Is the Splatoon Story Finished?#
If you are looking for a definitive conclusion, the answer depends on where you are in the series. The original Splatoon manga established the world of Inkopolis and the journey of Team Blue. However, the franchise continues with the sequel, Splatoon 3: Splatlands.
According to recent reports from April 2026, Splatoon 3: Splatlands has taken a break, indicating that the overall narrative is still ongoing. If you only consume the initial entries, you will find that the world expands further in the sequel. To get the full experience, you will need to follow the series through its subsequent releases.
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Themes and Appeal: Who is Splatoon For?#
Splatoon is a high-energy series set in Inkopolis, an urban landscape populated by humanoid squids known as Inklings. The story centers on “turf wars,” where teams use ink-based weaponry—such as inkzookas—to paint designated areas.
Key Appeal Points:#
- Underdog Spirit: The story follows Goggles, the optimistic leader of the low-ranked Team Blue, as they strive to win the Corocoro Cup.
- Teamwork and Growth: Alongside Goggles are his teammates Specs, Bobble Hat, and Headphones, whose combined drive and can-do attitude allow them to face off against highly skilled and quirky opponents.
- Vibrant World-Building: The series is perfect for fans of competitive tournament arcs, upbeat character dynamics, and colorful, imaginative settings.
Interested in bringing the ink-splatting action home? You can buy Splatoon merchandise here.
Recommended Reading and Watch Order#
Because the core of this series is rooted in its manga publications, the “watch order” is primarily a reading order. For the most cohesive experience, we suggest the following:
Release Order#
For those who want to experience the series as it was introduced to the world, follow the release dates. Start with the original Splatoon (2016) and move into Splatoon 3: Splatlands (2022).
Completionist Order#
For those who want every detail, the best path is to follow the chronological relationship tree provided on this page. This ensures you see the evolution of the Inklings’ turf wars from the beginning through to the latest developments in Splatlands.
For Source Material Enthusiasts#
If you prefer reading the original works, we highly recommend picking up the manga volumes. You can buy the Splatoon manga here.
While fans often search for animated adaptations of these battles, you can check for available streaming options and collaborations by searching for Splatoon on Prime Video.
Quick Summary for Newcomers#
Whether you are a fan of the games or new to the world of Inklings, the Splatoon manga offers a charming look at the competitive nature of the Corocoro Cup. Just keep in mind that the story is an ongoing venture, and the latest chapters of Splatlands are currently on a break as of mid-2026.
Splatoon • manga • 2016-02 (serialized in Bessatsu Coro Coro Comic Special)
└─(sequel)→ Splatoon 3: Splatlands • manga • 2022-09-15 (serialized in CoroCoro Comics)
