Nintendo confirmed a firm launch date for Splatoon Raiders during a focused Nintendo Direct presentation: the game arrives exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23, 2026.
The Nintendo-published title positions itself as a single-player-focused action shooter set across the newly revealed Spirhalite Islands and ties into the broader Splatoon universe through returning characters and amiibo support.
In the Direct, Nintendo described Splatoon Raiders as an adventure in which players assume the role of a mechanic who works alongside Deep Cut — the trio Shiver, Frye and Big Man — to hunt treasure, fight island-dwelling Salmonids and uncover buried secrets.
The presentation outlined core systems, including a weapon-and-gadget loadout, customizable tanks, and an Exploration Bot that a Deep Cut member can pilot to scout treasure and support combat.
Gameplay details summarized by Nintendo explained that the Spirhalite Islands contain varied terrain and mission types: crystal mining zones, Salmonid dens, restricted-equipment facilities and multi-layered dungeons.
Salmonid enemy classes include Lesser Salmonids (horde threats), Boss Salmonids (larger, single-target encounters that drop Mega Power Eggs) and Seasoned Salmonids (tougher variants with enhanced defenses).
Weapons and equipment are central to progression.
Nintendo said weapons use refillable ink tanks and that more than 100 weapon variations will be available, with the possibility of salvaging weapons from defeated Salmonids.
Players can choose among three tank types — Speed, Power and Tactical — each with distinct gadget slots and playstyles.
Examples highlighted in the Direct included the Speed Tank's Blast Boot and Booyarang, the Power Tank's Splatchet and Splatellites, and the Tactical Tank's deployable Shot Pot turret and Tether Wail laser.
Customization and persistent progression are emphasized: gadget parts and salvage collected during raids can be used to upgrade equipment, and facilities on the hideout ship allow players to craft and optimize gear with the help of Deep Cut members.
Nintendo noted that weapons and salvage are retained after raids even if the player is defeated, and tanks can be upgraded at the Mechanic’s Shack to increase stats and unlock additional gadget slots.
Additional features confirmed in the Direct include three difficulty settings (Tourist, Raider and Survivalist), local and online co-op for up to four players, temporary online help requests for solo players, outfit rewards (including amiibo-locked costumes) and hidden Salmonid Relics to discover.
For those who missed the presentation, Nintendo posted the full Splatoon Raiders Direct at https://www.nintendo.com/us/nintendo-direct/6-30-2026/.
Splatoon Raiders will release on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23, 2026, and Nintendo also noted an upcoming Splatfest event in Splatoon 3 tied to the launch celebration.
The Nintendo-published title positions itself as a single-player-focused action shooter set across the newly revealed Spirhalite Islands and ties into the broader Splatoon universe through returning characters and amiibo support.
In the Direct, Nintendo described Splatoon Raiders as an adventure in which players assume the role of a mechanic who works alongside Deep Cut — the trio Shiver, Frye and Big Man — to hunt treasure, fight island-dwelling Salmonids and uncover buried secrets.
The presentation outlined core systems, including a weapon-and-gadget loadout, customizable tanks, and an Exploration Bot that a Deep Cut member can pilot to scout treasure and support combat.
Gameplay details summarized by Nintendo explained that the Spirhalite Islands contain varied terrain and mission types: crystal mining zones, Salmonid dens, restricted-equipment facilities and multi-layered dungeons.
Salmonid enemy classes include Lesser Salmonids (horde threats), Boss Salmonids (larger, single-target encounters that drop Mega Power Eggs) and Seasoned Salmonids (tougher variants with enhanced defenses).
Weapons and equipment are central to progression.
Nintendo said weapons use refillable ink tanks and that more than 100 weapon variations will be available, with the possibility of salvaging weapons from defeated Salmonids.
Players can choose among three tank types — Speed, Power and Tactical — each with distinct gadget slots and playstyles.
Examples highlighted in the Direct included the Speed Tank's Blast Boot and Booyarang, the Power Tank's Splatchet and Splatellites, and the Tactical Tank's deployable Shot Pot turret and Tether Wail laser.
Customization and persistent progression are emphasized: gadget parts and salvage collected during raids can be used to upgrade equipment, and facilities on the hideout ship allow players to craft and optimize gear with the help of Deep Cut members.
Nintendo noted that weapons and salvage are retained after raids even if the player is defeated, and tanks can be upgraded at the Mechanic’s Shack to increase stats and unlock additional gadget slots.
Additional features confirmed in the Direct include three difficulty settings (Tourist, Raider and Survivalist), local and online co-op for up to four players, temporary online help requests for solo players, outfit rewards (including amiibo-locked costumes) and hidden Salmonid Relics to discover.
For those who missed the presentation, Nintendo posted the full Splatoon Raiders Direct at https://www.nintendo.com/us/nintendo-direct/6-30-2026/.
Splatoon Raiders will release on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23, 2026, and Nintendo also noted an upcoming Splatfest event in Splatoon 3 tied to the launch celebration.
