Splatoon 2 is weird. It’s a game about squids wearing streetwear, shooting neon ink at each other in a post-apocalyptic world where humans are long gone. When it launched on the Nintendo Switch back in 2017, it wasn't just a sequel. It was a statement. Nintendo was proving that the Switch wasn't a fluke like the Wii U, and that their weirdest new IP had actual staying power.
You’ve probably seen the ink-splattered posters. Maybe you’ve heard the frantic, gibberish pop music coming from a friend’s console. But honestly, if you haven’t played it lately, you might be wondering if it’s even worth a look now that Splatoon 3 is the "current" game. It is.
The Nintendo Switch was the perfect home for Inkopolis
The original Splatoon was trapped on the Wii U. That was a tragedy. When the Nintendo Switch arrived, it gave the series the portability it desperately needed to match its fast-paced, "pick up and play" energy. You could be playing a Ranked Battle on your TV, realize you’re late for the bus, and keep practicing your aim in Hero Mode while commuting.
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It just worked.
The Joy-Con controllers, despite the controversy surrounding drift, introduced a lot of people to gyro aiming. Most shooters rely on twin sticks. Splatoon 2 convinced a generation of console players that tilting your controller is actually the superior way to play. It’s more precise. It feels like an extension of your wrists. If you’re still playing with just the sticks, you’re basically playing with one hand tied behind your back.
Why the "2" in the title actually mattered
A lot of critics at the time called it "Splatoon 1.5." They were wrong. While the core gameplay of turf war—inking the most ground to win—remained the same, the technical leap was massive. The game targeted a rock-solid 60 frames per second, which is non-negotiable for a competitive shooter.
We got Salmon Run. This was the biggest addition. It’s a four-player co-op mode where you fight off waves of "Salmonids" to collect golden eggs for a shady corporation called Grizzco. It’s stressful. It’s chaotic. It also added a layer of PvE (player versus environment) depth that the first game completely lacked.
The Octo Expansion changed everything
If you want to talk about the peak of Splatoon 2, you have to talk about the Octo Expansion. It’s easily one of the best pieces of DLC Nintendo has ever produced. It wasn't just more levels; it was a tonal shift. It was darker, harder, and way more experimental than the base game.
You play as Agent 8, an Octoling trying to escape a mysterious underground test facility. The missions are brutal. Some require you to protect an orb, others force you to navigate a level using only a specific sub-weapon. It felt like "Nintendo Hard" in the best way possible.
The expansion also fleshed out the lore. We learned about the "Great Turf War" and the deeper history of why Octolings and Inklings were divided. It turned a colorful kid's game into something with real narrative weight. Plus, completing it let you play as an Octoling in multiplayer, which was a huge deal for the community at the time.
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The Gear, the Freshness, and the Grind
Splatoon 2 isn't just a shooter. It's a fashion simulator. The "Freshness" system is basically the endgame. You spend your earned cash on shoes, shirts, and hats not just to look good, but to get the right ability chunks.
- Ink Saver (Main): Lets you fire longer.
- Swim Speed Up: Essential for aggressive players.
- Ninja Squid: Makes you invisible while swimming, though it slows you down.
Murch, the sea snail NPC, became the most important character in the game for competitive players. You’d spend hours scrubbing gear just to get that perfect "pure" set with three identical ability slots. It’s a grind, sure, but it’s a satisfying one because it directly impacts how your favorite weapon feels.
Is it still worth playing in 2026?
This is the big question. With Splatoon 3 out, the player base for Splatoon 2 has naturally dipped. However, the maps are different. Some of the most iconic stages like The Reef or Manta Maria feel different in the second game due to the weapon balance and the lack of the "Squid Roll" mechanic introduced later.
The specials are different too. Remember the Tenta Missiles or the Inkjet? While some returned in the sequel, the "meta" of Splatoon 2 is its own distinct era. Some veterans actually prefer the pacing of 2. It’s a bit more methodical in certain ranks compared to the frantic speed of 3.
Breaking down the weapon meta
The weapon variety is staggering. You have the standard Splattershots, but then you have the weird stuff.
The Splat Brella lets you open a literal umbrella to block shots. The Dapple Dualies give you a dodge-roll that makes you feel like you’re playing an action movie. Then there are the Chargers, which are basically sniper rifles but with ink. Every weapon feels like it belongs to a different genre of game.
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If you’re a newcomer picking up a Nintendo Switch today, finding a used copy of Splatoon 2 is a great way to experience the series' history. The single-player campaign is a fantastic tutorial for the mechanics, and the Octo Expansion remains a must-play experience regardless of which game is the "current" one.
A legacy of Splatfests
We can't talk about this game without mentioning Splatfests. These were weekend-long events where players chose a side—Ketchup vs. Mustard, Chaos vs. Order—and fought for dominance. The Hub world would turn into a nighttime concert featuring Pearl and Marina (Off the Hook).
Even though the official Splatfests are over, the impact they had on the community is still felt. They created a sense of "were you there?" moments. The final Splatfest, Chaos vs. Order, literally determined the direction and theme of Splatoon 3. That’s how much Nintendo listens to the player base.
Practical Steps for New Players
If you’re diving into Splatoon 2 on your Nintendo Switch right now, here is how you should handle your first few hours to avoid getting crushed in multiplayer.
First, finish the Hero Mode. Don’t jump straight into Turf War. The single-player campaign is designed to teach you how to move. If you can’t navigate a moving platform while being shot at by an Octarian, you won't survive a lobby full of level 99 players.
Second, turn on Motion Controls. Seriously. Go to the settings and resist the urge to turn them off. It will feel shaky and weird for the first hour. By the third hour, you’ll realize you can aim much faster than you ever could with a thumbstick. It’s the closest thing to a mouse and keyboard on a console.
Third, buy the Octo Expansion. If you find the base game’s single-player too easy, this is where the real game begins. It rewards precision and clever thinking rather than just "spraying and praying."
Fourth, watch the map. In Splatoon 2, the map is your best friend. It shows you where the enemy is inking in real-time. If you see a trail of enemy ink appearing on a flank, you know exactly where someone is hiding. Information is just as valuable as aim.
Splatoon 2 remains a bright, loud, and incredibly polished gem in the Nintendo Switch library. It’s a testament to how a unique art style and a weird central mechanic—turning into a squid to swim through your own ammo—can create one of the most addictive gameplay loops in modern gaming. Whether you're there for the competitive grind or just want to look "fresh" in Inkopolis Square, it’s a world that still feels very much alive.