Menu
History
The Splatoon Journey
2014
6.2014 Squid discovery report at E3

Splatoon is unveiled for the first time at E3 (the Electronic Entertainment Expo), and the ability to go into squid form and splatter ink everywhere in 4-on-4 squad battles gets the world talking.At this point in time, the game is still only about 10% complete.

First post on social media from official Japanese account
2015
2.2015 Real Turf War held at Tokaigi 2015
5.9.2015 Global Testfire is released
5.28.2015 Splatoon is released

The first entry in the series, Splatoon, is released for the Wii U system, and players flock to the game to wage Turf Wars galore. Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy amiibo hit the market alongside the game.

6.2015 Ranked Battles become available
6.2015 First Splatfest is held in Japan
8.2015 Version 2.0.0 drops as a huge summer update
9.2015 Splatoon Koshien kicks off in Japan
10.2015 Original soundtrack “Splatune” is released
12.2015 Splatoon and Saga Prefecture team up to produce “Sagakeen”
2016
1.2016 Squid Sisters perform live
1.2016 Splatoon Koshien National Championship Champions: Ikatama Kids
4.2016 Sheldon's Picks adds some sweet new weapons
7.2016 Squid Sisters concert held at Japan Expo in Paris
7.2016 Squid Sisters release a live album, “Splatoon Live in Makuhari”
7.2016 Callie and Marie amiibo are released
7.2016 Splatoon's final Splatfest is held, with Marie the victor
10.2016 An Inkling of what's next
2017
1.2017 Splatoon 2 is officially announced for release
2.2017 2nd Annual Splatoon Koshien National Championship Champions: Dynameu
3.2017 Splatoon 2 Global Testfire is held simultaneously worldwide
3.2017 ESL Go4Splatoon tournament Champions: Rising Moon
4.2017 2017 Splatoon U.S. Inkling Open Champions: Deadbeat
4.2017 2017 AUNZ Splatoon Cup Champions: Blue Ringed Octolings
Follow the Squid Sisters' story after the final Splatfest “Squid Sisters Stories” is released Follow the Squid Sisters' story after the final Splatfest “Squid Sisters Stories” is released
4.2017 Inklings join the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe roster
6.2017 Splatoon 2 World Championship 2017 Champions: DeadBeat (North America)
7.2017 Splatoon and Kyoto Aquarium team up to produce “Suizokukaan: A Fresh Summer Break”
7.21.2017 Splatoon 2 is released

Two years after the release of its predecessor, Splatoon 2 swims its way onto the Nintendo Switch system, and a horde of battlers get back in the ink with fresh squid eyes. Notably, hosting duties are passed from the Squid Sisters to Off the Hook.

11.2017 Mega update Version 2.0 drops
12.2017 Clam Blitz mode is introduced
2018
2.2018 Idol duos share the mic at a live concert
2.2018 3rd Annual Splatoon Koshien National Championship Champions: GG BoyZ
3.2018 Inklings join the roster for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
3.2018 Splatoon European Championship Champions: BackSquids
4.2018 Splatoon and JAMSTEC team up to produce “Jamsteeec: How 'Bout a Squiddle Marine and Earth Science?”
4.2018 Splatoon 2 U.S./Canada Inkling Open 2018 Champions: SetToDestroyX
4.2018 2018 AUNZ Splatoon 2 Cup Champions: Yeah Nah
4.2018 X Rank is introduced with the Version 3.0 update
6.2018 Splatoon 2 World Championship 2018 Champions: GG BoyZ (Japan)
6.14.2018 Octo Expansion is released as paid downloadable content An age of squid-octopus symbiosis begins!
7.2018 Inkling history goes on display at Splatoon Exhibit in Tokyo
7.2018 Pearl and Marina amiibo are released
9.2018 Version 4.0 update drops with a slew of new features and content
11.2018 Octoling Girl and Octoling Boy amiibo are released
2019
1.2019 Off the Hook performs live
1.2019 4th Annual Splatoon Koshien National Championship Champions: GG BoyZ
2.2019 Monthly League Battles begin
3.2019 Splatoon 2 North America Inkling Open 2019 Champions: FTWin
3.2019 Splatoon 2 European Championship 2018-2019 Champions: Alliance Rogue
3.2019 Splatoon 2 Australasian Open 2019 Champions: Lime Soda
4.2019 Sheldon's Picks sneaks out one final weapons pack
5.2019 NPB e-Sports Series Splatoon 2 Finals
6.2019 Splatoon 2 World Championship 2019 Champions: GG BoyZ (Japan)
7.2019 Splatoon 2's final Splatfest is held, with Chaos the winner
7.2019 Off the Hook releases a live album, “Splatoon 2 Live in Makuhari”
7.2019 Version 5.0 drops, the final major update
10.2019 Splatoon Live Concert: Kyoto Mix
2020
8.2020 5th Annual Splatoon Koshien National Championship Champions: Another
2021
2.2021 Splatoon 3 is announced, inviting players to the city of chaos...
2022
4.2022 Splatoon 3 gets a release date
8.28.2022 The Splatoon 3 Splatfest World Premiere is held
9.2022 Splatoon 3 Enter the Splatlands Invitational 2022 Champions: Starburst
9.9.2022 Splatoon 3 is released

Five years after the release of Splatoon 2, the series enters a bold new phase. Ink battles, Story Mode, Salmon Run... Splatoon 3 is finally here, and it evolves the series in every way.

10.2022 Splatoon 3 Start Dash Cup Champions: Nageki no Senpans (Juniors) & IKAZIST_IGZ (General)
10.2022 Deep Cut performs live
11.2022 Inkling (Yellow), Octoling (Blue), and Smallfry amiibo are released
12.2022 X Battles begin! Chill Season 2022 kicks off
12.2022 The first Big Run occurs
2023
2.28.2023 Inkopolis is released as paid downloadable content
3.2023 Did somebody say “new special weapons”? Fresh Season 2023 kicks off
3.2023 Splatoon 3 North American Championship 2023 Champions: Starburst
4.2023 Eggstra Work is held for the first time
4.2023 Splatoon Koshien held in Japan for the first time in three years
6.2023 Challenges unlocked! Sizzle Season 2023 kicks off
7.2023 Splatoon 3 and Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise team up to produce “An Inkredible Summer Festival”
9.2023 Strut your style like never before! Drizzle Season 2023 kicks off

History goes on...

2.2015 Real Turf War held at Tokaigi 2015

At Tokaigi 2015, players in Japan get their hands on the game for the first time. There is even a “Real Splatoon” corner where people can load up water guns with real ink to splat each other up.

6.2015 Ranked Battles become available

While Turf War was initially the only battle mode you could play, now that enough players have reached level 10 or higher, Ranked Battles are added to the game and the Splat Zones mode is unlocked.

6.2015 First Splatfest is held in Japan

For the first time, a Splatfest is held where players are divided into two camps to fight for their choice through Turf Wars. The first theme was “What's your breakfast? Rice or Bread?” with rice coming out on top.

8.2015 Version 2.0.0 drops as a huge summer update

In addition to introducing Squad Battle as a new Ranked Battle mode, the update adds a ton of new weapons and gear, and player level and rank caps are raised.

9.2015 Splatoon Koshien kicks off in Japan

This is the first year that Splatoon Koshien is held, a nationwide Turf War competition where teams vie to be number one. Tournaments are held in each region of Japan, with the winning teams convening at Tokaigi for the final splat-off.

1.2016 Squid Sisters perform live

The game's beloved pop idol duo busts out of the confines of the game to perform live at Tokaigi 2016.

4.2016 Sheldon's Picks adds some sweet new weapons

The game's battle tactics get a shot in the arm when the weapons shop adds Sheldon's Picks, a pack of eight souped-up versions of existing weapons. A second round of nine additional weapons is released in June 2016.

7.2016 Splatoon's final Splatfest is held, with Marie the victor

The final theme is “It's a Squid Sisters Showdown! Callie vs Marie,” prompting an agonizing decision for players. The results of this Splatfest will go on to influence the events of “Squid Sisters Stories” and the Octo Canyon story of Splatoon 2.

10.2016 An Inkling of what's next

The announcement video for the new Nintendo Switch hardware teases a sequel to Splatoon, but no details are revealed at this time.

1.2017 Splatoon 2 is officially announced for release

At Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017, Splatoon 2 is officially announced for release. The footage showcases battles featuring new stages and weapons, plus a new hub area.

4.2017 Inklings join the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe roster

Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy join Mario and the gang in this popular kart racer alongside fresh new vehicle designs and a new battle arena, Urchin Underpass.

11.2017 Mega update Version 2.0 drops

Four months after the game's release, Version 2.0 hits the wild as a huge new update. In addition to 140 new pieces of gear, the update includes new hairstyles and legwear and a new Salmon Run stage, Salmonid Smokeyard.

12.2017 Clam Blitz mode is introduced

Ranked Battles get spiced up with a new fourth mode, Clam Blitz. To gather up the clams around the stage and plonk them into the goal, players will have to sync up with their teammates like never before.

2.2018 Idol duos share the mic at a live concert

The Squid Sisters and Off the Hook perform together live at Tokaigi 2018.

3.2018 Inklings join the roster for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

In the March 9th, 2018 Nintendo Direct, through a video reminiscent of Splatoon's initial reveal, the Inklings are announced as fighters for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Also unveiled are Splatoon 2's Version 3.0 update and the Octo Expansion.

4.2018 X Rank is introduced with the Version 3.0 update

A new rank even higher than S+ is established, sparking a new wave of intense battles to be the best! The update also busts out over 100 new pieces of gear, plus new weapons and new stages.

6.14.2018 Octo Expansion is released as paid downloadable content An age of squid-octopus symbiosis begins!

In the series' first paid DLC “Octo Expansion,” a new story unfolds in a subterranean world. Not only that, Octolings join the Inkling world, bringing a vibrant new splat of color to Inkopolis Square.

7.2018 Inkling history goes on display at Splatoon Exhibit in Tokyo

The retrospective features brand new collaborative illustrations, a giant timeline of the series' history, and behind-the-scenes stories from the development team.

9.2018 Version 4.0 update drops with a slew of new features and content

Out rolls a brand new weapons pack, the Kensa Collection, and Splatfests get a new coat of ink with the introduction of stuff like random 10x Battles.

1.2019 Off the Hook performs live

Tokaigi 2019 hosts Off the Hook's first solo live performance. Over at the merch booth, guests have a chance to pick up some commemorative items.

2.2019 Monthly League Battles begin

Teams of four participate in League Battles, with the winners getting officially recognized on Twitter.

4.2019 Sheldon's Picks sneaks out one final weapons pack

Despite the announcement that updates would end in December 2018, Sheldon's Picks delivers with a new set of 12 weapons.

7.2019 Splatoon 2's final Splatfest is held, with Chaos the winner

Two years after Splatoon 2's release, Final Fest: Splatocalypse is held over a 72-hour stretch. The theme is “What world do you wanna live in? Chaos vs Order.” Just like with the first Splatoon, the results will have a direct impact on Splatoon 3's setting and Return of the Mammalians story.

7.2019 Version 5.0 drops, the final major update

Turf War (Splatfest) is introduced as a new Private Battle mode, and players get access to night stages and Splatfest-exclusive ink colors. Additionally, all players are issued a Splatfest Tee Replica with Ability Doubler, and the Shellendorf Institute and New Albacore Hotel stages get some renovations.

10.2019 Splatoon Live Concert: Kyoto Mix

Nintendo Live 2019 plays host to Splatoon's first live performance in western Japan, where fans get another chance to snag some of the exclusive merch from past shows.

2.2021 Splatoon 3 is announced, inviting players to the city of chaos...

In the February 18th, 2021 Nintendo Direct, Splatoon 3 is unveiled in a trailer that introduces the Inklings and Octolings' new habitat, Splatsville—which, in honor of the results of Splatoon 2's final Splatfest, is dubbed the “city of chaos.”

4.2022 Splatoon 3 gets a release date

The game is slated for September 9th, 2022, and the official Splatoon 3 website goes live alongside the announcement.

10.2022 Deep Cut performs live

Splatoon 3's new hosts, Deep Cut, take to the stage for their first live performance. Callie and Marie from the Squid Sisters make an appearance as special guests.

12.2022 X Battles begin! Chill Season 2022 kicks off

Players test their limits in the new X Battle mode and get access to a ton of new weapons, gear, and battle and Salmon Run stages.

12.2022 The first Big Run occurs

In Big Runs, which are rumored to occur once every few moons, the Salmonids invade the Inklings and Octolings' home. The first of these white-hot battles unfolds in Wahoo World.

2.28.2023 Inkopolis is released as paid downloadable content

In the first wave of paid DLC for Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass, the subway to Inkopolis opens, providing another hub to shop at and more. If players visit during a Splatfest, they can catch the Squid Sisters performing.

3.2023 Did somebody say “new special weapons”? Fresh Season 2023 kicks off

In addition to new weapons, gear, and stages, players get their tentacles on the new Kraken Royale and Super Chump special weapons—plus online multiplayer for Tableturf Battler and a jukebox for the Lobby.

4.2023 Eggstra Work is held for the first time

Players team up with friends to do preset job scenarios as part of a Grizzco business initiative. The three teams who collect the most Golden Eggs—as well as the “Average Roe” team—get official respect on social media.

4.2023 Splatoon Koshien held in Japan for the first time in three years

For the first time since 2020,
the ink hits the fan at Splatoon Koshien,
beginning with the Kanto regional finals at Niconico Chokaigi 2023.

6.2023 Challenges unlocked! Sizzle Season 2023 kicks off

The Challenge mode introduces limited-time online tourneys and battles with special rules. And, of course, this season delivers with new weapons, gear, and battle and Salmon Run stages. Not only that, two players who shone especially bright during a match can now celebrate with a fist bump after winning.

9.2023 Strut your style like never before! Drizzle Season 2023 kicks off

Joining the new weapons, gear, and stages are three additional Challenges. Players can now adjust how they wear certain caps and tees, strutting their style like never before. To celebrate the game's one-year anniversary, a Splatfest is held to determine whether Shiver, Frye, or Big Man would make the best leader.

日本語 English
TopTop
StoryStory CharacterCharacter WorldWorld FashionFashion
MusicMusic GalleryGallery HistoryHistory