Overview
Nintendo confirmed key details for Splatoon Raiders in a 15-minute Splatoon Raiders Direct hosted by the Squid Research Lab.
The title is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive and will launch worldwide in retail and digitally on the Nintendo eShop on 23 July 2026.
Splatoon Raiders shifts the franchise toward a single-player-focused treasure-hunting adventure set across the Spirhalite Islands while retaining familiar Splatoon elements like ink-based combat and character customization.
Core premise and presentation
Players assume the role of an Inkling mechanic who explores varied island terrain, hunts treasure, and combats Salmonids.
Nintendo explained that members of the in-game band Deep Cut — Shiver, Frye and Big Man — will accompany the protagonist, and one band member can join raids aboard a powerful Exploration Bot.
Gameplay systems (rewritten statements)
- Nintendo’s Direct outlined that Splatoon Raiders centers on customizable loadouts: players equip tanks, gadgets and ink-spraying weapons before venturing into raids.
- The presentation stated that the Spirhalite Islands include regions for mining Spirhalite crystals, dens filled with hostile Salmonids, restricted facilities that mandate specific equipment, and subterranean dungeons for deeper exploration.
- Nintendo also clarified that players keep weapons and salvage found during raids even if defeated, and that tanks can be upgraded over time to increase stats like attack power and HP.
Enemies and combat
Salmonids remain the primary enemy type.
Nintendo categorized them into Lesser Salmonids (numerous but individually weak), Boss Salmonids (stronger foes that drop Mega Power Eggs on defeat), and Seasoned Salmonids (the toughest variants).
Weapons spray ink from refillable tanks; the game features more than 100 weapon variations.
Salmonids can drop weapons and occasionally rare items with special powers.
Tanks, gadgets and customization
There are three tank classes: Speed, Power and Tactical.
Each tank starts with two gadget slots and gains additional capabilities the more it’s used.
Gadgets range from mobility tools like the Blast Boot and Dash Bomb to offensive or support devices such as the Splatchet, Splatellites, Shot Pot turrets, Bombloons and the Tether Wail.
Gadget parts collected during expeditions can be used to upgrade gadgets for improved damage, duration or special effects.
Deep Cut members assist with crafting and upgrades at the Gadget Workshop, Weapon Stash and other facilities.
Progression and additional features
Players level up by defeating Salmonids and can use salvage to upgrade tanks at the Mechanic’s Shack.
Difficulty options include Tourist, Raider and Survivalist, and can be changed on the hideout ship.
The game supports single-player and cooperative multiplayer for up to four players via online or local wireless.
A temporary multiplayer aid feature allows players to request help from others and reward helpers.
Amiibo and collectibles
Outfits are obtainable by completing island challenges and by scanning compatible Splatoon amiibo; new Splatoon Raiders amiibo unlock outfits inspired by the figures.
Salmonid Relics scattered across the islands offer unique effects when found.
Release and availability
Splatoon Raiders releases for Nintendo Switch 2 on 23 July 2026, available at retail and on the Nintendo eShop.
Nintendo’s Direct and the Squid Research Lab breakdown serve as the primary official sources for the game’s features and systems.
Conclusion
Splatoon Raiders represents a notable shift for the franchise toward single-player exploration and loot-driven progression while keeping core Splatoon mechanics intact.
With varied gadget and tank systems, over 100 weapon variations, amiibo support and online co-op, the title expands the series’ design language for the Nintendo Switch 2 generation.
Nintendo confirmed key details for Splatoon Raiders in a 15-minute Splatoon Raiders Direct hosted by the Squid Research Lab.
The title is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive and will launch worldwide in retail and digitally on the Nintendo eShop on 23 July 2026.
Splatoon Raiders shifts the franchise toward a single-player-focused treasure-hunting adventure set across the Spirhalite Islands while retaining familiar Splatoon elements like ink-based combat and character customization.
Core premise and presentation
Players assume the role of an Inkling mechanic who explores varied island terrain, hunts treasure, and combats Salmonids.
Nintendo explained that members of the in-game band Deep Cut — Shiver, Frye and Big Man — will accompany the protagonist, and one band member can join raids aboard a powerful Exploration Bot.
Gameplay systems (rewritten statements)
- Nintendo’s Direct outlined that Splatoon Raiders centers on customizable loadouts: players equip tanks, gadgets and ink-spraying weapons before venturing into raids.
- The presentation stated that the Spirhalite Islands include regions for mining Spirhalite crystals, dens filled with hostile Salmonids, restricted facilities that mandate specific equipment, and subterranean dungeons for deeper exploration.
- Nintendo also clarified that players keep weapons and salvage found during raids even if defeated, and that tanks can be upgraded over time to increase stats like attack power and HP.
Enemies and combat
Salmonids remain the primary enemy type.
Nintendo categorized them into Lesser Salmonids (numerous but individually weak), Boss Salmonids (stronger foes that drop Mega Power Eggs on defeat), and Seasoned Salmonids (the toughest variants).
Weapons spray ink from refillable tanks; the game features more than 100 weapon variations.
Salmonids can drop weapons and occasionally rare items with special powers.
Tanks, gadgets and customization
There are three tank classes: Speed, Power and Tactical.
Each tank starts with two gadget slots and gains additional capabilities the more it’s used.
Gadgets range from mobility tools like the Blast Boot and Dash Bomb to offensive or support devices such as the Splatchet, Splatellites, Shot Pot turrets, Bombloons and the Tether Wail.
Gadget parts collected during expeditions can be used to upgrade gadgets for improved damage, duration or special effects.
Deep Cut members assist with crafting and upgrades at the Gadget Workshop, Weapon Stash and other facilities.
Progression and additional features
Players level up by defeating Salmonids and can use salvage to upgrade tanks at the Mechanic’s Shack.
Difficulty options include Tourist, Raider and Survivalist, and can be changed on the hideout ship.
The game supports single-player and cooperative multiplayer for up to four players via online or local wireless.
A temporary multiplayer aid feature allows players to request help from others and reward helpers.
Amiibo and collectibles
Outfits are obtainable by completing island challenges and by scanning compatible Splatoon amiibo; new Splatoon Raiders amiibo unlock outfits inspired by the figures.
Salmonid Relics scattered across the islands offer unique effects when found.
Release and availability
Splatoon Raiders releases for Nintendo Switch 2 on 23 July 2026, available at retail and on the Nintendo eShop.
Nintendo’s Direct and the Squid Research Lab breakdown serve as the primary official sources for the game’s features and systems.
Conclusion
Splatoon Raiders represents a notable shift for the franchise toward single-player exploration and loot-driven progression while keeping core Splatoon mechanics intact.
With varied gadget and tank systems, over 100 weapon variations, amiibo support and online co-op, the title expands the series’ design language for the Nintendo Switch 2 generation.
