name: mechinterp-ability-semantics description: Reference for ability family semantic groupings and gameplay meanings

MechInterp Ability Semantics Reference

This skill provides domain knowledge about ability semantic groupings in Splatoon 3. Use this reference AFTER forming hypotheses to validate interpretations against gameplay semantics.

When to Use This Skill

After observing patterns in enhancers/suppressors
When interpreting what a feature "means" strategically
To check if observed groupings match known semantic categories
To avoid missing obvious semantic interpretations

IMPORTANT: Form hypotheses from data FIRST, then check this reference. Don't use this to guide initial exploration.

Semantic Groupings

Death-Mitigation (Death-Accepting) Abilities

These abilities provide value when the player dies. Players using these implicitly accept that dying is part of their strategy.

Ability	Effect	Strategic Implication
`quick_respawn`	Faster respawn after death	Aggressive trading, accepts deaths
`special_saver`	Keep more special charge on death	Death is acceptable, special matters
`comeback`	Stat boost for 20s after respawn	Deliberately plays for respawn buff
`respawn_punisher`	Punish enemy deaths, accept own	Very aggressive, kill-or-be-killed

Interpretation: If these are suppressed, the feature likely encodes "death-averse" or "survival-focused" builds.

Mobility Abilities

Enhance movement speed and repositioning.

Ability	Effect	Strategic Implication
`swim_speed_up`	Faster movement in ink	Rotation, flanking, escaping
`run_speed_up`	Faster movement while shooting	Strafe fights, aggressive positioning
`quick_super_jump`	Faster super jump	Rotation, escaping danger
`stealth_jump`	Hidden super jump	Flanking, aggressive repositioning

Special-Focused Abilities

Center gameplay around special weapons.

Ability	Effect	Strategic Implication
`special_charge_up`	Build special faster	Special-centric playstyle
`special_power_up`	Stronger special effects	Special investment, timing-based
`special_saver`	Keep charge on death	Special preservation

Ink Efficiency Abilities

Sustain ink output over time.

Ability	Effect	Strategic Implication
`ink_saver_main`	Less main weapon ink usage	Sustained fire, painting
`ink_saver_sub`	Less sub weapon ink usage	Sub-focused builds
`ink_recovery_up`	Faster ink tank refill	Sustained pressure

Defensive Abilities

Protect against enemy effects.

Ability	Effect	Strategic Implication
`ink_resistance_up`	Reduced enemy ink damage	Frontline fighting
`sub_resistance_up`	Reduced sub weapon damage	Counter-sub, defensive
`intensify_action`	Squid surge, squid roll buffs	Evasive maneuvers

Aggressive/Slayer Abilities

Abilities that enhance kill potential.

Ability	Effect	Strategic Implication
`ninja_squid`	No ripples while swimming	Flanking, ambush
`stealth_jump`	Hidden landing marker	Aggressive rotation
`thermal_ink`	Track damaged enemies	Hunting, finishing kills
`respawn_punisher`	Punish enemy deaths	Commit to kills

Situational/Utility Abilities

Niche or situational effects.

Ability	Effect	Strategic Implication
`opening_gambit`	Strong start-of-game buff	Opening rushes, early aggression
`last_ditch_effort`	End-of-game buff	Clutch plays, overtime
`comeback`	Post-death buff	Death-accepting aggression
`tenacity`	Special charge when team disadvantaged	Team support
`object_shredder`	Damage to non-player objects	Objective control
`drop_roller`	Roll on super jump landing	Safe aggression, repositioning
`haunt`	Track killer after death	Information after death

Semantic Oppositions

Some ability groupings are conceptually opposed:

Concept A	vs	Concept B
Death-accepting (QR, SS, CB)		Death-averse (survival builds)
Special-focused (SCU)		Paint/efficiency-focused (ISM, ISS)
Aggressive (ninja_squid, SJ)		Defensive (IR, SR)
Frontline (RSU, ninja_squid)		Backline (SSU, QSJ)

Interpretation Patterns

Pattern: Death-Mitigation Suppression

If observed: quick_respawn, special_saver, comeback appear as suppressors (low high_rate_ratio)

Interpretation: Feature encodes builds that avoid dying. Players with high activation prioritize survival over respawn efficiency.

Example label: "Death-Averse Special Build" or "Clean SCU Stacker (no death perks)"

Pattern: SCU + Opening Gambit Enhancement

If observed: special_charge_up + opening_gambit both enhanced

Interpretation: Feature encodes aggressive opening special rushes. Get special fast, use it early.

Example label: "Opening Special Rush" or "First Special Aggression"

Pattern: Mobility + Slayer Enhancement

If observed: ninja_squid, stealth_jump, swim_speed_up enhanced

Interpretation: Feature encodes flanking/slayer playstyle.

Example label: "Aggressive Flanker Kit"

Pattern: Defensive Suppression

If observed: ink_resistance_up, sub_resistance_up suppressed

Interpretation: Feature prefers builds that don't need defensive abilities (perhaps ranged or support).

Example label: "Backline Support (no frontline abilities)"

Common Misinterpretations

What You See	Naive Interpretation	Better Interpretation
SCU dominant	"SCU detector"	Check for suppressed abilities to understand WHAT KIND of SCU
Death perks suppressed	"Anti-death feature"	"Death-AVERSE build" - players who don't plan to die
Mobility enhanced	"Mobility detector"	Check if specific mobility type (flanking vs rotation)
Single weapon class	"Weapon-specific"	Check ability patterns - might be playstyle, not weapon

Checklist for Semantic Validation

After forming a hypothesis, verify:

Does the enhancer pattern match a known semantic group?
Does the suppressor pattern match an opposing semantic group?
Is the interpretation consistent with gameplay strategy?
Could there be a simpler explanation (pure token detection)?
Does the weapon distribution support the semantic interpretation?

mechinterp-ability-semantics

SKILL.md