Opening Gambit gives the user Run Speed Up and Swim Speed Up, Ink Resistance Up starting in Splatoon 2, and Intensify Action starting in Splatoon 3 for the first 30 seconds of the battle. In Splatoon 2, that time is extended by 7.5 seconds for each splat or assist the user gets while the ability is still active. In Splatoon 3, the time by which it is extended is 15 seconds instead.
Opening Gambit is a high risk, high reward ability. The high amount of mobility its effect provides and the short timer extensions that splats/assists grant means Opening Gambit demands high aggression and skillful play. It works best on midrange weapons that can take better advantage of the provided mobility and secure splats/assists consistently.
Splatoon
Opening Gambit
Boosts your speed in both Inkling and squid form for the first 30 seconds of battle.
Additionally, Murch or Spyke can replace the primary ability on a piece of headgear with Opening Gambit by using 15 of each of the following ability chunks:
▲ If a player splats or assists in splatting an enemy while this gear ability is in effect, the effect will now be extended by roughly 15.0 seconds instead of roughly 7.5 seconds.
▲ Made it so that the Intensify Action gear ability will also occur when this gear ability is in effect.
The effect is equivalent to 3.0 primary gear abilities.