Octoling

"Octoling Surfaces!"

Octolings are a species in the Splatoon series. While originally introduced as antagonists in the story modes of Splatoon and its sequel, reformed members of the species would become playable with the release of the Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion DLC.

A female Octoling is featured as a playable character in Nexed, being the Remix Fighter of Inkling.

Real-World History
Octolings were introduced to the Splatoon universe in the first game released in 2015, being enemies found in the game's Octo Valley mode, which served as the single-player campaign. They were found among the rest of the Octarian race, working under the orders of antagonist DJ Octavio and wielding Octoshots and Splat Bombs. Despite their antagonistic nature, they were considered to be playable alongside the Inklings at one point in development.

The Octolings returned as enemies in the Octo Canyon mode of Splatoon 2. A playable role was also considered for the base game, but the developers wanted to have an explanation as to why they were suddenly playable and make players emphasize with them. This led to the idea being shelved for the game's released, with Marina being introduced as a friendly Octoling character and DJ Octavio returning as the main antagonist. Playable Octolings would finally come to fruition with the release of the Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion DLC.

Octolings are set to return in the upcoming Splatoon 3, both as playable characters and enemies in the game's story mode. Marina and DJ Octavio also reappear, with Shiver being introduced as a new Octoling idol.

Gameplay Information
"For many years, Octolings have been at war with Inklings, with DJ Octavio mobilizing countless amounts of them into battle to steal the Great Zapfish away from the Inklings. However, after DJ Octavio's first defeat at the hands of the New Squidbeak Splatoon, many Octolings found their minds freed from Octavio's control, defecting from his forces and joining Inklings in harmony!

While usually more introverted than Inklings, Octolings share their desire to be the freshest of them all. As such, many of them have decided to enlist in the Nexus Tournament, honing their fighting skill against some of the multiverse's strongest opponents!"

Octoling is a Remix Fighter of Inkling, with nearly all of her moves mirroring those of her base. However, Octoling exchanges some of Inkling's speed and mobility for a higher damage output, making it easier to get KOs, something Inkling struggles with. This, combined with Octoling's useful Side Special and ranged options, makes Octoling a stronger opponent from a damage-based perspective.

However, Octoling retains many of Inkling's weaknesses. Octoling is a lightweight fighter, making it easy for her to get KO'd. In addition, her lesser mobility makes it harder for her to evade attacks or exploit openings with the same ease that Inkling can.

Differences from Inkling

 * Octoling has a slightly slower walk and dash speed in comparison to Inkling.
 * Octoling's attacks generally deal more damage than Inkling's, but some have worse frame data.
 * Octoling's Side Special covers more ground than Inkling's, but cannot bury opponents.
 * The following moves differ entirely from Inkling's: Dash Attack, Up Light, Pummel, L2 Nexus Attack, and L3 Nexus Attack.

Moveset

 * Crawl: Octoling is able to crawl.
 * Wall Jump: Octoling is able to jump off of walls.
 * Hydrophobia: Octoling takes damage while swimming.
 * Ink: Some of Octoling's moves apply ink to their target. While inked, opponents take more damage from attacks for a short time.

Grounded Attacks

 * Jab: Octoling throws a chop.
 * Dash Attack: Octoling performs an elbow bash.
 * Forward Light: Octoling swings the Octo Shot Replica forward.
 * Up Light: Octoling throws a backflip kick.
 * Down Light: Octoling throws a breakdance kick.
 * Forward Strong: Octoling swings an Octo Brush forward. This move can apply ink.
 * Up Strong: Octoling fires a Blaster above herself. This move can apply ink.
 * Down Strong: Octoling empties a Slosher on both sides of herself. This move can apply ink.
 * Counter: Octoling throws a roundhouse kick.

Aerial Attacks

 * Neutral Air: Octoling throws a tornado kick around herself.
 * Forward Air: Octoling throws a dropkick.
 * Back Air: Octoling throws a reverse headbutt.
 * Up Air: Octoling throws a 540 kick.
 * Down Air: Octoling swings the Octo Shot Replica beneath herself, being able to spike opponents.

Grabs / Throws

 * Grab: Octoling grabs the opponent with one hand.
 * Pummel: Octoling steps on the opponent’s foot.
 * Forward Throw: Octoling shoots the opponent at point blank with her Octo Shot Replica, launching them forward. This move can apply ink.
 * Back Throw: Octoling turns into her octopus form, wrapping the opponent in her tentacles before throwing them behind her.
 * Up Throw: Octoling throws the opponent upwards before headbutting them in her squid form.
 * Down Throw: Octoling performs a body slam, launching the opponent forwards.

Stage Intro
Octoling appears from a miniature Respawn Point, straightening herself out before entering her battle stance.

Taunts

 * Octoling fires her Octo Shot Replica into the air.
 * Octoling spins her Octo Shot Replica in a circle, resembling the “This way!” signal animation from Splatoon 2.
 * Octoling spins her Octo Shot Replica in her hand before posing with it.
 * Octoling observes a Mem Cake from Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion.

Victory Animations
Octoling's victory theme is the victory theme from Splatoon 2. The usual results music is overridden by the results music from Splatoon 2.
 * Octoling spins the Octo Shot Replica in a circle before posing with her hand on her hip, resembling a victory animation from Splatoon 2.
 * Octoling does a backflip before posing with her arms crossed, resembling a victory animation from Splatoon 2.
 * Octoling rests the Dynamo Roller on her shoulder, resembling a victory animation from Splatoon 2.

Colors / Costumes


Trivia
N/A

Gameplay-Related

 * Octoling turns into a octopus for her dodges and airdash.
 * When a Clash Attack is ready, Octoling's hair can be seen glowing, resembling what happens when a special is ready in Splatoon.
 * If Octoling is KO’d in Stamina mode or by an Insta-KO attack, her spirit can be seen flying out of her body.