Welcome to the 17th entry of the Victionary, where we break down the ins and outs of weapons in Splatoon 2. This time, we’re diving into the Custom Jet Squelcher—a long-range backliner equipped with Burst Bombs and the Sting Ray. This kit gives it significant control and denial capabilities across several key modes and maps. Whether you’re considering picking it up or refining your game, this guide provides you with the insights needed to make the most of this weapon.

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Weapon Overview

The Custom Jet Squelcher (CJS) is a mid-to-long-range shooter with one of the farthest shooting distances among shooters. What makes this variant so potent is the synergy between its accurate shots, quick-start Burst Bombs, and game-changing Sting Ray.

Sub: Burst Bomb

• Quick to throw and explode
• Does 25-60 damage depending on direct or indirect hit
• Great for softening up opponents or finishing them off after chip damage

Special: Sting Ray

• Pierces walls and obstacles
• Tracks enemies during use
• Effective at stopping objective pushes or punishing grouped opponents

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Strengths of the Custom Jet Squelcher

• Superior Spacing: Outrange most weapons and punish them before they can reach you.
• Map Control: Excellent at holding down narrow chokepoints and linear maps.
• Versatility: Provides paint support, burst mobility, and pressure with Sting Ray.
• Defensive Pressure: Excels at shutting down anchor weapons and objective carriers from afar.

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Core Concepts: Spacing and Positioning

“Spacing” means keeping yourself in a position where you can hit your opponents while staying outside of their range. The Custom Jet thrives on this. On maps like Camp Triggerfish, Shellendorf Institute, and Walleye Warehouse, the straight paths and grating give you natural power positions.

Always watch for enemy players trying to flank or reach your perch. On Shellendorf for instance, you’ll want to contest the central grating but remain ready to retreat if enemy long-ranged weapons like a Hydra Splatling approach. If you’re forced into a close-range duel, your Burst Bombs offer one of the best chances at surviving among backliners.

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Using Burst Bombs Effectively

Burst Bombs shine in all areas of play:

• Close Combat: Chip enemies and finish them with two quick shots.
• Zoning: Force enemies off objectives or deny entryways.
• Painting: Quickly flip Splat Zones when left uncontested.
• Utility: Paint walls, flush out enemies, or weaken baller users.

You only need two Burst Bombs to splat if you land both indirectly. A direct hit followed by even a single Jet Squelcher shot can confirm a splat.

Avoid investing too much into Ink Saver Sub—you’ll rarely need three consecutive bombs, and other abilities offer more impact.

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Mode-Specific Strategy

Splat Zones

• Use Burst Bombs to neutralize zones or flip them quickly.
• Stay mobile, rotate angles, and avoid tunnel vision—your bombs can’t detect flanks.
• Pair with an aggressive team to push up without abandoning control.

Tower Control

• Sting Ray can eliminate riders or support pushes.
• Burst Bomb the tower to pressure riders or deny ambushes.
• Paint the tower path to allow teammates safe passage.
• If forced into riding the tower, use burst bombs and quick strafes to outplay close-range attackers.

Rainmaker

• Use Jet Squelcher’s range to pop the shield or zone out enemies from a distance.
• Sting Ray to destroy pushes or clear paths.
• Track opposing movement on the map to repaint paths and deny flanks.
• Burst Bombs can trap or weaken the carrier and teammates setting up paths.

Clam Blitz

• Sting Ray can destroy clustered defenders or halt a power clam approach.
• Be cautious against baller pushes—breaking them can lead to instant clam throws.
• Use Burst Bombs to pressure scoring positions or defend chokepoints.
• Paint walls to support teammate mobility—walls equal time, and time equals defense.

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Sting Ray Tips

• Don’t use Sting Ray when there’s only one enemy alive—save it for group pressure or major pushes.
• Activate it from safe cover and use the enemy silhouettes to track and eliminate key targets.
• Combo with teammates by marking enemy positions and calling them out.
• Use Sting Ray preemptively to suppress zones or delay a power clam rush.
• Fire through narrow corridors or alleyways where enemies are likely to group up.

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Movement, Map Control, and Support

The Jet Squelcher is all about safe engagement and persistent map control:

• Stay on perches or high ground when possible.
• Rotate your position after every engagement to avoid becoming predictable.
• Support your team by painting behind and around them, especially when they’re in danger.
• Paint walls often—your teammates may need them at critical moments.

Your strength lies in visibility and pressure, not flashy solo plays. Stay alive, stay active, and keep feeding your Sting Ray and burst options.

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Recommended Abilities

• Ink Recovery Up: Refuel faster after throwing Burst Bombs.
• Special Charge Up: More Sting Rays = more pressure.
• Ink Saver Main: Increases shooting uptime.
• Swim Speed Up: For repositioning and quick disengagement.

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Summary

The Custom Jet Squelcher is a brilliant choice for players who like to manage space, support their team with pressure tools, and maintain safety while applying consistent map coverage. It’s not the flashiest weapon—but in the hands of a disciplined, tactical player, it can decide the game from afar.

Key takeaways:

• Use spacing and range to stay safe.
• Support your team with paint and Sting Ray.
• Utilize Burst Bombs for pressure and defense.
• Play smart—your job is to stay alive and make the right picks.

Thanks for reading! If you have thoughts, tips, or strategies of your own, feel free to share. Looking for another weapon guide? Dive into the rest of the Victionary and find your next main.