Unraveling the Mystery: Enemy vs. Playable Octolings in Splatoon

The Splatoon universe is populated with fascinating cephalopod species, and among them, the Octolings hold a particularly intriguing place. While both enemy and playable Octolings might seem similar at first glance, a closer look reveals fundamental differences in their origins, appearance, and place within the game’s lore. The core difference lies in their very nature: enemy Octolings are Octarians who have achieved a humanoid form, while playable Octolings are true octopi. This distinction is crucial for understanding the deeper narratives woven into the Splatoon series.

Distinguishing Between Octarians and Octolings

The key to understanding the difference between enemy and playable Octolings lies in understanding the distinction between Octarians and true octopi. Enemy Octolings are not born as humanoid beings. Instead, they are Octarians, a species largely composed of severed octopus tentacles controlled by technology, that have been engineered or evolved to take on a humanoid appearance. These Octarians form the bulk of the Octarian army and serve under figures like DJ Octavio. Their humanoid forms are, in essence, disguises or advanced combat forms rather than their natural state. This explains why they often lack the expressiveness or customizable features of their playable counterparts.

Playable Octolings, on the other hand, are true octopi. They are born as Octolings and naturally possess the ability to shift between a humanoid form and their octopus form, similar to how Inklings can shift between a humanoid form and a squid form. This is not a disguise or a manufactured form; it is their natural biology. This inherent difference allows for the vast customization options available to playable Octolings in the games – their skin tone, hair color, and even eye visibility are changeable, features that are fixed in enemy Octolings.

Visual Differences

The visual differences are significant. Enemy Octolings often have uniform, simplistic designs, lacking personalized features. Their faces are typically masked, and their expressions are less varied. This is because they are, in lore, not individuals but manufactured soldiers of the Octarian army. Playable Octolings, in contrast, have far more expressive faces. They also have customizable features, like their hairstyle and eye color, which add to their unique identities.

The Lore Behind Their Differences

The artbooks and lore within the Splatoon universe further solidify this distinction. The lore establishes that enemy Octolings are Octarians who have gained a human-like form. These forms are often the result of experimentation or technological advancements by the Octarian forces. In contrast, playable Octolings are true octopi, individuals who have evolved to the point where they can interact with the world on equal footing with Inklings. This distinction explains why playable Octolings are considered true individuals capable of self-expression.

Hacking in Splatoon 1

Interestingly, in the first Splatoon game, it’s possible to hack the game to make an Octoling playable. This was achieved by loading an otherwise unused, alternate model intended for player use. It showcases that developers had already laid the groundwork for playable Octolings, further suggesting that the basic code for their forms and customization options were already in place and that they weren’t just ‘Octarian’ models.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Octolings and Octarians

When Did Octolings Become Playable?

Octolings became playable characters in Splatoon 2 after completing the Octo Expansion DLC and Splatoon 3, where they are available as playable characters from the start.

Are Octolings More Intelligent Than Inklings?

The lore suggests that Octolings are more intelligent than Inklings.

How Do Octolings Get Sanitized?

Sanitized Octarians have had their life energies sterilized using a special ink created by Commander Tartar. This process is conducted at Kamabo Co. underground research facilities.

Do Male Octolings Exist?

Yes, male Octolings exist. Agent 8 in the Octo Expansion is the first prominent example, with his octopus form differing slightly from the Inkling’s squid form.

Is DJ Octavio an Octoling or an Octarian?

DJ Octavio is an Octoling. However, due to injuries sustained during the Great Turf War, he is permanently stuck in his octopus form, though he remains a fully intact octopus.

Why Are Some Octarians Fuzzy?

Fuzzy Octarians are Octarians that have been affected by Fuzzy Ooze, a substance that puts them on the path to becoming mammals. They appear furry and have different eyes.

Why Did the Octarians Lose the Great Turf War?

The Octarians lost the Great Turf War mainly due to a plug being accidentally pulled, which cut off their power source. However, later lore mentions the Inklings’ superior number of limbs as another contributing factor.

Are Shiver and Frye Octolings or Inklings?

Shiver is an Octoling, while Frye is an Inkling. They are both part of the band Deep Cut alongside Big Man, who is a manta ray.

Why Do Octolings Wear Goggles?

Octoleet Goggles provide a random primary ability, but they prevent the wearer from having exclusive headgear abilities such as Comeback, Last-Ditch Effort, Opening Gambit, and Tenacity.

Who is the Main Villain in Splatoon 3?

Mr. Grizz is the primary antagonist of Splatoon 3’s single-player mode, with the goal of bringing back mammals by covering the planet in Fuzzy Ooze.

Is Agent 3 an Octoling?

Agent 3 can be an Octoling or an Inkling in Splatoon 3, marking the first instance where players can choose their agent’s species from the beginning of the game.

Is Inkopolis on Earth?

Yes, Inkopolis is set on Earth, approximately 12,000 years in the future after extensive flooding of the planet. It is based on Shibuya in Tokyo, Japan.

Do Inklings Have Hearts?

Yes, Inklings have multiple hearts, as hinted at by Cap’n Cuttlefish, which mirrors the real-life anatomy of cephalopods.

Do Inklings Eat Fish?

Yes, Inklings eat fish, along with vegetables and birds.

Do Inklings Lay Eggs?

Yes, Inklings lay eggs in their squid form on random days. The next day, the Inkling will transform into a squid and live a normal squid life.

Conclusion

The distinction between enemy Octolings and playable Octolings is not merely aesthetic; it is a vital part of the Splatoon universe’s intricate lore. Enemy Octolings are manipulated Octarians forced into humanoid forms, while playable Octolings are true octopi, capable of free will and expression. This knowledge enriches the gaming experience and provides a deeper appreciation for the characters and world within Splatoon. Understanding these differences allows fans to delve deeper into the fascinating world of cephalopods and the conflicts that define the series.