When Splatoon Raiders was first revealed, my initial reaction was a mix of confusion and slight disappointment. Like many others, I watched the debut trailer, assuming we were finally getting a glimpse of Splatoon 4.
Instead, Nintendo threw a massive curveball, unveiling a single-player-focused spin-off.
I was not sold on the concept at all. The Splatoon franchise has always been Nintendo's family-friendly answer to the competitive shooter, and across three main entries, the core formula has remained largely identical.
We got subtle mechanical refinements, new weapon types, and fresh maps, but the foundation never shifted. While those main games featured solo campaigns, I always found the single-player content to be their weakest point. Similarly, Salmon Run always felt like a fun side option rather than a main event. The idea of taking those specific elements and stretching them out into a standalone experience just did not appeal to me.
I was completely wrong. Splatoon Raiders is incredible, and I did not expect it to hook me anywhere near this fast.
The setup drops your character, “the mechanic” (and also pilot), along with the famous Deep Cut crew, on a strange group of islands. After initially panicking about finding a way home to Splatsville, the crew decides to stay after picking up radar pings pointing to a ton of treasure hidden across the surrounding islands. It is an easy, breezy intro to get you right into the action, and it works perfectly.
For players who love the broader lore of this world, this game is going to be heaven. I have never been a massive fan of the overarching Splatoon story, but the amount of universe-expanding here is impressive. The islands are packed with collectibles, from ancient relics to actual logs detailing salmonoid biology. Thankfully, the game avoids feeling like a tedious collectathon. Hunting these items down feels like a natural reward for exploring the map rather than a chore designed to artificially inflate your playtime.
The core loop is incredibly satisfying: head to an island, fight off aggressive hordes of salmonoids, grab your loot, and get out. While that might sound repetitive, the variety in level design keeps it fresh. My favorite raids are the ones where you have to collect golden eggs to power the mechanical bot's drill in order to mine a giant crystal. The tension found in the waves of enemies in these moments is excellent, leading into some tense boss battles at the end of the island.
If you need a break from the standard raid grind, the game offers a change of pace through challenge levels. By exploring the map and using compass markers, you unlock standalone trials that put your platforming and combat skills to the test. These bite-sized stages are a welcome breather from the chaos of the main raids and hand out valuable resources for your camp.
What sets Raiders apart from the main trilogy is its progression. Leveling up here feels way more rewarding than the slow multiplayer grind of Splatoon 3. The relics you dig up unlock new abilities that let you customize your playstyle. When you combine that with permanent upgrades to your ink tank and base, you get a genuine, tangible sense of growth as you become an absolute powerhouse.
The weapons tie into this progression beautifully. Iconic weapons from the trilogy are present, including the roller, the paint brush, slosher buckets, and the standard guns. However, these are cool, makeshift scrap versions of the classic gear, looking like they were cobbled together from salvaged parts. Finding them hidden out in the raids instead of just buying them from a shop adds a new layer of discovery to the proceedings.
I found that the overhauled movement was a great improvement on what we have been used to in the series. In the mainline games, your mobility is strictly defined; you cannot jump high unless you are in squid form or utilizing a specific power, and in general, it feels slower to move around. Splatoon Raiders changes this up by introducing verticality.
The maps are littered with areas that boost you high into the sky, and you can even use the bot to throw you into the air. This gives the battlefield a whole new dimension, letting you rain down ink and attack from above. If Nintendo takes the movement from this game and applies it to Splatoon 4, the pacing of the entire series will take on a completely new life.
Before launch, I was worried about the lack of focus on the online component, especially with the game being pushed so heavily as a solo adventure. The co-op integration is seamless… give or take a wait to find fellow Raiders. You can quickly search for ongoing raids or request help from online players to beat a level you are struggling with. Teaming up with others does not ruin the campaign's vibe; instead, online co-op just feels like a nice little bonus to the package.
If there is a single point I can fault the game on, it is the music. The soundtrack arguably isn't quite as catchy or memorable as the frantic pop anthems of the main series. Then again, this is a different game with a totally different vibe. The tracks swap out the chaotic, panic-inducing beats (well, I panic when it speeds up in 3 anyway) for something a bit more atmospheric, and while they might not stick in your head after you turn off the console, they fit Raiders perfectly. The game is literally outstanding in every other way.
It is rare to see a multiplayer-focused series pivot this successfully, turning things into a game that feels like Ratchet and Clank meets Helldivers. Splatoon Raiders is a damn fun time and absolutely needs to become an ongoing side series. I really hope it gets a sequel after Splatoon 4, and the team needs to ensure the mechanics and progression introduced here form the foundation for the next mainline entry.
Pick this one up even if you were on the fence like me - Splatoon Raiders may just be the best title in the whole franchise.
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