Users of Ninja Squid do not leave ripples while swimming in ink on horizontal surfaces and ramps. However, swim speed is slowed by approximately 10%, though this effect can be nullified with Swim Speed Up. The exact amount of Swim Speed Up needed depends on the game and on the user's weapon's weight class. This ability does not affect swimming on a vertical surfaces, so ripples will still be visible when swimming up walls. The slight indents left in ink by swimming through it are likewise not hidden, allowing very perceptive enemies to still take notice of the player's presence. Ninja Squid is restricted to clothing as a main ability and cannot be rolled as a sub ability.
Ninja Squid is used by players who want to move around the battlefield undetected. Because there are no ripples for enemies to spot while the player swims, they can sneak to a better vantage point or escape a dangerous enemy.
The effects of Ninja Squid can be simulated simply by swimming more slowly, as ripples are only produced when swimming at high speed.
Mutual exclusivity
This ability is found as the main ability only on clothing, so other abilities found only on clothing are mutually exclusive with it; in other words players cannot have them together. These abilities are Cold Blooded, Recon (ability), and Haunt. In addition, since wearing the Splatfest Tee is mandatory during a Splatfest, these abilities cannot be used for the duration of those events.
▼ Swim speed will be lowered when using this ability.
Splatoon 2
Compared to the first game, ripples are produced by even slower speeds, so simply swimming more slowly is no longer a practical option. This makes Ninja Squid even more useful and necessary for stealth. Ninja squid also reduces swim speed. This effect can be counteracted using Swim Speed Up. The amount of abilities required is shown in the following table:
Players must be cautious when under the effects of Ink Armor, as the glowing eyes given by the armor render the player fully visible in squid form even with Ninja Squid on. Ninja Squid users will also be visible while storing their charge as there is a glowing, white circle that shows their location while they are doing so.
Mutual exclusivity
This ability is found as the main ability only on clothing, so other abilities found only on clothing are mutually exclusive with it; in other words players cannot have them together. These abilities are Ability Doubler, Haunt, Respawn Punisher, and Thermal Ink. In addition, since wearing the Splatfest Tee is mandatory during a Splatfest, these abilities cannot be used for the duration of those events.