Special gauge

The special gauge is an indicator during a battle of how close an Inkling player is to getting their special weapon. When the indicator is full, a noise will be heard, the gague will show a prompt, and the head of the player will begin to sparkle, indicating that the player can use their special by pressing the right analog stick.

Description
The special gauge fills up in a clockwise fashion with the Inkling's current ink color. During use, it depletes in a counter-clockwise fashion until empty.

Octo Valley
The special gauge is not activated in Octo Valley or the Battle Dojo. Instead, the player must collect their special weapons from Canned Specials.

Other
In Multiplayer Turf Wars and Ranked Battles, as well as in the Shooting Range, the Inkling's special gauge fills as the player covers turf in ink. The turf must be turf that would normally earn the player points in Turf War, such as the floor. When the player is splatted, their special gauge will be less filled upon their respawn.

Abilities
Abilities on a player's gear can affect the special gauge: