The Splatoon Raiders series is finally expanding beyond its traditional multiplayer formula. Nintendo’s colorful ink-based shooter is getting its first-ever spin-off, and it looks significantly different from previous entries.
Instead of focusing primarily on Turf Wars and competitive multiplayer, Splatoon Raiders delivers a story-driven adventure with exploration, survival, and cooperative gameplay.
Launching exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, Splatoon Raiders is one of Nintendo’s biggest releases of Summer 2026. Here’s everything you need to know before jumping into the Spirhalite Islands.
What is Splatoon Raiders?
Splatoon Raiders is the first spin-off in the Splatoon franchise and shifts the series toward a more narrative-focused experience.
While the familiar ink-based combat is still there, the game is more focused on exploration, treasure hunting, crafting, and survival instead of constant PvP battles.
You take control of a customizable Inkling or Octoling mechanic who joins the popular idol group Deep Cut on an expedition to uncover the mysteries hidden across the Spirhalite Islands.
Throughout the adventure, you will battle dangerous Salmonid enemies, gather valuable resources, and discover ancient secrets buried throughout the archipelago.
Splatoon Raiders Release Date
Nintendo has officially confirmed that Splatoon Raiders launches on July 23, 2026, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2.
The game arrives just weeks after Nintendo’s summer showcase and will be one of the company’s major first-party releases for the season.
Platforms
Unlike previous Splatoon games that launched on Nintendo Switch, Splatoon Raiders is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive.
At launch, the game is not coming to:
- Nintendo Switch
- PC
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
Nintendo has made no announcements regarding ports to other platforms at the moment.
Story
The adventure begins when Deep Cut and the player’s mechanic become stranded on the mysterious Spirhalite Islands.
These islands are filled with hidden treasures, strange technology, dangerous wildlife, and aggressive Salmonid forces.
As you travel across different environments, you’ll uncover the history behind the islands while helping Deep Cut survive the expedition.
Rather than simply progressing through linear stages, you will explore interconnected regions, complete objectives, collect valuable materials, and gradually reveal the larger mystery surrounding Spirhalite.
Gameplay
Although ink-based combat remains at the heart of Splatoon Raiders, the gameplay loop has evolved considerably.
Exploration plays a much larger role than in previous entries. You will travel across islands, discover hidden caves, solve environmental puzzles, gather crafting materials, and unlock new equipment.
Combat will also be more dynamic. Alongside traditional ink weapons, you gain access to mechanical gadgets and new tools that help in combat and exploration.
The game will also have loot progression, equipment customization, and resource management systems, and the expedition will improve the character over time.
Co-op Multiplayer
Despite Nintendo initially presenting Splatoon Raiders as a single-player experience, the game also includes cooperative multiplayer.
Up to four players can explore together either online or through local multiplayer.
The game dynamically adjusts its difficulty depending on the number of participants, So, solo players and groups can enjoy the adventure at an appropriate challenge level.
New Features
Splatoon Raiders introduces several mechanics never before seen in the franchise.
You can customize both your character and equipment, collect resources from the environment, upgrade gear, use mechanical gadgets during exploration, and participate in raid-style missions filled with powerful Salmonid enemies.
Nintendo is also placing a much stronger emphasis on progression, so players can continually improve their abilities throughout the adventure instead of simply unlocking multiplayer weapons.
Characters
The game’s main cast includes several familiar faces from Splatoon 3. Deep Cut returns with all three members, Shiver, Frye, and Big Man.
Joining them is a brand-new customizable protagonist known simply as the Mechanic, who serves as the player’s character throughout the story.
You can choose whether your Mechanic is an Inkling or an Octoling before beginning the adventure.
Graphics and Performance
Splatoon Raiders has been built specifically for Nintendo Switch 2 to deliver significantly improved visuals over Splatoon 3.
Trailers have showcased larger environments, more detailed lighting, enhanced character models, richer environmental effects, and smoother animations with same colorful art style the franchise is known for.
The larger open environments also allow for far more exploration than previous entries.
Price and Pre-orders
Pre-orders are now available through Nintendo and major retailers.
The standard edition is priced at approximately $59.99 USD for physical and digital versions at $49.99 USD
Nintendo has also confirmed a new line of Deep Cut amiibo launching alongside the game, although no in-game pre-order bonuses have been officially announced.
Why Splatoon Raiders Looks Different
Splatoon Raiders represents the biggest change the franchise has seen since its debut in 2015.
Rather than competing directly with other online shooters, Nintendo is offering a slower-paced adventure focused on exploration, progression, and cooperative play.
While longtime fans will still find familiar ink mechanics and beloved characters, the overall experience is much closer to an action-adventure RPG than a traditional multiplayer shooter.
If you are someone who always loved Splatoon’s world but wanted a deeper single-player experience, Raiders may be exactly what you have been waiting for.
