Nintendo has officially released Splatoon Raiders, a brand-new action-shooter set in the colorful Splatoon universe, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. Unlike previous entries that primarily centered on competitive multiplayer battles, the latest title shifts the spotlight toward a story-driven adventure while still offering optional cooperative gameplay for players who want to raid alongside friends.
The game puts players in the role of a mechanic who teams up with Deep Cut, the fan-favorite musical trio introduced in Splatoon 3. Together, they venture across the mysterious Spirhalite Islands, battling dangerous Salmonids and searching for valuable treasure. Nintendo has also released a new launch trailer showcasing the game’s combat, exploration, and progression systems. Alongside the game’s debut, players can pick up new Deep Cut-themed Joy-Con 2 controllers, amiibo figures, and explore additional Splatoon content through Nintendo’s mobile services and San Diego Comic-Con celebrations.
Splatoon Raiders Brings a New Adventure to the Splatoon Universe
Rather than focusing on online competitive matches, Splatoon Raiders delivers a campaign built around exploration, combat, and character progression. Players travel through the Spirhalite Islands collecting loot while facing increasingly dangerous waves of Salmonids, including tougher variants covered in salt that present greater challenges during expeditions.
Every successful raid contributes to player progression. Defeating enemies earns experience, while recovered weapons and salvage become permanent additions to your arsenal. Resources gathered throughout the adventure can also be used to improve equipment and strengthen your overall capabilities for future missions.
Customization plays a major role throughout the game. Players can upgrade their hideout ship, enhance gadgets, and improve three unique vehicle types—the Speed Tank, Power Tank, and Tactical Tank. Nintendo also encourages players to experiment with weapon and gadget builds to tackle different encounters more effectively.
Online Co-op, Deep Cut Support, and New Accessories Expand the Experience
Although designed with solo players in mind, Splatoon Raiders also supports cooperative play. Up to four players can join raids together through online multiplayer or local wireless play, making it easier to collect treasure and overcome difficult enemy encounters.
Even players tackling the adventure alone are not completely isolated. The game allows users to request assistance from other players online or respond to support requests to earn additional rewards. During solo missions, one member of Deep Cut can accompany players by piloting a powerful bot capable of unleashing the group’s signature Showstopper attack.
To coincide with the launch, Nintendo has introduced Deep Cut-inspired Joy-Con 2 controller colors alongside brand-new Frye, Shiver, and Big Man amiibo figures featuring updated designs from Splatoon Raiders. Players interested in learning more about the game’s story can also watch Nintendo’s Quick Rundown video and follow Deep Cut’s Island Misadventures, an official daily comic series available through the Nintendo Today! smart-device app.
Nintendo Celebrates Launch With San Diego Comic-Con Events
Nintendo is also bringing Splatoon Raiders to San Diego Comic-Con, where attendees can try the game at the Nintendo booth in Hall A during launch weekend.
Outside the convention center, Nintendo has partnered with BRISK Iced Tea to create the Brisk x Splatoon Raiders Island Hideout. The public event features an Ink ‘n’ Aim Challenge, refreshments, hands-on Nintendo Switch 2 gameplay, and exclusive co-branded merchandise available while supplies last, giving fans another way to celebrate the launch beyond the game itself.
