Inkopolis Plaza

From Inkipedia, the Splatoon wiki
Inkopolis Plaza in Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass
For the hub of other Splatoon games, see hub.

Inkopolis Plaza is the main hub of Splatoon and an optional hub in Wave 1 of Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass.

Splatoon

After completing the tutorial in a nearby area, the player Super Jumps to Inkopolis Plaza. They then watch Inkopolis News and learn that the Great Zapfish that powers the city had been stolen from Inkopolis Tower. The player is then guided through the plaza.

Inkopolis Plaza is the heart of Inkopolis and is populated with Inklings. They are players with which the player has played multiplayer matches or are players who have posted drawings to social media. After playing with others online, their Inklings temporarily appear in the plaza, first in front of Inkopolis Tower, then scattered around the rest of the area. When interacting with these Inklings, the player can see that player's name, their level, their equipment they wore when the player saw them last, and the amount of turf inked.

The player is also able to order certain gear worn recently by others via Spyke and give "Freshes" to drawings. Posts may also come in the form of graffiti seen around the plaza. Naturally, other players can post drawings to social media as well. Posted drawings may be shown on other players' games.

After completing the single-player campaign, the Great Zapfish can be found resting on the Inkopolis Tower.

Splatoon 2

Due to some redevelopments that renovated Inkopolis Square a year and a half before the events of Splatoon 2, the square became popular with the youth, causing it to become the new hotspot for the Inklings and the popularity of the plaza to fall by the events of Splatoon 2.

Because of this sudden decline in popularity, several residents of the plaza moved to the square: the Great Zapfish perched on the Deca Tower, Sheldon shut down the original Ammo Knights in the plaza to open a new one in the square, Crusty Sean had recently quit his long-running job as store manager of Shrimp Kicks in the plaza to open his own independent business — the Crust Bucket — in the square, Annie became flustered whenever Cooler Heads was busy, and so set up the online Splatnet Gear Shop, Judd resides outside Deca Tower instead of Inkopolis Tower, while Spyke could afford to move away and can be found in the square in Inkopolis Café with a laptop.

Next to the Shoal, Inkopolis Tower can be seen in the distance. It is two train stations or a twenty-minute walk away from the plaza.

Splatoon 3

Promotional artwork for Inkopolis in Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass

Inkopolis Plaza is an alternate hub world accessible via the subway station found in Splatsville in Wave 1 of Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass. All shops originally available in the Booyah Base return, with Shrimp Kicks and Ammo Knights now being run by Fred Crumbs and Shelly (alongside Donny prior to 7.0.0), respectively. The Squid Sisters can be found in the same studio as in Splatoon, and can now be heard talking to each other and laughing if the player stands next to them. While they no longer host Inkopolis News, they will still wave at the player if they look in the window using first-person; after completing Return of the Mammalians, they will adopt the "Stay fresh!" pose instead.

Spyke and his alleyway return, serving the same purpose as Murch. Atop Inkopolis Tower, Inkopolis's Great Zapfish can be seen. The amiibo box is found in the same place, retaining its functionality. Next to Shrimp Kicks is a new Tableturf Battle Dojo as well as a Grizzco Industries building for Tableturf Battle and Salmon Run, respectively. The arcade machine is covered in a gray tarp and tied to the wall, now serving as a computer terminal for accessing Hotlantis. The entrance to the train station is located at the back of the plaza, directly opposite Inkopolis Tower. The Tanuki and Fox statues also have received different colored aprons.

Appearance

Tanuki and fox statues in Inkopolis Plaza in Splatoon

The plaza is roughly square-shaped with a large sidewalk. Exiting a mode causes the player to stand in the middle of the plaza on a road marking that resembles a spawn point. If the player is somehow splatted in the plaza due to either glitching or hacking, the player respawns from the road marking. To the south is a train station just outside the bounds of the accessible area.

Inkopolis Plaza also features two large statues: a tanuki on top of Inkopolis News Studio and a fox on top of the Booyah Base. The animals depicted by these statues were involved in a Japanese Splatfest. Squid patterns seem to be very popular in the plaza, as squid-patterned wallpaper appears in the News Studio as well as in Inkopolis Café. The squid-patterned wallpaper is based on the loading screen.

Locations

amiibo case

An amiibo being scanned in Splatoon
Main article: amiibo

The amiibo case is located at the southeastern corner of the plaza, and it appears as the packaging that amiibo traditionally come in.

Back alley

The back alley is located on the eastern side of the plaza between Inkopolis Café and the building under the Battle Dojo or the Shoal in Splatoon and Splatoon 3, respectively. At the end of the alley is where the player can find Spyke.

Battle Dojo

Main article: Battle Dojo

In Splatoon, the Battle Dojo is accessed by a pair of ramps in the east that leads to the catwalk. It is the first building to the right when entering the catwalk. The Battle Dojo can also be accessed through the menu.

Booyah Base

The Booyah Base in Splatoon
Main article: Booyah Base

The Booyah Base is located on the west side of the plaza and is a small set of shops in which the player can buy gear and weapons. There are four shops, with each having a shopkeeper:

Splatoon
A shop run by Sheldon where the player can purchase main weapons.
A shop run by Annie and Moe where the player can purchase headgear.
A shop run by Jelonzo where the player can purchase clothing.
A shop run by Crusty Sean where the player can purchase shoes.
Splatoon 3
A shop run by Shelly where the player can purchase main weapons.
A shop run by Annie and Moe where the player can purchase headgear.
A shop run by Jelonzo where the player can purchase clothing.
A shop run by Fred Crumbs where the player can purchase shoes.

Each shop can also be accessed through the menu.

Inkopolis Tower

Inkopolis Tower in Splatoon
Main article: Inkopolis Tower

Inkopolis Tower is located at the far north side of the plaza and houses the lobby which allows the player to access online battles. Judd is just left of the tower's entrance and gives the player helpful tips and other rewards. When the Great Zapfish is rescued, it can be seen curled around the top of Inkopolis Tower. The lobby can also be accessed through the menu.

In Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass, Judd is no longer found outside of Inkopolis Tower, now resting inside the lobby as in Splatsville.

Octo Valley

Main article: Octo Valley (location)

In Splatoon, Octo Valley is a hidden location near Inkopolis Plaza. It can be accessed by a grated manhole in the northeast corner of the plaza. Cap'n Cuttlefish can be seen in the manhole, but when the player approaches him, he will drop down. The player can follow him by stepping onto the manhole and then pressing ZL. Octo Valley serves as the setting of the single-player mode of Splatoon with the same name. Octo Valley can also be accessed through the menu.

In Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass, Octo Valley is no longer accessible, with the manhole covered up by a small stack of tires taped to the ground. A small slip of paper with the Cuttlegear logo can be found next to it.

The Shoal

Main article: The Shoal

In Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass, the Shoal is accessed by a pair of ramps in the east that leads to the catwalk. It is the first building to the right when entering the catwalk. It replaces the Battle Dojo from Splatoon. The Shoal can also be accessed through the menu.

Grizzco Industries

Main article: Grizzco Industries

In Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass, Grizzco Industries has opened a branch in Inkopolis Plaza, located to the left of Shrimp Kicks.

Hotlantis

Main article: Hotlantis

Hotlantis does not exist in Inkopolis Plaza. However, in Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass, the old arcade machine has been converted into a terminal that the player can use to access the store remotely.

Tableturf Battle Dojo

Main article: Tableturf Battle Dojo

In Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass, a Tableturf Battle Dojo has been set up between Shrimp Kicks and Grizzco. It is identical to the one found in Splatsville and offers the same opponents.

Train station

In Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass, there is a train station at the back of the plaza, opposite Inkopolis Tower, that the player can use to travel to Splatsville, Inkopolis Square, and the Order Sector.

Splatfest

Inkopolis Plaza during Splatfests in Splatoon

During a Splatfest in Splatoon, it became nighttime in Inkopolis Plaza. Decorated with colored lights and lanterns, small team-colored sparks rising from the ground, and neon signs and fireworks with Miiverse posts, it took on a much more festive tone. In the center were two trucks outfitted with stage equipment upon which the Squid Sisters performed City of Color which served as the background music in the plaza and, to a lesser extent, the test range. Jellyfish and Inklings alike gathered in front of the trucks, wearing Splatfest Tees and dancing to the music. Since players had to wear their Splatfest Tees, Jelonzo had special dialogue informing them that they could not equip new clothing bought.

In Splatoon 3, the changes to Inkopolis Plaza stay mostly the same, alluding to the first game. The Squid Sisters are still performing City of Color, albeit slightly remixed, and the new song, Tomorrow's Nostalgia Today. They wear the same outfits as in Splatoon, with their tights giving an additional pulsating glow. Being a duo rather than a trio like Deep Cut, Callie and Marie's outfits are only able to take on the colors of any two of the three teams, and may change colors when the hub is reloaded. The fox and tanuki statues still take on the colors of the first and second team, respectively, but Inkopolis Tower will now change color to match the third team.

Big Run

Inkopolis Plaza during a Big Run

During a Big Run in Splatoon 3, the appearance of the plaza is changed, with the sky becoming red and fog visible throughout the plaza. Grizzco helicopters can also be seen in the sky. The TV screen above Callie and Marie's studio displays a Grizzco bulletin and occasionally shows a Grizzco advertisement. Big Run flyers can be found all over the plaza and on the train. Additionally, the train's melody is changed from Calamari Inkantation to Clickbait (referencing Bait & Click) and no longer stops at the station. During the Big Run at the Grand Splatlands Bowl, the train's melody is absent.

Quotes

Splatoon

“ Welcome to Inkopolis! This is the plaza, where all the freshest folk come to chill like krill. Most Inklings here are obsessed with the hottest sport in Inkopolis... INK BATTLES! The crazy tall building in front of you is Inkopolis Tower. It's the city's most famous landmark! There's a lobby on the first floor of Inkopolis Tower for online battles. This is the Booyah Base, a shopping mall for all your Inkling needs. You can buy all kinds of fresh gear and weapons to use in battle. But check it—the staff in the shops can be a snobby bunch. They won't serve you if they don't think you're fresh enough. Battle Dojo is on the second floor of that building over there. Check it out if you wanna battle your friends 1-on-1 and sharpen your skills. You might wanna steer clear of that back alley. Smells a little fishy. And next we have... HUH?! Who's that creepy old dude? He seems like the type who could get you mixed up in something dangerous. Whatever. Why don't you just head to the lobby in Inkopolis Tower? That's where you can get your splat on! ”
— After finishing the tutorial and watching Inkopolis News for the first time.

Splatoon 3

“ It seems the first wave will allow Inklings and Octolings to zip between Splatsville and Inkopolis by train! If you haven't visited Inkopolis, it's a fun city with fresh vibes. And now that Splatsville residents can easily visit, we expect the vibes to get even fresher! ”
— @SplatoonNA on Twitter[1]


“ Welcome to Inkopolis! This is the plaza, where all the freshest folk come to chill like krill. Most Inklings and Octolings are obsessed with the hottest sport in Inkopolis... INK BATTLES! That crazy-tall building is Inkopolis Tower. The city's most famous landmark! There's a lobby on the first floor of Inkopolis Tower for online battles. This is the Booyah Base, a shopping mall for all your Inkling and Octoling needs. You can buy all kinds of fresh gear and weapons to use in battle. But the shops are pretty exclusive, and they won't serve you if you're not fresh enough! Looking for part-time work? Not particular about employer reputation? Grizzco is for you! If you want to visit another city, you can hit up the train station here. But also... Don't miss the Shoal! It's THE place to splat and be splatted in Inkopolis. Local Inklings and Octolings meet here with friends for co-op and competitive local play. You might wanna steer clear of that back alley. Smells a little fishy. That's it for the tour! Whether you're hopping right into battle, working at Grizzco, or even just vibing, enjoy Inkopolis! ”
— Entering Inkopolis for the first time

Audio

Main article: Music

Plaza Music

Inkopolis News Music

Gallery

Splatoon

Splatoon 3

Trivia

  • The layout and design of Inkopolis Plaza are based on the city of Shibuya in Tokyo, Japan.
  • As stated in a developers' interview, the fox and tanuki statues above Inkopolis Plaza are leftovers from when Splatoon's main characters were going to be rabbits. The central theme of the character design was originally going to be Japanese folklore, including such animals as cats, foxes, and tanuki — hence the statues. It is unknown how the aquatic inhabitants of Splatoon's world came up with the designs for them, but they were nonetheless intended to show respect for the past.[2]
  • According to The Art of Splatoon, there is a ceremony once a year to clean the fox and tanuki statues. Inklings are said not to care, but many choose to volunteer as they get to climb around the plaza.
  • A plane will occasionally fly over Inkopolis Plaza, suggesting it may be located near an airport.
  • During the Fresh Season 2023 Big Run, it was possible to hear various sound effects from Salmon Run Next Wave.
  • If the player is somehow splatted in the plaza due to either glitching or hacking, they respawn from the road marking in the middle of the plaza.
  • While announcing the Retro vs. Modern Splatfest, Marina labels the plaza a ghost town, though Pearl says she still returns to it to play games on the arcade machine.
  • The arena of the Bomb Rush Blush boss mission has road markings that are based on the markings in the center of Inkopolis Plaza.
  • There exists artwork of Callie and Marie sitting by a table, which appears on the TV board behind the TV screen in Inkopolis Plaza where Inkopolis News is aired. It is impossible to see this image without hacking.[3]
  • If the player starts up Splatoon 3 after closing the game while in Inkopolis Plaza, the loading screen will be orange and blue instead of yellow and indigo, corresponding with Splatoon's signature colors.
  • In both Splatoon and Splatoon 3, much like the kitsune and tanuki statues, the train changes according to the plaza's current color set:
    • The hue in question always matches the color set's Neutral option, even during a Splatfest. For example, Splatoon's signature Orange vs. Blue set will turn the train yellow.

Names in other languages

Plaza
Language Name Meaning
Japan Japanese 広場
Hiroba		 Plaza
Netherlands Dutch Plein (Splatoon 3)
Het Plaza[4]		 Square
The Plaza
Germany German Zentrum Center
Italy Italian Piazza centrale Main Plaza
Spain Spanish (NOE) La Plaza The Square
China Chinese (Simplified) 广场
Guǎngchǎng		 Plaza / square
Hong Kong Chinese (Traditional) 廣場
Guǎng chǎng (Mandarin)
gwong2 coeng4 (Cantonese)		 Plaza / square
Inkopolis Plaza
Language Name Meaning
Japan Japanese ハイカラシティ
haikara shiti		 Stylish/High-Color City (same as Inkopolis itself)
Netherlands Dutch Inkopolis Plaza (Splatoon 2)
France French (NOE) Place de Chromapolis Inkopolis Square
Germany German Inkopolis Inkopolis
Russia Russian Инкополь-Сквер
Inkopoľ-Skver		 Inkopolis Square
China Chinese (Simplified) 尚兴市
Shàngxīng shì		 Inkopolis City
Hong Kong Chinese (Traditional) 尚興市
Shàngxīng shì		 Inkopolis City

References

  1. ↑ Twitter @SplatoonNA on Twitter
  2. ↑ Interview with Splatoon development team - Famitsu.com (JP)
  3. ↑ Twitter @OatmealDome on Twitter
  4. ↑ Nintendo From Splatoon's electronic manual on nintendo.com/nl-nl
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