In the fast-paced, tactical world of Splatoon 3, sub weapons often take a backseat to flashy specials and stylish main weapon combos — but overlook them, and you’re leaving potential power untapped. Subs are far more impactful than they seem at first glance. Whether you’re trying to improve your own usage or learn how to counter opponents who use them well, this guide offers one tip for and against every sub weapon in the game.

Let’s dive right in.

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Splat Bomb

• For: Control the detonation time. Rolling it low makes it explode fast. Lobbing it high delays the explosion. This is especially useful for tossing it over ledges to reduce enemy reaction time.
• Against: Expect it as a panic tool. Players like juniors may throw it at their feet — don’t overcommit, especially with slow weapons like blasters that can get punished mid-jump.

Suction Bomb

• For: Use partial cover to hide the bomb’s body. If even a small part peeks over a ledge, the explosion still goes through — a sneaky way to surprise foes.
• Against: Suction bombs have a long delay before detonation. Use that time to decide whether to move ahead or rotate — but make your decision quickly to avoid being displaced.

Burst Bomb

• For: Think teamwork. Burst bombs aren’t just for personal combos — use them to support allies in fights with chip damage and painting.
• Against: Paint your feet if hit to escape quickly. Watch burst bomb users’ ink tanks — limiting their spam reduces pressure, especially for slower weapons.

Autobomb

• For: Use often and creatively. It’s cheap (55% ink), deals chip damage, and gives away enemy locations. Great for checking corners.
• Against: You can detonate them early by approaching them. Step close to make them stop and begin exploding, shortening their threat window.

Fizzy Bomb

• For: Don’t default to charge-and-throw. Use it for chip damage, lingering paint, and fast escape routes — it’s versatile.
• Against: It has startup time. If someone’s already on top of the fizzy bomb user, the bomb won’t save them. Push aggressively.

Torpedo

• For: Three tips here:
  1. Target slow-charging weapons like blasters or chargers.
  2. Throw from the sides or behind to make it harder to shoot down.
  3. Use the bounce roll version as a giant burst bomb — no lock-on, but great combo damage.
• Against: Fast weapons should shoot them down — especially to protect teammates using slow weapons.

Curling Bomb

• For: It’s a mind game tool. Throw it, then threaten to follow its path. Used best with short-range weapons like rollers or sploosh.
• Against: Don’t fear it like a traditional bomb. Its damage is low, and charged throws take time. Push the user if they commit.

Ink Mine

• For: Don’t place it too far back to cover flanks — put it where enemies are actually likely to step, so it activates early and reveals them.
• Against: If one starts going off, parry the damage. You’ll still be marked, but you can avoid chip or lethal pressure.

Toxic Mist

• For: Use sparingly. It doesn’t deal damage or paint, so throw it only when its effect will meaningfully disrupt enemy movement.
• Against: Manage your ink well. Squid roll is also highly effective for escaping mist zones.

Point Sensor

• For: Aim for choke points, ledges, and sharking spots. These are high-value scan zones.
• Against: If you get marked, stay productive. Flanking may be harder, but paint or assist until the effect wears off.

Splash Wall

• For: Master throwing it on tower during Tower Control. Jump back and toss — it’ll land on the tower and protect your push.
• Against: If your weapon has a bomb or solid DPS, break it! Don’t fight wall users on their terms — force 2v1s.

Sprinkler

• For: Use it for chip damage or quick paint coverage. Throwing it at your feet can help tank a hit and clear space.
• Against: If it’s in a low-impact area, ignore it. Don’t waste time chasing an irrelevant sprinkler.

Squid Beacon

• For: Spread them out. Clustering beacons makes them easier to clear. Distant placement forces enemies to spend more time removing them.
• Against: Beacon users often check the map to see who’s near. Destroy beacons from a safe distance to avoid being spotted.

Angle Shooter (Line Marker)

• For: Aim it along the ground to maximize wire coverage and chances of tagging. Combo damage is limited unless you’re a slosher.
• Against: If you get hit, don’t panic — unless they’re using a combo weapon, it’s not a huge threat. Run and heal.

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Final Thoughts

Every sub weapon has its place, and knowing when — and when not — to use it can transform your game. Understanding their interactions gives you a huge edge not just in using them effectively, but in outplaying your opponents.

More sub weapons are sure to arrive in future updates, and when they do, we’ll update this guide accordingly. Until then, practice with what you’ve got, and don’t underestimate the power of a well-thrown bomb.