Editing Inkling (SSBU)

{{ArticleIcons|ultimate=y}}
{{disambig2|Inkling's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''|the character in other contexts|Inkling}}
{{Infobox Character
|name = Inkling
|image = {{tabber|title1=Girl|content1=[[File:Inkling SSBU.png|x240px]]|title2=Boy|content2=[[File:Inkling-Alt1 SSBU.png|x240px]]}}
|game = SSBU
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]
|tier = B-
|ranking = 48
}}
<!--NOTICE BEFORE EDITING: When using pronouns, use those that match the gender of the default when referring to their Smash incarnation (treating the alternate gendered variant as a character costume like Alph) and gender neutral for home series info. However, completely omitting pronouns is entirely a valid style, as long as the sentence stays coherent.-->
'''Inkling''' ({{ja|インクリング|Inkuringu}}, ''Inkling'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. Although the default costume is female, both of the genders associated with this character are playable. They were the first character that was teased to appear in the then-unnamed ''Ultimate'' in its first teaser trailer at the end of the March 8th, 2018 [[Nintendo Direct]], and officially announced as a [[newcomer]] in ''Ultimate''{{'}}s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L93H7YC-83o E3 2018 trailer], alongside fellow newcomers {{SSBU|Daisy}} and {{SSBU|Ridley}}. Inkling is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #64]], the first fighter number of the non-[[Echo Fighter]] newcomers.

{{iw|inkipedia|Yuki Tsuji}} reprises his role as the voice actor for both Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy in all regions, albeit via recycled voice clips from ''{{iw|inkipedia|Splatoon}}'' and ''{{iw|inkipedia|Splatoon 2}}''.

Inkling is currently ranked 48th out of 82 on the ''Ultimate'' [[tier list]], placing her in the middle of the B- tier. Inkling boasts an incredibly potent neutral game due to her high mobility, deceptive [[hurtbox]]-shifting dash, and several projectiles that complement an offensive repertoire that is characterized by fast frame data and combo potential. Several of her attacks are fast enough to combo into themselves, and her [[back aerial]] in particular offers great power and a disjoint that can be used for spacing, combos, and combo confirms. Inkling's most unique trait is the ability to cover the enemy in {{b|Ink|status}}, applying the enemy with a damage multiplier that makes her combos even more devastating, and she can apply Ink through several attacks that are some of her most potent tools such as her [[neutral attack]]. She further sports a powerful recovery that allows her to return from anywhere off-stage, and a highly versatile [[grab]] game comprised of disjointed pivot and dash grabs, a forward throw that applies Ink, a back throw that KOs at high percentages, and an up throw that can confirm into both combos, as well as a KO confirm off of her [[up aerial]] at certain percentages.

However, Inkling is weighed down by several factors that prove problematic to her. Her well-rounded neutral and advantage are almost entirely offset by the borderline fatal flaw of having no reliable KO options. All of her [[smash attack]]s (as well as the [[Splat Roller]]) are difficult to score clean hits with and highly punishable on block or whiff, the {{b|sweet spot|hitbox}} of her [[forward aerial]] is similarly precise, and her back aerial is prone to [[Stale-move negation|staling]] due to its frequent usage. This makes her reliant on [[edgeguarding]], [[predicting|reads]], and situational moves like her up aerial and back throw for a lot of KOs, things she can perform decently with, but none of which she particularly excels at compared to other characters. Her up throw KO confirm only partially alleviates this issue, as it has varying percentage windows depending on character and stage, and it is further influenced by [[rage]]. Moreover, the KO confirm highlights another issue, which is Inkling's linear game plan. Despite having a strong combo game, it is almost entirely centered on Inkling having to grab the opponent since she lacks in the way of reliable combo starters, making her options fairly predictable. Her [[out of shield]] options are also sub-par due to awkward hitbox coverage, meaning she plays weaker when on the defensive.

While Inkling was initially believed to be an early top tier contender for the game thanks to strong performances from players such as {{Sm|Cosmos}} and {{Sm|Space}}, she saw stagnation as her weaknesses grew more apparent in light of other characters flourishing, leading to a dwindling player base. Currently, Inkling is considered a speedy jack-of-all-trades who requires more maintenance to do well with under pressure situations than others of her archetype. Despite this, Inkling is still considered a viable character in competitive play, and retains a modest playerbase thanks to the efforts of players such as {{Sm|Shirayuki}} and {{Sm|showers}}.

==How to unlock==
<!--NOTICE BEFORE EDITING: When using pronouns, it is generally preferred, though not strictly required, that they match the gender of the default. If referring to one gender, only refer to the alternate when it specifically applies to them. While using gender-neutral pronouns is optional, it is heavily discouraged. However, completely omitting pronouns is entirely a valid style, as long as the sentence stays coherent.-->
Complete one of the following:
*Play [[VS. match]]es, with Inkling being the 5th character to be unlocked.
*Clear {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} with {{SSBU|Samus}} or anyone in her unlock tree, being the 1st character unlocked.
*Have Inkling join the player's party in [[World of Light]].
Inkling must then be defeated on [[Moray Towers]] (the [[Ω form]] is used in World of Light).

==Attributes==
Inkling is a character that excels greatly in many areas but is typically defined by quick, slippery movement and fast attack speed. As a result, most attributes are overall consistent with combo-heavy middleweights, with a focus on a fast-approach "footsies" playstyle: Inkling has fast overall mobility due to a high initial dash (16th highest) and [[dash]]ing speeds (22nd highest), alongside high [[air speed]] (12th–16th fastest, tied with {{SSBU|Sonic}}, {{SSBU|Mario}}, {{SSBU|Little Mac}} and {{SSBU|Donkey Kong}}). However, the rest of Inkling's traits are mostly average, with middling [[air acceleration]], [[fall speed]], [[walk]]ing speed, average [[weight]], below-average [[gravity]], and low traction. As a result, Inkling can easily traverse large distances very quickly, but can have issues changing directions in midair; additionally, the combination of middling weight and fast fall speed does not give much of an advantage when escaping combos.

Inkling's greatest strength is, fittingly, fast general movement and attack speed. Inkling's dash is notable for shifting the character's entire hurtbox during movement, which in some cases allows Inkling to low-profile through certain attacks, and its obscure animation, which shares a visual similarity with Inkling's spot dodge animation, as well as Inkling's strong initial dash, gives the character one of the strongest and most deceptive [[dash-dance]]s in the entire game. While the range on many of Inkling's attacks is rather lacking, this is made up for by decently fast frame data (although many of her moves have noticeable lag), which allows Inkling to put fast mobility to good use and rush opponents down in a flurry of moves. Additionally, Inkling boasts a strong ground and aerial offense, with many moves being capable of stringing together, particularly when coupled with an [[up throw]], which is an effective combo initiator until high [[percent]]s and can even [[KO]] through its setups, most notably into her [[up aerial]]. As a result, opponents can have a tough time finding openings in Inkling's offense, since the character's high speed and low landing lag (among the lowest overall landing lag of any character in the base roster) allow her to weave around any foe very easily and an extremely potent [[combo]] ability easily turns any mistake on the opponent's end into a potential combo starter.

Inkling's damage-racking potential is further enhanced by the unique {{b|ink|status}} mechanic, lifted from the character's origin series. Certain moves, such as [[Splattershot]], will cover opponents in ink, which increases damage dealt to them up to a maximum of 1.5×, though this will wear off over time. When an opponent is fully inked, many combos are capable of effectively dishing out surprising amounts of damage over a short period on careless opponents. Because of these traits, alongside aforementioned ones, Inkling sports what is commonly believed by many to be the best [[neutral attack]] in the game. It has a respectable startup because it comes out on frame 3. It sports a good range and its rapid jab to finisher can occasionally apply enough ink to reach the ink's full damage multiplier, which sets up the opponent for massive [[damage]] strings. As a downside, ink also affects the power of certain moves, such as the aforementioned neutral attack infinite, [[forward throw]], [[special move]]s, and [[smash attack]]s, which lose significant KO power or damage when the ink tank is empty (with some moves being rendered completely unusable). Due to this, Inkling has to recharge the ink tank by going into a "charging" stance once the ink tank is completely depleted. As this leaves Inkling wide open to attacks with no escape options till the charge animation ends, managing the ink supply with care is crucial, and it is important to keep a safe distance from the opponent when recharging.

Inkling also has powerful offstage capability due to solid attributes. Despite having a relatively linear [[recovery]], Inkling can vary it by [[double jump]]ing out of [[Splat Roller]] in combination with the very long-reaching [[Super Jump]], allowing the recovery to be less predictable and allowing her to stay airborne for extended periods. Inkling's Super Jump also has a very generous [[edge sweetspot]] range, making it hard for certain characters to [[2 frame punish]] Inkling. Due to its deceptive startup hitbox, it can be used to [[gimp]] off-stage opponents or even [[stage spike]] them in some cases. Coupled with the sheer speed of the moves, this makes it difficult to challenge Inkling with an offstage [[edgeguard]]. Inkling also has one of the best [[air speed]]s to supplement this, and likewise can edgeguard very proficiently through strong usage of [[aerial]]s. Among the most notable is [[back aerial]], which is one of the character's safest moves not only offstage but also in the [[neutral game]], as it sports a notable [[disjoint]]—making it one of Inkling's safest moves on [[shield]] if properly [[Spacing|spaced]]—and can combo into itself at mid-percents, which can lead to a [[wall of pain]] in certain situations. Inkling's [[forward aerial]] exchanges the disjoint and overall versatility for strength, having stronger [[knockback]] when [[Sweet spot (hitbox)|sweetspotted]], which can lead to guaranteed off-stage KOs at mid-to-high percents, and its [[sourspot]] can make for a decent gimping tool on select characters. Inkling's [[Splat Bomb]]s are a crucial tool both in neutral and when covering the [[edge]]; while the bomb can be thrown off-stage to intercept the opponent, the angle and awkward timer of the bomb also make for a powerful frame trapping tool, particularly on opponents that are recovering on the ledge.

Even with a solid set of strengths, Inkling is not without several weaknesses. Despite having high damage-racking potential, most of Inkling's strongest KO moves are all comparatively unsafe — particularly Splat Roller and several smash attacks — often forcing her to rely on [[read]]s, edgeguarding, and immaculate spacing to guarantee a KO at earlier percents. While this issue is partially alleviated by Inkling being one of the few characters in the game to have a [[Kill confirm|KO confirm]] off of a [[grab]], the percentage windows vary from character to character - with the confirm being borderline impossible on a select few characters - and it is also affected by [[rage]]. The ink mechanic also forces Inkling to be resourceful with many moves, as without ink, Inkling loses access to several crucial attacks, such as Splat Roller and Splat Bomb. Despite Inkling's strong aerial combo game, it is highly centralized around grabs due to the character lacking a reliable grounded combo starter. This is further compounded by Inkling's mediocre regular ground attacks; despite sporting disjointed hitboxes on her [[forward tilt]] and [[down tilt]], they possess little utility outside of spacing due to neither leading into any follow-ups. Finally, Inkling also suffers from dubious hitbox placements, notably in her [[up tilt]], which lacks decent horizontal coverage, as well as her [[neutral aerial]], meaning that, despite the character's good aerial speed, Inkling possesses neither the most reliable landing options at a disadvantage nor the best [[out of shield]] options.

Overall, Inkling is a rounded character with solid mobility stats and solid damage-racking capability overall. The character's deceptive traits and a strong set of attacks make Inkling a versatile fighter that excels both at defensive and offensive play. However, Inkling's lack of easy KO options relative to the upper-tier cast forces her to maintain strong consistency in play; Inkling can occasionally struggle to score KOs and make up [[stock]] deficits, particularly against opponents who have a much easier time KOing or stuffing out her movement options. In addition, Inkling's potential in [[doubles]] was noted by [[Masahiro Sakurai]] himself as being one of her strengths, allowing teammates to rack up damage even faster.

==Update history==
Inkling received a mix of buffs, nerfs, and a single glitch fix via game updates, but was slightly buffed overall. Update 1.1.0 increased [[Splat Bomb]]'s damage output and the amount of [[ink]] it applies. Update 2.0.0 shortened neutral aerial's edge lockout time, yet implemented much more noticeable changes to [[Splat Roller]]. Due to its notoriously long [[bury|burial]] duration, Splat Roller's knockback was altered to the point that its burial duration is significantly shorter at lower percentages, yet longer at higher percentages. In addition, Splat Roller's hitboxes were moved backward, which results in it needing to be at point-blank range for it to connect.

Splat Roller was again affected in update 3.0.0, as it now deals less knockback if Inkling accelerates a second time when using it. While Splat Roller's changes come across as nerfs on a surface level, capable players have adjusted their usage of the move to the point that these nerfs are mostly considered negligible. On a related note, 3.0.0's change has actually resulted in the move gaining some combo routes at medium percentages that previously did not exist.

After receiving negligible buffs to the consistency of neutral attack and pummel in updates 3.1.0 and 8.0.0, Inkling received more noteworthy buffs in update 13.0.1. Forward tilt's damage output was increased slightly; in addition to becoming slightly safer on hit and a better spacing option, it can now function as a situational KO option while near the edge at very high percentages. Up tilt received an additional hitbox during its first active frame, which alleviated its notoriously short horizontal range. Forward smash's sweetspot became easier to land, thanks to it being extended backward at the negligible cost of the sourspot being moved backward. [[Splattershot]] gained 1 more active frame, which increased its firing range. Lastly, Inkling can act earlier after replenishing ink.

Overall, Inkling fares slightly better than at the launch of ''Ultimate''. 

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|1.1.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/1.1.0|char=Inkling}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|2.0.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/2.0.0|char=Inkling}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|3.0.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/3.0.0|char=Inkling}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|3.1.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/3.1.0|char=Inkling}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|8.0.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/8.0.0|char=Inkling}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|13.0.1}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/13.0.1|char=Inkling}}

==Moveset==
<!--NOTICE BEFORE EDITING: When using pronouns, use those that match the gender of the default when referring to their Smash incarnation (treating the alternate gendered variant as a character costume like Alph) and gender neutral for home series info. However, completely omitting pronouns is entirely a valid style, as long as the sentence stays coherent.-->

*Inkling will transform into the squid form while [[dash]]ing, [[dodging]] or replenishing ink. This allows Inkling to avoid some [[projectile]]s and attacks while dashing because of a lower [[hurtbox]] for a few [[frame]]s.
*Inkling can [[crawl]] and [[wall jump]].
*Some of Inkling's attacks consume ink. Attacks that use ink each use a set amount of the [[Ink Tank]]. If Inkling does not have enough ink for a move, it will inflict less damage and knockback, and certain moves will have no effect at all. The specifics of ink's mechanics are explained in detail after the moveset table.
*Some of Inkling's moves cover opponents in {{b|ink|status}}, increasing the damage they receive from attacks for a time.
**The {{iw|inkipedia|ink tank}} can be gradually replenished at any time by holding the special button while [[shield]]ing, or when the ink tank is empty, via neutral special or down special. This lowers Inkling's hurtbox, but lacks any defensive options aside from canceling the charge (which is punishable). The ink tank is also fully restored when Inkling is KO'd.
**The ink tank is shown alongside Inkling's [[damage meter]] and while replenishing ink. The red line on the tank indicates the minimum amount of ink needed to throw a [[Splat Bomb]]. Once Inkling's ink tank is depleted, it will flash with a red "X" next to the damage meter and on Inkling's model.
*Inkling continuously receives damage while [[swimming]]. This trait is shared with {{SSBU|Charizard}}, {{SSBU|Sonic}}, and {{SSBU|Incineroar}}. This is a reference to {{iw|inkipedia|Inkling}}s dissolving instantly when they fall into water in the ''Splatoon'' series.

''For a gallery of Inkling's hitboxes, see [[Inkling (SSBU)/Hitboxes|here]].''

{{MovesetTable
|game=SSBU
|neutralcount=3
|neutralinf=y
|neutralname=Chop ({{ja|チョップ|Choppu}})<br>Combo Kick ({{ja|コンボキック|Konbo Kikku}})<br>Side Kick ({{ja|サイドキック|Saido Kikku}})<br>Burst Shot ({{ja|バーストショット|Bāsuto Shotto}})<br>Splafinish ({{ja|スプラフィニッシュ|Supurafinisshu}})
|neutral1dmg=2%
|neutral2dmg=2%
|neutral3dmg=3.5%
|neutralinfdmg=0.4% (loop), 2.5% (last)
|neutraldesc=A {{iw|wikipedia|knifehand strike}}, followed by a mid-level {{iw|wikipedia|roundhouse kick}}, followed by a {{iw|wikipedia|side kick}}. If the button is mashed, the second hit is followed by rapid bursts of {{iw|inkipedia|ink}} from the {{iw|inkipedia|Splattershot}} that concludes with a single blast that launches the opponent. The neutral infinite covers opponents in {{b|ink|status}}. If the ink tank is empty, the neutral infinite and finisher will not inflict damage or knockback. The first two hits can [[lock]]. The first hit's animation is interestingly slightly different for the Inkling boy, with him not swaying his hips nearly as much as the Inkling girl, though this does not appear to impact the move's range.
|ftiltname=Shooter Swing ({{ja|シュータースイング|Shūtā Suingu}})
|ftiltdmg=10%
|ftiltdesc=Swings the Splattershot downward. It is a decent spacing option thanks to its decent base knockback, damage output, and range. As of update 13.0.1, it can also KO at very high percentages while near the edge, serving as a situational last-resort KO option.
|utiltname=Splash Kick ({{ja|スプラッシュキック|Supurasshu Kikku}})
|utiltdmg=6%
|utiltdesc=An outside crescent kick. Can combo into itself up to three times at 0% or twice at low percentages, and into aerials at higher percentages. Despite its animation, it has a low blindspot directly behind Inkling and is unable to hit prone opponents. As of update 13.0.1, however, it has a hitbox during its first active frame that enables it to reliably hit an opponent directly in front of Inkling. This move also shifts Inkling's hurtbox upwards during the animation, resulting in the move potentially avoiding low, grounded moves completely, however briefly. Resembles the Inklings' victory animation while wielding a {{iw|inkipedia|Dualie}}.
|dtiltname=Break Kick ({{ja|ブレイクキック|Bureiku Kikku}})
|dtiltdmg=3% (hit 1), 6% (hit 2)
|dtiltdesc=A {{iw|wikipedia|windmill|b-boy move}} (a breakdancing move). Hits twice and can both low-profile certain moves and hit most edge hangs. It has the fastest startup of Inkling's tilts, and is also useful for [[2 frame punish]]es.
|dashname=Squid Elbow ({{ja|イカエルボー|Ika Erubō}})
|dashdmg=8% (clean), 6% (late)
|dashdesc=An [[wikipedia:Professional wrestling strikes#Elbow smash|elbow smash]]. Good as a burst option or punish option, although it cannot KO reliably, even when landing its clean hit at very high percentages.
|fsmashname=Inkbrush ({{ja|パブロ|Paburo}}, ''Pablo'')
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|16}} (ink, bristles), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|14}} (ink, handle), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|12}} (no ink)
|fsmashdesc=Swings an {{iw|inkipedia|Inkbrush}} horizontally, which covers opponents in ink. Has a sweetspot at the brush's bristles, but the sourspot takes priority over it. The hitbox does not cover the splatter of paint from the Inkbrush. KOs at 90% at the edge of {{SSBU|Final Destination}} (with ink available), making it a very potent KO option, especially with its disjoint. Without enough ink, the move is weaker. This move being high damaging is unlike ''Splatoon'' in which it usually did little damage.
|usmashname=Blaster ({{ja|ホットブラスター|Hotto Burasutā}}, ''Hot Blaster'')
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|4}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|15}} (hit 2, ink, center), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|10}} (hit 2, ink, outer) {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|10}} (hit 2, no ink, center) {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|6}} (hit 2, no ink, outer)
|usmashdesc=Fires a {{iw|inkipedia|Blaster}} upward, which covers opponents in ink. The Blaster itself has an active hitbox when Inkling thrusts it forward slightly before swinging it upward to fire the shot, which enables it to launch a nearby opponent into the shot. In addition to making up smash a decent out of shield option in front of Inkling, this hitbox can even pick up prone or buried opponents. KOs at 116% on Final Destination (with ink available). Without enough ink, the move is weaker.
|dsmashname=Slosher ({{ja|バケットスロッシャー|Baketto Surosshā}}, ''Bucket Slosher'')
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|12.5}} (hit 1, ink, close), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|7}} (hit 1, ink, far), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|11}} (hit 2, ink, close), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|6}} (hit 2, ink, far),  {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|10}} (hit 1, no ink, close), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|5}} (hit 1, no ink, far), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|9}} (hit 2, no ink, close), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|4}} (hit 2, no ink, far)
|dsmashdesc=Empties out a {{iw|inkipedia|Slosher}} in front and then behind, which covers opponents in ink. The back hit deals less damage and knockback, and the attack also becomes weaker from afar. The first hit KOs at 104% on Final Destination (with ink available). Useful for reading rolls and edge options, as well as hitting an opponent hanging on the edge. Without enough ink, the move is weaker.
|nairname=Tornado Kick ({{ja|トルネードキック|Torunēdo Kikku}})
|nairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|7}}
|nairdesc=An aerial {{iw|wikipedia|headspin}} (a breakdancing move). It has the quickest startup of Inkling's aerials, coming out on frame 6. Has minimal landing lag, allowing it to combo into neutral attack, tilt attacks, or a grab. Due to its quick speed, it can be used twice or combo into a back aerial in a single short hop. However, its animation is misleading, due to its hitbox having a very short duration and covering Inkling's legs only.
|fairname=Cross Kick ({{ja|クロスキック|Kurosu Kikku}})
|fairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|12}} (feet), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|10}} (legs), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|7}} (late)
|fairdesc=A cross-legged {{iw|wikipedia|dropkick}}. Has some startup and functions like a [[sex kick]]. When sweetspotted, it is one of Inkling's most reliable KO moves. KOs at 136% at the edge of Final Destination.
|bairname=Shooter Back Knuckle ({{ja|シューターバックナックル|Shūtā Bakku Nakkuru}})
|bairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|10}} (nozzle), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|7.5}} (handle)
|bairdesc=Swings the Splattershot backward. It sports one of the larger disjointed hitboxes in Inkling's moveset, and its low landing and ending lag make it one of Inkling's safest moves for approaching and spacing. Is capable of a [[wall of pain]] in certain situations. One of Inkling's best edgeguarding options due to its reasonably strong knockback and minimal overall lag.
|uairname=Double Kick ({{ja|ダブルキック|Daburu Kikku}})
|uairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|4.5}} (hit 1), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|6.5}} (hit 2)
|uairdesc=A {{iw|wikipedia|540 kick}}. The first hit has [[set knockback]] and uses the [[autolink angle]], allowing it to set up into neutral attack, tilt attacks, or a grab if Inkling lands before the second hit. The second hit has strong knockback, making it a decent KO option at high percentages. Like neutral aerial, its animation is misleading, due to its hitboxes covering Inkling's legs only.
|dairname=Meteor Shooter ({{ja|メテオシューター|Meteo Shūtā}})
|dairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|12}} (nozzle), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|10}} (handle)
|dairdesc=Briefly rears the Splattershot overhead before swinging it downward. The sweetspot is at the Splattershot's nozzle and is a [[meteor smash]]. Although the sourspot deals less damage, it is still useful for edgeguarding due to its horizontal launching angle and respectable knockback. The sweetspot is difficult to land in part due to being outprioritized by the sourspot. However, it has very high ending lag and comes out on frame 16, making it Inkling's least useful aerial. Oddly enough, the move autocancels in a short hop despite its high ending lag.
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})
|grabdesc=Reaches out with the free hand. Although Inkling's standing grab has average range and surprisingly slow startup, the dash grab provides Inkling with a lot of momentum, and Inkling's pivot grab has deceptively disjointed range.
|pummelname=Grab Stomping ({{ja|つかみストンピング|Tsukami Sutonpingu}})
|pummeldmg=1.3%
|pummeldesc=Stomps on the opponent's foot. Average power and speed. Resembles [[Peach]]'s pummel before ''Ultimate''.
|fthrowname=Burst Shooter ({{ja|バーストシューター|Bāsuto Shūtā}})
|fthrowdmg=5% (hit 1, ink), 3% (hit 2)
|fthrowdesc=Fires a point-blank burst of ink from the Splattershot. Hits twice, with the second hit covering the opponent in ink. Without ink, the first hit does not inflict damage. Has very weak knockback and will never KO, even at [[Sudden Death]] and high percentages. The collateral hit has set knockback and will not KO, even at 999%, making it nearly useless in [[doubles]] matches.
|bthrowname=Squid Throw ({{ja|イカスルー|Ika Surū}})
|bthrowdmg=9%
|bthrowdesc=Transforms into the squid form to perform a [[wikipedia:Professional wrestling throws#Giant swing|giant swing]]. Inkling's best KO throw, KOing at 129% at the edge of Final Destination.
|uthrowname=Squid Heading ({{ja|イカヘディング|Ika Hedingu}})
|uthrowdmg=3% (hit 1), 3% (hit 2)
|uthrowdesc=Tosses the opponent upward and then transforms into the squid form to perform an upward [[wikipedia:Professional wrestling strikes#Battering ram|battering ram]]. Sends the opponent directly upward. Can combo reliably into neutral aerial and up aerial at low to medium percentages, with its up aerial combo being capable of KOing at high percentages.
|dthrowname=Ground Throw ({{ja|グラウンドスルー|Guraundo Surū}})
|dthrowdmg=7%
|dthrowdesc=A one-handed body slam. Compared to up throw, it has a larger number of follow-ups, such as neutral attack, tilt attacks, neutral aerial, forward aerial, and back aerial at low to medium percentages. However, its follow-ups are less consistent than up throw's. KOs off the top blast zone at 209% on Final Destination.
|floorfname=&nbsp;
|floorfdmg=7%
|floorfdesc=Shoots the Splattershot on both sides. Despite its appearance, the move does not apply ink to opponents.
|floorbname=&nbsp;
|floorbdmg=7%
|floorbdesc=Shoots the Splattershot on both sides. Despite its appearance, the move does not apply ink to opponents.
|floortname=&nbsp;
|floortdmg=5%
|floortdesc=Shoots the Splattershot on both sides. Despite its appearance, the move does not apply ink to opponents.
|edgename=&nbsp;
|edgedmg=9%
|edgedesc=Swings the Splattershot forward.
|nsname=Splattershot
|nsdmg=0.3% (above ink tank line), 0.2% (below ink tank line), 0.1% (almost empty)
|nsdesc=Fires a rapid stream of ink from the {{iw|inkipedia|Splattershot}}. It covers opponents in ink at a fast pace, but it only causes [[hitstun]] at very close range (3 character lengths). Otherwise, it slowly pushes opponents back at any further distance. Due to its high fire rate, it can lock opponents in [[shieldstun]]. It can be angled up and down, but the projectiles disappear after a set distance.  If the ink tank goes below the labeled line, the ranges and damage outputs of the ink stream and the close-range hitbox will be lower. If this move is used without any ink, Inkling will begin charging ink.
|ssname=Splat Roller
|ssdmg=11% (grounded, ink), 2%-3% (moving after ink tank is empty)
|ssdesc=Wields a {{iw|inkipedia|Splat Roller}} and begins to slide it forward. If Inkling and the opponent are grounded, it will [[bury]] them and cover them in ink, allowing for follow-ups. The damage, bury duration, and ink applied are determined by how fast Inkling is moving. If the target is already buried, Inkling is airborne, or the Roller is moving too slowly, it will apply ink but knock the opponent upward instead of burying them. If the opponent is airborne, the Roller will not hit them. After rolling for a set distance, Inkling can cancel the move with the special or attack button, jump out of the animation, turn around by pressing back, or maintain the current movement speed by holding forward. Otherwise, the move will slow down until it no longer deals damage. The Splat Roller also spreads ink across the floor, which slows opponents down while they run over it. In the air, the Splat Roller can be used only once before landing. However, jumping out of the move does not use up Inkling's double jump, which allows it to extend Inkling's [[recovery]]. Using the move on the ground with sufficient ink will drain Inkling's ink tank, but this does not apply if done in the air. If the Splat Roller is started without ink, Inkling will slowly walk forward with a dejected look, and cannot speed up or deal damage. The Splat Roller is integral to Inkling's punish game. As of update 2.0.0, it is an important KO setup into Inkling's smash attacks at high percentages. 
|usname=Super Jump
|usdmg=8% (close), 6% (far), 8% (landing)
|usdesc=Performs a {{iw|inkipedia|Super Jump}}. During its startup and upon landing, Super Jump deals minor damage and knockback to any nearby opponents, giving it some safety. It propels Inkling very high into the air and can be angled left or right. However, it is somewhat linear, and if Inkling does not grab the edge, the landing animation can be punished. In addition, its initial hitbox lasts only a few frames, whereas the rising and falling animations do not deal damage.
|dsname=Splat Bomb
|dsdmg=9.4%-15%
|dsdesc=Throws a {{iw|inkipedia|Splat Bomb}}, which explodes on contact or after a fixed time, covering opponents in ink. The damage and amount of ink applied increase based on how long the player holds the special button. This also controls the Splat Bomb's trajectory: an upward toss if uncharged, or a long-distance throw forward if fully charged. If used uncharged, the Splat Bomb takes a short delay after contact with an enemy before exploding. Throwing a Splat Bomb will always consume one-fifth of the ink tank capacity regardless of the charge applied. Has multiple uses, including [[edgeguarding]], setting traps, or KOing at high percentages. If this move is used without any ink, Inkling will begin charging ink. If the ink tank is not empty but is below the labeled meter, Inkling will be incapable of throwing a Splat Bomb. Instead, Inkling will look back at the ink tank, becoming vulnerable to attack. When fully charged, it KOs at 143% at the edge of Final Destination.
|fsname=Killer Wail
|fsdmg=1% (hits 1-32), 8% (hit 33)
|fsdesc=Wields the {{iw|inkipedia|Killer Wail}} to emit a stream of [[wikipedia:Sonic weapon|damaging sound waves]], which, after a short period of time, are replaced with ink. Although the sound waves can be angled similarly to [[Phazon Laser]] and [[Aura Storm]], the player also retains full control of Inkling while it is active. The looping hits cover opponents in ink, but only the final hit has KO potential, KOing at around 60%.
}}

==={{b|Ink|status}}===
[[File:Inkling SSBU Skill Preview Extra 1.png|thumb|200px|The Inkling girl manually refilling her {{iw|inkipedia|ink tank}}, as shown via [[Move List]].]]
Inkling has a unique [[fighter ability]]: a handful of attacks will cover opponents in {{b|ink|status}}. Characters affected by ink are shown being coated with varying amounts of brightly colored liquid (which varies depending on Inkling's choice of costume) and can be repeatedly inked until they are fully coated.

Inked opponents take additional damage proportional to the amount of ink covering them. The damage multiplier caps at 1.5× after the opponent is coated by roughly 60% of the maximum value; applying more ink only lengthens the duration of being coated and has no further effect on damage. Attacks on inked targets inflict normal knockback but increased [[freeze frames]]. Ink gradually disappears over time, from around 5 seconds for the smallest application to around 20 seconds for a completely coated character. Ink can also be applied to some [[Assist Trophies]].

The ink mechanic affects:
*[[Neutral attack|Neutral infinite]]. Without ink, the infinite's finisher will have no hitboxes at all, and therefore deal no damage or knockback.
*[[Forward throw]]. Without ink, the Splattershot's hitbox deals no damage and will not cover opponents in ink.
*All [[smash attack]]s. Without ink, all of them do significantly lower damage and knockback, but still feature ink splatter effects. [[Up smash]] also has less range without ink.
*[[Splattershot]], [[Splat Roller]], and [[Splat Bomb]]. Without ink, all of them are negatively affected in certain ways:
**Splattershot's damage output and range will gradually decrease once it passes the line of the ink tank. Without ink, it will not fire any streams of ink. Pressing the special button once this happens will cause Inkling to charge ink.
**Splat Roller will slowly lose speed once no ink remains, and is completely harmless if used with an empty tank. This will also cause Inkling to walk forward slowly and dejectedly.
**Splat Bomb cannot be thrown if Inkling has less ink than the line of the ink tank. If attempted, Inkling will quickly look back at the ink tank, giving opponents a chance to attack freely.

===[[Ink Tank]]===
Once Inkling runs out of ink, the only ways to refill the {{iw|inkipedia|ink tank}} are to either get KOed or to manually refill it by holding the shield and special buttons simultaneously, though it is also possible to refill it by simply performing a neutral special input with an empty tank. The refill animation also lowers Inkling's hurtbox enough to dodge various attacks, including many grabs and projectiles. However, it can only be done on the ground, prevents Inkling from dodging or moving, and has ending lag, making it punishable.

===Stats===
{{Attributes
| cast=89
| weight=94 | rweight=48-51
| dash=2.118 | rdash=17
| run=1.925 | rrun=25
| walk=1.134 | rwalk=41-42
| trac=0.102 | rtrac=61-62
| airfric=0.015 | rairfric=9-30
| air=1.208 | rair=13-18
| baseaccel=0.01 | rbaseaccel=15-87
| addaccel=0.07 | raddaccel=26-38
| gravity=0.087 | rgravity=54-56
| fall=1.58 | rfall=48-51
| ff=2.528 | rff=45-48
| jumpsquat=3 | rjumpsquat=1-88
| jumpheight=33 | rjumpheight=39-42
| shorthop=17.54 | rshorthop=16-18
| djump=36.33 | rdjump=22-24
| ellag=4 | rellag=2-75
}}

===[[Announcer]] call===
{{audio|Needs announcer calls from other languages.}}
<gallery>
Inkling English Announcer SSBU.wav|English/Japanese/Chinese
</gallery>

===[[On-screen appearance]]===
<!--NOTICE BEFORE EDITING: When using pronouns, it is generally preferred, though not strictly required, that they match the gender of the default. If referring to one gender, only refer to the alternate when it specifically applies to them. While using gender-neutral pronouns is optional, it is heavily discouraged. However, completely omitting pronouns is entirely a valid style, as long as the sentence stays coherent.-->
*Lands with a splash of ink in squid form, then transforms into humanoid form and flaps both arms excitedly before wielding the Splattershot. This is directly based on the Inklings' entrance animation from the series' single-player campaigns.
<gallery>
InklingOnScreenAppearanceSSBU.gif|Inkling's on-screen appearance.
</gallery>

===[[Taunt]]s===
<!--NOTICE BEFORE EDITING: When using pronouns, it is generally preferred, though not strictly required, that they match the gender of the default. If referring to one gender, only refer to the alternate when it specifically applies to them. While using gender-neutral pronouns is optional, it is heavily discouraged. However, completely omitting pronouns is entirely a valid style, as long as the sentence stays coherent.-->
*'''Up taunt''': Raises the Splattershot several times into the air in a celebratory cheer. Based on the "C'mon!"/"This Way!" {{iw|inkipedia|signal}}.
*'''Side taunt''': Fires the Splattershot into the air with one hand while smirking. Despite its appearance, it does not consume ink and cannot damage nearby opponents.
*'''Down taunt''': Jumps happily on the spot while smiling. Based on the "Booyah!" signal.
<gallery>
SSBUInklingTaunt1.gif|Inkling's up taunt.
SSBUInklingTaunt2.gif|Inkling's side taunt.
SSBUInklingTaunt3.gif|Inkling's down taunt.
</gallery>

===[[Idle pose]]s===
<!--NOTICE BEFORE EDITING: When using pronouns, it is generally preferred, though not strictly required, that they match the gender of the default. If referring to one gender, only refer to the alternate when it specifically applies to them. While using gender-neutral pronouns is optional, it is heavily discouraged. However, completely omitting pronouns is entirely a valid style, as long as the sentence stays coherent.-->
*Briefly looks the other way, then turns back.
*Casually poses with the Splattershot pointing upward, with the other hand resting on the left hip.

The Inkling boy has a different idle stance where he does not sway his hips from side to side nearly as much as the Inkling girl.
<gallery>
SSBUInklingIdle1.gif|Inkling's first idle pose.
SSBUInklingIdle2.gif|Inkling's second idle pose.
</gallery>

===[[Crowd cheer]]===
<div class="tabber">
<div class="tabbertab" title="English, Japanese/Chinese, Italian, Dutch, French">
{| class="wikitable" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="1"
|-
!{{{name|}}}
!Cheer (English)
!Cheer (Japanese/Chinese)
!Cheer (Italian)
!Cheer (Dutch)
!Cheer (French)
|-
! scope="row"|Cheer
|[[File:Inkling Cheer English SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Inkling Cheer Japanese SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Inkling Cheer Italian SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Inkling Cheer Dutch SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Inkling Cheer French SSBU.ogg|center]]
|-
! scope="row"|Description
|Staaaay fresh! || Ink - ling! || Ink - ling! Ink - ling! || Ink - ling! Doe je ding! || Ink - ling! *claps 2 times*
|}
</div>
<div class="tabbertab" title="German, Spanish, Russian, Korean">
{| class="wikitable" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="1"
|-
!{{{name|}}}
!Cheer (German)
!Cheer (Spanish)
!Cheer (Russian)
!Cheer (Korean)
|-
! scope="row"|Cheer
|[[File:Inkling Cheer German SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Inkling Cheer Spanish SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Inkling Cheer Russian SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Inkling Cheer Korean SSBU.ogg|center]]
|-
! scope="row"|Description
|Ink - ling! || Iiiiink - ling! || Ink - ling! *claps 3 times* || Ing - keu - lling! 
|}
</div>
</div>

===[[Victory pose]]s===
All of Inkling's animations are based on the victory poses when using particular weapons in ''Splatoon'' and ''Splatoon 2''. The animations all vary slightly between the two genders.
*'''Left:''' Hops happily twice, spins around, and poses with the Splattershot. Based on the victory animation when using a Shooter-type weapon in ''Splatoon 2''. The initial animation is based on the male Inkling's animation with a weapon of the same type in ''Splatoon''. This pose is altered for them and resembles the artwork seen {{file link|Inkling Male.png|here}}.
*'''Up:''' Sways the Splat Roller from side to side, before striking a pose while resting the Roller's handle against the shoulder. This victory pose combines the victory animations in ''Splatoon'' and ''Splatoon 2'' when the Inkling uses a Roller-type weapon. The male Inkling rests his hand on his hip.
*'''Right:''' Tosses the Slosher upward with the right arm and catches it in the left while spinning, then tosses it upward a second time, posing with the left arm on the hip while the Slosher spins on the right index finger. Based on the female Inkling's victory animation when using a Slosher-type weapon in ''Splatoon''. The male Inkling holds his head back slightly farther than the girl does.

[[File:SplatoonSeriesVictoryThemeUltimate.ogg|thumb|A remix of "{{iw|inkipedia|You Got Them!}}" used in ''Splatoon''.]]
<gallery>
InklingVictoryPose1.gif
InklingVictoryPose2.gif
InklingVictoryPose3.gif
</gallery>
<gallery>
MaleInklingVictory1SSBU.gif
MaleInklingVictory2SSBU.gif
MaleInklingVictory3SSBU.gif
</gallery>

==In [[competitive play]]==
===Most historically significant players===
<!--This character has a ten player limit for this section. Before adding and/or removing a player, read these guidelines: https://www.ssbwiki.com/SmashWiki:Notability#%22Most_historically_significant_players%22_guidelines -->

''See also: [[:Category:Inkling players (SSBU)]]''
*{{Sm|Bedgar|Mexico}} - One of the best Inkling players in North America in the early metagame, and a top 10 player in Mexico during this time, achieving several high placements such as 2nd at {{Trn|WeTecThose 9}} defeating {{Sm|Maister}}, 4th at {{Trn|Smash Fest to the Sky}}, and 17th at {{Trn|GENESIS 7}}. He has since dropped Inkling for {{SSBU|Palutena}}.
*{{Sm|Cosmos|USA}} - One of the greatest Inkling players of all time, achieving a string of strong performances that no other Inkling player has ever achieved since, which included a string of top 8 placements in the first few months of competition, when he notably placed 4th at {{Trn|Umebura Japan Major 2019}} and 5th at {{Trn|Frostbite 2019}}. He was a contender for the top 10 in the first half of 2019, and was ranked 11th on the [[Spring 2019 PGRU]], which remains the only time an Inkling player was ranked in the top 20. He dropped Inkling in the post-pandemic metagame, although he has picked up the character from time to time.
*{{Sm|Shirayuki|Japan}} - One of the greatest Inkling players of all time and by far the most successful in the post-pandemic metagame. He was most notably the runner-up at both {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 9}} and {{Trn|Sumabato SP 48}}, which is the closest an Inkling player has come to winning a major. He has placed top 8 at many other majors, including placing 5th at both {{Trn|UltCore Third}} and {{Trn|Sumabato SP 49}}. He was the only Inkling player to rank in the top 50 in the post-pandemic metagame, doing it across multiple seasons and peaking at 21st on the panel-based [[UltRank Delta 2025]].
*{{Sm|showers|Japan}} - The second-best Inkling player in Japan in the post-pandemic metagame. He is best known for his performances in 2023, when he was eventually ranked 96th on the [[LumiRank 2023]] as one of the few Inkling players ever globally ranked in the post-pandemic metagame. His results during this time included placing 3rd at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 14}}, defeating many notable Japanese players along the way, including {{Sm|Asimo}} and {{Sm|Raru}}, as well as placing 5th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 38}} and 13th at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 13}}. He became less active after 2023, though he has continued to place well at some events.
*{{Sm|Shaneak|UK}} - One of the best Inkling players in Europe in the post-pandemic metagame. He was initially known for winning {{Trn|Tea Party 1: The Grand Introduction}}, defeating {{Sm|Luugi}} and {{Sm|Bloom4Eva}} &mdash; Europe's second-best player at that time &mdash; twice. He is best known for his performances in the mid-2020s, this time co-maining Inkling and {{SSBU|Pyra}}/{{SSBU|Mythra}}, though his best performances remained with primarily Inkling, such as finishing 9th at {{Trn|Regen 2024}} after defeating {{Sm|Sisqui}} and {{Sm|Mezcaul}}. He was ranked 123rd on the [[UltRank 2025]], thanks to his victory at {{Trn|Avalon: Encore}}, where he double-eliminated Luugi, as well as finishing 9th at {{Trn|95 Kings of Fields 5}} and 13th at {{Trn|SmashMania 2025}}.
*{{Sm|Space|Netherlands}} - One of the best Inkling players in the world for the first few years of competitive play and one of Europe's best players in the early metagame. He is best known for placing 3rd at {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2019}}, where he defeated {{Sm|Glutonny}} and {{Sm|Kameme}}; outside of that performance, he has also notably placed 3rd at {{Trn|Syndicate 2019}} and 4th at {{Trn|Valhalla III}} during this time. He achieved his highest ranking as an Inkling main, ranking 40th on the [[OrionRank 2019]]. Though he picked up {{SSBU|Pyra}} and {{SSBU|Mythra}} in the post-pandemic metagame, he maintained Inkling as a co-main or secondary for several years, notably defeating {{Sm|Fatality}} with Inkling to place 7th at {{Trn|VCA 2022}}. He shifted his priority to other FGC titles in 2024.

===Tier placement and history===
Inkling was initially seen as a very promising character in the metagame due to her outstanding frame data, above-average damage output through the ink mechanic, safe aerials on shield, effective edgeguard ability, and KO confirms off of her grab and Splat Roller. In addition, Inkling's dash was highly praised as an incredible mechanic that allowed her to invalidate many attacks and projectiles. These strengths and positive reception from the community gave Inkling a large and strong playerbase that was spearheaded by {{Sm|Cosmos}}, who placed top 8 at multiple major events with her. As a result, the consensus was that Inkling was a top-tier threat in the early metagame, and likewise, she was one of the most popular characters during this time.

This honeymoon period did not last long, as Inkling's representation began to decline in the second half of 2019. Although Inkling players remained successful, most notably {{Sm|Space}} in Europe, Inkling's overall results declined as players learned how to abuse her weaknesses, which included a lack of strong out-of-shield options and difficulty in KOing past confirm percentages. This was most apparent in Cosmos, who was a contender for top 10 on the [[Spring 2019 PGRU]], but had dropped outside of the top 20 on the [[Fall 2019 PGRU]] following weaker performances. Inkling further declined during and after the online era as more and more players began dropping her for better characters; most notably, both Cosmos and Space either dropped Inkling or slowly relegated her to a secondary in favor of {{SSBU|Pyra}}/{{SSBU|Mythra}}. This turned the community's opinions on Inkling, with many players believing she was not even a high-tier, much less a top-tier.

Despite the more negative reception, several Inkling players were able to find great success in the post-[[COVID-19 pandemic|pandemic]] metagame. In Japan, {{Sm|Shirayuki}} established himself as a consistent threat in his scene, which included a 2nd-place finish at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 9}}, the highest placement for an Inkling player at an ''Ultimate'' major. Furthermore, the United States saw the rise of {{Sm|Colorondo8}}, who, despite having more mixed results compared to Shirayuki, still saw several respectable major placements and wins. Finally, Space did not fully drop Inkling and has pulled her out from time to time. Though Inkling's representation still paled in comparison to her representation in the early metagame, it remained around average. As such, Inkling was ranked 46th on the first tier list as an upper-mid tier character. This perception remained mostly the same in the following year: Shirayuki remained Inkling's primary representative at the highest level of competitive play, while 2023 also saw the rise of {{Sm|showers}}. As such, Inkling only slipped to 49th on the second tier list, with this drop mainly being due to the rise of characters ranked below her rather than a decline in perception, before rising one more spot to 48th on the third tier list.

=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: An Inkredible Journey==
[[File:SSBU Congratulations Inkling.png|thumb|Inkling's [[congratulations screen]].]]
Inkling's opponents use alternate costumes that match the general color scheme of the stage they are fought on, which references the {{iw|inkipedia|Turf War}} mode in the ''Splatoon'' games. The boss of this route, [[Marx]], also fits in with this theme because of his multicolored wings.

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!Round!!Opponent!!Stage!!Music!!Notes
|-
|1||{{CharHead|Lucario|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Green}} and {{CharHead|Sheik|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Green}}||[[Yoshi's Island (SSBM)|Yoshi's Island (Melee)]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Splattack! (Original)}}''||Represents the color Green.
|-
|2||{{CharHead|Greninja|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Pink}}||[[Magicant]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Ink or Sink}}''||Represents the color Pink.
|-
|3||{{CharHead|Wario|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=ClassicRed}} and {{CharHead|Duck Hunt|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Red}}||[[Norfair]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Metalopod}}''||Represents the color Red.
|-
|4||Giant {{CharHead|Yoshi|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Cyan}}||[[Summit]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Seaskape}}''||Represents the color Light Blue.
|-
|5||{{CharHead|Shulk|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Lavender}}, {{CharHead|Ness|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Black}}, and {{CharHead|Mewtwo|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Purple}}||[[Fountain of Dreams]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Kraken Up}}''||Represents the color Purple.
|-
|6||{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}{{CharHead|Inkling|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Green}} (x2)||[[Moray Towers]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Ink Me Up}}''||Free-for-All. If either of these costumes are being played as, the {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px}}{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}} default Inkling Girl and Boy will be used for the CPU instead.
|-
|colspan="5"|[[Bonus Stage]]
|-
|Final||[[Marx]]||[[Mysterious Dimension]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Calamari Inkantation}}''||Represents all of the colors mixed together.
|}
Note: Every stage except for the Bonus Stage plays a track from the {{uv|Splatoon}} universe, no matter what universe it originates from. Additionally, the music that plays when fighting Marx is ''Calamari Inkantation'' instead of his standard boss theme.

[[Credits]] roll after completing Classic Mode. Completing it as Inkling has ''{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Bomb Rush Blush}}'' accompany the credits.

===Appearances in other Classic Mode routes===
Inkling appears as an opponent or ally in certain other fighters' Classic Mode routes, with them being listed below:

*{{SSBU|Donkey Kong}}
*{{SSBU|Snake}}
*{{SSBU|Toon Link}}
*''{{SSBU|Isabelle}}''
*{{SSBU|Piranha Plant}}

<small>''Italics'' denotes an appearance as an ally.</small>
{{clr}}

==Role in [[World of Light]]==
[[File:WoL-64Inkling.jpg|thumb|Finding Inkling in World of Light|left]]
The Inklings of both genders were among the fighters that were summoned to fight the army of [[Master Hand]]s.

During the opening cutscene, the Inklings were present on the cliffside when [[Galeem]] unleashed his beams of light. They decided to submerge in a puddle of their ink to hide in the hopes they might not be imprisoned. However, this proved ineffective when the beams of light destroyed the cliff they were on and vaporized them in the process. Both were then placed under Galeem's imprisonment alongside the rest of the fighters, except for {{SSBU|Kirby}}.

In the mode proper, the female Inkling can be fought in a city area, in a space that clearly is [[Moray Towers]]. Defeating her also grants access to her male counterpart due to him being an alternate character.
{{clrl}}

===Fighter Battle===
{|class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
!style="width:5%;"|No.
!style="width:5%;"|Image
!Name
!Type
!Power
!Stage
!Music
|-
|64
|[[File:Inkling SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|Inkling
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|3,300
|[[Moray Towers]] ([[Ω form]])
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Splattack!}}''
|}
{{clr}}

==[[Spirit]]s==
Inkling Girl's fighter spirit can be obtained by completing {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} as Inkling. It is also available periodically for purchase in the shop for 300 Gold, but only after Inkling has been unlocked. Unlocking Inkling in World of Light allows the player to preview the first spirit below in the Spirit List under the name "???". As a fighter spirit, it cannot be used in Spirit Battles and is purely aesthetic. Inkling Boy has a fighter spirit of his own, only available through the shop. Each fighter spirit has an alternate version that replaces them with their artwork in ''Ultimate''.

Additionally, the Squid form of the default Inkling appears as a support spirit.

<center>
<gallery>
SSBU spirit Inkling (Girl).png|1,025. '''''Inkling (Girl)'''''
SSBU spirit Inkling (Boy).png|1,026. '''Inkling (Boy)'''
SSBU spirit Inkling Squid.png|1,027. Inkling Squid
</gallery>
</center>

==In Spirit Battles==
===As the main opponent===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
! colspan=4|Spirit
! colspan=7|Battle parameters
! colspan=1|Inspiration
|-
! style="width:5%;"|No.
! style="width:5%;"|Image
! Name
! Series
! Enemy Fighter(s)
! style="width:5%;"|Type
! style="width:5%;"|Power
! Stage
! Rules
! Conditions
! Music
! Character
|-
|40
|{{SpiritTableName|Blooper|size=64}}
|''Super Mario'' Series
|•Tiny {{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Cyan}}×3
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|2,600
|[[Delfino Plaza]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|•Hazard: Low Gravity
|•Timed battle (1:30)<br>•Gravity is reduced<br>•The enemy tends to avoid conflict
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Underwater Theme - Super Mario Bros.}}
|
|-
|61
|{{SpiritTableName|Kamek|link=y|size=64}}
|''Super Mario'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} Team {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Cyan}}×4
|{{SpiritType|Grab}}
|3,300
|[[Mushroom Kingdom U]] (Slide Lift Tower)
|•Easy to Launch<br>•Item: [[Star Rod]]
|•All fighters are easy to launch after a little while<br>•Reinforcements will appear after an enemy is KO'd<br>•The enemy starts the battle with a Star Rod
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Fortress Boss - Super Mario World}}
|
|-
|102
|{{SpiritTableName|Huey|size=64}}
|''Paper Mario'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} Team {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Green}}{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Pink}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}}
|1,900
|[[Moray Towers]]
|N/A
|•The enemy favors special moves
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Battle! - Paper Mario: Color Splash}}
|Paint mechanic in ''{{s|mariowiki|Paper Mario: Color Splash}}''
|-
|237
|{{SpiritTableName|Yuga|size=64}}
|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Purple}}<br>•Giant {{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Purple}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|9,600
|[[Kalos Pokémon League]] (hazards off)
|N/A
|•The enemy's side special has increased power<br>•Reinforcements will appear after an enemy is KO'd
|{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Yuga Battle (Hyrule Castle)}}
|{{s|zeldawiki|Yuga Ganon}} (Giant Inkling)
|-
|239
|{{SpiritTableName|Mipha|size=64}}
|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Pink}} (100 HP)
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|3,900
|[[Great Bay]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|N/A
|•[[Stamina battle]]<br>•The enemy heals over time
|{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild}}
|
|-
|284
|{{SpiritTableName|Phantoon|size=64}}
|''Metroid'' Series
|•Clear {{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|3,500
|[[Frigate Orpheon]]
|•Item: [[Hothead]]
|•The enemy is invisible
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Metroid|Lockdown Battle Theme}}
|
|-
|480
|{{SpiritTableName|Smeargle|size=64}}
|''Pokémon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Green}}
|{{SpiritType|Neutral}}
|1,700
|[[WarioWare, Inc.]] (hazards off)
|•Assist Trophy Enemies ([[Vince]])
|•Hostile assist trophies will appear<br>•The enemy favors side smash attacks
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Pokémon Gold / Pokémon Silver Medley}}
|
|-
|540
|{{SpiritTableName|Inkay|link=y|size=64}}
|''Pokémon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Cyan}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|3,400
|[[Kalos Pokémon League]] (hazards off)
|•Earthquake
|•Periodic earthquakes will shake the stage after a little while<br>•Only certain Pokémon will emerge from Poké Balls (Inkay)
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Wild Pokémon) - Pokémon X / Pokémon Y}}
|
|-
|573
|{{SpiritTableName|Jeff|link=y|size=64}}
|''EarthBound'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Cyan}}×3
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|13,200
|[[Onett]]
|•Assist Trophy Enemies (Jeff)<br>•Item: Shooting Types
|•Hostile assist trophies will appear<br>•The enemy's shooting items have increased power<br>•Reinforcements will appear during the battle
|{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Onett Theme / Winters Theme}}
|
|-
|687
|{{SpiritTableName|Tsubasa Oribe|iw=fireemblem|size=64}}
|''Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE''
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Purple}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|1,600
|[[Boxing Ring]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|•Assist Trophy Enemies ([[Squid Sisters]])
|•Hostile assist trophies will appear
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Style Savvy: Trendsetters}}
|
|-
|779
|{{SpiritTableName|Amy|link=y|size=64}}
|''Sonic The Hedgehog'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Pink}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}}
|9,400
|[[Windy Hill Zone]]
|•Item: {{b|Hammer|item}}
|•The enemy starts the battle with a Hammer<br>•The enemy can swing the Hammer for a long time<br>•The enemy has increased move speed
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Sonic The Hedgehog|Open Your Heart}}
|
|-
|785
|{{SpiritTableName|Chaos|link=y|size=64}}
|''Sonic The Hedgehog'' Series
|•Metal {{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Cyan}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}}
|4,200
|[[Fourside]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|•Giant
|•The enemy is giant when the enemy's at high damage<br>•The enemy is metal
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Sonic The Hedgehog|Open Your Heart}}
|
|-
|1,030
|{{SpiritTableName|Squid Sisters|link=y|size=64}}
|''Splatoon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} Team {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Pink}}×4
|{{SpiritType|Attack}}
|13,700
|[[Moray Towers]] (night)
|•Assist Trophy Enemies (Squid Sisters)<br>•Easy to Launch
|•You are easy to launch<br>•Hostile assist trophies will appear
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Ink Me Up}}
|Inkling
|-
|1,031
|{{SpiritTableName|Off the Hook|size=64}}
|''Splatoon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Purple}}{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Pink}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|9,700
|[[Moray Towers]] ([[Ω form]])
|•Assist Trophy Enemies ([[Squid Sisters]])
|•Hostile assist trophies will appear
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Ebb & Flow}}
|Pearl (purple costume)<br>Marina (pink costume)
|-
|1,032
|{{SpiritTableName|Sheldon|size=64}}
|''Splatoon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} Team {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Cyan}}{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Green}}{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Pink}}
|{{SpiritType|Neutral}}
|8,000
|[[Moray Towers]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|•Item: Shooting Types
|•The enemy's ranged weapons have increased power
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Seaskape}}
|Inkling
|-
|1,034
|{{SpiritTableName|Jelonzo|size=64}}
|''Splatoon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Cyan}}{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Purple}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|2,500
|[[Saffron City]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|•Hazard: Poison Floor
|•The floor is poisonous
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Seaskape}}
|
|-
|1,035
|{{SpiritTableName|Crusty Sean|size=64}}
|''Splatoon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}}
|3,600
|[[Saffron City]]
|•Move Speed ↑<br>•Item: [[Food]]
|•The enemy becomes more powerful after eating<br>•All fighters have increased move speed after a little while<br>•The enemy is easily distracted by items
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Rip Entry}}
|
|-
|1,042
|{{SpiritTableName|Octoling|size=64}}
|''Splatoon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} Team {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Pink}}×4 (75 HP)
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|4,000
|[[Midgar]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|•Item: Shooting Types
|•[[Stamina battle]]<br>•The enemy favors neutral specials
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Octoweaponry}}
|
|-
|1,047
|{{SpiritTableName|Octoling Girl & Octoling Boy|size=64}}
|''Splatoon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Pink}}{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Indigo}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}}
|9,400
|[[Midgar]] (hazards off)
|N/A
|•The enemy's special moves have increased power
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Undertow}}
|Octoling Girl (pink costume)<br>Octoling Boy (indigo costume)
|-
|1,185
|{{SpiritTableName|Mermaid|size=64}}
|''The Legendary Starfy'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Pink}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|1,700
|[[Wuhu Island]] (Rocks at sea)
|N/A
|•The enemy heals over time
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Animal Crossing|Tortimer Island Medley}}
|
|-
|1,314
|{{SpiritTableName|Futaba Sakura|link=y|size=64}}
|''Persona'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|2,900
|[[Mushroomy Kingdom]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|•Item Tidal Wave ([[Boss Galaga]])<br>•Assist Trophy Enemies ([[Wily Capsule]])
|•Timed battle (1:30)<br>•Hostile assist trophies will appear<br>•Items will be pulled toward the enemy
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Persona|Beneath the Mask}}
|
|-
|1,515
|{{SpiritTableName|Deep Cut|size=64}}
|''Splatoon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Purple}}{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}}
|9,200
|[[Moray Towers]]
|•Assist Trophy Enemies ([[Squid Sisters]])
|•Hostile assist trophies will appear<br>•Only certain Pokémon will emerge from Poké Balls ([[Kyogre]])
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Calamari Inkantation}}
|{{iw|inkipedia|Shiver}} (purple costume)<br>{{iw|inkipedia|Frye}} (yellow costume)
|}

===As a minion===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
! colspan=4|Spirit
! colspan=7|Battle parameters
! colspan=1|Inspiration
|-
! style="width:5%;"|No.
! style="width:5%;"|Image
! Name
! Series
! Enemy Fighter(s)
! style="width:5%;"|Type
! style="width:5%;"|Power
! Stage
! Rules
! Conditions
! Music
! Character
|-
|238
|{{SpiritTableName|Zelda (Breath of the Wild)|size=64}}
|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Zelda}} {{Head|Zelda|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}} (50 HP)<br>•{{SSBU|Link}} {{Head|Link|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=White}} (60 HP)<br>•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Pink}} (30 HP)<br>•{{SSBU|Donkey Kong}} {{Head|Donkey Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}} (60 HP)<br>•{{SSBU|Falco}} {{Head|Falco|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}} (50 HP)<br>•{{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}} {{Head|Zero Suit Samus|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=ShortsBlue}} (50 HP)
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|9,200
|[[Great Plateau Tower]]
|N/A
|•[[Stamina battle]]<br>•Reinforcements will appear after an enemy is KO'd<br>•Defeat an army of fighters
|{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild}}
|{{s|zeldawiki|Mipha}}
|-
|1,029
|{{SpiritTableName|Li'l Judd|size=64}}
|''Splatoon'' Series
|•Tiny {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}} {{Head|Mr. Game & Watch|g=SSBU|s=20px}}<br>•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Cyan}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}}
|9,100
|[[Moray Towers]]
|N/A
|•The enemy favors side specials
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Now or Never! (Splatfest Version) - Splatoon 2}}
|{{s|inkipedia|Inkling}}
|-
|1,237
|{{SpiritTableName|Vince|link=y|size=64}}
|''Art Academy'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Mii Swordfighter}} {{Head|Mii Swordfighter|g=SSBU|s=20px}} (Moveset [[Blurring Blade|3]][[Gale Stab|2]][[Skyward Slash Dash|2]][[Reversal Slash|2]], Vince's Hat, Vince's Outfit, Low Voice Type 11)<br>•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Cyan}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|3,500
|[[PictoChat 2]]
|•Assist Trophy Enemies (Vince)
|•Hostile assist trophies will appear<br>•Reinforcements will appear during the battle
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Swan Lesson}}
|Paint as seen in Vince's [https://www.ssbwiki.com/images/b/bc/VinceArtAcademy.png official artwork]
|-
|1,408
|{{SpiritTableName|C.J.|size=64}}
|''Animal Crossing'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Isabelle}} {{Head|Isabelle|g=SSBU|s=20px}}<br>•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|4,400
|[[Wuhu Island]] (The boat)
|•Assist Trophy Enemies ([[Starfy]])<br>•Item: [[Unira]]
|•Defeat the main fighter to win<br>•Hostile assist trophies will appear when the enemy's at high damage<br>•The enemy favors side specials<br>•''Only certain Pokémon will emerge from Poké Balls ([[Goldeen]])''<!--Inkling's favor up special-->
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Animal Crossing|Kapp'n's Song}}
|{{iw|Nookipedia|Squid}}
|-
|1,514
|{{SpiritTableName|Rauru|iw=zeldawiki|size=64}}
|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Mewtwo}} {{Head|Mewtwo|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Purple}} (100 HP)<br>•{{SSBU|Zelda}} {{Head|Zelda|g=SSBU|s=20px}} (70 HP)<br>•Giant {{SSBU|R.O.B.}} {{Head|R.O.B.|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Green}} (70 HP)<br>•{{SSBU|Robin}} {{Head|Robin|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}} (60 HP)<br>•{{SSBU|Inkling}} {{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Cyan}} (60 HP)<br>•{{SSBU|Charizard}} {{Head|Charizard|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}} (60 HP)<br>•{{SSBU|Pit}} {{Head|Pit|g=SSBU|s=20px}} (60 HP)
|{{SpiritType|Neutral}}
|13,000
|[[Temple]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|N/A
|•[[Stamina battle]]<br>•The enemy favors neutral specials<br>•Reinforcements will appear after an enemy is KO'd
|{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Calamity Ganon Battle - Second Form}}
|[[zeldawiki:Sage of Water#Tears of the Kingdom|Zora Sage of Water]]
|}

==[[Alternate costume (SSBU)#Inkling|Alternate costumes]]==
All of the Inkling's alternate costumes feature wearable gear that can be found in ''Splatoon'' and ''Splatoon 2''. Each of the costumes has a different ink color, which matches the color of their hair and [[Inkling#Squid|squid form]].
{|style="margin:1em auto 1em auto;text-align:center"
|-
|colspan=8|[[File:Inkling Palette (SSBU).png|link=Palette swap (SSBU)#Inkling|1000px]]
|-
|{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=50px}}
|{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=50px|cl=Blue}}
|{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=50px|cl=Yellow}}
|{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=50px|cl=Green}}
|{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=50px|cl=Pink}}
|{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=50px|cl=Cyan}}
|{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=50px|cl=Purple}}
|{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=50px|cl=Indigo}}
|}

==[[List of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate character trailers#Inkling|Reveal trailer]]==
{{#widget:YouTube|id=w3Gt42kVgCw}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Inkling Trailer.png|The female Inkling with the Smash symbol in their eye, as seen during ''Ultimate''{{'}}s first teaser trailer.
Inkling amiibo (Smash Series).png|Inkling's [[amiibo]].
SSBU Inkling Number.png|Inkling's fighter card.
Inkling unlock notice SSBU.jpg|Inkling's unlock notice.
Inkling poster.jpg|Inkling character poster, as posted on the official ''Splatoon'' Twitter account.
Inkling artwork.jpg|Inkling artwork, as posted on the official English Nintendo Versus Twitter account.
SSBUWebsiteInkling1.jpg|The female Inkling on [[Moray Towers]].
SSBUWebsiteInkling2.jpg|The male Inkling using his forward smash on {{SSBU|Luigi}} at [[Luigi's Mansion]].
SSBUWebsiteInkling3.jpg|Dodging {{SSBU|Squirtle}}'s [[Water Gun]] on [[Pokémon Stadium 2]].
SSBUWebsiteInkling4.jpg|The male Inkling using down smash on [[3D Land]].
SSBUWebsiteInkling5.jpg|A pair of Inklings on Moray Towers.
SSBUWebsiteInkling6.jpg|The female Inkling using [[Splat Roller]] on {{SSBU|Link}}, {{SSBU|Samus}} and {{SSBU|Mario}} on [[Mario Circuit (SSBB)|Figure-8 Circuit]].
SSBUWebsiteJoker6.jpg|With {{SSBU|Isabelle}} and {{SSBU|Joker}} in his school outfit on [[Delfino Plaza]].
SSBUWebsiteYoungLink4.jpg|The female Inkling excitedly watching {{SSBU|Young Link}} drink [[Lon Lon Milk]] on [[Temple]].
SSBUWebsiteRathalos4.jpg|The female Inkling, Link, {{SSBU|Pikachu}} and {{SSBU|Bowser}} being attacked by [[Rathalos]] on [[Tortimer Island]].
InklingScreenKO.png|The female Inkling getting [[Screen KO]]'d on Moray Towers.
8-PlayerSSBU 1.jpg|The female Inkling with Mario, {{SSBU|Donkey Kong}}, Link, Samus, {{SSBU|Ice Climbers}}, {{SSBU|Pit}} and {{SSBU|Villager}} on {{SSBU|Battlefield}}.
SSBUKirbyJPTwitter2.jpg|With {{SSBU|Kirby}}, Mario, Link, {{SSBU|Marth}}, Pit, {{SSBU|Ridley}} and Villager on Battlefield.
</gallery>

===Fighter Showcase Video===
{{#widget:YouTube|id=O4-7-bJWUsc}}

==Trivia==
<!--NOTICE BEFORE EDITING: When using pronouns, use those that match the gender of the default when referring to their Smash incarnation (treating the alternate gendered variant as a character costume like Alph) and gender neutral for home series info. However, completely omitting pronouns is entirely a valid style, as long as the sentence stays coherent.-->
*Both Inklings' spirits have headwear that is absent on their default costumes. Inkling Girl wears the {{s|inkipedia|Studio Headphones}} in her spirit artwork, whereas Inkling Boy wears the {{iw|inkipedia|Pilot Goggles}} in his.
**Official artwork of both default Inklings without said headgear exists, but is not used for their spirits' artwork.
*Inkling can [[Swimming|swim]] in water in ''Ultimate''. This contradicts attributes established in ''Splatoon'', in which Inklings can only swim in {{iw|Inkipedia|ink}} (in [[Inkipedia:Squid|squid form]]) and will dissolve when touching water. However, in reference to this attribute, Inkling takes gradual damage while swimming in the water and has an animation akin to other drowning animations, such as the basic swim animation, which speeds up once Inkling begins to drown.
*Inkling is one of four newcomers in ''Ultimate'' that was previously featured as a [[Mii Fighter]] [[Alternate costume (SSB4)#Mii Fighter|costume]] in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''. The others are {{SSBU|Chrom}}, {{SSBU|King K. Rool}}, and {{SSBU|Isabelle}}.
*Inkling was the only newcomer to be featured in the "Everyone is Here!" trailer shown in the E3 2018 Nintendo Direct. As a result, Inkling was also the only newcomer in the panoramic group artwork when it was first shown off in the E3 2018 Direct, due to being the only newcomer revealed at the time.
*Inkling is one of only two newcomers in ''Ultimate'' to not have splash art and an introduction tagline (similarly to {{SSB4|Dark Pit}} in ''SSB4''), the other being {{SSBU|Daisy}}.
**In Inkling's case, this was due to her reveal also serving as the reveal of ''Ultimate''.
*Inkling is the only character to have an alternate costume character appear in the World of Light introduction cutscene, as Inkling Boy appears alongside Inkling Girl.
*When Inkling is KO'd in [[Stamina Mode]] (if they aren't the last victim) or [[instant KO]]'d, a ghostly squid can be seen drifting out of the KO explosion. In ''Splatoon'', this occurs when an Inkling's health is depleted (known in that game as being "splatted").
*Both male and female Inklings use a higher-pitched version of one of their KO voice clips when KOed by reaching 0 HP during their final stock in Stamina Mode. They share this trait with {{SSBU|Young Link}}.
*Unlike in the ''Splatoon'' games, Inkling will not steadily take damage after stepping into ink of a different color.
*Some of Inkling Boy's animations are altered from Inkling Girl, including his idle animation, the first hit of his neutral attack, his victory poses, and his [[screen KO]]. The female version of {{SSBU|Byleth}} is a similar case.
**Inkling Boy and Inkling Girl also sport different expressions from each other when using their [[shield]]. Inkling Girl has a neutral expression (along with occasionally blinking), whereas Inkling Boy sports a stern expression.
*In French (text only), Spanish, and Italian, the female and male Inklings are distinguished with their gender ('''Fille'''/'''Garçon''' Inkling, Inkling '''chica'''/'''chico''', '''Ragazza'''/'''Ragazzo''' Inkling), akin to Pokémon Trainer, Wii Fit Trainer, {{SSBU|Villager}}, and the {{SSBU|Mii Fighter}}s. This is similar to how {{SSBU|Olimar}} is referred to as "Pikmin & Olimar" in Asian regions, and {{SSBU|Duck Hunt}} is referred to as "Duck Hunt Duo" in European regions.
*In German, Spanish and Italian, the name tag and voice clip from the announcer on the victory screen is slightly different from the one used on the character select screen, instead featuring a noticeable translation of "the"  ("'''der''' Inkling", "'''la''' Inkling chica"/"'''el''' Inkling chico" and "'''la''' Ragazza Inkling"/"'''il''' Ragazzo Inkling"). Inkling shares this trait with Wii Fit Trainer, Pokémon Trainer, Villager, {{SSBU|Hero}}, [[Steve (SSBU)|Zombie, Enderman]], the {{SSBU|Ice Climbers}}, and the Mii Fighters.
*While Yoshi and {{SSBU|King Dedede}}'s voice actors (Kazumi Totaka and [[Masahiro Sakurai]] respectively) are credited in the Japanese version's [[Sound Test]], the voice actor for the Inklings, Yuki Tsuji, is not credited in any version of ''Ultimate''.
*Inkling's alternate costumes were decided in coordination with the ''Splatoon'' development team.<ref>[https://twitter.com/PushDustIn/status/1097010525328748545 PushDustIn on Twitter: "The alts for Inkling was decided in coordination with the Splatoon team."]</ref>
*Inkling is one of two characters whose Final Smash background changes color depending on alternate costumes. Female Inklings will have a blue background, whereas male Inklings will have a green one (except for the lime-green Inkling, who uses the female variation of the background in his Final Smash). The other character with this distinction is Cloud.
*During Final Smash standby, Inkling's head will uniquely glow with a colored aura equivalent to that of the selected ink color. This is a reference to how the same thing happens when an Inkling maxes out their Special Gauge in ''Splatoon'', except that the animation in ''Smash'' lacks the tentacles flailing about.
*Inkling, {{SSBU|Meta Knight}}, {{SSBU|Joker}}, {{SSBU|Hero}}, {{SSBU|Banjo & Kazooie}}, {{SSBU|Sephiroth}}, {{SSBU|Pyra}}, {{SSBU|Mythra}}, and {{SSBU|Sora}} are the fighters who use their walking animation when navigating through the map in [[World of Light]]. In Inkling's case, this is likely due to the aforementioned character's dashing animation using the squid form.
*Inkling, {{SSBU|Snake}}, and {{SSBU|Steve}} are the only characters who cannot angle their shield by holding the special move button while shielding. In Inkling's case, this is due to the shield and special button combination being used to refill Inkling's ink gauge.
*If an Inkling opponent gets KO'd in either a Horde Battle or in [[Mob Smash]], the Inkling's ink gauge will not be shown at zero, unlike in all other modes.
*Inkling has a visual glitch where, while charging an emptied ink tank and stopping at the exact frame it reaches full capacity, the frame of the ink tank graphic next to Inkling's character portrait will be in the selected costume's ink color instead of the usual black outline. Continuing to charge or losing a stock will not fix this, but using an ink-based attack will.
*If {{SSBU|Kirby}} copies an Inkling, he will use the first ink color in character selection screen order that is unused for the match. This means that an orange Inkling being the only Inkling will make Kirby use blue ink; facing an orange and blue Inkling without yellow being present will make him use yellow ink; and so forth. However, he will always have an orange Splattershot, an ink tank, and hair.

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{SSBUCharacters}}
{{Splatoon universe}}
[[Category:Inkling (SSBU)| ]]
[[Category:Spirits]]
[[es:Inkling (SSBU)]]
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Templates	{{cleanup}} {{image}} {{reflist}} {{stub}} {{d}} {{delete}}
Formatting	<!----> <br> <code></code> <gallery></gallery> <nowiki></nowiki> <ref></ref> <references/> {{#widget:YouTube\|id=}}
Substitution	<includeonly></includeonly> <noinclude></noinclude>