Nintendo has fully revealed what players can expect from Splatoon Raiders, offering an in-depth look at the upcoming action-adventure title during its dedicated Direct presentation.
Launching exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23, the game shifts the series toward a more story-driven experience while retaining the colorful ink-based combat that has defined the franchise. The presentation introduced exploration mechanics, new combat systems, multiplayer options, and a robust progression system built around treasure hunting across the mysterious Spirhalite Islands.
The information comes directly from Nintendo’s Splatoon Raiders Direct presentation and the official recap published following the showcase.
A New Adventure Across the Spirhalite Islands
Unlike previous Splatoon entries that primarily focused on competitive multiplayer, Splatoon Raiders puts players in the role of a mechanic who joins Deep Cut—Shiver, Frye, and Big Man—on a treasure-hunting expedition across the Spirhalite Islands.
Players will explore diverse environments filled with hidden caves, underground dungeons, mining locations, mysterious facilities, and dangerous Salmonid nests. Nintendo also revealed that members of Deep Cut will accompany players using a powerful Exploration Bot capable of locating hidden treasure and assisting during expeditions.
The islands are designed to reward exploration, with valuable Spirhalite crystals, rare equipment, and hidden Salmonid Relics scattered throughout each region.
Combat remains a major focus, but Nintendo showcased several new enemy variations that significantly expand encounters.
Standard Lesser Salmonids return in large groups capable of overwhelming players through sheer numbers. Boss Salmonids serve as stronger enemies with unique attack patterns and reward players with Mega Power Eggs after defeat, providing energy for the Exploration Bot.
One of the biggest surprises from the presentation was the reveal of Seasoned Salmonids. These tougher variants are described as the “peak of Salmonid evolution,” with Nintendo humorously noting that the saltier they are, the harder they become to defeat.
Over 100 Weapons and Extensive Customization
Nintendo confirmed that Splatoon Raiders includes more than 100 weapon variations, giving players plenty of options for different combat styles. Some Salmonids can even drop rare weapons with unique abilities during expeditions.
Customization extends well beyond weapons. Players can choose between three tank types:
- Speed Tank emphasizes mobility and evasive combat.
- Power Tank focuses on aggressive close-range attacks and crowd control.
- Tactical Tank offers strategic gadgets such as deployable turrets and laser-based equipment.
Each tank supports multiple gadgets that can be upgraded using collectible parts found during missions. Gadget upgrades include increased damage, improved duration, higher fire rate, knockback effects, and additional combat bonuses.
Meanwhile, Deep Cut members each provide different services. Shiver helps craft gadgets, Frye upgrades or dismantles weapons for materials, while Big Man manages research and useful expedition data.
Solo Play, Co-op, and Adjustable Difficulty
Although Splatoon Raiders has been designed as a single-player adventure, Nintendo confirmed that players can invite up to three friends online or through local wireless play to complete missions and progress through the story together.
Solo players also have access to a “Call for Help” feature, allowing temporary assistance from other players during difficult raids. Players who answer assistance requests will receive rewards for helping others.
The game also includes three difficulty settings—Tourist, Raider, and Survivalist—which can be changed at any time aboard the team’s hideout ship. Higher difficulties increase enemy strength without affecting available loot, allowing players to choose their preferred level of challenge.
Splatoon Raiders launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23, introducing one of the franchise’s biggest departures yet by combining exploration, progression, cooperative gameplay, and treasure hunting into a new standalone adventure.
