Hello you wonderful woomy! I see you’re interested in learning about the curious splatling… or maybe you’re just wondering what another gunner thinks on such a fascinating class… In either case, welcome! Pull up a seat, and listen to what this fascinating weapon has to offer you. And if this slightly self-indulgent piece helps you decide to pick up your first or new model splatling, enjoy your newfound friend! (Squids hug their splatlings for a reason ;) )
Before reading on, please consider two points: first, this is a short introduction to the aspiring splatter, and a small love letter to a weapon class. If you are new to splatling, or are simply curious about this uncommon turf tool, this is a good place to get an idea for the class as a whole, and a small window into its models. Second, I’m evaluating the class without subs and specials. Though much can be said about each weapon’s loadout, it drastically alters splatlings’ base functions. If you’re curious how a loadout handles, take it for a spin, or refer to one of the finely-detailed model guides.
Now then… on with the show!
The Class
The spaltling is a hybrid weapon, combining charger and shooter into a more forgiving version of its one-shot cousin, and functions similarly. By holding and releasing the trigger, a shot of varying strength and distance will eject from the barrel, depending on the amount of time said trigger was held. However, the splatling deviates from traditional chargers by releasing a high-rate stream of ink globules, making the weapon function more like a shooter in this regard.
Where chargers succeed in distance and strength, the splatling compensates with maneuverability and firepower. Yes, two splatlings have amazing range, but no splatling will ever match a standard splattershot’s reach (even Hydra falls just short of its max range). That’s where splatlings’ rate of fire shines. Capable of spraying a continuous or short stream of ink, able to splat foes in at least 4 shots, and slightly more maneuverable than chargers, splatlings choose how to approach foes however the situation calls for it.
And all splatlings embrace that design philosophy: flexibility and control. No matter how the user approaches a splatling, it excels in these two fields. It’s not uncommon to see a Hydra triumphantly anchor a kraken/bubble assault, or a mini spraying ink from above to prevent enemy advances. On stage, splatlings commonly use entrapment (painting over exit channels and narrowing an encounter cone), suppression, line holding, and simple overwhelming force to gain the upper hand. Other techniques include ambushing from corners and ledges, “sandwiching” foes between a corner and ink stream, and spraying over walls and ledges to aid teammates.
Whether the user chooses to face their opponents from afar, or catch them off guard by jumping fully charged into the foray, is completely up to the squid, and illustrates just how malleable splatlings can be. That being said, each model creates more opportune situations for each play style:
Heavy Splatling
The most balanced splatling. Though named Heavy, this powerhouse is more nimble than a splattershot, and can hold its own against a team both far and near, provided you allow enough charge time. The Heavy’s tank depletes more often than other weapons, but it always has just enough ink in its reservoir to splat or repel foes during an escape. Beginners should start with Heavy if not for the sole purpose of tempering their moves to the splatling’s charge time. Once mastered, playing any other splatling, and using the myriad of techniques described earlier are a breeze, especially for this model. A useful tool in almost any situation.
Mini Splatling
What the Mini lacks in range, it provides in offensive capabilities. The almost negligible charge time, ink use, and high maneuverability make for an effective lure, a formidable hunter, or a quick painter. On certain maps, the Mini can even feel like an Aerospray, swaying and lunging off surfaces to confuse enemies. Choose this splatling if you feel speedy, or don’t enjoy the charge time of other models. Whether you need to prevent the opposition from advancing, need to paint quickly, or require the Heavy’s intimidation without the weight, the Mini’s got you (and the stage) covered.
Hydra Splatling
The Hydra is the most cumbersome ink guzzler in the family, and demands a patient user to fully blossom its capabilities. While initially awkward to use, Hydra shines when used strategically, and is arguably the most “pure” splatling design of them all: by laying down ink hard and far. Also, thanks to patch 2.7, this dragon comes equipped with improved hydraulics, making it a 3-hit splat when fully charged. The Hydra’s presence alone can intimidate assaults and distract snipers long enough to force the tide in your favor, while a seemingly endless charge depletion provides long-lasting fire for suppression or advancing. Truly a master’s tool.
As a major splatling advocate, I hope this small introduction gave you a better understanding for the class. If any of these styles or weapon descriptions appealed to you, I suggest you give splatling a try and see how you enjoy them. You may be pleasantly surprised. Have fun and stay fresh!
Before reading on, please consider two points: first, this is a short introduction to the aspiring splatter, and a small love letter to a weapon class. If you are new to splatling, or are simply curious about this uncommon turf tool, this is a good place to get an idea for the class as a whole, and a small window into its models. Second, I’m evaluating the class without subs and specials. Though much can be said about each weapon’s loadout, it drastically alters splatlings’ base functions. If you’re curious how a loadout handles, take it for a spin, or refer to one of the finely-detailed model guides.
Now then… on with the show!
The Class
The spaltling is a hybrid weapon, combining charger and shooter into a more forgiving version of its one-shot cousin, and functions similarly. By holding and releasing the trigger, a shot of varying strength and distance will eject from the barrel, depending on the amount of time said trigger was held. However, the splatling deviates from traditional chargers by releasing a high-rate stream of ink globules, making the weapon function more like a shooter in this regard.
Where chargers succeed in distance and strength, the splatling compensates with maneuverability and firepower. Yes, two splatlings have amazing range, but no splatling will ever match a standard splattershot’s reach (even Hydra falls just short of its max range). That’s where splatlings’ rate of fire shines. Capable of spraying a continuous or short stream of ink, able to splat foes in at least 4 shots, and slightly more maneuverable than chargers, splatlings choose how to approach foes however the situation calls for it.
And all splatlings embrace that design philosophy: flexibility and control. No matter how the user approaches a splatling, it excels in these two fields. It’s not uncommon to see a Hydra triumphantly anchor a kraken/bubble assault, or a mini spraying ink from above to prevent enemy advances. On stage, splatlings commonly use entrapment (painting over exit channels and narrowing an encounter cone), suppression, line holding, and simple overwhelming force to gain the upper hand. Other techniques include ambushing from corners and ledges, “sandwiching” foes between a corner and ink stream, and spraying over walls and ledges to aid teammates.
Whether the user chooses to face their opponents from afar, or catch them off guard by jumping fully charged into the foray, is completely up to the squid, and illustrates just how malleable splatlings can be. That being said, each model creates more opportune situations for each play style:
Heavy Splatling
The most balanced splatling. Though named Heavy, this powerhouse is more nimble than a splattershot, and can hold its own against a team both far and near, provided you allow enough charge time. The Heavy’s tank depletes more often than other weapons, but it always has just enough ink in its reservoir to splat or repel foes during an escape. Beginners should start with Heavy if not for the sole purpose of tempering their moves to the splatling’s charge time. Once mastered, playing any other splatling, and using the myriad of techniques described earlier are a breeze, especially for this model. A useful tool in almost any situation.
Mini Splatling
What the Mini lacks in range, it provides in offensive capabilities. The almost negligible charge time, ink use, and high maneuverability make for an effective lure, a formidable hunter, or a quick painter. On certain maps, the Mini can even feel like an Aerospray, swaying and lunging off surfaces to confuse enemies. Choose this splatling if you feel speedy, or don’t enjoy the charge time of other models. Whether you need to prevent the opposition from advancing, need to paint quickly, or require the Heavy’s intimidation without the weight, the Mini’s got you (and the stage) covered.
Hydra Splatling
The Hydra is the most cumbersome ink guzzler in the family, and demands a patient user to fully blossom its capabilities. While initially awkward to use, Hydra shines when used strategically, and is arguably the most “pure” splatling design of them all: by laying down ink hard and far. Also, thanks to patch 2.7, this dragon comes equipped with improved hydraulics, making it a 3-hit splat when fully charged. The Hydra’s presence alone can intimidate assaults and distract snipers long enough to force the tide in your favor, while a seemingly endless charge depletion provides long-lasting fire for suppression or advancing. Truly a master’s tool.
As a major splatling advocate, I hope this small introduction gave you a better understanding for the class. If any of these styles or weapon descriptions appealed to you, I suggest you give splatling a try and see how you enjoy them. You may be pleasantly surprised. Have fun and stay fresh!