Smash Ultimate brings a little something for everyone. The game is full to burst with single-player modes, multiplayer options, new characters, returning favorites, and secrets we haven’t even uncovered yet. Odds are you’ll find something to enjoy in this nostalgic romp through Nintendo history. Of course, that doesn’t just include old-timers. Smash Ultimate also includes many newly minted Nintendo characters for the first time ever. That makes sense. The game certainly has enough room for them.
Smash Ultimate sports 74 different playable characters at launch — including every single previous character from the super-franchise and a bunch of fresh faces. That’s not even including the glut of DLC fighters, assist trophies, and more. There’s so much that no one person could possibly keep track of everything. That’s why we’ve compiled a guide to every single character.
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The Inkling was one of the first new characters announced for Smash Ultimate. That makes sense now that we’ve had a chance to play them, too. The fighter is tremendously unique, even among the huge Smash Ultimate roster. They use different weapons, get many different outfits, and have a unique “ink” mechanic that determines the way they play.
According to their official Nintendo character description…
Attacks with a variety of weapons. Covering opponents with ink leads to more and more damage—plus these Inklings are really fashionable!
Inkling Moves
Splattershot (B) – Shoots a stream of ink. Tilting up or down adjusts the angle of the attack.
Splat Roller (Side + B) – Pushes the Splat Roller, burying any opponents hit by it. Tilting left or right changes the direction.
Super Jump (Up + B) – Transforms into a squid and jumps straight up. Tilting left or right can change the angle a little.
Splat Bomb (Down + B) – Throws a Splat Bomb, which explodes when it hits or after time passes. Holding the button tosses it farther.
Killer Wail (Final Smash) – The Inkling sets up the Killer Wail, which fires a sonic blast. The beam damages and launches anyone caught in its path. The angle can be adjusted up or down. You can also move away from the beam and attack on your own.
Inkling also has a unique paint mechanic.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
The kid-squid hybrids are finally in Smash and they are a blast to play. The inklings slide around the stage spraying ink everywhere and, true to their inspiration, are very momentum-focused. Dousing opponents in ink causes your other attacks to hit harder, so you can set up huge combos over time. Meanwhile, tools like the Down-B Ink Bomb let you control the arena. Also, the Inklings have a special input — hitting shield and B at the same time lets you dip into an ink puddle to recharge your tank!
Weaknesses
The Inkling can get sent flying, though, and their only main source of recovery is an extremely predictable Up-B. They can be feast-or-famine as well, especially if your ink runs dry in the middle of a combo. Tank management and smart use of the Inkling’s mobility advantage are key to playing this character.
Outfits
The Inklings probably have some of the most wildly varied costumes in the entire game. Their outfits aren’t just color swaps of the same clothes. Instead, they get completely different skin tones, masculine and feminine forms, clothes, and even accessories. It kind of makes perfect sense, given how much focus Splatoon and Splatoon 2 put on fashion. Take a look!
Like a lot of Smash Ultimate characters, the Inkling is heavily based on their abilities from their original game. But don’t let that fool you. Just because the Inkling relies on… well, ink, that doesn’t mean the same old Splatoon tactics apply. Make sure to use our guide wisely while learning this tricky character in the weeks ahead.
All of our Smash Ultimate guides created with the help of Eric Van Allen.
