Quick Links
At first glance, the Roller in Splatoon 3 seems like a typical paint roller. Compared to the day-to-day roller, however, Rollers in Splatoon 3 are one of the deadliest primary weapons in the game. Aside from being able to fling deadly ink blobs at medium range, players who specialize in Rollers capitalize on its key feature: running on the ground while spreading ink.
While Rollers give the battlefield a much-needed paint job, they’re easily one of the highest-damaging weapons in the game. Most Rollers will instantly splat enemies that come in their way, forcing everyone to be wary of their presence. And for players who want to wreak havoc with the Roller, just what are some Roller builds that players need to check out?
Why Go Roller: Area Denial Specialty
Players most likely love Splatoon 3 gameplay not just for its non-bloody action-packed combat, but also for the ability to quite literally spread paint all over the battlefield. Those who want to do this while still ruining the enemy’s day can easily rely on the Roller to do the job, as it focuses more on inking territory while delaying the enemy’s advance with its few melee skills.
Of course, this weapon is more suited for players who like to go up close without necessarily using the Splattana, and even then only going melee in emergencies. This makes the Roller unideal for players who love engaging other enemies. However, players may want to consider the backsplash of the initial press (horizontal) and the mid-air slash (vertical) that not only marks large areas but also make for deadly attacks.
Rollers Gear Abilities: Go For Mobility
With an exploration-heavy Splatoon 3 weapon like the Roller, players of Splatoon 3 who want to use this weapon should try to use this from the perspective of extremely mobile gameplay options. In turn, its ideal Gear Abilities should help encourage exploration on the part of players, motivating them to take more risks when pushing deep into enemy territory. Ideal general Gear Abilities are likely the following:
- Comeback: A weapon like the Roller that encourages heavy exposure in the frontlines can benefit from the temporary ability boosts Comeback will provide upon dying, making even death a worthwhile advantage in the right moments.
- Quick Super Jump: Being able to jump much faster towards different positions can make the Roller user much harder to target. Moreover, the quick repositioning options this weapon provides can help players push into enemy territory more frequently.
- Ink Resistance Up: With this weapon encouraging moving around the battlefield to establish territory, taking less damage from - and moving much faster in - enemy ink can encourage more tactical movement with the Roller.
Splat Roller: Short-Distance Rolling
- Sub-Weapon: Curling Bomb
- Special: Big Bubbler
Players looking for a way to start their rolling journey with the Roller might appreciate the short-distance potential of the Splat Roller. Considered one of the best beginner-friendly Rollers out there, this Splatoon 3 weapon has impressive inking capabilities, with a well-timed and well-aimed hit being able to splat a vulnerable Inkling. Its only setback is its potential limited by its short range, which in turn can encourage players to get more tactical with their zoning.
When using this weapon, players are encouraged to stay in comms with teammates so they know where in particular to roll in order to create a steady defensive line. Meanwhile, Curling Bomb can allow players to have a safe area of engagement in close range, with its ink splat serving as a relative safe zone for retreat. And in extreme danger, using Big Bubbler can force enemy players to steer clear as the player makes for a tactical exit.
Flingza: No Escape Up Top
- Sub-Weapon: Ink Mine
- Special: Tenta Missiles
Since climbing takes time in Splatoon 3 maps, securing higher surfaces can be a surefire way for a team’s defense in each match. This isn’t immediately the case when using the Flingza, as its characteristics as a weapon is built precisely to fight enemies who try to go to secure the safety of a higher position. While the Flingza does have slower vertical swings, it excels in striking upwards with a rather high inking potential. Moreover, it’s no slouch on the horizontal vantage point as well, as it’s just as capable of securing close-to-mid-ranged offense like a regular Roller.
Either way, players may want to take advantage of the weapon’s Ink Mine to secure large areas for allies to maneuver around in the thick of combat. Not to mention, the high area-inking potential of this weapon can give players quicker access to Tenta Missiles, which can then transform this weapon into an aggressive armament even for a short while.
Dynamo Roller: Long Distance Area Control
- Sub-Weapon: Sprinkler
- Special: Tacticooler
Players who want their Splatoon 3 gameplay to become more about securing areas instead of solely fighting enemies will appreciate the Dynamo Roller for its inherent large areas of effect. Despite its slow firing rate and rather mediocre mobility, players who love paying more attention on which areas give their team the best advantages will definitely enjoy a more tactical take on inking with the Dynamo Roller.
At its core, players should try to attack at a much longer distance compared to ordinary Rollers. Given its low damage, the Dynamo Roller is more of an offensive support ability that weakens opponents for the rest of the team to finish. To make this hurt more on the opponent’s part, deploying the Sprinkler behind them can force their retreat to get much deadlier on their part. Moreover, deploying the Tacticooler even before combat begins can put the enemy team at a severe disadvantage in terms of buffs.
Carbon Roller: Prioritize Zoning
- Sub-Weapon: Auto Bomb
- Special: Zipcaster
At first glance, the Carbon Roller doesn’t seem as useful as a Roller considering its low damage and offensive capabilities. However, its accessibility does make it a relatively easy weapon to use with regards to securing areas for the team - especially when securing above-ground areas due to its mobility potential. This area’s inherent rolling speed works well in areas without the team’s ink.
To make players dominate area control more efficiently, players are advised to use the other components of this weapon. For instance, Auto Bomb is a great way of identifying where enemy targets are positioned, with the Zipcaster being a nifty way of zipping in and out of danger from Splatoon 3 opponents whenever necessary.
Splatoon 3 is playable on the Nintendo Switch.