Opening Gambit

Opening Gambit

Applicable gear

  Headgear

Opening Gambit is an ability in Splatoon and Splatoon 2.

Opening Gambit gives the user Run Speed Up and Swim Speed Up (and in Splatoon 2, Ink Resistance Up) for the first 30 seconds of the battle. In Splatoon 2, that time is extended by 7.5 seconds for each splat and assist the user gets while the ability is still active.

Tactics

The ability is ideal for reaching objectives before opponents during the start of the match.

Splatoon

Gear

Opening Gambit is the main ability of:

Headgear with Opening Gambit in Splatoon

	Name	Brand	Availability	Ability	Star power	Added in
	B-ball Headband	Zink	300	Opening Gambit		Initial Release (1.0.0)
	Special Forces Beret	Forge	9700	Opening Gambit		2.3.0
	SQUID GIRL Hat	The SQUID GIRL	1600	Opening Gambit		2.0.0
	Squid-Stitch Cap	Skalop	8500	Opening Gambit		Initial Release (1.0.0)
	Striped Beanie	Splash Mob	1500	Opening Gambit		Initial Release (1.0.0)

Mechanics

When active, the ability provides 30 AP each of the following:

• Swim Speed Up
• Run Speed Up

The ability is active when any of the following conditions are met:

• The elapsed time indicated by the timer is 30 seconds or less.

Version history

Version	Adjustments
2.6.0	▲ Run Speed Up and Swim Speed Up will be applied as if 3 main slots were equipped.

Splatoon 2

Gear

Opening Gambit is the main ability of:

Headgear with Opening Gambit in Splatoon 2

	Name	Brand	Availability	Ability	Star power	Added in
	Annaki Mask	Annaki	3600	Opening Gambit		Initial Release (1.0.0)
	B-ball Headband	Zink	300	Opening Gambit		2.0.0
	Special Forces Beret	Forge	9700	Opening Gambit		Initial Release (1.0.0)
	Squid Clip-Ons	amiibo	Inkling Girl (Splatoon 2)	Opening Gambit		Initial Release (1.0.0)
	Squid-Stitch Cap	Skalop	8500	Opening Gambit		3.0.0
	Striped Beanie	Splash Mob	900	Opening Gambit		Initial Release (1.0.0)
	Zekko Cap	Zekko	2700	Opening Gambit		3.0.0

Mechanics

When active, the ability provides 30 AP each of the following:

• Swim Speed Up
• Run Speed Up
• Ink Resistance Up

The ability is active when any of the following conditions are met:

• The elapsed time indicated by the timer is 30 seconds or less.
  • When the ability is active, that amount of time is extended by 7.5 seconds for each splat and assist the user gets.

Version history

Version	Adjustments
1.4.0	▲ During its active period, Opening Gambit now also grants the effects of the Ink Resistance Up gear ability.
3.0.0	▲ While active, Opening Gambit's duration will be extended by 7.5 seconds for each opponent splatted by the player or assist they are credited with.