Splatoon Raiders is a new Nintendo Switch 2 title that adapts the popular Salmon Run co-op mode from Splatoon 2 and 3 into a primarily single-player experience. While the core Salmon Run gameplay remains entertaining, the game struggles to justify its existence with few new ideas, boring linear levels, and virtually no story.
What Is Splatoon Raiders?
Set in the Splatoon universe, you play as an unnamed mechanic helping idol group Deep Cut search for treasure to resolve Splatsville's debt crisis. The group crash-lands on an archipelago inhabited by Salmonids, the cannon-fodder enemies from Salmon Run. However, there is almost no plot, and Deep Cut come across as entitled divas, missing a major storytelling opportunity.
Instead of a narrative, you pick raids based on your character level and the stated Salmonid threat. If you try to rush through by completing only essential raids, you quickly face near-impossible challenges, encouraging level-grinding. However, playing each raid in turn requires little repetition until the post-game.
Gameplay: Hits and Misses
There are several raid types. Core story levels are linear and slow, resembling previous single-player modes but lacking the fast-paced excitement of multiplayer. Variants involving touring a small open-world map to collect Salmonid eggs for drilling crystals are more engaging but still limited.
The game is best when sticking closest to the Salmon Run formula. Raids that are single-player variants of Salmon Run, either on one map or several in a row, are hugely entertaining. The gunplay and movement are superb, with optional gyro aiming working excellently. Salmon Run's simple goal of collecting eggs before the timer runs out never gets old.
Optional dungeons are puzzle-based assault courses meant to teach gadget use, but they are less interesting.
Loot and Upgrades
Acquiring loot and upgrading your character and weapons is engaging. Your character has limited stats and a level ranking, while weapons have levels and occasionally one or two buffs. The full range of weapon types from Splatoon 3 is included, from paint guns and buckets to rollers and paint-flinging swords.
Gadgets are the only new mechanic, offering an impressive variety: auto turrets, chain-linked floating bombs, rotating paint satellites, melee attacks, a paint boomerang, and speed/jumping devices. They are fun but, aside from a slow-building super attack, represent the only genuinely new gameplay ideas.
Co-op and Difficulty
After about an hour, you can call in online players to help on a map; otherwise, a Deep Cut member pilots a small mech. Online co-op is fun and makes the game even closer to original Salmon Run, but it's not necessary for progression on standard difficulty. A harder mode is available from the start, unusual for a Nintendo game.
Verdict
While the Salmon Run raids are highly enjoyable, accounting for about half the game, the linear levels are boring and the rest is unremarkable. The game is not full price, suggesting Nintendo recognizes it as something short of essential, but it's not cheap enough to forgive its shortcomings. For veterans, it makes the wait for Splatoon 4 more painful; for newcomers, it's a mixed offering that may not convey the series' appeal.
Splatoon Raiders review summary
In Short: Salmon Run remains one of the great co-op experiences of the modern age but only minimal effort has been expended in turning it into a single-player game, as Splatoon Raiders struggles to justify its existence.
Pros: The raids based around Salmon Run are extremely entertaining, with a wide range of weapons and enemies. The new gadgets are interesting and varied. Co-op is always fun.
Cons: Very few new ideas. Linear levels are actively boring and there's virtually no story.
Score: 6/10
Formats: Nintendo Switch 2
Price: £41.99
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Release Date: 23rd July 2026
Age Rating: 7
