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 squid form at will. They live in a vibrant, chaotic, and fashion-obsessed society centered around Turf Wars, a sport where teams compete to cover the most ground with their ink.
The series follows various protagonists (often referred to as "Agents") who are recruited into the New Squidbeak Splatoon, a secret task force led by Cap'n Cuttlefish and the pop idol duo, the Squid Sisters. Their mission is to retrieve the Great Zapfish, the power source of Inkopolis, from the Octarians, a rival species of octopuses led by DJ Octavio.
As the series progresses from Splatoon to Splatoon 3, the world expands from Inkopolis Plaza to the chaotic city of Splatsville, introducing new idols like Off the Hook and Deep Cut, and delving deeper into the mysterious history of the world, the fate of humanity (Alterna), and the complex relationship between Inklings, Octolings, and the Salmonids.
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 district. It is the center of fashion, music, and Turf War battles. Key locations include Inkopolis Plaza and Inkopolis Square.
•Splatsville: Known as the "City of Chaos," this location in the Splatlands is a hotbed for thrill-seeking Inklings and Octolings. It represents a rougher, more rebellious culture compared to the polished Inkopolis.
•Octo Valley / Octo Canyon: The underground domains of the Octarians, filled with floating platforms and complex machinery.
•Alterna: A mysterious, snowy underground dome discovered in Splatoon 3, which holds the secrets of humanity's last days and the origin of the substance known as "Fuzzy Ooze".
•Salmon Run Grounds: Dangerous, polluted offshore sites where Inklings work part-time jobs collecting Golden Eggs from the feral Salmonids.
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 heavily emphasizes how marine life evolved to take humanity's place, and how Inklings and Octolings continue to adapt to their changing world.
•Youth Culture & "Freshness": The society is driven by trends, fashion, and music. Being "fresh" is the ultimate social currency, dictating everything from clothing brands to weapon choices.
•Music as Power: Music is not just background noise; it is a cultural force that influences battles ("Calamari Inkantation" is said to change the tide of destiny) and bridges the gap between species.
•Inclusivity and Unity: The gradual integration of Octolings into Inkling society highlights themes of overcoming past prejudices and finding common ground.