Welcome to this Splatoon 2 Roller guide—a breakdown of one of the game’s most distinctive and fun weapon types. If you’re looking for high-impact splats, sneaky ambushes, and satisfying momentum-based combat, the Roller just might be your new best friend. Even if you didn’t vibe with it in the first game, Splatoon 2 has given the Roller a few key updates that make it more accessible and exciting than ever.

Whether you’re new to the weapon or looking to refine your style, this guide covers how the Roller works, how to survive using it, and how to squeeze every ounce of fun and effectiveness from your play.

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Understanding How the Roller Works

The Roller in Splatoon 2 offers three distinct forms of attack, each with its own strategic use:

1. Rolling (ZR Hold): Your character presses the Roller to the ground and paints a continuous trail while moving. Enemies in squid form that you roll over are instantly splatted. It’s fun for accidental kills and solid for covering turf, but not ideal for head-on combat—enemies will shoot you before you get close.
2. Horizontal Flick (ZR Tap): Tapping the fire button causes a heavy swing of ink in front of you. This attack works like a shotgun blast—instant splat at close range and diminishing damage at distance. Effective, but requires proper spacing.
3. Vertical Flick (Jump + ZR): Introduced in Splatoon 2, this move lets you jump and slam the Roller vertically, launching a line of ink a good distance ahead. It’s perfect for initiating from range, catching enemies off guard, or finishing an escape.

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Combat Tips and Tactics

The Roller isn’t built for head-on duels with shooters. Instead, it’s about stealth, positioning, and smart ambushes.

• Avoid frontal assaults. If your only tool is a melee-range weapon, don’t charge straight at a Splattershot. You’ll lose every time.
• Find alternate paths. Use map knowledge to sneak around flanks. The Roller rewards you for surprise over strength.
• Jump attacks are key. Dropping in from above and landing just behind your opponent is highly effective—especially when holding the Roller active to catch them even if you slightly miss the slam.
• Hide in ink. Wait around corners or behind ledges where enemies will pass by. Since Splatoon 2 is third-person, you can peek around corners in squid form while staying hidden. Place a patch of your own ink nearby—enemies are naturally drawn to it and might unwittingly step right into your trap.
• Know your range. Assess whether a flick, jump flick, or full run-over is appropriate. Misjudging this can turn a clean splat into a missed opportunity.

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Sub Weapon Sneak: Curling Bomb Ambush

If you’re using the Splat Roller kit with Curling Bombs, take advantage of the “sub weapon sneak.”

Here’s how:

• Toss a Curling Bomb forward
• Swim through the trail it leaves
• Pop out behind enemy lines

This strategy is excellent for ambushes or pushing territory, but be cautious: enemies might intercept you mid-route. Pairing this with Ninja Squid makes you harder to see and increases the tactic’s success.

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Objective Awareness and Final Pushes

Remember: Turf War is about coverage, not kills. Some Roller users forget this in the heat of battle.

• Use your Roller to ink as much turf as possible, especially in the last 30 seconds. This is where games are often won or lost.
• If your team is being spawn-trapped, consider pushing through enemy lines or flanking with a Curling Bomb. Even if it doesn’t turn the match around, it can disrupt the enemy long enough for your team to regroup—and it’s a lot more fun than staying stuck in spawn.
• Better yet, if you survive the push, your teammates can super jump to you. Suddenly, you’ve created an opening.

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Summary Tips

• Always pick your engagements wisely. You’re a blade, not a gun.
• Ambush from above or behind, and use corners and ink trails to your advantage.
• Jump flicks are vital for mid-range or missed initial hits.
• Use Curling Bombs for flanking or fast travel.
• Ink turf constantly, especially in the final moments.

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Final Word

The Roller is not for everyone, but if you enjoy stealth tactics, ambush kills, and a uniquely aggressive approach to map control, it can be one of the most rewarding weapons in the game.

It might not always work in top-tier lobbies, but it’s a fantastic way to enjoy Splatoon with flair and creativity. If you’ve got Roller tips of your own or want to request another weapon guide, share them with the community.