch system. Keep your eyes open for these free holiday gifts in late December, and check back regularly so you don’t miss them!



Above, from left to right: • New Year’s Glasses DX • Twisty Headband • Festive Party Cone • Eel-Cake Hat





2018-11-30





We just received details on which stages will be featured for the December Ranked Battles. Please note that Blackbelly Skatepark will be temporarily closed for maintenance, but will rejoin the rotation as soon as it’s completed. Thank you for your patience!

2018-11-30

December


This evening, December 4th, the 4th set of Kensa Collection weapons will be added. These stylish special-ordered weapons feature a different combination of sub and special weapons than their non-Kensa equivalents.

These weapons all feature one of the recently announced sub or special weapons, including the Booyah Bomb, the Fizzy Bomb, the Ultra Stamp, or the Torpedo.

Kensa .52 Gal



This stylish shooter is the perfect polka-dotted pick for players who prefer to splat at mid-range distances. Its slow rate of fire is countered by its big damage! It comes with the Splash Wall sub and Booyah Bomb special.

Kensa Glooga Dualies



While these Kensa brand Dualies perform similarly to the Glooga Dualies, their striking black and white color scheme is all their own. These two-tone titans come with the Fizzy Bomb sub weapon and the Ink Armor special.

Kensa Mini Splatling



The Kensa Mini Splatling is a heavy-hitter, but it’s got brains too, with the Toxic Mist sub weapon. Lock your opponents down with the Mist and then rush them down with the Ultra Stamp special weapon.

Kensa Rapid Blaster



Use the Kensa Rapid Blaster’s Torpedo sub weapon to flush your opponent out, then splat them while they’re on the move! Up against a group of enemies? Use the Baller special to put the pressure on!

2018-12-04



Urgent announcement from the Squid Research Lab!

NEW SPLATFEST APPROACHING!

To commemorate the debut of the Inkling as a fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a collaboration Splatfest is on the way!

This time, the theme is simple, which side do you stand on: Team Heroes or Team Villains? Do you fight for justice and peace no matter the cost? Or do you stand with the misunderstood miscreants?

The Splatfest runs from: • 12/14 (Fri) 8:00 p.m. PT – 12/15 (Sat) 8:00 p.m. PT

Once this Splatfest is finished, please pick up your Super Sea Snails by the afternoon of Dec. 20th. The Inkopolis News announcement for Frosty Fest will begin on Friday, Dec. 21st, so don’t miss out!

2018-12-05



The Heroes vs. Villains Super Smash Bros. Ultimate collaboration Splatfest is almost ready to go, and everyone is here! Login this Friday, 12/14, at 8:00pm PT and fight for the light with Team Heroes, or get chillin’ with Team Villains!

2018-12-12

https://youtu.be/hwiAuWWwb74

A Senior SRL Researcher shares some of his research regarding the upcoming Splatfest and the Inklings making their debut in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate!

2018-12-14



The Splatfest battle is over and Team Villains is victorious with a 2-1 win! Will these sinister cads get away with it? We’re not sure, but congratulations nonetheless! And don’t forget to pickup your Super Sea Snails by the afternoon of 12/20!

2018-12-16



Don’t forget to pick up your free Frosty Fest gear in Splatoon 2! Check out the related Squid Research Lab Report article on the Nintendo Switch News Channel (via your Nintendo Switch), and start the game to claim your goods!

2018-12-21



Merry Fishmas! A greeting card just arrived at the lab, and this year it’s from a Salmonid researcher! These usually noisy Salmonids seem to also be enjoying their cozy holiday break.

Up for a Salmon Run shift? Grizzco Industries appears to be recruiting part-timers even during the holidays. If you’ve got a break in your festivities, pick up a shift and grab as many Golden Eggs as you can!

2018-12-24