Greetings, fellow inkling! It seems as though you have stumbled upon this here guide. Whether you showed up here on accident, on purpose, or otherwise, welcome! This is a guide meant to teach you the basic and advanced techniques of defending yourself in battle.
I can already sense your confusion. "Why would you need to defend?" You ask. "Without attacking the enemy, you can't gain turf!"
That, to a great extent, is true. Defense is not often used in a game like this, especially in Turf War. Defensive tactics are rarely used, only needed in very specific situations. So, let's start out with Turf War.
TURF WAR
(Image courtesy of splatoonwiki.org)
As the featured game mode of Splatoon, Turf War is without a doubt the most important topic to address, with also the least relevance. Turf War, in essence, is all about covering the ground in your ink. If something isn't your color, you cover it. This doesn't lead a ton of room for offensive or defensive maneuvers, but there are still special situations.
HOLDING YOUR GROUND
The main purpose for defenses in any Turf War battle is when your team has a clear advantage when it comes to turf and needs to keep it. Something a lot of people forget is that a lot can happen in one minute. You let your guard down for a second and the enemy could swamp you, getting back all the hard-earned turf!
It's important to always keep an eye on your enemy. That way you can be prepared if they make any offensive moves. Staying near the central plaza of the map is a good spot to be, as it usually covers not only the main path, but the narrow side-paths as well. If enemies attempt to come in from anywhere, you can spot them and gun them down.
An efficient way to keep track of enemy movements is simply having one person keeping watch while others focus on getting any additional turf. It is preferable that anybody who plays the defensive position have a weapon of the charger category, as their long-distance shots and heavy damage can pick off baddies quite well, if the user and weapon are good enough.
Preferable sub weapons include the point sensor, splash wall, and ink mine. See further below in the guide for more details on how these weapons fare in their defensive ability.
RANKED BATTLE
(Image courtesy of splatoonwiki.org)
Ah, these modes are where defense comes into play almost always. Now that the goal isn't to cover up the whole map, there is a lot more room for strategy and teamwork.
SPLAT ZONES
For those who aren't familiar, Splat Zones is a king-of-the-hill type game. One team takes possession over a space that they must defend until their timer ticks down to zero. Defense is arguably one of the most critical aspects of this mode, and whichever team uses it effectively is on their way to victory.
But first, you need to get into a position of defense.
GETTING A HEADSTART
As soon as the match starts, it is paramount that your team captures the Zone(s). This is best done with various strategies used to move quickly toward the zone and capture it, which you will most likely find in other guides on this website.
Starting off early can be a great advantage to have. It checks off one of the two items from the list of things to do in order to win the match, the other being "Defend the zone long enough to win." We'll be talking about that one a bit more.
WE CAPPED A ZONE!
Fantastic! You are now in control of the zones and your timer is counting down. Let's keep it that way, shall we?
Here are some strategies one can use to hold their ground.
All eyes on me. You are the center of attention, standing in your zone and gunning down enemies. You also focus on keeping your zone your color. You may die a whole lot, but a teammate or a Squid Beacon can get you right back in the action. This is most recommended for shooters and rollers, as it is the most offensive of the defensive strategy. With the roller's overall power and splat range and the shooter's free movement they are best suited for this situation.
Lurking in the shadows. You sit off in the distance, away from the front lines, picking off enemies from a safe location. This role is, of course, best utilized with a charger. With its long range capabilities and power, it is amazing at splatting enemies from afar swiftly and painlessly. A spot for this role is somewhere one can shoot the enemies at almost any time in a preferably safe spot where opponents can't reach without some effort. However, keep in mind that this strategy will probably be very inefficient when it comes to claiming turf in the zone if you lose any. Those in the zone will most likely be better for that.
The Offensive Defense. You are the fall-back, the "plan B" as they say. When defense breaches and your enemies move in for the kill, you combat them with great opposing force, either wiping them out immediately or holding them off long enough for your teammates to regain control. This would best be a role for someone who stays in the center as mentioned in the "all eyes on me" strategy. However, a heavily damaging weapon is best recommended, such as a roller or beefy shooter. Special weapons are effective for this strategy, especially specials such as the "Killer Wail."
When it comes to basic team-based strategy, that about wraps it up. Now, for self defense.
When you're split from your team or are in a tough spot, it really helps to know how to protect yourself. These strategies can be helpful when it comes to keeping yourself alive.
Run away. It's as simple as it sounds. If you are being attacked, there is no shame in running off and letting a teammate deal with your offender. Of course, it is easiest to do this in your own ink but if you get trapped in enemy ink, there is a simple getaway tactic: Shoot your feet, squid, jump forward, shoot your feet, repeat. Making small puddles of your ink maximizes your speed and your constant jumping makes you harder to hit. Bonus points if you can maneuver yourself back to get the jump on your pursuer!
If your ink surrounds you completely and you have the ninja squid ability, then great! Swim away and they won't see you.
I'm taking you with me. Cornered. Unable to move. Dropping health, and fast. Sometimes, it is inevitable that you will be splatted. With luck, your attacker is right next to you. If you have a fast enough trigger-finger, throw a grenade right at your feet. The blast could be powerful enough to take out your assaulter after you've been splatted. Of course this wouldn't work well with Burst Bombs, Seekers, Point Sensors, etc., but it will be effective if used with a Splat Bomb or an Ink Mine.
Other than that, it could be as simple as shooting the enemy with a better gun.
Let's move on to the weapons!
WEAPONS
(Image courtesy of splatoonwiki.org)
What's a guide in the weapons category that doesn't focus on weapons?
This category will focus heavily on different weapon types and strategies used for a good defense, as well as a preferable weapon within that weapon type and a preferred game mode.
SHOOTER
You can never go wrong with a shooter. Being the weapon type within Splatoon that currently has the most guns in its category, there is always something that can be done with a shooter. Whether it be the .52 Gal Deco's high power, the Jet Squelcher's range, or the mind-boggling fire rate of the Aerospray MG, the shooter has the most to offer. Let's go over some strategies, hmm?
Peekaboo. Sharing the simple strategy with the roller, the "peekaboo" strategy is as simple as hiding patiently in the ink until an opponent approaches, then jumping out and splatting them before they can even react. This is most effectively done around a bend or a corner, as your enemy is less likely to spray your hiding spot with ink that way. This is best done with a shooter that can deal with enemies swiftly and painlessly.
This strategy is NOT AT ALL suggested for Turf War as you can always be somewhere claiming turf. The more time you waste doing nothing, the less time you have to ink up your territory.
However, this is highly recommended for Splat Zones, specifically when your team has captured the points. Stay in the zone (or even better, somewhere nearby it and out of the way) and when an enemy tries to take it, SPLAT! Rinse and repeat.
Suggested weapons include: Aerospray MG/RG, Gal (and all its variations), Blaster, Splattershot Jr. (and all its variations), Rapid Blaster/Deco (direct hit only), Splattershot (and all its variations), Splattershot Pro
The Fake Getaway. This is also shared with the roller. On it's basic level, you pretend to escape enemy fire by swimming away in your ink and making a specific maneuver that you can easily surprise your foe with. A great example is rounding a corner and waiting. Once your enemy rounds the corner as well (hopefully assuming you're still running away), jump out of the ground and ink 'em in the face!
This tactic can be put to use in so many ways, such as climbing a wall and then jumping off halfway to assault your foe below or completely rounding a round to meet your opponent on the other side (using such things as the shipping crates in Port Mackerel). Unfortunately this strategy can be difficult to pin down, but lots of practice will guarantee improvement!
While not as effective in Splat Zones where the zones are the center of attention, Turf War is great for this strategy as many players are quick to persue enemies considering they are the only thing to focus on aside from inking territory.
I can already sense your confusion. "Why would you need to defend?" You ask. "Without attacking the enemy, you can't gain turf!"
That, to a great extent, is true. Defense is not often used in a game like this, especially in Turf War. Defensive tactics are rarely used, only needed in very specific situations. So, let's start out with Turf War.
TURF WAR
(Image courtesy of splatoonwiki.org)
As the featured game mode of Splatoon, Turf War is without a doubt the most important topic to address, with also the least relevance. Turf War, in essence, is all about covering the ground in your ink. If something isn't your color, you cover it. This doesn't lead a ton of room for offensive or defensive maneuvers, but there are still special situations.
HOLDING YOUR GROUND
The main purpose for defenses in any Turf War battle is when your team has a clear advantage when it comes to turf and needs to keep it. Something a lot of people forget is that a lot can happen in one minute. You let your guard down for a second and the enemy could swamp you, getting back all the hard-earned turf!
It's important to always keep an eye on your enemy. That way you can be prepared if they make any offensive moves. Staying near the central plaza of the map is a good spot to be, as it usually covers not only the main path, but the narrow side-paths as well. If enemies attempt to come in from anywhere, you can spot them and gun them down.
An efficient way to keep track of enemy movements is simply having one person keeping watch while others focus on getting any additional turf. It is preferable that anybody who plays the defensive position have a weapon of the charger category, as their long-distance shots and heavy damage can pick off baddies quite well, if the user and weapon are good enough.
Preferable sub weapons include the point sensor, splash wall, and ink mine. See further below in the guide for more details on how these weapons fare in their defensive ability.
RANKED BATTLE
(Image courtesy of splatoonwiki.org)
Ah, these modes are where defense comes into play almost always. Now that the goal isn't to cover up the whole map, there is a lot more room for strategy and teamwork.
SPLAT ZONES
For those who aren't familiar, Splat Zones is a king-of-the-hill type game. One team takes possession over a space that they must defend until their timer ticks down to zero. Defense is arguably one of the most critical aspects of this mode, and whichever team uses it effectively is on their way to victory.
But first, you need to get into a position of defense.
GETTING A HEADSTART
As soon as the match starts, it is paramount that your team captures the Zone(s). This is best done with various strategies used to move quickly toward the zone and capture it, which you will most likely find in other guides on this website.
Starting off early can be a great advantage to have. It checks off one of the two items from the list of things to do in order to win the match, the other being "Defend the zone long enough to win." We'll be talking about that one a bit more.
WE CAPPED A ZONE!
Fantastic! You are now in control of the zones and your timer is counting down. Let's keep it that way, shall we?
Here are some strategies one can use to hold their ground.
All eyes on me. You are the center of attention, standing in your zone and gunning down enemies. You also focus on keeping your zone your color. You may die a whole lot, but a teammate or a Squid Beacon can get you right back in the action. This is most recommended for shooters and rollers, as it is the most offensive of the defensive strategy. With the roller's overall power and splat range and the shooter's free movement they are best suited for this situation.
Lurking in the shadows. You sit off in the distance, away from the front lines, picking off enemies from a safe location. This role is, of course, best utilized with a charger. With its long range capabilities and power, it is amazing at splatting enemies from afar swiftly and painlessly. A spot for this role is somewhere one can shoot the enemies at almost any time in a preferably safe spot where opponents can't reach without some effort. However, keep in mind that this strategy will probably be very inefficient when it comes to claiming turf in the zone if you lose any. Those in the zone will most likely be better for that.
The Offensive Defense. You are the fall-back, the "plan B" as they say. When defense breaches and your enemies move in for the kill, you combat them with great opposing force, either wiping them out immediately or holding them off long enough for your teammates to regain control. This would best be a role for someone who stays in the center as mentioned in the "all eyes on me" strategy. However, a heavily damaging weapon is best recommended, such as a roller or beefy shooter. Special weapons are effective for this strategy, especially specials such as the "Killer Wail."
When it comes to basic team-based strategy, that about wraps it up. Now, for self defense.
When you're split from your team or are in a tough spot, it really helps to know how to protect yourself. These strategies can be helpful when it comes to keeping yourself alive.
Run away. It's as simple as it sounds. If you are being attacked, there is no shame in running off and letting a teammate deal with your offender. Of course, it is easiest to do this in your own ink but if you get trapped in enemy ink, there is a simple getaway tactic: Shoot your feet, squid, jump forward, shoot your feet, repeat. Making small puddles of your ink maximizes your speed and your constant jumping makes you harder to hit. Bonus points if you can maneuver yourself back to get the jump on your pursuer!
If your ink surrounds you completely and you have the ninja squid ability, then great! Swim away and they won't see you.
I'm taking you with me. Cornered. Unable to move. Dropping health, and fast. Sometimes, it is inevitable that you will be splatted. With luck, your attacker is right next to you. If you have a fast enough trigger-finger, throw a grenade right at your feet. The blast could be powerful enough to take out your assaulter after you've been splatted. Of course this wouldn't work well with Burst Bombs, Seekers, Point Sensors, etc., but it will be effective if used with a Splat Bomb or an Ink Mine.
Other than that, it could be as simple as shooting the enemy with a better gun.
Let's move on to the weapons!
WEAPONS
(Image courtesy of splatoonwiki.org)
What's a guide in the weapons category that doesn't focus on weapons?
This category will focus heavily on different weapon types and strategies used for a good defense, as well as a preferable weapon within that weapon type and a preferred game mode.
SHOOTER
You can never go wrong with a shooter. Being the weapon type within Splatoon that currently has the most guns in its category, there is always something that can be done with a shooter. Whether it be the .52 Gal Deco's high power, the Jet Squelcher's range, or the mind-boggling fire rate of the Aerospray MG, the shooter has the most to offer. Let's go over some strategies, hmm?
Peekaboo. Sharing the simple strategy with the roller, the "peekaboo" strategy is as simple as hiding patiently in the ink until an opponent approaches, then jumping out and splatting them before they can even react. This is most effectively done around a bend or a corner, as your enemy is less likely to spray your hiding spot with ink that way. This is best done with a shooter that can deal with enemies swiftly and painlessly.
This strategy is NOT AT ALL suggested for Turf War as you can always be somewhere claiming turf. The more time you waste doing nothing, the less time you have to ink up your territory.
However, this is highly recommended for Splat Zones, specifically when your team has captured the points. Stay in the zone (or even better, somewhere nearby it and out of the way) and when an enemy tries to take it, SPLAT! Rinse and repeat.
Suggested weapons include: Aerospray MG/RG, Gal (and all its variations), Blaster, Splattershot Jr. (and all its variations), Rapid Blaster/Deco (direct hit only), Splattershot (and all its variations), Splattershot Pro
The Fake Getaway. This is also shared with the roller. On it's basic level, you pretend to escape enemy fire by swimming away in your ink and making a specific maneuver that you can easily surprise your foe with. A great example is rounding a corner and waiting. Once your enemy rounds the corner as well (hopefully assuming you're still running away), jump out of the ground and ink 'em in the face!
This tactic can be put to use in so many ways, such as climbing a wall and then jumping off halfway to assault your foe below or completely rounding a round to meet your opponent on the other side (using such things as the shipping crates in Port Mackerel). Unfortunately this strategy can be difficult to pin down, but lots of practice will guarantee improvement!
While not as effective in Splat Zones where the zones are the center of attention, Turf War is great for this strategy as many players are quick to persue enemies considering they are the only thing to focus on aside from inking territory.
