One of the most sought-after emotes in Splatoon 3 is the Dab, but in order to unlock it, you’ll have to complete a number of steps.

Splatoon has always been a series of games that empower its players to express themselves, and emotes are just another way to allow fans to do just that.

Introduced in Splatoon 3, emotes are extremely fun to use and unlock, but getting there can be a little tricky. However, if you follow some simple steps and grind just a bit, you should have that Dab in no time.

Emotes are only just one kind of unlock in Splatoon 3, so once you’ve gotten the ultimate Dab emote, why not set your sights on unlocking some incredibly helpful food and drink tickets in Splatoon 3?

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How Do You Unlock the Dab Emote in Splatoon 3?

In order to unlock the Dab emote in Splatoon 3, you will need to first unlock the Catalog and then progress through it until you reach level 98. Just follow these easy steps to get it:

  • Unlock the Catalog from Harmony’s shop Hotlantis
  • Progress through the Catalog by earning Catalog points
  • Reach Level 98 of the Catalog
an Inkling dabbing in Splatoon 3 next to various unlockables such as headphones

If you’re unsure how you unlock the Catalog, then don’t worry, as it is a very easy process. Progressing through its levels is obviously a little trickier, but we’ve got some tips on how to earn Catalog points later in this guide!

How Long Is the Dab Emote Available For?

The Dab emote is a part of the Drizzle Season 2022, which lasts until November 30, 2022. Once it’s over, a new Catalog will appear with brand-new items to unlock.

This means that you will no longer be able to get the Dab emote once the Drizzle Season 2022 is over unless it is also included in the next Season.

the Drizzle Season 2022 menu from Splatoon 3 with a yellow squid in the middle

So, grind as much as you can and earn those Catalog points as quickly as possible until November 30, 2022. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on this wonderful emote.

How Many Catalog Points Does it Cost to Unlock the Dab?

In order to get to Catalog level 98, you will need a whopping 931,000 Catalog points. Fortunately, they can be obtained completely for free, so you won’t need to fork over money just to Dab as a squid!

However, there are a handful of things you can do in order to obtain more Catalog points and get the Dab emote a little quicker:

  • Winning matches will yield more Catalog points, however losing still gets you some
  • Your first win of the day will grant you 7500 Catalog points
  • Playing Salmon Run also nets you Catalog points

How Do You Claim the Dab Emote in Splatoon 3?

Once you’ve unlocked the Dab emote through Splatoon 3’s Catalog, you’ll need to head to Harmony’s shop and claim it from her.

Just head to her general store Hotlantis, which can be located in Splatsville, and talk to her. A quick way to access her shop is to do the following:

  • Press X to bring up the menu
  • Head to the shops section
  • Select General
Harmony from Splatoon 3 inside her Hotlantis general store

Once you’re there, Harmony will give you the Dab, and then all you need to do is equip it.

How to Equip Emotes in Splatoon 3

In order to equip your emotes in Splatoon 3, you’ll need to head to your inventory and choose which one you want to use. To do that, simply follow these easy steps:

  • Press + to open your inventory
  • Head to the emotes section (on the far right)
  • Select the emote you want to use in your inventory by pressing A
the emote equip menu from Splatoon 3

What Are Emotes?

Emotes are a form of unlockable cosmetics in Splatoon 3 that allows players to use a fun animation after battles.

Players start with one emote already unlocked called Flip Out, which is currently the only emote that includes whatever weapon the player has equipped within its animation.

How Do You Use Emotes in Splatoon 3?

Players automatically use whichever emote they have equipped in Splatoon 3 at the end of an online battle.

There’s, unfortunately, no way to show off your emotes within a match or even outside of one like you can in Fortnite. You’re limited to using any emote you unlock during the match results screen.

If you want to stand a chance at winning matches and getting the Dab emote a little quicker, then you may want to consider using the best guns in Splatoon 3 to give yourself a helping hand.

And, if you’re into finishing everything the game has to offer, then why not try and unlock every Badge in Splatoon 3?