Revealed last year on Nintendo Today! as a Switch 2 exclusive, spin-off title Splatoon Raiders teased a new adventure that would do away with the urban trappings of Inkopolis and Splatsville in favour of something new. A more recent trailer expanded on the raiders’ new adventure in the Spirhalite Islands, introducing a myriad of new elements that should revitalize the single-player adventure without abandoning its multiplayer roots. Splatoon Raiders releases on July 23, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2.
Paint the town red…or blue…or green…
You play as the Mechanic, a new character who will aid treasure hunters Deep Cut in their quest by crafting new gadgets, exploring the islands, and upgrading their nautical hideout. Similar to Ratchet & Clank, you’ll equip various firearms, gadgets, and bots to defeat enemies; upgrading them to improve stats such as damage and ink coverage. Gadgets here function similarly to sub-weapons from previous Splatoon titles but this time the Mechanic can bring two (alongside their main weapon) into missions.
Nintendo have only confirmed three gadgets thus far: the Splatchet, a katana the Mechanic can use to slice-and-dice enemy armor; a stationary pot-mounted turret, and a forcefield device that summons ink mines to keep enemies at a distance. You’ll also have access to five Relic Powers, supernatural abilities new to the franchise. Whatever danger awaits our raiders in the Spirhalite Islands, the Mechanic won’t just rely on their inventions but also on a wacky array of gadgets and powers.
New Friends, Old Foes
Raiders is the first game in the series to feature antagonists Deep Cut as allies, and that assistance will extend to exploration and combat. Besides scanning for hidden treasure, the Mechanic will be able to command the Deep Cut Bot Buddy with each member providing a different ‘Showstopper’ ultimate attack.
The Salmonids also return, patrolling Spirhalite Island and hungry for prospective treasure hunters. Familiar faces like the Stinger and Slammin’ Lid make a comeback but new designs – an as yet unnamed winged flying Salmonid for example – have also been added. Each island will play host to diverse factions of enemies depending on the area’s Salmonid Level akin to previous entries’ Hazard Rank.
Scavenger Hunt
You’ll spend most of your time in Splatoon Raiders hunting treasures, runes and relics across the stormy Spirhalite Islands. The most common treasures can be found in giant crystals (which Bot Buddy can mine for resources) whereas the rarest will involve sailing to perilous new environments. For example, dungeons will force the team underground where narrow platforms and cramped combat arenas provide less breathing room during dangerous encounters with Salmonid spawn.
Setting Sail
Between missions you’ll spend time at the Hideout Ship, a floating base where the Mechanic can tinker with weapons, repair Buddy Bot, and develop new gadgets. Each gadget can also be equipped with several perks, often changing its gameplay functionality and feel; the Splatchet’s slashes can be switched from horizontal to vertical.
Though it’s possible to complete the game solo, Raiders also includes a sizable multiplayer offering. Up to four players can connect via local or online co-op and conquer the Spirhalite islands together. Players will select their loadout together before starting missions, providing the opportunity to compare builds and design strategies to defeat the Salmonids.
The Three Amiibos
Nintendo also revealed a new trio of Raiders-themed Amiibo figures that will release alongside the full game and feature a new look for treasure-hunting trio Deep Cut:
“Some new Deep Cut Amiibo figures will also be coming on July 23rd! Shiver, Frye and Big Man are sporting their Spirhalite Island looks. Each of them also connects to a base so you can display them together.”
Nintendo have confirmed that Amiibo can be purchased through the MyNintendo store and third-party retailers at $24.99 per figure in the U.S. or £49.99/€59.99 as part of the Triple Pack available in the UK and EU. The developers plan to reveal bonuses for each Amiibo closer to launch day.
