Splatoon Raiders: A Game-Changing Evolution for the Nintendo Switch 2

For years, Splatoon has been the gold standard for chaotic, colorful multiplayer ink-shooters. But as we look toward the next generation of hardware, Nintendo is doing something bold. Splatoon Raiders, a highly anticipated exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2, is stepping away from the competitive arena to deliver the experience solo players have been dreaming of: a full-fledged, single-player campaign.

After three iterations of refined multiplayer formulas, Splatoon Raiders isn’t just a content update—it’s a complete remix of the franchise’s DNA, blending the intensity of Salmon Run with the depth of a looter-shooter.

Beyond the Turf War: A New RPG Experience

While the core mechanics remain—inking surfaces and gliding through paint as a squid—the game introduces a sophisticated RPG progression system that transforms how you approach combat. The centerpiece of this evolution is the Ink Tank, which now defines your character class:

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• Speed Tank: Designed for agility and quick strikes, featuring gadgets like the jumping slam and the iconic “Booyarang.”
• Power Tank: Built for raw damage and crowd control. One standout gadget, the Splattelites, creates a ring of paintballs for devastating close-range combat.
• Tactical Tank: The strategist’s choice, offering stationary turrets and damaging tethers to control the battlefield.

Players can level up their tanks through missions, spend tokens on permanent skill upgrades, and equip mods to enhance their secondary powers. This layer of customization adds a strategic depth previously unseen in the series.

Loot, Builds, and the “Looter-Shooter” Loop

If you enjoy games like Destiny or Borderlands, you’ll feel right at home in Splatoon Raiders. With over 100 unique weapons that drop from enemies with varying levels and perks, the game encourages constant experimentation. You can build synergistic loadouts that combine specific weapons with the assistance of Deep Cut, the series’ famous pop band, who provide powerful ultimate attacks—such as a massive shark that clears entire paths of enemies.

While the game nails the “build-crafting” aspect, some fans may miss the deep fashion customization of previous titles, as outfit options are more limited here. However, the trade-off in mechanical depth is well worth it.

Combat-Focused Gameplay and Epic Raids

Unlike the puzzle-platforming focus of Splatoon 3‘s story mode, Splatoon Raiders prioritizes high-octane action. Missions are broken down into bite-sized, combat-heavy levels where you’ll hunt for crystals, gather Power Eggs, and fight waves of Salmonids.

What exactly are the “Raids”?

The Raids are the game’s most intriguing feature. These are arena-style challenges where players must splat enemies and collect Eggs within a strict time limit to ascend to the next floor. It’s a test of efficiency and positioning, requiring you to balance targeting “Boss” Salmonids (like Steel Eels) with clearing out smaller herds to avoid being cornered.

Adding to the excitement is the four-player co-op potential. Whether playing through the campaign with friends or using the “Help” feature to assist other players for rewards, the cooperative element makes the gear grind feel rewarding.

Final Verdict: A Bold Step Forward

Splatoon Raiders is more than just a transition to the Nintendo Switch 2; it’s a proof of concept for where the franchise can go. By introducing RPG elements and a robust looter-shooter loop, Nintendo is expanding the appeal of the series to those who prefer a structured, progression-based journey over competitive matchmaking.

Mark your calendars: Splatoon Raiders is set to launch on July 23. Whether you are a veteran Inkling or a newcomer looking for a less intimidating entry point into the series, this is one adventure you cannot miss.

What do you think about the shift to a single-player looter-shooter? Would you prefer this over the traditional Turf War? Let us know in the comments below!