Are There Any Humans Left in Splatoon? A Deep Dive into the Lore
The short answer, according to established lore, is a resounding no. Humans are considered extinct in the world of Splatoon. The game’s narrative paints a picture of a distant past where humanity thrived but ultimately succumbed to rising sea levels, a consequence of both devastating war and intensified volcanic activity approximately 12,000 years before the events of the games. However, this extinction isn’t entirely without its mysteries and lingering questions, prompting continuous speculation and fan theories.
The Downfall of Humanity: A Brief History
The timeline is crucial to understanding the human absence. We know that around 12,000 years ago, a cataclysmic event led to the Great Turf War between Inklings and Octarians that occurred in the wake of this disaster. Land mammals largely vanished, paving the way for the rise of cephalopod civilization. There are, however, a few apparent exceptions.
Mammals and the Question of Survival
While the vast majority of land mammals disappeared, the existence of Judd and Li’l Judd, the feline referees of Turf War, and Mr. Grizz, the enigmatic bear statue behind Grizzco Industries, presents a significant point of contention. How did they survive when so many others perished? Theories abound, ranging from advanced cryogenic preservation to genetic anomalies and even artificially extended lifespans. Mr. Grizz, in particular, serves as a constant reminder of the mammalian past, especially in Splatoon 3’s Hero Mode, “Return of the Mammalians,” where Fuzzy Ooze, derived from mammalian DNA, plays a central role.
Commander Tartar and the Legacy of Knowledge
The character of Commander Tartar, an AI created by a human professor to impart humanity’s knowledge to the next intelligent species, is crucial to understanding the story. Tartar’s purpose was noble, but his eventual corruption and desire to eradicate the Inklings and Octolings highlights the potential pitfalls of unchecked ambition and the burden of carrying historical baggage. His existence proves the high-tech capabilities humanity had before their extinction. Tartar hoped that learning from humanity’s mistakes, the new civilization would be better.
Unanswered Questions and Fan Theories
Despite the game’s claims of human extinction, some persistent fan theories suggest the possibility of surviving human enclaves or even advanced human descendants adapting to the new world order. These theories are largely fueled by:
- Mysterious technologies: Advanced inventions like Commander Tartar and the NILS Statue imply a scientific understanding that seems beyond the current capabilities of Inklings and Octolings.
- Ambiguous lore: Certain aspects of the game’s backstory remain intentionally vague, leaving room for interpretation and speculation.
- The “Return of the Mammalians” storyline: The focus on mammalian DNA and its corrupting influence raises questions about the lingering impact of humanity and other mammals on the Splatoon world.
While these theories are compelling, there’s no concrete evidence within the games to definitively prove the continued existence of humans. The prevailing narrative strongly suggests their extinction. However, the Splatoon universe is known for its unexpected twists and turns, so the possibility, however slim, cannot be entirely dismissed.
The Future of the Past
Whether humans truly remain extinct or exist in some hidden form, their legacy continues to shape the Splatoon world. The knowledge they left behind, the mistakes they made, and the faint echoes of their existence serve as a constant backdrop to the colorful and chaotic lives of the Inklings and Octolings. Exploring these themes can be a rich topic for games-based learning. You can learn more about how games can be integrated into education on the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Humans in Splatoon
Here are some common questions about the role and status of humans within the Splatoon universe.
1. How long have humans been extinct in Splatoon?
Approximately 12,000 years before the events of the Splatoon games.
2. Are mammals extinct in Splatoon?
Almost. Most land mammals are extinct, but Judd, Li’l Judd, and the Grizzco statue are notable exceptions. The events of Splatoon 3 also introduce Fuzzy Ooze derived from mammalian DNA.
3. What animals are extinct in Splatoon?
The rising sea levels caused the extinction of all land mammals (with the notable exceptions mentioned above) and many other land-dwelling animals.
4. How would Inklings react to a human?
The game provides conflicting accounts. While some suggest Inklings get along well with humans due to shared traits, others imply that some Inklings might view humans as inferior. Given that humans have been extinct for millennia, most Inklings would likely be entirely unfamiliar with them.
5. Is there any evidence that humans are still alive in Splatoon?
No concrete evidence exists within the games to definitively prove the survival of humans. However, the ambiguity surrounding certain aspects of the lore and the advanced technologies present leave room for fan speculation.
6. What happened to the humans in Splatoon?
Humans went extinct due to a combination of a massive apocalyptic war and an upsurge in volcanic activity, leading to rising sea levels that submerged most of the land.
7. Why is Mr. Grizz a statue?
The Grizz statue serves as a representation of the company’s (Grizzco Industries) owner and seems to be a symbolic figure. The true nature and motivations of Mr. Grizz remain mysterious, even after Splatoon 3. The statue is replaced by a statue of a fish after completing Return of the Mammalians.
8. What is Commander Tartar’s connection to humans?
Commander Tartar was an AI created by a human professor to pass down humanity’s knowledge to the next intelligent species.
9. Did the Great Turf War contribute to the extinction of humans?
The Great Turf War occurred after the extinction of humans, as a result of the changed environment that allowed cephalopods to thrive.
10. Is it possible that humans adapted and evolved into a different species in Splatoon?
This is a popular fan theory, but there is no direct evidence within the games to support it.
11. Do Inklings know about the existence of humans?
Some do, primarily through historical records and the existence of artifacts like Commander Tartar. However, due to the vast time gap, their understanding may be incomplete or distorted.
12. What are the technologies humans left behind in Splatoon?
Examples include:
- Commander Tartar: A highly advanced AI.
- The NILS Statue: A massive structure with sophisticated energy systems.
- Cryogenic Technology: Presumed to have been used to preserve Judd.
13. Could the mammals in Return of the Mammalians be descended from humans?
While the Fuzzy Ooze is related to mammalian DNA, it is derived from animals affected by Alterna’s experiment and not necessarily directly from humans. The connection between the Fuzzy Ooze and any potential surviving human lineage remains unclear.
14. Why are there so few mammals in Splatoon?
The cataclysmic events that led to the rise of sea levels drastically reduced the landmass available, severely impacting land-dwelling mammals and leading to their widespread extinction.
15. Will humans ever return to Splatoon?
This is a question only Nintendo can answer! While the current narrative strongly suggests their extinction, the Splatoon universe is constantly evolving, and future installments could introduce unexpected twists and turns. The possibility, however remote, remains open.