Opening Gambit

Opening Gambit

Applicable gear

  Headgear

Opening Gambit is an ability in Splatoon and Splatoon 2.

Opening Gambit boosts run speed and swim speed for the first 30 seconds of the match, allowing players to move much faster. The ability is ideal for reaching objectives before opponents during the start of the match, and gaining a tactical advantage. After 30 seconds have passed, the effect wears off for the rest of the match. Players may prefer to use Swim Speed Up, Ink Resistance Up or Run Speed Up, which last the entire match, however one main slot of each of these abilities does not have the same strength as Opening Gambit. The timer can be extended by 7.5 seconds by getting a kill or assist. This ability is restricted to headgear as a main ability, and cannot be rolled as a sub ability.

Mutual exclusivity

This ability is found as the main ability only on headgear, so other abilities found only on headgear are mutually exclusive with it; in other words players cannot have them together. These abilities are Comeback, Last-Ditch Effort, and Tenacity.

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)

Data

Opening Gambit has an effect equal to three mains of Swim Speed Up and Run Speed Up.

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

Data

Opening Gambit has an effect equal to five subs of Swim Speed Up, Run Speed Up, and Ink Resistance Up. While the effects normally lasts for 30 seconds, the timer can be extended by 7.5 seconds for each splat or assist the user is credited with. Splatting an opponent or being credited for an assist after the ability has worn off will not reactivate the effects of the ability.

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.