Nintendo has revealed a wealth of new information about Splatoon Raiders during its latest Direct presentation, offering a detailed look at the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive ahead of its July 23 launch.
Unlike previous entries in the series, Splatoon Raiders is built around a single-player adventure, casting players as a mechanic who joins Deep Cut members Shiver, Frye and Big Man on a treasure-hunting expedition across the mysterious Spirhalite Islands. Players will explore varied environments, battle waves of Salmonids, uncover hidden loot and gradually improve their equipment while searching for the islands’ secrets.
The Spirhalite Islands are filled with different locations to explore, including crystal mining areas, underground dungeons, enemy-filled dens and facilities that restrict players to specific equipment. Throughout these expeditions, players will be assisted by an Exploration Bot operated by one of the Deep Cut members, helping locate treasure and providing additional support.
Salmonids once again serve as the primary enemies, although Nintendo is expanding the variety considerably. Lesser Salmonids attack in large groups, while Boss Salmonids require players to identify their weaknesses before defeating them. The game also introduces powerful Seasoned Salmonids, tougher variants that present an even greater challenge. Defeating boss enemies rewards players with Mega Power Eggs, which can be used to power the Exploration Bot.
Combat revolves around more than 100 different weapon variations, many of which can be obtained by defeating enemies or discovered as rare loot with unique abilities. Players will also choose between three specialised tank types that determine their combat style.
The Speed Tank focuses on mobility and evasive play, featuring gadgets such as Blast Boot, Dash Bomb and the returning Booyarang. The Power Tank is built for aggressive combat with abilities including the Splatchet, Splatellites and Spinwheel, while the Tactical Tank offers more strategic tools such as deployable turrets, linked explosive Bombloons and the laser-firing Tether Wail.
Progression extends well beyond collecting weapons. Gadgets can be upgraded using parts found during expeditions, allowing players to increase damage, fire rate, duration and add new effects. Deep Cut members each provide support aboard the hideout ship, with Shiver helping craft new gadgets, Frye upgrading or dismantling weapons for materials, and Big Man cataloguing useful information and assisting with facility upgrades.
Players will also level up by defeating Salmonids and permanently keep weapons and salvage collected during raids, even after being defeated. Tank upgrades improve attributes such as health and attack power, while continued use unlocks additional enhancements, including the ability to equip a third gadget.
Nintendo also confirmed several additional features. Players can unlock new outfits by completing challenges, while compatible Splatoon series amiibo unlock exclusive costumes. The newly announced Splatoon Raiders amiibo figures also grant character-inspired outfits.
Three difficulty settings will be available, ranging from Tourist for a more relaxed experience to Survivalist for players seeking a greater challenge. While enemy strength changes with the selected difficulty, the available loot remains the same.
Although designed as a complete solo experience, Splatoon Raiders also supports online and local wireless multiplayer for up to four players, allowing friends to tackle treasure hunts and progress through the story together. Solo players can also request temporary assistance from others online through a Call for Help feature, while helping other players will earn rewards.
The presentation also introduced Salmonid Relics, hidden collectibles scattered throughout the islands that grant mysterious powers when discovered.
Alongside the game’s reveal, Nintendo announced several related events and products. A Splatoon 3 collaboration Splatfest inspired by Splatoon Raiders will run from July 10 to July 12, while Deep Cut’s Island Misadventures, a daily comic series leading into the game’s story, continues through the Nintendo Today! app. Nintendo will also release new Deep Cut-themed Joy-Con 2 controllers on the same day as the game.
Splatoon Raiders launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23.
