TheSplatoonseries has a tendency to hide tidbits of lore within collectibles found across its single-player campaigns, andSplatoon 3is no different. The Alterna Logs are unlockable documents made available to players after they reach a new site in the campaign’s setting of Alterna, and contains information regarding how it factors into the series' post-apocalyptic setting. While it may not have been obvious to players upon release, the Alterna Logs inSplatoon 3might provide a great foundation for the game’s Side Order DLC.
A majority of the Alterna Logs detail the fall of humanity and creation of Alterna in an underground cavern to try and preserve the last remaining humans. While the logs tell of the ultimate demise of these humans and the rise of ancestors to the modern Inklings, it also shares some important details about the discoveries made within Alterna. Given that past entries have teased future events with their collectibles, such as the foretelling ofBig Run inSplatoon 2’s Sunken Scrolls, the Alterna Logs may explain how the events of Side Order will unfold.
RELATED:Splatoon 3: Past Precedent Sets the Stage for an Off the Hook Role Reversal in Side Order
The Alterna Logs May Hold the Key to Side Order’s Alternate Reality
Alterna Log003: A New Sky describes an important discovery made following the settlement ofAlternaby humanity’s survivors. Scientists were able to synthesize liquid crystals from the fluid of squids living in Alterna that have the power to change color based on electrical signals emitted by living organisms. This new discovery essentially allowed them to read minds by projecting thoughts onto the walls of Alterna.
The log goes on to detail how the residents of Alterna lined the cavern walls with these crystals and projected their desire to return to the outside world, explaining how Splatoon’s bizarre and abstract environmental design came to be. With this in mind, perhaps Off the Hook’s Marina ends up projecting her jealousy over losingSplatoon 2’s final Splatfestto create a world where Team Order won. If that’s the case, it would explain how players are able to view this alternate reality in the Sider Order DLC, tying its events into the established story ofSplatoon 3.
It’s not yet clear what story Side Order will tell, but with the potential Alterna’s mind-reading crystals possess, it’s possible players could take a dive into Marina’s subconscious and even regress through her memories to uncover the deep-seated emotions she holds. This would be a compelling way to develop her character and could even show a different view of Pearl based on Marina’s perspective. WithOff the Hookin need of some more character development, Side Order could make great use of these crystals to give players a glimpse into the alternate world within Marina’s mind.
Later Alterna Logs reveal the eventual demise of humanity, but also share how the crystals filled with the memories and desires of humanity fell into the water to be absorbed by the sea creatures within. This event seems to have kick-started the evolution of the beings that inhabit the world ofSplatoonin the modern day. With how important of a catalyst these crystals were to the creation of the series' characters and world, it would be a shame to leave their lore relegated to text files in the Alterna Logs, so it’s very possibleSide Ordercould shine a proper spotlight on this important aspect ofSplatoon’s in-universe history.
Splatoon 3is available now for Nintendo Switch.
MORE:Splatoon 3’s Side Order DLC Antagonist Has a High Bar to Clear
