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Splatoon

Q: What is Deep Cut?

Deep Cut is the idol trio of *Splatoon 3*, consisting of Shiver (an Octoling), Frye (an Inkling), and Big Man (a Manta Ray). They host the Anarchy Splatcast and are associated with the bandit culture of the Splatlands.

Splatoon is a vibrant third-person shooter franchise by Nintendo where players control Inklings and Octolings—squid and octopus hybrids—who battle for territory by covering it in colorful ink. Known for its unique movement mechanics, fashion-forward aesthetic, and catchy music, it has become a modern classic.

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IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.

Full Name

Splatoon

Format

Game

Current Status

Active

Original Work

Game

Where to Start & Recommended Order

A beginner-friendly guide for starting Splatoon without spoilers.

Best starting point

Start with the earliest core Game, then expand to other official releases as needed.

Recommended order

If multiple formats exist (anime, manga, films, games), follow the official release order within each format to avoid spoilers and missing context.

Fast-track option

To catch up faster, focus on the main story / questline first, then return to side content later.

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Splatoon.

Story

High-level synopsis and narrative focus.

In a distant future where humanity has gone extinct due to rising sea levels, a new dominant species has emerged: the Inklings. These squid-like humanoids can transform between a humanoid form and a s...

World

Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.

The world of Splatoon is known as the Mollusc Era, set approximately 12,000 years after the extinction of humanity.•Inkopolis: The bustling hub of Inkling culture, heavily inspired by Tokyo's Shibuya...

Themes

Core ideas and recurring motifs.

•Chaos vs. Order: A central conflict, especially in Splatoon 3, reflecting the societal shift from established structures to unbridled freedom and expression.•Evolution and Adaptation: The lore heavil...

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Splatoon's global influence.

2015

Splatoon launches on Wii U, immediately becoming a cultural phenomenon and introducing a fresh take on the shooter genre.

2016

First 'Squid Sisters' live holographic concert held in Japan, blurring the lines between virtual and reality.

2017

Splatoon 2 releases on Nintendo Switch, solidifying the franchise's popularity and expanding the competitive scene.

2018

Octo Expansion DLC released, critically acclaimed for its challenging gameplay, darker tone, and deep lore.

2022

Splatoon 3 releases, smashing sales records in Japan with 3.45 million copies sold in the first three days.

Present

Continues to be a dominant force in esports, fashion, and pop culture with regular Splatfests and collaborations.

Sales

Over 30 million units sold worldwide across the trilogy.

Revenue

One of Nintendo's most successful new IP launches in the last decade.

Awards

The Game Awards 2015 - Best Multiplayer, The Game Awards 2022 - Best Multiplayer

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Splatoon.

Callie

One half of the Squid Sisters.View Profile

Marie

The cooler, snarkier half of the Squid Sisters.View Profile

Pearl

The "MC Princess" of Off the Hook.View Profile

Marina

An Octoling DJ and engineering genius.View Profile

Shiver

A shark-taming Octoling and member of Deep Cut.View Profile

Frye

An Inkling member of Deep Cut who commands eels.View Profile

Explore all Splatoon characters

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to humans in Splatoon?▼

Humans went extinct approximately 12,000 years before the events of the game due to rising sea levels caused by climate change and war. The only remnants of humanity are the AI 'Tartar', the ruins in Alterna, and the pet cat Judd, who was cryogenically preserved.

What is the difference between Inklings and Octolings?▼

Inklings evolved from squids, while Octolings evolved from octopuses. Historically enemies during the Great Turf War, Octolings have recently begun integrating into Inkling society, especially after the 'Calamari Inkantation' freed many from DJ Octavio's mind control.

Why does water kill Inklings?▼

Inklings are made entirely of liquid ink held together by a thin membrane. Because they are so dense with ink, they cannot swim in water; instead, their membrane dissolves, and they dissipate.

Who are the Squid Sisters?▼

Callie and Marie are pop idols and the hosts of Inkopolis News. Secretly, they are Agents 1 and 2 of the New Squidbeak Splatoon, working to protect the Great Zapfish.

What is Turf War?▼

Turf War is the most popular sport in the Splatoon world. It is a 4v4 battle where two teams compete to cover the largest percentage of the map with their team's ink color within three minutes.

Who are Off the Hook?▼

Off the Hook is a pop duo featuring Pearl (an Inkling MC) and Marina (an Octoling DJ). They hosted the news in Splatoon 2 and played a crucial role in saving the world in the Octo Expansion DLC.

What is Deep Cut?▼

Deep Cut is the idol trio of Splatoon 3, consisting of Shiver (an Octoling), Frye (an Inkling), and Big Man (a Manta Ray). They host the Anarchy Splatcast and are associated with the bandit culture of the Splatlands.

What is the Great Zapfish?▼

The Great Zapfish is a massive electric catfish that provides power to Inkopolis. It is frequently kidnapped by the Octarians to power their underground weapons and machinery.

What is Salmon Run?▼

Salmon Run is a shady part-time job run by Grizzco Industries. Workers are sent to hazardous zones to fight Salmonids and collect Golden Eggs, supposedly for energy, though the true purpose is darker.

What does 'Booyah!' mean?▼

'Booyah!' is a catchphrase and signal used by Inklings and Octolings to express excitement, celebrate a success, or encourage teammates during battle.