Editing Inkling (SSBU)

|image = {{tabber|title1=Girl|content1=[[File:Inkling SSBU.png|x240px]]|title2=Boy|content2=[[File:Inkling-Alt1 SSBU.png|x240px]]}}

'''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 {{SSBU|Daisy}} and {{SSBU|Ridley}}. Inkling is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #64]], the first fighter number of the [[newcomer]]s.

{{iw|inkipedia|Yuki Tsuji}} reprises his role as the voices of both the Inkling's male and female counterparts in all regions, albeit via recycled voice clips from ''{{iw|inkipedia|Splatoon}}'' and ''{{iw|inkipedia|Splatoon 2}}''.

 

Inkling is currently ranked 49th out of 82 on the ''Ultimate'' [[tier list]], placing her in 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 [[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|Smash attacks]] (as well as the [[Splat Roller]]) are difficult to score clean hits with and highly punishable on block or whiff, the [[sweet spot (hitbox)|sweet spot]] 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 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}}, the character 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 base thanks to the efforts of players such as {{Sm|Shirayuki}} and {{Sm|showers}}.

Inkling's greatest strength is, fittingly, fast general movement and attack speed. Inkling's dash is notable for shifting their entire hurtbox during movement, which in some cases allows them to low-profile through certain attacks, and its obscure animation - which shares a visual similarity with her spot dodge animation - as well as their 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 their 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 their 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. As a result, opponents can have a tough time finding openings in her offense, since their high speed and low landing lag allow their to weave around any foe very easily and an extremely potent [[combo]] ability easily turns any mistake on their end into a potential combo starter.

The character's damage racking potential is further enhanced by the unique {{b|ink|status}} mechanic, lifted from their origin series. Select 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 respectable startup due to it coming out on frame 3. It sports 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 their attributes. Despite having a relatively linear [[recovery]], Inkling is able to 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 their 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]] them, and 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 their [[back aerial]], which is one of her 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 is able to combo into itself at mid-percents, which can lead to a [[wall of pain]] in certain situations. Their [[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 makes for a powerful frame trapping tool, particularly on opponents that are recovering on the ledge.

Even with a solid set of strengths, the character 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 the character to rely on [[read]]s, edgeguarding, and immaculate spacing in order 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 of their moves, as without ink, they lose 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 their 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 their [[up tilt]] which lacks decent horizontal coverage, as well as their [[neutral aerial]], meaning that, despite their good aerial speed, they possess 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. Their deceptive traits and a strong set of attacks make her a versatile fighter that excels both at defensive and offensive play. However, their lack of easy KO options relative to the upper-tier cast forces the character to maintain strong consistency in her play, as she can occasionally struggle to score KOs and make up [[stock]] deficits, particularly against opponents who have a much easier time KOing or stuffing out their movement options. In addition, Inkling's potential in [[doubles]] was noted by [[Masahiro Sakurai]] himself as being one of the character's strengths, allowing teammates to rack up damage even faster.  

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.

After receiving negligible buffs to the consistency of her 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 her ink.

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

<!--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.

*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 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 depletes her ink tank, it will flash with a red "X" while 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.

|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.

|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.

|utiltdesc=An outside crescent kick. Can combo into itself up to three times at 0% or twice at low percents, 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}}.

|dtiltdesc=A {{iw|wikipedia|windmill|b-boy move}} (a breakdancing move). Hits twice and is able to 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.

|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.

|usmashdesc=Fires a {{iw|inkipedia|Blaster}} upward, which covers opponents in ink. The Blaster itself has a hitbox that is active 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.

|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.

|nairdesc=An aerial {{iw|wikipedia|headspin}} (a breakdancing move). It has the quickest startup of Inkling's aerials, coming out on frame 5. 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.

|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.

|bairdesc=Swings the Splattershot backward. It sports one of the larger disjointed hitboxes in Inkling's moveset, and its low landing and ending lag makes 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.

|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.

|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.

|pummeldmg=1.3%

|pummeldesc=Stomps on the opponent's foot. Average power and speed. Resembles [[Peach]]'s pummel prior to ''Ultimate''.

|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.

|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.

|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.

|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.

|floorfdesc=Shoots the Splattershot on both sides. Despite its appearance, the move does not apply ink to opponents.

|floorbdesc=Shoots the Splattershot on both sides. Despite its appearance, the move does not apply ink to opponents.

|floortdesc=Shoots the Splattershot on both sides. Despite its appearance, the move does not apply ink to opponents.

|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.

|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 slow, 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.  

|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.

|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 charge applied. Has multiple uses, including [[edgeguarding]], setting traps, or KOing at high percentages. If this move is used without any ink, she 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.

[[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]].]]

**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.

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.

 

*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.

InklingOnScreenAppearanceSSBU.gif|Inkling's on-screen appearance.

*'''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.

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.

SSBUInklingIdle1.gif|Inkling's first idle pose.

SSBUInklingIdle2.gif|Inkling's second idle pose.

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 both 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: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.

''See also: [[:Category:Inkling players (SSBU)]]''

*{{Sm|Bedgar|Mexico}} - One of the best Inkling players in North America in the early metagame, and was a top 10 player in Mexico during this time, achieving several high placements such as 2nd at the regional {{Trn|WeTecThose 9}} defeating {{Sm|Maister}}, 4th at the superregional {{Trn|Smash Fest to the Sky}}, and 17th at the supermajor {{Trn|GENESIS 7}}. He has since dropped Inkling for {{SSBU|Palutena}}.

*{{Sm|Cosmos|USA}} - The best Inkling player of all time, achieving a string of strong performances that no other Inkling players have ever achieved since, which included a string of top 8 placements in the first few months of competition. He has since dropped Inkling, although he briefly returned to the character in mid-2023 to mixed success.

*{{Sm|Shirayuki|Japan}} - The best Inkling player in the world in the post-online metagame. He is the highest-placing Inkling player at a major, placing 2nd at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 9}}.

*{{Sm|showers|Japan}} - The second-best Inkling player in Japan. He regularly places well at Japanese events, most notably 3rd at the major {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 14}} with a win over {{Sm|Asimo}}.

*{{Sm|Space|Netherlands}} - One of the best Inkling players in the world for the first few years of competitive play. His most notable run with Inkling was at the major {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2019}}, where he defeated {{Sm|Kameme}} and {{Sm|Glutonny}} to place 3rd. He has since shifted his focus towards {{SSBU|Pyra}} and {{SSBU|Mythra}}, although he still uses the character on occasion.

===Tier placement and history===

Inkling was initially seen as a very promising character in the meta due to her outstanding frame data, damage output through the ink mechanic, safe aerials on shield, her effective edgeguard ability, and KO confirms off of her grab and Splat Roller. In addition, her 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 her a large and strong playerbase that was spearheaded by {{Sm|Cosmos}}, who placed top 8 at multiple major events with Inkling. As a result, the general consensus was that Inkling was a top-tier threat in the early metagame.

 

However, this honeymoon period would not last long as Inkling's representation began to decline in the second half of 2019. Although Inkling players continued to see strong performances, most notably {{Sm|Space}} in Europe, Inkling's overall results declined as players learned how to abuse Inkling's weaknesses, which included her 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]] due to a string of weaker performances. Inkling further declined during and after the online era as more and more players began dropping the character for better characters; most notably, both Cosmos and Space either dropped the character or slowly relegated the character to a secondary in favor of {{SSBU|Pyra}} and {{SSBU|Mythra}}. This turned the community's opinions on the character, with many players believing the character was not even a high-tier, much less a top-tier.

 

There were glimmers of hope for Inkling as new Inkling players started to make waves in the post-online 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. Futhermore, 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 the character out from time-to-time. As a result, although Inkling's representation in the current metagame pales in comparison to her representation in the early metagame, it is nonetheless respectable, leading to Inkling's placement on the first tier list, where she was ranked 46th and later ranked 49th on the second and current tier list as an upper-mid tier character.

|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.

|Final||[[Marx]]||[[Mysterious Dimension]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Calamari Inkantation}}''||Represents all of the colors mixed together.

The Inklings of both genders were among the fighters that were summoned to fight the army of [[Master Hand]]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''.

==In Spirit Battles==

Inkling Trailer.png|The female Inkling with the Smash symbol in their eye, as seen during ''Ultimate''{{'}}s first teaser trailer.

SSBUWebsiteInkling1.jpg|The female Inkling on [[Moray Towers]].

SSBUWebsiteInkling2.jpg|The male Inkling using his forward smash on {{SSBU|Luigi}} at [[Luigi's Mansion]].

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]].

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}}.

*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.

*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}}.

*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.

*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.

*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 her dashing animation using her 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 her ink gauge.

*If an Inkling opponent gets KO'd in either a Horde Battle or in [[Mob Smash]], her ink gauge will not be shown at zero, unlike in all other modes.