Opening Gambit

Opening Gambit

Applicable gear	Headgear
Favored by
Unfavored by

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, gaining a tactical advantage.

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	Rarity
	B-ball Headband	Zink	300	Opening Gambit
	Special Forces Beret	Forge	9,700	Opening Gambit
	SQUID GIRL Hat	The SQUID GIRL	1,600	Opening Gambit
	Squid-Stitch Cap	Skalop	8,500	Opening Gambit
	Striped Beanie	Splash Mob	1,500	Opening Gambit

Data

When active, Opening Gambit has an effect equal to 3 mains of Swim Speed Up and Run Speed Up.

The ability is active for about 30 seconds starting from the start of a match.

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	Rarity
	Annaki Mask	Annaki	3,600	Opening Gambit
	B-ball Headband	Zink	300	Opening Gambit
	Special Forces Beret	Forge	9,700	Opening Gambit
	Squid Clip-Ons	amiibo	Inkling Girl (Splatoon 2)	Opening Gambit
	Squid-Stitch Cap	Skalop	8,500	Opening Gambit
	Striped Beanie	Splash Mob	900	Opening Gambit
	Zekko Cap	Zekko	2,700	Opening Gambit

Data

When active, Opening Gambit has an effect equal to 5 subs of Swim Speed Up, Run Speed Up, and Ink Resistance Up.

The ability is active for about 30 seconds starting from the start of a match. While the ability is active, that amount of time is extended by about 7.5 seconds for each splat and assist the user is credited with.

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.

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning
Japanese	スタートダッシュ Sutāto Dassyu	Start Dash
Dutch	Vliegende start	Flying start
French (NOA)	Départ toute allure	Start with full speed
French (NOE)	Chapeaux de roue	Flying start
German	Startvorteil	Head start
Italian	Partenza a razzo	Rocket launch
Russian	Стартовый спурт Stortovyy spurt	Start spurt
Spanish	Acelerón de salida	Starting speed up

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