GameCentral went hands-on with Splatoon Raiders, the first spin-off in the Splatoon series and the franchise's debut on Nintendo Switch 2. While the core gameplay remains enjoyable, the title feels surprisingly conservative and may not be the bold new entry fans hoped for.
A Surprising Switch 2 Debut
It has been four years since Splatoon 3 launched, and many expected Splatoon 4 to be among the first games announced for the Switch 2. Instead, Nintendo opted for a single-player spin-off, Splatoon Raiders. During a preview session, Nintendo reps explained the logic: to appeal to players who enjoy Splatoon's world and characters but not its competitive multiplayer. However, the timing seems odd, as such spin-offs typically appear later in a console's lifecycle.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Structurally, Splatoon Raiders resembles the series' usual single-player modes. Players traverse levels, reach end goals, and fend off enemies—here, the salmonids from the co-op Salmon Run mode. Controls are identical to past games, making inking environments, swimming through ink, and shooting enemies just as fun. Levels offer slight deviations for hidden treasure but remain largely linear. The game mixes things up with enemy gauntlets (kill a set number of salmonids before time runs out) and challenge rooms with specific loadouts, encouraging experimentation with different equipment. Sub-weapons have been replaced by new gadgets like a boomerang that leaves an ink trail and an auto-targeting turret.
Deep Cut and Co-op
Players are usually accompanied by a member of Deep Cut, who pilots a small mech. Each member has a unique special attack, and they are functionally immortal, though they can be knocked about. They also serve as a springboard to reach high platforms or airborne enemies and can be summoned to crash into nearby salmonids. Unfortunately, there is no option for a friend to control them in co-op.
Extraction Shooter and Roguelike Elements
Although not officially described as such, Raiders gives off extraction shooter vibes, as players gather resources to take back to base alongside treasures. It also has roguelike DNA: an experience bar fills up, and some resources are kept even if a level is failed. This prevents harsh punishment for entering with suboptimal kit. Players will need to constantly adjust their loadout as new, stronger weapons are acquired and can be modified with different buffs.
Customisation and Difficulty
Raiders offers a wealth of customisation options, including weapon variety, gadgets, and optional costumes. Players can upgrade their base to add features like training dummies. Nintendo promises new lore for long-time fans. The game can be quite tough, even on standard difficulty. While normal levels posed little problem, enemy gauntlets proved challenging, even in four-player co-op. The difficulty often comes from overwhelming swarms of enemies.
Is It the Right Time?
Splatoon Raiders looks to be perfectly fine as a single-player entry, but the timing raises questions. Splatoon 3 was already criticised for lacking new ideas, and Raiders appears similarly safe and conservative. Spin-offs are often a chance to experiment, but Raiders seems uninterested in breaking the formula. Ideally, it serves as a stopgap while Nintendo works on a more ambitious Splatoon 4, though the last Nintendo Direct made no mention of one for 2027.
Formats: Nintendo Switch 2
Price: £41.99
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Release Date: 23rd July 2026
Age Rating: 7
