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Unlocking the Splatoon 2 Octoling Gear: A Comprehensive Guide

So you want to deck out your Inkling or Octoling in some sweet gear from the Octo Expansion? You’ve come to the right place! This guide will break down exactly how to get your hands on all the unique Octoling-themed items in the Splatoon universe, including both Splatoon 2 and Splatoon 3.

The Direct Answer: Getting Your Gear

The method for obtaining Octoling gear depends largely on which game you’re playing and which specific item you desire. Many of the most iconic pieces are tied directly to completing (or partially completing) the Octo Expansion DLC for Splatoon 2. This content adds a wealth of challenges and rewards for players to explore.

Gear Unlocks in Splatoon 2 Octo Expansion

The Octo Expansion is where most of the unique Octoling gear resides in Splatoon 2. Here’s a breakdown:

Octoling as a Playable Character: This is arguably the most significant “gear” unlock! Beat the Octo Expansion, and you can finally play as an Octoling in multiplayer battles.
Octo Shot Replica: Also unlocked upon completing the Octo Expansion, this is a unique weapon to show off your accomplishment.
Octoling Shades: Talk to Iso Padre after collecting one set of mem cakes (including the grayscale ones).
Neo Octoling Armor: Talk to Iso Padre after collecting two sets of mem cakes (including the grayscale ones).
Neo Octoling Boots: Talk to Iso Padre after collecting three sets of mem cakes (including the grayscale ones).
Null Armor Replica: Talk to Iso Padre after collecting five sets of mem cakes (including grayscale mem cakes).
Studio Octophones and Octo Layered LS: These are unlocked immediately upon purchasing the Octo Expansion. A box containing them will be in Inkopolis Square once you start the game and view Inkopolis News.

Gear Availability in Splatoon 3

Splatoon 3 takes a different approach. Octolings are playable from the start, so there’s no need to beat any DLC to unlock them. However, some Octoling-themed gear exists:

Octoling Armor: You can find this after completing Octo Valley.
Fuzzy Octarian Gear: There are gear sets inspired by the Fuzzy Octarians from the Return of the Mammalians story mode.
Other Octoling-themed Gear: Keep an eye on the Splatoon 3 shops and SplatNet 3 for rotating selections of gear.
Side Order: This DLC features Agent 8 and may include gear related to them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to delve even deeper into the specifics of unlocking Octoling gear in Splatoon:

1. Do I Need to Finish the Octo Expansion to Play as an Octoling?

Splatoon 2: Yes, you must complete the Octo Expansion to unlock Octolings as playable characters.
Splatoon 3: No, Octolings are available from the beginning in Splatoon 3.

2. Can I Order Octo Expansion Gear from Other Players?

No. The gear obtained from the Octo Expansion cannot be ordered from other players via Murch. This makes them a distinct achievement!

3. Where do I Find Iso Padre?

Iso Padre is located in the Deepsea Metro within the Octo Expansion. You need to speak to him after collecting specific amounts of mem cakes. He’s your gear-giving guru!

4. What are Mem Cakes?

Mem Cakes are collectible items in the Octo Expansion. You earn them by completing levels. Collecting multiple sets of mem cakes is how you unlock specific gear by talking to Iso Padre.

5. What Does “Including Grayscale Mem Cakes” Mean?

Some mem cakes are in black and white (grayscale). These are still required for unlocking gear from Iso Padre, so don’t ignore them!

6. How Do I Access the Octo Expansion?

You need to purchase and download the Octo Expansion DLC from the Nintendo eShop for Splatoon 2.

7. Is the Octo Expansion Free with Nintendo Switch Online?

No, the Octo Expansion is not included with the standard Nintendo Switch Online subscription. However, it is included with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

8. How Long Does It Take to Beat the Octo Expansion?

The length varies depending on skill, but expect to spend around 10-15 hours completing the Octo Expansion. Some levels are notoriously challenging!

9. What is Commander Tartar?

Commander Tartar is the main antagonist of the Octo Expansion. You will need to defeat him to complete the DLC.

10. What Happens After Beating the Octo Expansion?

Besides unlocking Octolings and the Octo Shot Replica, you’ll gain a sense of accomplishment and a deeper understanding of the Splatoon lore.

11. Where Can I Find the Octo Valley in Splatoon 3?

Octo Valley is the single-player campaign area from the original Splatoon. In Splatoon 3, it is accessed via a secret location in Splatsville. Look for a hidden entrance down a manhole to begin the single player mode and potentially unlock the Octoling Armor.

12. What is Fuzzy Ooze?

Fuzzy Ooze is a mysterious substance in Splatoon 3 that transforms Octarians into Fuzzy Octarians. These fuzzy enemies are prominent in the Return of the Mammalians campaign.

13. What’s the Difference Between Octarians and Octolings?

Octarians are the general term for the Octopi-based species. Octolings are the humanoid form of Octarians, equivalent to Inklings.

14. Is Agent 8 an Inkling or an Octoling?

Agent 8 is an Octoling and the protagonist of the Splatoon 2 Octo Expansion and Splatoon 3: Side Order.

15. What are the Compatible Regions to purchase Octo Expansion?

If you are having issues with accessing Octo Expansion, confirm the country/region that the DLC is intended for. You can visit accounts.nintendo.com and sign in with the Nintendo Account that you used to make the purchase. Verify that the country/region for your account matches the compatible regions for your version of the game.

The Educational Value of Splatoon

Beyond the fun of unlocking gear and playing as Octolings, Splatoon offers surprising educational benefits. The strategic gameplay encourages problem-solving and teamwork. To learn more about the educational aspects of gaming, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org

Conclusion

Getting all the Octoling gear in the Splatoon universe is a rewarding process. Whether you’re conquering the Octo Expansion in Splatoon 2 or exploring the shops in Splatoon 3, there’s always something new to unlock. So, gear up, jump in, and have fun!

How do I get the Octoling gear?