Splatoon Raiders transitions Nintendo's ink-splatting franchise into a solo and co-op looter shooter on Nintendo Switch 2. With rich RPG customization and chaotic horde survival, it proves to be a surprisingly deep, action-packed spin-off. For over a decade, Splatoon has been defined primarily by its competitive online multiplayer. While previous entries included single-player campaigns, they functioned largely as training grounds or side attractions. Splatoon Raiders completely flips this dynamic, delivering the franchise's first dedicated single-player and co-operative PvE adventure on Nintendo Switch 2. Stranded in the Spirhalite Islands The adventure opens as an unnamed mechanic flying a helicopter for Deep Cut—the popular musical trio from Splatoon 3—is forced down by a massive cyclone over the mysterious Spirhalite Islands. Stranded and surrounded by hostile Salmonid enemies, the group sets up an offshore base hub. Rather than focusing purely on escape, the crew decides to launch treasure-hunting expeditions across the archipelago to secure valuable loot, uncover the secret behind the islands' strange phenomenon, and clear debts back in Splatsville. Splatoon Meets Borderlands and Diablo Splatoon Raiders transforms the series' core movement and shooting fundamentals into a full-fledged action RPG looter shooter. Core mechanics remain intact—players shoot ink to deal damage and swim through painted surfaces to refill ammo and move quickly. However, progression is entirely driven by gear, stats, and power levels. The game features over 100 weapons across varying levels, rarities, and stat distributions dropped randomly by enemies. While familiar weapon archetypes like shooters, dualies, splatanas, sloshers, and rollers return, players must adapt their loadouts to combat heavy swarms. Deep Build Crafting and Gadget Systems Character customization serves as the game's biggest triumph. Players select from three specialized Ink Tank archetypes that define their playstyle and gadget availability: Power Tank: Focuses on close-quarters combat with abilities like orbiting Splatellites or the ground-pounding Meteor Mitt Speed Tank: Emphasizes mobility and rapid strikes using tools like the dashing Splatchet or Booyarang Tactical Tank: Provides zone control through deployable auto-turrets, wind turbines, and long-range lasers Each gadget can be slotted with collectible parts that act as roguelite-style perk modifiers. Players can upgrade these parts to alter abilities significantly—such as adding explosive shots to turrets, applying burn damage to Splatellites, or triggering auto-activations upon taking damage. Additionally, players can bring along a Bot Buddy or partner with members of Deep Cut to trigger devastating Showstopper ultimate abilities, like summoning a massive shark or a storm of moray eels to wipe out screen-filling hordes. Mission Variety and High-Intensity Dungeons Expeditions across the map fall into four primary site formats: Exploration & Crystal Stages: Broader maps where players defeat enemy clusters around large crystals to mine upgrade materials using a drilling machine Dungeon Dens: Multi-floor timed gauntlets where players defeat spawning Salmonid waves, gather Power Eggs, and vanquish bosses to proceed deeper Trial & Sampler Stages: Puzzle and tutorial-focused levels with fixed loadouts designed to test specific gadgets and reward skill points Story & Boss Encounters: Cinematic missions featuring massive unique bosses and distinct mechanical gimmicks Dungeons in particular push the game's difficulty to the forefront. Later stages flood the screen with dense packs of Seasoned Salmonids and multiple boss types simultaneously. Dying or running out of time resets dungeon progress, but players retain all earned XP, items, and materials, making repeated attempts key to building character strength. Performance, Accessibility, and Co-Op Running on Nintendo Switch 2, Splatoon Raiders maintains a smooth 60 frames-per-second performance even during intense combat encounters with massive enemy density. While motion controls remain available, traditional twin-stick controls are fully supported as an alternative. The campaign can be played entirely solo or in four-player online and local wireless co-op, featuring dynamic scaling that adjusts enemy difficulty to match party size. Minor Drawbacks While the core gameplay loop is incredibly addictive, the experience is not without minor flaws. Some environmental locations can appear somewhat washed out or drab compared to the vibrant urban arenas of Splatoon 3. Furthermore, players cannot swap or examine newly acquired loot during a raid, requiring a return to the offshore base to adjust equipment. Replaying content on higher Spicy difficulty levels can also feel repetitive during late-game grinding. Final Verdict Splatoon Raiders successfully proves that Nintendo's premiere shooter franchise can thrive outside of competitive multiplayer. By combining Splatoon's satisfying movement with deep ARPG customization, chaotic PvE horde battles, and generous content, it stands as one of the most rewarding action games on Nintendo Switch 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7ve2zWmkEA
