Hackers are causing trouble for multiplayer Splatoon players, thanks to a kernel exploit found in an older version of the Wii U’s firmware. According to several reports from players and dedicated Splatoon communities, players are able to modify their save file to change their character ID from 0 and 1, which represent the Inklings, to a 2, which represents the Octolings. This gives the player the ability to play as an Octoling and use the hydra splatter.
The problem starts when these players play online, as the game is not programmed to handle the Octolings as playable characters. If they happen to be loaded into your Inkopolis Plaza, it could wreak havoc on your game save. Some players are reporting that their saves are soft-locked, meaning they can’t play until the next Splatfest when the plaza is cleared, or Nintendo fixes the issue.
Here are some quick tips for avoiding this issue if you plan on playing Splatoon in the coming days.
- Back up your save file on a USB drive, just in case you encounter a hacked Octoling.
- If you find yourself in a match with one, don’t leave! Leaving or getting disconnected with the person in the match is enough to cause the soft-lock.
- Take down the name of the player and report them, so they don’t cause issues for others.
Have you encountered any hacked Octolings while playing Splatoon online? Let us know in the comments.
