What Gloves Are and Why They Matter in Splatoon 2
Gloves are a special type of sub weapon in Splatoon 2 that temporarily disable your main and sub weapons when you activate them, replacing them with a close-range punching mechanic. They are designed for aggressive, high-mobility play, rewarding timing, positioning, and map knowledge. Because Gloves remove your ranged tools entirely, they are typically used in specific scenarios where their payoff—fast turf control, rapid point captures, or disrupting enemy positioning—outweighs the risk. Understanding when and how to deploy Gloves helps you build more flexible and adaptive toolkits across modes.
How Gloves Work: Mechanics and Restrictions
Activation and Effect Window
Equipping a Gloves weapon replaces your standard main and sub loadout while the ability is active. You cannot use your ink weapons, your special, or swim during the active period, so Gloves are almost always used on objectives or in short, decisive bursts. The activation usually lasts for a fixed window tied to the specific Gloves weapon, after which your original weapons return. Most Gloves require a manual activation input, and missing the activation window leaves you without a ranged option, so precise timing is essential.
Movement and Combat Style
Gloves shift your focus toward movement, dodging, and melee interactions. You can run faster than normal shooters, vault over small obstacles, and chain punches to close distance rapidly. Some Gloves add effects such as rolling, short teleport-style dashes, or hitbox-based trigger properties that reward technical execution. Because you have no ink coverage while active, you rely on routes, spawn timing, and enemy movement patterns to stay safe and efficient.
Notable Gloves Weapons in Splatoon 2
| Gloves Weapon | Primary Effect | Typical Use Case | Verification Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Splatknuckles | Fast close-range punches, strong against groups at point blank | Point races, aggressive tower control | Starter unlock; widely available from early levels |
| Bare Fists | Simple high damage per punch; straightforward timing | Objective rushes, one-shot neutralization | Common early-game option |
| Inkbrushes | Quick strikes with moderate mobility boost | Flanking routes, side engagements | Appears in regular Splatoon 2 rotations |
| Dualie Squelchers | Roll dodge activation, short teleport-style maneuver | Hit-and-run tactics, escaping crossfire | Signature stylized Gloves option |
When to Choose Gloves in Game Modes
Turf War and Rotation Practice
In standard Turf War, Gloves are niche because you lack sustained coverage; however, they can be effective for capturing neutral or damaged turf quickly when timing aligns with your team’s pressure. They are more consistent in private matches or custom lobbies where you can practice route timing and punch windows without the penalty of losing special ammo or main weapons for an extended period.
Ranked Battles and Object-Centric Modes
In modes such as Splat Zones, Tower Control, and Rainmaker, Gloves can shine in specific plans. For Splat Zones, a short Gloves burst can secure or flip a zone when coordinated with your team’s ink defense. In Tower Control, Gloves allow rapid payload pushes if you can protect the user during the activation window. In Rainmaker, Gloves can secure the Rainmaker at choke points, but you must account for the lack of ranged defense and coordinate with teammates who provide covering fire.
Building a Toolkit Around Gloves
Using Gloves effectively requires holistic loadout thinking. Because you sacrifice ranged options, you should plan around your team’s coverage, map geometry, and enemy composition. Pair Gloves with special weapons that can provide area denial or revive support, and choose gear that enhances your movement—such as faster specials, sub ink efficiency, or swim speed—to maximize the time you can operate without your main and sub weapons. Movement gear like Inkzooka or Bomber variants can compensate for the lack of ink while you engage up close.
Risk Management with Gloves
- Only activate Gloves when you have a clear route to the objective or a guaranteed target cluster.
- Use terrain, crates, and choke points to minimize exposure during the activation window.
- Coordinate with teammates to provide covering fire or distractions while you are vulnerable.
- Practice activation timing in private matches to ensure you hit your intended window consistently.
- Remember that a failed Gloves activation can leave you temporarily stranded without ranged options.
How Gloves Compare to Other Sub Weapons
Compared to typical shooters, Chargers, or Rollers, Gloves trade sustained damage and coverage for extreme close-range aggression and mobility. Against targets that are already pressured or low on health, Gloves can outperform most ranged tools in sheer speed and simplicity. Against spread-out or elevated enemies, or on maps with long sightlines, Gloves underperform and can punish an overcommitted player. Understanding these trade-offs helps you choose Gloves situationally rather than as a default playstyle.