Welcome to the ultimate Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion Mission Guide! Dive into the depths of Inkopolis and tackle the thrilling challenges that await. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough to help you ace every mission with ease. Explore essential tips on Understanding Each Mission, uncover the Best Strategies for Each Mission, master the art of Using Abilities Effectively, learn to Manage Health and Resources wisely, and ensure you’re Unlocking All Mission Rewards to enhance your gameplay experience. Get ready to splat your way to victory and discover all the secrets that Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion has to offer!

Understanding Each Mission#

Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion brings a heap of unique, sometimes head-scratching missions to get through. Tackling them might seem daunting at first, but breaking them down makes it manageable and, dare we say, fun.

Types of Missions#

The missions in Octo Expansion are pretty diverse. But, most fall into a few broad categories. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Combat Missions#

Fight your way through waves of enemies, reach the end, and voila - mission complete. These missions test your combat skills and ability to use cover, move, and aim quickly.

Example: In the “Bust ‘n’ Run Station”, you need to break all the targets before the time runs out. They’ve thrown in some enemy Octolings to up the challenge. Think of it like an obstacle course, but with lots more ink and enemies.

2. Survival Missions#

These missions are a real test of patience and skill. You’ll need to dodge enemy attacks and survive until the timer hits zero. Staying alert is key since one wrong move can send you back to the start.

Example: “Mightier than the Sword Station” presents a limited ink challenge. Defend yourself without splatting willy-nilly and make every shot count. Be frugal with your ink!

3. Puzzle Missions#

Get your thinking cap on! This mission type includes puzzles where you need to manipulate your environment. It’s less about firing and more about figuring out the right sequence of actions.

Example: “Radical Rails Station” is all about hitting switches and moving platforms to collect Power Eggs and reach the goal. It’s a real brain teaser, so stay sharp.

4. Escape Missions#

Escape missions are heart-pounding sprints to the goal. Whether dodging hazards or speeding through enemy territory, these missions keep you on your toes.

Example: “Breakdance Station” has you running like crazy to avoid deadly rotating platforms. Timing and precision matter here - one slip and you’re toast.

Pro Tips for Mastering Any Mission#

1. Choose Your Weapon Wisely: Before starting a mission, you typically have a choice of weapons. Take a moment to consider what each mission demands. Sometimes a quick-firing shooter will be best, other times you might get more mileage from a long-range charger.

2. Study the Environment: Look around before you charge in. Notice enemy placements, potential cover, and key objective points. Understanding the layout can make tough spots much easier to handle.

3. Use Sub-Weapons Effectively: Don’t forget your sub-weapons and special abilities. They can be game-changers in tight situations. A well-timed bomb or Splashdown can turn the tide in your favor.

4. Watch Your Ink Levels: Running out of ink at the wrong moment can be disastrous. Keep an eye on your ink tank and swim through your ink to refill often. Planning reloads in advance can save you from getting splatted.

5. Keep Moving: Inking and movement are core to success. Stay mobile to avoid enemy fire and move closer to your objectives. If you sit still for too long, enemies will pin you down quickly.

Wrapping It Up#

Tackling missions in the Octo Expansion isn’t just about inking and shooting. It’s about strategizing and using everything at your disposal to overcome hurdles. Think on your feet, adapt to challenges, and you’ll master each mission in no time. Good luck, Agent 8!

For more deep dives on specific missions or advanced strategies, check out the rest of our Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion guide. Happy inking!

Best Strategies for Each Mission#

Navigating the challenging yet thrilling missions in Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion can be tricky, but we’ve got you covered. Here are the best strategies to ace each mission and make it out of the Deepsea Metro in one piece!

1. Girl Power Station#

• Objective: Defend the Orb.
• Tips:
  • Placement: Start by setting up defenses around the Orb. Use Splat Bombs and the Splash Wall to control the approaching enemies.
  • Control: Position yourself at the center but keep moving around the orb to take out Octolings from different directions. Keep an eye on the map for enemy locations.
  • Specials: Use your special weapon (Inkjet or Baller) wisely when you’re overwhelmed.

2. Fuzzy Ooze Moving Platforms#

• Objective: Clear the Fuzzy Ooze using limited ink.
• Tips:
  • Precision: Be conservative with your ink use. Aim carefully to avoid wasting any shots.
  • Platform Timing: Anticipate the movements of the platforms and the Fuzzy Ooze. Patience is key here; rushing will only waste ink.
  • Refills: Keep an eye out for ink refill stations. Use them strategically.

3. Ink from Above Station#

• Objective: Defeat all enemies.
• Tips:
  • Height Advantage: Utilize high ground to spot enemies and plan your attacks. High ground will also give you more ink cover to work with.
  • Patterns: Learn the movement patterns of the enemies. Knowing when they’ll be vulnerable helps you conserve ink and minimize risks.
  • Bombs: Splatter enemies from above with bombs for surprise attacks.

4. Dodge Charger Station#

• Objective: Dodge the inkblot until time runs out.
• Tips:
  • Move Constantly: Keep moving in unpredictable patterns to avoid the blasts. Do not stay in one place for too long.
  • Corners: Use the corners around the arena for brief cover, but don’t rely on them completely.
  • Focus: Stay focused on the timer. Your goal is to survive until the time runs out, so avoid unnecessary risks.

5. Ride the Rail Station#

• Objective: Collect all Power Eggs.
• Tips:
  • Timing: Perfect your jumps and the timing for collecting eggs. Missing one can be costly in terms of time and ink.
  • Path Memory: Memorize the path and the location of the Power Eggs. The second run will be easier if you know where each egg is.
  • Quick Ink: Use quick, short bursts of ink to clear any obstacles without slowing down.

6. All That 8 Ball#

• Objective: Guide the 8 Ball to the goal.
• Tips:
  • Gentle Pushes: Use gentle and precise pushes to control the 8 Ball’s direction. Overly aggressive shots can make it difficult to manage the ball.
  • Obstacles: Be mindful of obstacles and clear them before guiding the 8 Ball through them.
  • Reset: If the ball falls, don’t be afraid to reset and try again – sometimes it’s better than continuing with poor positioning.

7. Far-Out Station#

• Objective: Reach the goal before time runs out.
• Tips:
  • Speed: Speed is crucial here. Turn into squid form as much as possible and avoid unnecessary fights.
  • Routes: Find the shortest and safest routes. Sometimes detours can help avoid tough enemies.
  • Ink Rails: Utilize Ink Rails and Grapplinks efficiently to move quickly across sections.

8. Bikes, Treadmills, Time#

• Objective: Navigate the course using limited ink.
• Tips:
  • Conservative Shooting: Conserve ink and use it wisely. Shoot only when necessary.
  • Treadmills: Time your movements with the treadmills’ speed and direction for effective splatting.
  • Pathfinding: Always look ahead and plan your next move. Predict where you’ll need to go and adjust your route accordingly.

Following these strategies should help you maneuver through Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion’s missions with confidence. Now, grab your ink-gun, and dive back into the action!

Using Abilities Effectively#

In Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion, mastering abilities can make the difference between a smooth ride and a frustrating struggle. Here’s how to get the most out of your gear and abilities while you take on those tricky missions.

Understanding Abilities#

Before diving in, let’s break down what abilities are. Each piece of gear—headgear, clothing, and shoes—comes with abilities. These abilities enhance your in-game performance in different ways, like increasing your ink recovery speed or reducing damage taken.

Key Abilities Breakdown#

1. Ink Saver (Main)

   • What it does: Reduces the ink consumption for your main weapon.
   • Why it’s useful: Running out of ink during a heated fight is a nightmare. This ability helps you stay in the action longer without needing to refill as much.

2. Swim Speed Up

   • What it does: Increases your swimming speed in ink.
   • Why it’s useful: Faster swimming means better evasion and quicker map traversal. It’s great for both offense and defense.

3. Ink Resistance Up

   • What it does: Reduces damage taken and slows the speed loss when walking through enemy ink.
   • Why it’s useful: Many missions will have you dealing with enemy ink. This ability makes navigating those areas less of a pain.

4. Bomb Defense Up

   • What it does: Reduces damage from sub weapons like bombs.
   • Why it’s useful: If you find yourself frequently getting splatted by bombs, this ability can save your squid-life.

Ability Stacking#

Stacking abilities means equipping multiple pieces of gear with the same ability to amplify its effects. For instance, having multiple pieces with Swim Speed Up will make you even faster. However, the benefits have diminishing returns; the more you stack, the less additional benefit you get from each piece.

Selecting the Right Abilities for Missions#

Firstly, consider the mission objectives. Are you navigating tricky platforms? Tussling with tons of enemies? Figure out what challenge you’re facing.

• Platform-heavy Missions: Here, abilities like Swim Speed Up and Ink Resistance Up are gold. You’ll be moving a lot, and these keep you swift and less hindered by enemy ink.
• Combat-focused Missions: When combat is your main hurdle, abilities like Ink Saver (Main) and Bomb Defense Up are invaluable. They keep you firing longer and help you survive explosive threats.
• Stealth Missions: There are missions where staying hidden is your best bet. Abilities like Cold-Blooded (reduces the duration your position is revealed) can be your sneaky best friend.

Gear and Ability Synergy#

Aligning your gear with your playstyle is crucial. If you play aggressively with quick maneuvers, gear with Swim Speed Up and Special Charge Up (increases the rate you build your special meter) will fit like a glove. For a defensive style, Defense Up (reduces damage taken) and Ink Resistance Up may better suit your needs.

Experimentation is Key#

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment. The Octo Expansion throws a variety of challenges your way, and sometimes the perfect gear combo isn’t obvious. Mix and match different abilities to see what works best for each mission. The more you play, the better you’ll understand what abilities benefit your playstyle.

By mastering these abilities, you’ll swagger through the Octo Expansion like the true Inkling prodigy you are. Stay fresh and good luck!

Managing Health and Resources in Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion#

Okay, you’re diving deep into the Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion, and things are getting intense. It’s crucial to manage your health and resources effectively if you want to survive and thrive in the many challenging missions ahead. Here’s the lowdown on how to do just that.

Keep an Eye on Your Life Bar#

First things first: pay attention to your life bar. In Octo Expansion missions, your health is displayed at the top of the screen. You’ve got three sections that change color when you take damage:

• Green when you’re healthy.
• Yellow when you’re taking a bit of damage.
• Red when you’re teetering on the edge of defeat.

If you find yourself in the yellow or red, it’s time to take action. Look for opportunities to hide and recover.

Use Cover to Heal#

Taking cover is essential for survival. When you’re in ink form and swimming in your own ink, your health regenerates. So, when you’re in the heat of a battle and start taking hits, quickly dive into your ink to recover. Make use of walls and corners to hide yourself from enemy fire. Remember: a strategic retreat can save your tentacle bacon!

Managing Ink Supply#

Your weapon consumes ink, and running out of ink in the middle of a firefight can be disastrous. Keep an eye on your ink tank, and make sure you refill it whenever possible. Here’s how:

• Swim through your colored ink to quickly refill your tank.
• Use your sub-weapons wisely; while they’re powerful, they consume a lot of ink.

Use Sub-Weapons Strategically#

Sub-weapons like Burst Bombs and Splat Bombs can be game-changers. However, they drain a substantial amount of ink. Use them strategically to break defenses or take out multiple enemies at once. Don’t waste them on single, easy-to-kill enemies; save them for tougher situations.

Monitor Your CQ Points#

In Octo Expansion, you earn CQ Points which you use to pay for entry into missions. Keep track of your CQ Points:

• Completing missions rewards you with CQ Points.
• Failing missions or re-attempting them costs CQ Points.
• If you run low on CQ Points, you may need to revisit easier missions to rack up more.

Utilize Help Stations#

Help Stations are scatter throughout the levels—you can pay CQ Points here for assistance if you’re truly stuck. Use them sparingly. If you spend too many CQ Points on Help Stations, you might lack the funds to progress through necessary missions.

Master Your Abilities#

Certain missions require specific abilities or weapons to pass. Here’s how to stay versatile:

• Test Range: Before heading into missions, visit the Test Range to practice with new weapons.
• Familiarize Yourself: Know what each weapon and sub-weapon can do, how much ink they consume, and their effective range.

Know When to Back Off#

Sometimes, the enemies can overwhelm you. Instead of pressing on and risking a mission restart, back off and regroup. It’s okay to re-evaluate your strategy and approach from a different angle.

Practice Makes Perfect#

Finally, don’t get discouraged by failures. Octo Expansion is designed to be challenging and to test your skills. Learn from each defeat, and come back stronger. Practice the tricky sections until you master them and always adapt your strategies to suit the enemy types and mission goals.

In summary, keeping an eye on your health and resources, using cover wisely, managing your ink, conserving your CQ Points, strategically using Help Stations, mastering your weapons, knowing when to retreat, and practicing diligently will ensure you’re well-equipped to tackle the toughest challenges Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion throws your way. Now, get out there and ink to win!

Unlocking All Mission Rewards#

Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion is packed with cool rewards that make every mission worth your while. Here’s a breakdown of how to unlock all those sweet goodies as you work through the challenges.

Understand the CQ Points#

Before diving into the missions, remember that CQ Points are your main currency. These points are used for entering missions, respawning, and more. You earn CQ Points by completing missions, and sometimes just by progressing through the story.

Collecting Mem Cakes#

Mem Cakes are awesome little items that you earn by completing special missions. They look like tiny, adorable illustrations of in-game objects. Collecting all 80 Mem Cakes is crucial for getting some of the best rewards.

• How to Earn Mem Cakes: You get one Mem Cake for each mission you complete from the subway lines. If you finish every station on a line, you’ll get a set of Mem Cakes themed around the area.
• Reward for All Mem Cakes: Bring all Mem Cakes to Iso Padre on the Deepsea Metro. He’ll reward you with special gear exclusive to the Octo Expansion: the Octoling Shades, Neo Octoling Armor, and Neo Octoling Boots.

Unlocking Special Gear#

Throughout your journey in Octo Expansion, you can unlock several pieces of gear by reaching specific milestones or by completing certain challenges.

• Golden Toothpick: Complete the final boss and the secret boss battle on all Metro lines to earn this stylish melee weapon. It’s a badge of honor showing you’ve tackled the toughest of challenges.
• Octo Shot Replica: Once you’ve beaten the Octo Expansion and return to Inkopolis Square as an Octoling, speak to Cap’n Cuttlefish. He’ll hand over this fantastic weapon that mimics the in-game Octo Shot weapon.

Chatting with C.Q. Cumber and Cap’n Cuttlefish#

Make sure you talk to C.Q. Cumber and Cap’n Cuttlefish often. They not only provide hints and lore but sometimes give you items or CQ Points based on your progress.

Scanning Amiibos#

If you have Splatoon amiibos, scanning them in the Octo Expansion grants extra CQ Points or gear. It’s an easy way to score additional points, especially in tough missions.

Completing Everything#

Finally, to earn the best rewards, make sure you complete every single mission. This involves:

• Finishing All Lines: Completing every mission on a subway line earns rewards and adds to your Mem Cake collection.
• Beating the Secret Boss: After completing the main story and collecting all Mem Cakes, a secret boss challenge awaits. Defeating them is tough but grants unique bragging rights and some of the coolest in-game badges.

Tips for Earning CQ Points Fast#

1. Replay Easier Missions: Some missions are easier and quicker to complete than others. Replaying these can help quickly rack up CQ Points.
2. Avoid Dying Often: Each death costs you CQ Points. Try to master missions to minimize losses.

Conclusion#

Unlocking all mission rewards in Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion takes dedication and skill, but the exclusive gear and bragging rights make it all worth it. Keep grinding, take on every challenge, and make sure to collect all those Mem Cakes to become the ultimate Inkling or Octoling!

Stay fresh and happy splatting!