Splatoon Raiders, A Look at the In-Game Enemy Type

Quick Answer

Splatoon Raiders is a single-player focused action shooter spinoff of the Splatoon series, announced for the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025 and set for release on July 23, 2026. It shifts away from the traditional multiplayer Turf War formula to center on treasure hunting and combat against Salmonid enemies.

The game features customizable weapons and gadgets, marking the first spinoff in the Splatoon franchise's history.

Key Facts

• Splatoon Raiders was first announced in June 2025 alongside a version 10.0.0 update for Splatoon 3.
• The version 10.0.0 update launched on June 12, 2025, adding 30 new weapon loadouts and bringing back Urchin Underpass.
• Splatoon Raiders is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, with no version announced for the original Nintendo Switch.
• The game's release date is July 23, 2026, in all regions.
• Splatoon Raiders is described as a single-player action shooter with treasure hunting and Salmonid enemies.
• Players can customize weapons and gadgets, suggesting deeper progression systems than previous Splatoon titles.
• The Switch 2 version of Splatoon 3 received enhanced visuals as part of the 10.0.0 update, though Splatoon Raiders is a separate game, not an expansion.

What Splatoon Raiders Actually Is

A True Spinoff, Not an Expansion

The announcement of Splatoon Raiders caught many fans by surprise. After years of mainline Splatoon games focused almost exclusively on competitive multiplayer, Nintendo revealed a spinoff that fundamentally changes the formula.

Based on publicly available information, Splatoon Raiders is a single-player focused action shooter where players hunt for treasure and splat scores of enemies, primarily the Salmonid creatures familiar to series veterans. The key distinction is that Splatoon Raiders is not simply a campaign mode bolted onto the existing Splatoon framework.

It is a standalone game developed specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2. This means it was built from the ground up with the new hardware's capabilities in mind, rather than being a port or remaster.

The game was announced during a period when Splatoon 3 was already in what many considered maintenance mode—the version 10.0.0 update on June 12, 2025, brought 30 new weapon loadouts and the return of Urchin Underpass, but the long-term future of the series appeared to be moving toward this spinoff.

How It Differs from Mainline Splatoon

The core loop of Splatoon has always revolved around Turf War, a 4v4 multiplayer mode where teams compete to ink the most surface area. Splatoon Raiders abandons this entirely.

Instead, the game centers on treasure hunting—a goal-oriented, progression-driven experience that resembles action-adventure games more than competitive shooters. Players can customize weapons and gadgets, a feature that suggests a deeper RPG-like progression system.

In mainline Splatoon, weapon customization is limited to gear abilities and sub-weapons. Splatoon Raiders appears to expand this into a more traditional loadout system where players can tailor their approach to different challenges.

The enemy focus on Salmonids also makes sense: these creatures were already the primary PvE opponents in Salmon Run mode, and expanding their role into a full campaign is a natural evolution. The single-player focus does not necessarily mean the game lacks replayability.

Treasure hunting implies exploration, secrets, and collectibles that could keep players engaged long after the main story concludes. Without confirmed details, it is reasonable to expect that Splatoon Raiders will offer a campaign length comparable to other Nintendo single-player spinoffs, likely in the 10-20 hour range for a first playthrough, with additional challenges or completionist goals extending that time.

Why Splatoon Raiders Matters Right Now

The Timing of the Release

Splatoon Raiders launches on July 23, 2026—just two days after this article is written. This timing is significant for several reasons.

First, it arrives during the summer release window, traditionally a period when Nintendo launches major titles to capture vacation audiences. Second, it serves as an early flagship title for the Nintendo Switch 2, a console that launched in 2025 and is still building its library of exclusive software.

The proximity to the Switch 2's launch is no coincidence. Splatoon Raiders is positioned to demonstrate the new hardware's capabilities while leveraging one of Nintendo's most popular franchises.

The game is exclusive to the Switch 2, meaning it cannot be played on the original Switch. This exclusivity is a powerful incentive for Splatoon fans to upgrade to the new console, especially those who have invested hundreds of hours into Splatoon 3 and want to see where the series goes next.

The State of Splatoon 3 in 2026

By July 2026, Splatoon 3 has been out for nearly four years. The version 10.0.0 update from June 2025 added content, but the game's competitive scene and player base have likely stabilized or declined.

The introduction of Splatoon Raiders gives the franchise a new direction without abandoning the existing player community entirely—the 10.0.0 update brought cross-compatibility features between Splatoon 3 and the Switch 2, though specific details are limited. For players who have exhausted Splatoon 3's content, Splatoon Raiders offers a fresh experience that does not require competing against other players.

The single-player focus lowers the barrier to entry for newcomers who may have found the multiplayer-focused mainline games intimidating. It also appeals to veteran players who want to see the Splatoon universe explored through a different lens—one that emphasizes exploration and combat over competitive rankings.

The Salmonid Connection

The Salmonids have been a staple of the Splatoon series since Splatoon 2's Salmon Run mode. These fish-like creatures are typically encountered in cooperative horde-mode gameplay where teams of four players fend off waves of enemies.

Splatoon Raiders elevates them from secondary threats to primary antagonists, suggesting a deeper narrative exploration of their role in the Splatoon world. In Salmon Run, players collect Power Eggs from defeated Salmonids.

The treasure hunting premise of Splatoon Raiders could expand this mechanic, turning Power Eggs or similar resources into a currency for upgrades and customization. The Salmonid horde also provides a natural enemy variety: different Salmonid types have distinct behaviors and weaknesses, which translates well into a campaign where players must adapt their strategies to different enemy compositions.

What We Know About Gameplay and Mechanics

Customizable Weapons and Gadgets

One of the most intriguing aspects of Splatoon Raiders is the emphasis on customizable weapons and gadgets. In mainline Splatoon, weapons are fixed in their properties—each weapon has a set sub-weapon and special, and players cannot modify these.

The spinoff appears to break this rule entirely. Customization could take several forms.

Players might be able to swap sub-weapons between main weapons, attach modifiers that change fire rate or damage, or unlock new abilities through progression. Gadgets—a term not typically used in Splatoon—suggests utility items that assist with exploration or combat.

Grappling hooks, bombs with different effects, or traversal tools are all possibilities that would fit a treasure hunting theme. The customization system could serve as the game's primary progression loop.

As players collect treasure and defeat enemies, they unlock new parts and upgrades that allow them to tackle harder challenges. This creates a satisfying feedback loop: play to earn better equipment, then use that equipment to access previously inaccessible areas or defeat tougher enemies.

Single-Player Campaign Structure

While Nintendo has not released detailed information about the campaign's structure, the treasure hunting premise suggests a mission-based or open-ended design. The game could feature a hub area where players prepare for expeditions, select missions, and upgrade equipment.

Each expedition would be a self-contained level with objectives, enemies, and collectibles. Alternatively, Splatoon Raiders could adopt a more open-world approach, with a large map divided into regions that players explore freely.

Treasure hunting points of interest, hidden secrets, and enemy camps would populate the map, giving players freedom to choose their own path. This would represent a significant departure from Splatoon's linear mission structure, which has traditionally featured discrete levels with clear start and end points.

Given Nintendo's track record with single-player experiences like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey, it is reasonable to expect that Splatoon Raiders will prioritize player agency and discovery. The treasure hunting theme naturally supports this design philosophy, as finding hidden items and solving environmental puzzles are core activities.

Technical Performance on Switch 2

As a Switch 2 exclusive, Splatoon Raiders can take full advantage of the new hardware. The version 10.0.0 update for Splatoon 3 already demonstrated enhanced visuals on Switch 2, with more detailed environments and smoother frame rates.

Splatoon Raiders, built specifically for the platform, should push these improvements further. Expectations include 60 frames per second gameplay, higher resolution textures, improved lighting effects, and faster load times.

The Switch 2's improved CPU and GPU allow for more complex enemy AI, larger levels, and more simultaneous on-screen effects. The ink mechanics that define Splatoon's visual identity—the way ink splatters and covers surfaces—should look more realistic and responsive on the new hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Splatoon Raiders a multiplayer game?

Based on available information, Splatoon Raiders is described as a single-player focused action shooter. While it may include cooperative or competitive elements, the core experience appears designed for solo play.

The emphasis on treasure hunting and customizable gadgets suggests a campaign-driven structure rather than the multiplayer-centric design of mainline Splatoon games.

Can I play Splatoon Raiders on the original Nintendo Switch?

No. Splatoon Raiders is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.

It was announced and marketed specifically for the new console, with no indication of a version for the original Switch. Players who want to experience the game will need to upgrade to the Switch 2.

When was Splatoon Raiders announced?

Splatoon Raiders was first announced in June 2025, alongside the version 10.0.0 update for Splatoon 3. The announcement came through multiple channels, including Nintendo Direct presentations and the Nintendo Today!

app. A specific release date of July 23, 2026, was confirmed later through a dedicated Direct and a trailer on Nintendo of America's YouTube channel.

Does Splatoon Raiders connect to Splatoon 3?

The relationship between Splatoon Raiders and Splatoon 3 is unclear from publicly available information. The version 10.0.0 update for Splatoon 3 included cross-compatibility features with the Switch 2, but whether this extends to Splatoon Raiders is unknown.

The two games are separate products—Splatoon Raiders is a spinoff, not an expansion or DLC for Splatoon 3.

What kind of enemies are in Splatoon Raiders?

The primary enemies in Splatoon Raiders appear to be Salmonids, the fish-like creatures previously featured in Salmon Run mode. The treasure hunting premise likely introduces new enemy types as well, though specific details have not been confirmed.

The Salmonid horde provides a foundation for varied enemy encounters, with different types exhibiting unique behaviors and weaknesses.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources. Some details may change over time.

Verify with official sources before acting.