Splatoon Raiders launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23, 2026, marking the series’ first-ever fully single-player focused entry. With competitive multiplayer mode completely removed, early critic reviews have been generally positive.

Story Overview

Players take on the role of an unnamed mechanical character who pilots a helicopter for the Deep Cut trio (familiar from Splatoon 3). While flying over the mysterious Spirhalite Islands, a beam of light shoots up from the center, triggering a storm that crashes the helicopter and leaves all four stranded. Your mission is to find a way back home, uncover why the islands are swarming with hostile Salmonids, and collect as much treasure as possible along the journey.

Gameplay Breakdown

Progression follows a straightforward structure: you jump between missions (raids) that appear across the map. Some missions are linear, requiring you to clear out Salmonids and dig up treasure at the end; others are timed challenges where you must defeat enemies and collect enough Power Eggs before time runs out. As you advance, you’ll unlock stronger weapons, upgrade materials to enhance your gadgets, and charms that boost your character.

Tank System: Character Classes

The game introduces upgradable "tanks" that serve as character classes. The Speed tank focuses on mobility and ranged attacks, the Power tank offers aggressive abilities, and the Tactical tank brings a more strategic approach with deployable tools. Critics highlight experimenting with different tank combinations between missions as one of the most enjoyable aspects.

Difficulty and Control Options

Even on the default difficulty, the game can be quite challenging, and there’s an even tougher mode where enemies deal more damage. On the control side, both classic gyroscopic aiming and traditional dual analog setups are supported, offering flexibility for players who aren’t used to gyro controls. Local and online co-op are also available, but the main focus remains on the single-player adventure.

What Critics Are Saying

Early Metacritic reviews are mostly positive. Critics praise the intense battles against Salmonids and the expanded Salmon Run feel. Some note that the robust building options and thrilling action sequences help the game stand on its own. However, not every review is glowing; a few critics mention the gameplay can feel repetitive in later hours and that it doesn’t quite capture the creative variety of the series’ best single-player campaigns.

lotkeys connection

If you want to play on launch day, you can top up your account without sharing credit card details. Get ready for July 23 by using a Nintendo eShop gift card from lotkeys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a competitive multiplayer mode in Splatoon Raiders?

No, the game is fully single-player focused. There’s no competitive multiplayer mode, but both local and online co-op are supported.

Is gyroscopic control mandatory?

No, you can choose between gyroscopic aiming and standard dual analog controls.

Can newcomers to the Splatoon series enjoy this game?

Yes, the story is completely standalone and doesn’t require knowledge of previous games. However, fans familiar with the Deep Cut characters will find some extra connections.