The vibrant streets of Splatsville are more than just a backdrop for turf wars; they are home to a eclectic cast of characters that define the "City of Chaos." Since the arrival of the third installment in the Splatoon series, the roster has expanded significantly, blending new rebellious faces with returning legends who have seen the world change from the days of Inkopolis. Understanding the Splatoon 3 characters requires looking past their flashy ink and into the deep lore that connects the Splatlands to the rest of the ink-filled world.

The Stars of the Show: Deep Cut

At the heart of Splatsville’s culture is the trio known as Deep Cut. Unlike the pop idols of previous games, Shiver, Frye, and Big Man embody the gritty, DIY spirit of the Splatlands. They host the Anarchy Splatcast, keeping residents updated on stage rotations and Splatfest news, but their history goes far deeper than broadcasting.

Shiver (The Cold-Blooded Leader)

Shiver is an Octoling who exudes a calm, calculated authority. As the leader of Deep Cut—a title earned through a hard-fought Splatfest—she represents the shark-taming lineage of her family. Her companion, Master Mega, is a massive shark she rides into battle during the game’s story mode. Shiver’s personality is marked by a certain level of refined arrogance and a notorious love for counting money in her spare time. In the Splatlands, she is respected not just as a singer, but as a scion of a prominent family that has helped maintain Splatsville’s economy through unconventional means.

Frye (The Energetic Dynamo)

Frye is the high-energy counterpart to Shiver. An Inkling with a bold personality and an even bolder forehead, she comes from a family of eel-tamers. In battle, she commands a swarm of eels that she keeps in a repurposed Octostomp. Despite her brash and reckless exterior, Frye is known to be quite softhearted and is the self-proclaimed foodie of the group. Her design reflects the chaotic nature of Splatsville, with a wardrobe that looks assembled from various mismatched but stylish pieces.

Big Man (The Gentle Giant)

Breaking the mold of humanoid idols, Big Man is a giant manta ray. He is the musical genius behind Deep Cut’s backing tracks, possessing dexterous fins capable of playing complex instruments and wielding weapons. Big Man often serves as the peacemaker within the group. Interestingly, lore reveals that he once collaborated with the Squid Sisters under a pseudonym (Ian BGM), showing his deep appreciation for music across different regions. His presence in the group emphasizes the diversity of the Splatlands, where species from all over the ocean congregate.

The New Squidbeak Splatoon

While the idols handle the public face of Splatsville, a secret group operates in the shadows to protect the world from mammalian threats. The New Squidbeak Splatoon returns in Splatoon 3 with a new hierarchy and fresh recruits.

The New Agent 3 and Smallfry

Players step into the shoes of the new Agent 3, a resident of the Splatlands who scavenges for junk in the crater. Accompanying them is Smallfry, a stray Salmonid who has formed a unique bond with the Inkling. This partnership is revolutionary in Splatoon lore, as Salmonids and Inklings have historically been enemies. Smallfry is essential for navigating the "Fuzzy Ooze" that plagues Alterna, eating the corrupted material to clear paths for the Agent.

The Captain (Former Agent 3)

The protagonist of the original Splatoon has grown up. Now holding the title of Captain, they lead the New Squidbeak Splatoon following the retirement of Craig Cuttlefish. The Captain is a silent, stoic figure, often seen wearing the worn-out gear of a veteran survivor. Their presence provides a bridge between the generations, showing that the fight for the world’s safety is an ongoing legacy.

Callie and Marie (Agents 1 and 2)

The legendary Squid Sisters haven’t stepped away from the action. While they still perform as idols, they spend much of their time in Alterna as Agents 1 and 2. Callie remains the cheerful, energetic comedic foil, while Marie provides sharp wit and tactical advice. In Splatoon 3, they act as mentors to the new Agent 3, guiding them through the mysterious facilities beneath the Splatlands. Their outfits have been updated to reflect a more rugged, tactical aesthetic while maintaining their signature colors.

The Inkopolis Icons: Off the Hook

Pearl and Marina, the duo that defined Inkopolis Square in Splatoon 2, have expanded their influence globally. In Splatoon 3, their presence is felt both in the music scene and through the Side Order expansion.

Pearl and the Drone

Pearl remains the abrasive, high-powered MC we know, but her role in Splatoon 3’s Side Order takes a unique turn. To assist Agent 8 in the Spire of Order, Pearl’s consciousness is projected into a drone. This allows her to provide aerial support and fire-power, proving that her protective nature over her friends hasn't wavered. Pearl’s wealth and resources are often the catalyst for the group’s adventures, including their world tours and the acquisition of high-tech gear.

Marina and the Memverse

Marina, the genius Octoling DJ, is the architect behind much of the technology seen in the later stages of the series. Her past as an elite Octarian soldier continues to inform her mechanical expertise. In Side Order, Marina’s desire to create a safe, digital space for Octolings (the Memverse) accidentally leads to the rise of Order, the expansion's main antagonist. Her relationship with Pearl continues to be one of the most developed bonds in the series, characterized by mutual support and a shared passion for breaking boundaries.

Characters of the Spire: Side Order Cast

The Side Order DLC introduced a sterilized, orderly version of the world, bringing back familiar faces in new contexts and introducing haunting new entities.

Agent 8

The protagonist of the Octo Expansion returns as the central figure of Side Order. Agent 8 is an Octoling who famously escaped the Deepsea Metro after hearing the Calamari Inkantation. In the Spire of Order, they must fight through floors of "Jelletons" to reclaim the lost world of Inkopolis Square. Agent 8 represents the quiet resilience of the Octolings who chose to leave Octavian society for a life of freedom.

Acht (Dedf1sh)

Acht is a fan-favorite character who was previously only known through their music in Splatoon 2. As a "sanitized" Octoling, Acht lacks the free will of others but has retained enough personality to assist Agent 8 in the Spire. Their design, featuring translucent skin and a DJ's aesthetic, highlights the darker side of the Splatoon universe—the cost of the Kamabo Corporation’s experiments. Acht’s role as a guide provides a melancholic but helpful presence in the otherwise cold environment of the Spire.

The Merchants and Townspeople

No city is complete without its vendors. The shopkeepers of Splatsville are just as eccentric as the idols, providing the gear and weapons necessary for the Splatlands' intense battles.

  • Sheldon: The horseshoe crab returns, obsessed as ever with weaponry. In Splatoon 3, he runs Ammo Knights and is assisted by his young protégés, Shelly and Donny.
  • Harmony: A relaxed, almost perpetually dazed sea anemone who runs Hotlantis, the general store. Harmony is actually the lead singer of the band Chirpy Chips and is known for her nonchalant attitude toward the clownfish living in her hair.
  • Murch: Now a teenager, Murch has moved to Splatsville and grown significantly taller since his debut in Splatoon 2. He still handles gear scrubbing and ability chunks, though he’s now a direct rival to Spyke, who also appears in the city.
  • Gnarly Eddy and Nails: Eddy is a chill snail who sells headgear, while Nails is a tiny crab who resides in a cup. Their dynamic adds to the laid-back, chaotic vibe of the Splatsville shopping district.

Antagonists and Complex Figures

The story of Splatoon 3 isn't just about heroes and idols; it also features characters whose motives are shrouded in mystery or driven by desperation.

Mr. Grizz

The shadowy CEO of Grizzco Industries is revealed to be the primary antagonist of the main story mode, "Return of the Mammalians." Mr. Grizz is a massive, ancient grizzly bear from the era of humanity. His goal is to bring back mammals by using the Fuzzy Ooze, which mutates Inklings and Octarians into fur-covered creatures. His character adds a layer of post-apocalyptic horror to the game, reminding players of the world that existed before the rise of the ink-based species.

DJ Octavio

The long-time villain of the series undergoes a subtle shift in Splatoon 3. While he initially appears as a foe, Octavio eventually finds common ground with the New Squidbeak Splatoon when his own soldiers are taken over by Mr. Grizz’s Fuzzy Ooze. His "Wasabi DJ" style remains iconic, but his willingness to aid the player at the climax of the story suggests a character that, while still a rival, cares deeply about the survival of his own kind.

Order

The overseer of the Spire of Order, this AI entity seeks to bring a perfect, unchanging state of order to the world. It serves as a philosophical opposite to the chaos of Splatsville. Order isn't a villain in the traditional sense of wanting to destroy; rather, it wants to preserve everything in a frozen, stagnant perfection, which would effectively end the creative and vibrant lives of the Inklings and Octolings.

The Referee Cats: Judd and Li'l Judd

Standing above the fray are the only two mammals who have been part of the series since the beginning. Judd, the immortal cat from the human era, continues to judge turf wars with telepathic precision. However, his clone, Li'l Judd, has developed a more sinister personality in Splatoon 3. Lore suggests that Li'l Judd is plotting to overthrow his elder counterpart, even taking over the Salmon Run operations at one point. This rivalry adds a subtle, humorous, yet slightly dark subplot to the game’s social hub.

Why Character Design Matters in Splatoon 3

The success of Splatoon 3 characters lies in their ability to reflect the game's core themes: evolution and chaos. Unlike many shooters where characters are static, the cast of Splatoon grows. We see Agent 3 become the Captain, Murch grow into a teenager, and villains like DJ Octavio find moments of redemption. This sense of time passing makes the world feel lived-in and the stakes feel real.

The diversity of species—from Inklings and Octolings to manta rays, sea cucumbers, and ancient bears—ensures that the world of the Splatlands is always surprising. Each character, whether they are selling you a pair of sneakers or fighting alongside you in a snowy wasteland, contributes to a tapestry of lore that has kept the community engaged for over a decade. As we look toward the future of the series, these characters remain the heart and soul of the franchise, proving that in a world of ink and chaos, it’s the personalities that truly leave a mark.