Splatoon Raiders

Splatoon Raiders can be considered a success in the way it reimagines parts of the main series to deliver an alternative experience, moving away from competitive multiplayer to focus on its other strengths. With a wide variety of enemies, plenty of build-crafting possibilities, and breathtaking action sequences, this spin-off has earned the right to stand on its own merits.

If you've spent all these years caught up in the ink-covered battles between Inklings, Octolings, and the rest of the sea-dwelling cast, we're confident that Splatoon Raiders will be one of the standout experiences on your Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. Likewise, if you've never given the series a chance because of its multiplayer focus but have always been intrigued by it, now is the perfect time to jump in. Nintendo may not be delivering the year's biggest blockbuster, but it has once again brought us an experience overflowing with fun—one that's so well crafted and thoughtfully designed that, from the very moment you pick it up, it's incredibly hard to put down.

Splatoon Raiders is proof positive the series can evolve past its competitive multiplayer roots, creating a fun and engaging ARPG experience that’s hard to put down.

Despite being a single-player experience, Splatoon Raiders still has heaps of great frantic gameplay moments that can be found in a mainline Splatoon game and a great cast of characters to boot. While it is lacking in some of the style options of the series, there is still a lot of amazing weapon customisation to be found, and many different gameplay styles to embrace. The addition of PvE multiplayer is also a great addition, even though the game is still a blast without it. I will surely be staying trapped in the Spirhalite Isles for a long time coming. Catch ya later!

Splatoon Raiders is exactly what I wanted from the franchise. As a fan of the single-player content from the previous entries, this builds on those foundations, elevating the experience. The addition of looter shooter mechanics adds replayability, urging you to experiment with the systems to create different builds. While some fans may miss the PvP aspect of the series, the PvE elements are excellent, providing plenty of ways to play together. More importantly, it proves that Splatoon can thrive beyond its competitive roots, creating an adventure that's every bit as colourful, inventive and addictive as its multiplayer counterpart.

Splatoon Raiders successfully transforms the franchise into a cooperative looter shooter while preserving its unique identity. The signature ink-based mechanics blend naturally with exploration, character progression and fast-paced missions, creating an addictive gameplay loop. Excellent performance on Nintendo Switch 2, charming visuals and a rewarding upgrade system make the experience consistently enjoyable, even if repetitive mission design occasionally sets in. The lack of Brazilian Portuguese localization is disappointing, but it doesn't overshadow what is ultimately a creative and refreshing new direction for the Splatoon series.

In spite of some drawbacks, there’s still plenty of enjoyment to be had with Splatoon Raiders. Its fast-paced combat and short levels make Raiders a great game to play in brief bursts, which is particularly ideal for those who play Switch 2 while on the go. Nintendo has found with Raiders that it can absolutely expand the Splatoon IP outside of its trappings as a competitive multiplayer series with ease, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement and ingenuity if this spin-off were to get a sequel of its own in the future.

Splatoon Raiders is a genuinely great twist on the Splatoon formula. Going in, I wasn’t sure what to expect but as I left the tutorial, I knew this is a game that I find far and above more my jam than the mainline games. It might not have the deepest story, but what Splatoon Raiders does have is sense adventure and the island hopping in search of treasure does just enough with its story and characters to keep you entertained through to the credits.

I’ve never quite fully gotten to grips with the motion control move-the-Switch-around-to-aim system on top of the thumbstick physical in-game character movement. But it does its jobs well enough in this title not to be a complete nuisance.

Splatoon Raiders is a looter shooter wrapped in Nintendo's kid-friendly world, but it's not to be slept on. While not as deep or complex as some other games in the genre, its charm, loot chase, and satisfying gameplay loop make it one of my favorite games of 2026 so far.

I realise that I’m not the target audience for Splatoon Raiders, and I’m sure those that are the target audience will get a great deal of value out of the depth of its systems. And from Nintendo’s point of view, it’s a relatively low-cost project to fill the release schedule until the next big thing (Fire Emblem) comes along. I do, however, suspect that just about everyone, from the diehard fans to me on the spectrum of Splatoon advocacy, will ultimately wish that the first proper single-player outing for the franchise were a bit more than it turned out to be.

Splatoon Raiders builds upon its core loop to deliver addictive gameplay driven by challenges, loot, and strategy, all wrapped in an art style that truly shines in its weapon designs and environments.

This series offshoot is a hectic, often overwhelming delight.

A blast of fast-paced action, whether you're running solo or in co-op. Tons of upgrade options and challenging levels will definitely keep you hooked.

Splatoon Raiders does exactly what Splatoon has always done: deliver instant fun in a colorful shooting festival. Your reflexes and understanding of the mechanics are constantly put to the test in an ingeniously simple design that celebrates Nintendo’s philosophies, as interpreted here by its newest generation.

Ultimately, Splatoon Raiders is a valuable piece of the series' broader picture—a shift in perspective rather than identity. It is a complementary experience that enriches the saga's lore while simultaneously pointing toward a new direction. With its ability to reinvent itself, this new Splatoon is poised to broaden the series' horizons without betraying its core principles; it would come as no surprise if Nintendo chose to pursue this path further in the future. After all, there remains significant untapped potential and room for improvement—whether through the lens of adventure or along mysterious, uncharted paths that offer something new for both veterans and newcomers alike as they step into this vibrant, colorful world.

Though Splatoon’s single-player content has always been underappreciated, Splatoon Raiders makes it impossible to ignore, shining a bright light on the series’ oft-slept-on side.

Ultimately, as a first spin-off, Splatoon Raiders gets the job done by drawing inspiration from the Salmon Run mode while adding its own unique twist to the franchise's already excellent gameplay—though a more substantial story would have been welcome. That said, there is plenty of replayability thanks to various difficulty levels, which encourage players to aim for 100% completion or experiment with the many possible builds. Now, the question remains whether it is worth the €50 price tag. It all depends on what you look for in a Splatoon game. If you are after competitive multiplayer, this spin-off might not be for you; however, if you are interested in a single-player or cooperative experience, this title could certainly be worth your while.

Splatoon Raiders is Splatoon through and through: the core gameplay, controls, and movement are as enjoyable as ever, while tanks, gadgets, and a Monster Hunter-inspired structure add a fresh twist. Yet beneath that solid foundation, repetitive missions, uninspired level design, and a lack of standout moments keep it from leaving a lasting impression. Like returning to the same campsite in France every summer, it's fun while it lasts, but familiar enough to fade from memory not long after the trip is over.

Splatoon Raiders is a lot of fun. The gameplay loop is addictive and it becomes more fun the harder it gets and the more powerful you become; with very deep customization options, from the character, the weapons, the gadgets and upgrades that truly make you feel that your decisions mattered; it looks decent and runs super smoothly; and is equally fun even if you play solo or with friends.

With its focus on the solo campaign (which also supports co-op play), Splatoon Raiders sets itself apart significantly from its predecessors. The game compensates for the potential downside of lacking a competitive aspect with its spectacular mass battles, diverse weapons, cool gadgets, and motivating progression system. All in all, it delivers a high-quality experience that action fans on the Switch 2 will find hard to pass up.

I would be surprised if Splatoon Raiders supplants the main Splatoon titles. The series is a big success for Nintendo, so clearly the competitive ink-splattering multiplayer has found an audience. But Splatoon Raiders shows a new degree of flexibility for the franchise, with a single-player campaign that’s much more satisfying than its past attempts to inject a story campaign into the main games. I hope this new looter shooter sub-series gets to live alongside the main series, because it’s loads of fun already, and the concept could be pushed even further.

If you've had a hankering for a solo twist on the loot shooter genre, you'll love this, as it does that extremely well. A successful non-PvP outing for the series, Splatoon Raiders has room for improvement, but nonetheless offers a fun adventure that's not quite like anything else.

Splatoon Raiders successfully takes the series in a bold new direction without losing sight of what made it special. Its single-player adventure remains engaging from start to finish, with only the endgame showing a few rough edges that could be smoothed out through future updates. Splatoon fans, as well as players looking for a more unconventional take on the looter shooter formula, will find an accessible and compelling experience here. The foundations for a strong new spin-off series are all in place. Now it's up to Nintendo to build on them in the months ahead.

I was disappointed Splatoon Raiders was revealed as a single-player spin-off, but I was dead wrong. It is incredible, playing like a brilliant mix of Ratchet & Clank meets Helldivers that hooked me instantly. Teaming up with the Deep Cut crew, the loop of raiding Salmonid hordes for loot and upgrades is deeply satisfying. The overhauled movement adds a sense of verticality that the main games desperately need, and progression actually feels rewarding rather than a slow grind. Even with a more atmospheric than catchy soundtrack, this is an absolute must-play. Take it from a skeptic: Splatoon Raiders might just be the best game in the whole franchise.

I just don’t feel much of a drive to play more of Splatoon Raiders. I had fun drowning all of those salmonids in ink. But just like them, I’ve had my fill.

This is the biggest surprise about Splatoon Raiders: it is pedestrian. If you’ve played one of dozens of modern cooperative action games, you’ve played this.

Nintendo dips a "tentacle" into the looter-shooter genre with Splatoon Raiders, and the result is one of this summer's most refreshing surprises. It is the perfect vacation game for Nintendo Switch 2 and an ideal entry point for both newcomers and veterans alike.

Splatoon Raiders is a game for everyone to have fun with, mainly thanks to the delightfully fluent gameplay and large number of options. Unfortunately, all that freedom doesn't make for a mechanically interesting game.

Splatoon Raiders is an amazing action RPG with an expertly executed loop. It has fantastic new powers with crazy upgrades that are worth chasing, tough battles that force you to put care into your build in order to overcome them, and a huge variety of fun level types to jump between. The pacing, balance, and difficulty curve are very impressive: I always had to work to get better, but none of the campaign ever felt like grinding or needless padding. Raiders stays fresh by constantly introducing deeper ways to customize my abilities that spark new ideas for creative combinations. I reached the credits more than 20 hours ago, but thanks to an overpowered endgame worth coming back for and the option to seamlessly play with friends online, I’ve got plenty of raiding left to do. This is the best Splatoon campaign yet and one of the top games on Switch 2.

Splatoon Raiders has turned out to be a highly entertaining game that solo players can easily pick up. If you only play through the missions, you'll see the end credits roll after about thirty hours, but in many ways, that's when Splatoon Raiders really begins.

Splatoon Raiders is an excellent spin-off that centers the experience around a fun gameplay loop and a high level of challenge, all enhanced by excellent performance.

Splatoon Raiders isn't the definitive story mode fans have been chasing for years, but it’s honestly more fun and ambitious than it needed to be. The gadget system is one of the freshest ideas the series has ever seen, the bosses remain memorable and the presentation is a remarkable leap in quality for Nintendo. It lacks a narrative that matches its mechanical ambition, as well as some trimming down of the repetition in its final hours, but as a first attempt at bringing Inkling ink into loot-and-explore territory, it proves to be a winning formula, one that deserves further exploration from Nintendo's creative minds.

Ultimately, it’s much more than just a tutorial that’s been expanded. Splatoon Raiders is a fully-fledged game in its own right and will appeal to fans of the main series as well as those who were clamouring for more single-player content, although we can also explore it with others if we wish.

Splatoon Raiders successfully transforms Splatoon's signature gameplay into an engaging single-player adventure. Excellent enemy design, rewarding progression, and deep customization make every expedition satisfying, while its polished PvE systems feel like a natural evolution for the series. More than a spin-off, it's a strong blueprint for Splatoon's future.

It is rare to change one’s mind between the preview and the final review. Yet, that is exactly what happened with Splatoon Raiders. It is not just after an hour and a half of play, but rather over the long haul, that this first entry in the franchise—exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2—reveals its full potential. By adopting the conventions of Borderlands-style "shooter-looters," Splatoon Raiders delivers an addictive adventure driven by varied levels, a satisfying sense of progression, and gameplay that is more exhilarating than ever. With a wealth of customization options, there is something here for everyone as they tackle the many demanding challenges this content-rich experience has to offer. Now, I hope Nintendo gives *Splatoon Raiders* the same level of ongoing support seen with Splatoon *, ensuring this excellent foundation continues to receive regular updates.

Splatoon Raiders successfully transforms Salmon Run into a full-fledged PvE adventure. Its addictive progression, satisfying combat loop, and rewarding customization make it one of Nintendo's most compelling multiplayer experiences. While repetitive environments and a less memorable soundtrack prevent it from reaching perfection, this spin-off proves that expanding a great idea can be just as exciting as creating a new one.

An exceptionally entertaining single player adventure, Splatoon Raiders is expertly designed, full of content, and just a fantastic time.

Splatoon Raiders is a fantastic shooter that surprises with the depth of its systems and challenge.

Salmon Run remains one of the great co-op experiences of the modern age but only a minimal effort has been expended in turning it into a single-player game, as Splatoon Raiders struggles to justify its existence.

It is a shame that the experience becomes far too repetitive for long stretches—especially when, at a couple of points, you are forced to do a bit of grinding just to be ready for the challenges of the adventure's final act. The sense that something is missing becomes even more apparent when contrasted with a couple of levels where the developers clearly aimed for more, creating non-linear environments that offer activities beyond the simple run-and-gun gameplay characterizing the rest of the campaign.

Splatoon Raiders is more than a spin-off; it's an incredible launching point for a new branch of more single-player adventures, combining some of the best parts of the original Splatoon trilogy and turning it into something that feels fresh. Upgrading your arsenal as the Mechanic as you go from island to island, splatting hoards of Salmonids, is even more satisfying than it looks, and though the story isn't too deep, the gameplay couldn't be richer. Not only is Splatoon Raiders an essential addition to your Switch 2 game library when it launches 23rd July, it's a splat-tastic reason to own Nintendo's latest system in the first place.

Splatoon Raiders is a brilliantly moreish extraction shooter, whose ink-based gameplay helps make a well-trodden genre feel fresh and interesting. A great time alone, assisting others or grouping up with three friends, Splatoon Raiders proves there’s far more to be done with this series, and I, for one, cannot wait for where we go next.

Splatoon Raiders may be missing the series’ iconic Turf War, but what we have here is possibly the most variable and exciting game the series has ever offered. Regardless of your skill level or personal play styles, the game is able to cater to practically any taste, and all whilst delivering one of the most enjoyable gameplay loops on the console. It looks good, runs fantastically, and you can play practically the whole thing with friends if you wish. Not only that, but Nintendo’s flogging it for a bargain price. It may not push any boundaries within the genre per se, but it’s difficult to find anything negative to say about it, it really is a must-play for almost anyone.

Splatoon Raiders isn't the grand single-player campaign the series has been begging for, yet it hides the smoothest, most brilliant gameplay Nintendo has ever put together. Its looting loop is addictive and co-op rounds out an adventure only held back by a tangled difficulty system and modest long-term content.

Splatoon Raiders doesn't take itself too seriously and knows its audience. It's not trying to redefine gaming, it's just a fun, lighthearted ride that doesn't underestimate the audience or hold back on its mechanics.

Splatoon Raiders successfully transforms the core idea of Salmon Run into a full-fledged single-player adventure. While it doesn't quite match the creative level design of the main series' campaigns, its addictive gameplay loop, flexible build system, and atmospheric exploration make it one of the strongest Splatoon experiences to date. Fans of the series should definitely give this spin-off a try.

Splatoon Raiders has an incredibly engaging core gameplay loop, an always-engaging style, and plenty of heart. It just can’t overcome a lack of gameplay variety and some heavy-handed dialogue.

Splatoon Raiders of-fish-ally earns our seal of approval as a fantastic game in the franchise. Whether you go it alone or get help from other players, searching for loot and mining ore has never been so fun, thanks to the amount of weapons and gadgets you can equip to blast enemies out of existence. Plus, you get to hang out with Deep Cut, which is always a fun time.

While it doesn't quite escape some of the issues of its inspirations, Splatoon Raiders is a novel spin-off of one of Nintendo's most creative franchises. This is a no-brainer recommendation for fans of Salmon Run, and is one of the best co-op experiences on the Switch 2 thus far.

What initially feels like a rather simplistic shooter quickly blossoms into something with real depth. Importantly, compared to other looter shooters that Splatoon Raiders riffs on, you can hop in and out here generally without needing to commit an obscene amount of time. I had my doubts about Splatoon Raiders when I saw it was yet another looter shooter, but who’s got ink all over their face now.

If you’re looking for a 4-player PvE looter shooter with a unique ink based battle system look no further than this well made and addictive game that can be played in short bursts if you desire.

Splatoon Raiders offers up a new twist on the decade-plus old formula, but could have gone further.

As it stands, this is a solid and mechanically fun adventure game with some really clever, joyous battles to find across its layered map. A love for Splatoon will elevate the action significantly, with its light delivery of lore tidbits creating a string to pull yourself along. For those new to the Splatoon series, there might be more friction in its introduction, but the game’s best ideas are charming regardless, and its Octolings are quick to cement a spot in your heart.

Splatoon Raiders is a partially refreshing spin-off with new gameplay aimed at rich loot, fast combat system and vast customization making this hunt for treasure refreshing even after 15 hours. The co-op or multiplayer components cannot be denied, but if you want to honor your Splatoon skills in different ways, this is one charming title to do so.

There's treasure out there for those looking for an entertaining looter shooter. You won't have to dig very far to find a good time, especially if you've got some friends with shovels handy.

Splatoon Raiders builds upon the Salmon Run modes from Splatoon 2 and 3 in a clever way, resulting in a looter-shooter with varying objectives. It can 100% be played and enjoyed solo, but I had the most fun playing with others and suspect that will prove a highlight once folks get their bearings and start perfecting their weapon, tank, and gadget loadouts. However, I will note that because it is primarily focused on taking on Salmonid hordes with things like time limitations and egg requirements, it may not have the broader appeal of the mainline games’ campaigns.

Splatoon Raiders pulls off the hardest trick of all: turning one of Nintendo's most iconic multiplayer series into a single player adventure without losing its identity. The gameplay remains incredibly fun, the progression is surprisingly deep, and the customization system offers far more freedom than expected. Exploring the Spirhalite Isles and the constant hunt for new gear make every mission enjoyable, while co-op adds extra longevity without overshadowing the game's single player nature.

By removing Turf War and transitioning to something pretty close to a first-person shooter, Nintendo has taken what makes the franchise unique and discarded it with Splatoon Raiders.

Splatoon Raiders is a wonderful solo reinvention of the popular multiplayer series filled with smartly designed missions and endlessly engaging progression systems. Underpinned by the franchise’s fantastic shooting mechanics, it’s a fresh and exciting adventure that should be in every Nintendo Switch 2 owner’s library.

Instead of competitive multiplayer, Splatoon Raiders has you take on fishlike enemies with an array of weapons and gadgets. It’s all fun enough, as a playground with well-designed jungle gyms and monkey bars.

Splatoon Raiders is great. Putting more of a focus on solo and co-op for this game has led to an adventure with a really satisfying progression as you level up, grind stages for experience and gear, and build up your loadout to tackle the next big challenge.

Splatoon Raiders builds upon the most enjoyable elements of the series and transforms them into a polished, challenging, and highly entertaining PvE adventure. Its gameplay loop of exploring, fighting, gathering resources, and upgrading equipment is consistently engaging, supported by a progression system that rewards patience and encourages experimentation with different weapons, gadgets, and playstyles. Although it can occasionally feel like Salmon Run taken to the extreme, and its story falls short of its full potential, the game makes up for it with fluid action, excellent pacing, outstanding visual presentation, and a compelling amount of content for its price. It does not reinvent Splatoon, but it clearly proves that the franchise can successfully support a single-player experience with a distinct identity.

Splatoon Raiders succeeds in its goal of expanding the series, delivering an excellent action game full of customization options with a focus on single-player gameplay. You will spend many hours exploring, fighting, gathering resources, and upgrading your character and equipment. Switch 2 owners are getting a rich game with fantastic value, and we recommend they give it a try.

Nintendo's post-launch support will determine the future scope of Splatoon Raiders, a game that is sure to benefit from the addition of new content. Even at launch, however, it stands as a strong offering—particularly for fans of the series and of shooters in general. While we would have liked to see better level design and the kind of inventiveness that truly set previous expansions apart, the work done within the looter-shooter genre is undeniably impressive and, in many respects, even surprising.

Splatoon Raiders shows that Nintendo's online multiplayer series works just as well in an offline solo setting. It's very much a game with a single, simple loop – shoot everything, die, upgrade, shoot everything again – but it delivers this loop with such engaging, enjoyable action that you don't need to worry about repetition creeping in, you'll happily open the front door and invite it in for dinner.

Splatoon Raiders is such a fun action platformer that it's really hard to put down, especially as you keep unlocking new features and gadgets that make the incredibly entertaining combat even more personal and engaging. Plus, it's so stylish that you'll feel cool just for playing it.

As far as experiments go, Splatoon Raiders is certainly successful at bringing something new and different to the table. It's a game that revels in its freedom from competitive play, offering new perspectives and concepts that recontextualise classic Splatoon gameplay into something that feels both familiar and fresh. While it does wear thin towards the end of its runtime, it never fully runs out of gas, offering a presentational leap for Nintendo that bodes well for the future of the Switch 2.

For fans of the franchise who have been wanting a single-player experience, I’m sure this spin-off is an excellent choice. It’s also a great opportunity for those who have never played Splatoon but would like to try a title from the series—or simply want something other than online matches. If you only enjoy the multiplayer mode found in the main games, you might want to make sure the cooperative mode suits your preferences.

Splatoon Raiders sets its sights on inking Salmonids to such a singular degree that the game can sometimes feel a bit one-note, but a solid array of different mission variants and a gratifying dopamine-dispensing progression system has that “just one more raid” effect. While Splatoon Raiders doesn't offer as much variety as earlier entries in the franchise, it does its one thing quite well, and those who jive with this new looter-shooter approach will likely find themselves caught in this game's net for some time.