Unearthing the Geography of Chaos: Where Does Splatoon 3 Really Take Place?

The vibrant, ink-splattered world of Splatoon 3 is more than just a chaotic playground of squid kids and octopus teens. It’s a carefully constructed environment steeped in lore and, surprisingly, grounded in real-world geography. So, to answer the burning question: While Splatoon 3 is set in a post-apocalyptic future Earth dominated by cephalopods, the primary setting of Splatsville, and the surrounding Splatlands, draw heavy inspiration from a unique blend of real-world locations, most notably a fusion of elements evoking a sense of North Africa and the Middle East, set against a backdrop of a world reclaimed by the ocean.

Decoding Splatsville and the Splatlands: Beyond Shibuya

While the original Inkopolis was undeniably a tribute to Shibuya, Tokyo, the shift to the Splatlands represents a departure from solely Japanese influences. This change reflects the game’s narrative of societal shifts and the rise of a new culture born from the ashes of the old world. To truly understand the geographical influences of Splatoon 3, we need to break down the key elements:

• The Post-Apocalyptic Setting: The most crucial element is the game’s lore: a post-apocalyptic Earth submerged by rising sea levels. Humanity is gone, and the world is now dominated by evolved marine life. This cataclysmic event reshapes the landscape, creating a new geography where familiar landmarks are submerged or unrecognizable. It’s important to consider that areas that were once coastal are now the norm.

• Splatlands’ Desert Vibe: The Splatlands themselves are a sun-scorched desert environment. This immediately evokes images of North Africa, the Middle East, and even parts of the American Southwest. The arid climate, the rocky terrain, and the overall aesthetic create a stark contrast to the more temperate climate of Inkopolis in previous games.

• Splatsville’s Architecture and Culture: Splatsville is a city of chaos, built on a foundation of salvaged materials and a rebellious spirit. Its architecture is a mix of makeshift structures, repurposed technology, and a distinctly “off-the-grid” feel. This points to a society that has rebuilt itself from scratch, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. This aligns well with the idea of a desert trading town or a frontier settlement, similar to those found in desert regions around the globe.

• Fashion and Music: The fashion and music of Splatsville also contribute to its geographical identity. The clothing styles often feature elements of desert-appropriate attire, such as loose-fitting garments, headscarves, and durable materials. The music incorporates influences from world music traditions, adding to the global tapestry of the game’s soundscape.

The Global Mélange: Avoiding Direct Mapping

It’s essential to understand that Splatoon 3 isn’t trying to replicate any single real-world location. Instead, it blends elements from various sources to create a unique and believable setting. The game takes inspiration from different cultures and landscapes, creating a world that feels both familiar and alien.

The Games Learning Society could find this geographical ambiguity particularly intriguing. The setting serves as an excellent case study in how game designers can use real-world inspiration to create fictional worlds that are both engaging and thought-provoking. This approach allows players to connect with the game on a deeper level, exploring themes of cultural identity, environmental change, and the resilience of communities in the face of adversity. Explore more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

The Mystery of Alterna

While Splatsville and the Splatlands occupy the surface world, Alterna introduces a contrasting environment. This mysterious area, explored in the single-player campaign, showcases advanced technology and a strange, artificial landscape. Whether this location ties into a specific place on earth is not directly stated, but suggests the last vestiges of a lost technologically advanced civilization.

Geographical Influences: A Quick Recap

• Post-Apocalyptic Earth: The overarching setting is a future Earth drastically reshaped by rising sea levels.
• Splatlands: Influenced by desert regions such as North Africa, the Middle East, and the American Southwest.
• Splatsville: A chaotic city built on salvaged materials, echoing frontier settlements and desert trading towns.

By understanding these influences, we can appreciate the depth and complexity of the Splatoon 3 world. It’s not just a game; it’s an exploration of culture, geography, and the enduring spirit of life in a world transformed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Splatoon 3’s Location

1. Is Splatoon 3 set in the real world?

Yes, Splatoon 3 is set on a post-apocalyptic version of Earth thousands of years in the future. Humanity has largely disappeared due to rising sea levels, and evolved marine creatures now dominate the planet.

2. Is Splatsville based on a real city?

Not directly. While Inkopolis was heavily inspired by Shibuya, Tokyo, Splatsville draws influence from various desert cultures and frontier settlements, particularly those found in North Africa, the Middle East, and the American Southwest.

3. What is the climate like in the Splatlands?

The climate in the Splatlands is arid and desert-like, with a sun-scorched landscape and limited water resources. This contrasts sharply with the more temperate climate of Inkopolis in previous games.

4. Where was Inkopolis located in the real world?

Inkopolis is heavily based on Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. The layout, architecture, and overall vibe of the city closely resemble the real-world location.

5. How did the world of Splatoon become post-apocalyptic?

The world of Splatoon became post-apocalyptic due to rising sea levels that wiped out most of humanity. The exact cause of the sea-level rise isn’t explicitly stated, but it’s heavily implied to be the result of climate change and human activity.

6. Are there any signs of human civilization in Splatoon 3?

Yes, there are still remnants of human civilization in the Splatoon world. Players can find artifacts, ruins, and other traces of human existence throughout the game, serving as a reminder of the world that was lost.

7. What is Alterna, and where is it located?

Alterna is a mysterious area featured in the single-player campaign of Splatoon 3. Its location is not entirely clear, but it’s implied to be an artificial environment with advanced technology, perhaps built by humans before the cataclysm.

8. Does Splatoon 3 acknowledge the existence of Japan or other real-world countries?

Not directly. While the game draws inspiration from various cultures and locations, it doesn’t explicitly mention Japan or any other real-world countries by name. The world of Splatoon is presented as a distinct and evolved version of our own.

9. How does the geography of Splatoon 3 affect the gameplay?

The geography of Splatoon 3 influences the gameplay in several ways. The desert environment of the Splatlands affects character design and story elements, while the layout of Splatsville influences stage designs and strategic considerations.

10. Are there any plans to explore other regions of the Splatoon world in future games?

While Nintendo hasn’t revealed specific plans, the Splatoon universe is vast and full of potential for exploration. Future games could potentially introduce new regions, cultures, and environments.

11. Is there a specific timeline in Splatoon that can accurately pinpoint where it’s supposed to be?

No, the Splatoon timeline is intentionally vague, placing the events thousands of years in the future. This allows the developers to create a unique world without being constrained by real-world history or geography.

12. How do the Inklings and Octolings survive in the desert climate of the Splatlands?

The Inklings and Octolings likely have adaptations that allow them to survive in the arid climate of the Splatlands. These could include efficient water conservation mechanisms, specialized clothing, and access to limited water sources.

13. Are there any other significant landmarks or geographical features in Splatoon 3 besides Splatsville and the Splatlands?

The game features a variety of stages and environments, each with its own unique geographical features. These include desert canyons, industrial complexes, and underwater ruins, each offering different gameplay challenges and strategic opportunities.

14. How does the Splatoon world reflect real-world concerns about climate change and environmental degradation?

The post-apocalyptic setting of Splatoon serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of environmental negligence. The game highlights the importance of sustainability and the need to protect our planet.

15. Why did the game designers choose to set Splatoon 3 in a desert environment?

The choice to set Splatoon 3 in a desert environment likely reflects a desire to explore new themes and visual styles. The arid landscape creates a sense of isolation and struggle, while also allowing for unique gameplay opportunities and character designs. It sets it apart from the prior installations of the game.