Splatoon 2 is gearing up for its second Splatfest as we publish this, a battle between Flight and Invisibility; inklings will battle across a variety of stages to determine which side will reign supreme. Of course, that means those inklings are going to need to know how to outsmart and outshoot their opponents. Not all of us are naturals when it comes to shooters, your humble scribe included; with that in mind, we’ve put together a list of simple tips to help you bring your team to victory in the coming festivities.
Take the Centre
In any Turf War, the first thing you and your teammates should be doing is rushing the centre of the map. In most maps the centre is the most fought-over spot, and it's easy to see why; it's the halfway point on the map, and if you can hold it that means your enemy won't get to your base and halt your forward momentum. If you can take this critical objective early on, it means your opponents will have to spend the rest of the match trying to either get it back from you or take the surrounding areas by sneaking past you. Either way it's pivotal and can seal the outcome of the match early on. Once you have the centre, you'll want to follow the recommendations we have for you below.
Ink Your Base
There's no shame in being splatted, it happens to the best of us, but when you do meet your eight-tentacled maker take a new route to your objective; this will not only confuse your opponents with their clearly incorrect ideologies, but will allow you to ink another portion of your base. Whenever possible make sure to prevent your opponents from getting past you so they can't ink your spot when you're not looking.
Ink Their Base
If you're lucky enough to take the centre of the map, don't stop there. Keep pushing forward and capture as much of the opposition's territory as possible. The point of taking an enemy base is that they'll need to re-ink routes before they can even try to take you on. Being slowed down is more deadly than any slosher or splattershot.
Use Your Map
Know When to Go
Remember, Turf Wars aren't about splatting people; sure, it helps, but it's not the be all and end all. If you find yourself outgunned, retreat. It's better to build your score and escape a potentially lethal opponent than to stand your ground. At the end of the day, your special is likely to score you far more points than taking out an opponent or two. You could also run away to throw your opponent off before sneaking up on them if you'd rather finish the fight.
Use Bombs Wisely
Bombs are used far too sparingly in your run of the mill Turf War, especially considering how wonderfully useful they are. At a distance, bombs can be used to keep enemies at bay, but it also can serve double duty as an excellent trap. If an enemy is trying to hold a spot, try throwing a bomb to get them to move, thus covering your advance. Not all bombs are created equally however, and you'll have to be mindful of costs, though you can mitigate some of that cost. Speaking of abilities, we have a tip for that, too.
Pick Your Abilities
Finding the right abilities is key to being an effective splatter. Some things to consider are your play style, your gun and how much ink it consumes, as well as how often you like to use special weapons and bombs, as there are abilities that will provide all manner of effects to compliment your play. Sneaky? Get Squid Ninja. Hate reloading and ducking in ink? Use Ink Saver. Better yet, consult our ability guide for some extra help!
This is by no means a comprehensive guide to winning, in fact, we're barely scratching the surface of the tactics available to you to prove your choice of Splatfest team is superior. With that in mind, take heed of these tips, but dig deep and find a style and weapon that best suits you, mix it up with some good abilities and keep your eyes peeled for threats. Good luck out there, and let us know what your favourite tactics are in the comments.
Comments 23
My mantra for Turf War/Splatfests:
"GET. UP. IN. THERE!!!"
So... a guide to Turf War, then?
I mean, that should've been expected, but I can't imagine there are many people in need of this guide right now.
It would've made more sense to explain earning Splatfest titles and Sea Snails, explaining the 3 map system and Shifty Station, etc.
An aggressive, clumsy nuisance is probably the best way to describe how I play Splatoon and Splatfest's are no different.
@JubilifeRival Sort of what I was thinking, nothing is really here outside of the main strats of the game.
My main problem is I always get splatted by sloshers!
Somewhere, a Space Rabbit is happy.
In general, just make sure you don't get splatted in the last 30 or so seconds of the match. It's when it matters most.
When I was playing the original Splatoon, I would run from every single battle that I felt I couldn't win and I immediately improved. I have carried that exact same stance over into Splatoon 2 and never looked back. The only time I struggle is when I stray from that strategy or if I'm trying something new out.
....but a lot of your success is based on your three teammates.
Suggests Squid Ninja ability in a guide for winning Splatfests, but are shirt exclusive and Splatfest Tee's are mandatory during Splatfest XP.
@jswhitfield8
One of my biggest annoyances during turf wars. Especially during the last 30 to 20 seconds
Hope this helps players as I am getting tired of being part of those teams were it members rush forward blindly.
Tips for beating your opponent.
Don't lose.
Well that was easy
Aren't you a tad late to the party with this one? The game's out for over a month now and Splatfests are Turf Wars in every sense of the word.
The only thing I feel certain enough to recommend is to use Super Jumps wisely. Don't jump to enemies that are close to enemy ink or the enemy base. Also, you can super-jump back to your base to avoid being splatted. That's two things way too many players ignore way too often. I for one can pretty much count on one to two hands the times I use a super jump to jump to active members in a several hours long session.
Do's:
be rad, go splat
Don'ts:
get splat, be mad
No, don't "ink their base." Don't keep pushing into enemy territory until you have solid identified and secured a defensive perimeter into mid. When teams push into the enemy base, they abandon mid. Inevitably they will all get splatted as they must be spread out and the enemy is densely concentrated in their base the closer to spawn they go. When your team gets wiped out, they will pour into mid at full power, with all specials loaded by the time you get back, and you will be unable to effect a push in the remaining time after the lead you have handed them. Overzealous early pushes guarantee defeat. Secure YOUR perimeter and keep them from advancing. Push in the last 30 seconds.
I only just learnt that you don't have to check the map to know how you are doing in Turf War. The size of the team squids at the top of the screen is an indicator; if you're winning your team's squids will be bigger than there's.
@jswhitfield8 Yeah that's what I meant. The only times I do poorly are when I'm trying a new weapon or strategy. I think the unique weapon types are awesome. My sons and I were "roller haters" back on the original but we've started to toy around with them on Splat 2. My youngest son actually buys every weapon instead of the clothing. He didn't even know how the abilities worked until we told him.
We love it. It was the system seller for us. Once it came out, we ramped up our search for a Switch. I'll probably get Zelda eventually and Mario Kart 8 was my favorite game on the Wii U but we needed to play Splatoon 2 now!
Don't. Ever. Super. Jump. Seriously.
> opponents with their clearly incorrect ideologies
I chuckled at that one
> Use bombs wisely
Did anyone else read that in Peppy's voice from Star Fox?
@liljmoore Another tip: Pray you don't get AFK partners.
@supercreeps Wow, nice tip - thanks!
@NEStalgia
Very wise. Just got nailed with this tonight. My team was kicking butt and taking names. We got overzealous in their base, we were flanked and lost control of the middle ground. We lost a match that would've been a clear win. Lesson learned.
Hmm I don't agree with storm forward but each to there own
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