Splatoon 2 is a frantic multiplayer shooter that pits two teams against each other in deathmatch, objective, and map control modes. Players can customize their play approach by equipping different weapons, gear, and abilities to fit their playstyle. However, the most important element to winning matches in Splatoon 2 is knowing your maps. Currently, the game features eight maps. Two maps are playable via a regular rotation depending on the game mode.
Knowing the choke points, hotspots, and key areas of these maps can give your team the upper hand to win matches. Let’s take a look at the eight main maps and strategies you can utilize to splat more enemies and cover more turf.
Humpback Pump Track
Humpback Pump Track is a multiplayer map that features layered hallways leading to two curved outside pathways and a center circle area. The middle of the map often draws a lot of attention and becomes a warzone for control. Focus on the outer side paths once the match begins; by controlling these and limiting opponents from taking both sides, you can directly affect the chaotic mess that the middle can become. If the opposing team pushes into the center or your territory, reclaim one of the outer paths and attack their spawn to put more pressure on them.
Selectively choosing when to push into enemy territory can be a good way to turn the tide of battle. Elevated perches can be found along the outer pathways that can provide a clear shot on the center if you’re using a long range weapon.
Inkblot Art Academy
Inkblot Art Academy is a multiplayer map that features a raised middle area in the center of the nestled among terraced hallways. It features two elevated areas by the Spawn Points that lead into the central area. Be mindful of the water hazards on the side of the stage, as well as the two hand-shaped statues that players can jump atop of. The key to victory, similar to other maps, is to control the center area. Teams will often push to the center of the map at the start of the map. Knowing this, you can chip away some enemy players if you look for them with a long range weapon.
The middle of the map can be approached from both sides, and timing pincer movements with your team can help clear that area out quickly. Make sure to use the raised parts of the map that overlook the central area. With control over this area, you can easily scale areas in squid form and fire down on the enemy team from above.
Moray Towers
Moray Towers is a multiplayer map and the most vertical map in Splatoon 2. Keep an eye out for gaps in the map that drop to nowhere. Be sure to turn on the Inkrails scattered across the map to easily traverse to the center of the map and beyond. The primary focus of your team should be the middle ground – be sure to travel there as a team to ensure survival.
It’s easy to reach the center of the map by dropping down from the spawn points. With this in mind, be careful about spawn jumping to teammates too quickly — it can be easier to just drop down yourself instead of launching yourself directly in conflict zones. At the start of matches, send one player down to cover the main path near the spawn while others rush to the center as quickly as possible. This map can lead to a lot of lead swings in the late stages of matches so be sure to remain focused during the last 30 seconds of Turf War.
Port Mackerel
Port Mackerel is a multiplayer map with several condensed corridors that connect the two spawn points together. The map is full of bottlenecks and tight spaces which can lead to quick ambushes. The nature of the map requires teammates to stick close together and not overextend when team fights inevitably break out.
During Turf War, attempt to send one member of your team to the other side of the map, to cover the higher levels running along the outside. This area can be easily forgotten about when heading down the corridor. Prevent your team from sending too many players towards each side path from the spawn zone. It’s crucial to control the center of the map as long as possible to earn the victory.
Starfish Mainstage
Starfish Mainstage has a raised central area with varying layered paths that wrap around the outside and the middle. This map requires swift movement and good group communication in order to solidify your advantage. If you gain a foothold on Starfish Mainstage and control the central area, make sure to immediately push into to the enemy base. By lingering too long, you give the enemy an opportunity to counterattack and remove any ink advantage your team has established.
Be mindful of the various pits that can be found on each base side. There are a lot of walls that are not inkable and you can box yourself into a corner if you foolishly follow the other team. Keep an eye out on the outer edges as well. There is a nice, sneaky shortcut that is found near the maps outer water edges. Splat the ground with ink between both platforms. If you change into squid form and time a good jump, you can scale to the enemy base via this often overlooked path. This can be a great way to ink your enemies spawn if your team is being forced out of the middle.
The Reef
The Reef is a multiplayer stage in Splatoon 2 that is located a few blocks from Inkopolis Square. The Reef primarily features wide open areas, with separated high and low floors. The mix between open areas and verticality provides plenty of flanking opportunities.
The main area of control that leads to victory is the bridge. The bridge in the center of the map provides a great view of the battle field from all sides. It provides quick access to the opposite side of the map and tends to be the most contested area of the map during matches. Be careful not to overextend across. Teams can bait the other team over by not covering the bridge closely. If your team has a strong hold on the bridge, use long range weapons to pick off the enemy team as they get close to remove your ink advantage.
Sturgeon Shipyard
Sturgeon Shipyard is a multiplayer map that contains many low areas surrounded by high perches, featuring a few moving platforms that change elevation during a battle. These moving platforms can be used to reach high and low areas effectively, as well as gain the drop on enemies that might not be expecting you. The map contains four major platforms that rise and fall over the course of a match, starting in an upright position. There is one located in front of each spawn, and two located in the center of the map.
Another feature of note is two sponges that can be filled with ink. By expanding these sponges, you can gain some quick cover in a firefight or hide your position in squid form before ambushing enemies. Each sponge is found on a walkway below the spawn. While running as a team can lead to victory, don’t be afraid to split off if you see the platforms in a favorable position. Acting accordingly to platform position is the catalyst for great team pushes.
Mussleforge Fitness
Musselforge Fitness is a multiplayer map that resembles a sports club. The area includes a variety of high perch points that overlook lower areas. The map sports plenty of steep ramps leading down to lower parts of the map. One key area of the map is the rock climbing wall. The climbing wall in the center of the stage provides many great vantage points over the lower areas of the map. If your team controls this point, feel free to use long range weapons to take out the enemy team. Keep an eye out on the bridges connected to the wall, they provide the only path into enemy territory.
Another key area is the lower alleys. These pathways that surround the climbing wall are useful for flanking people on top of the wall, and also lead into other low areas. If you find your team is getting bottlenecked by the climbing wall, approach these alternate avenues to clear up their hold.
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