Splatoon Raiders: Nintendo's Inky Shooter Evolves with New Approach

When Nintendo announced Splatoon Raiders as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, the message was clear: the ink-spraying franchise was ready to try something different. Instead of another round of Turf War, the team behind the series built a looter shooter designed for solo or cooperative play. Splatoon Raiders launches July 23, 2026, and early reviews suggest it's a bold—if uneven—departure.

Splatoon Raiders: A New Direction for the Franchise

For a series that defined itself by 4v4 paint battles, Splatoon Raiders swaps competitive online play for a fresh take on looter shooters that you can play solo, as The Verge notes. Players start on a hideout ship where they upgrade equipment and tweak their play style before heading out on bite-sized repeatable missions. The structure echoes games like Destiny or Borderlands, but with Nintendo's signature approachability.

Producer Seita Inoue, who has been with the series since the first Splatoon on Wii U, oversaw the entire development process and charted a new course for the series. Director Yoshihiko Ito, previously lead planner on Splatoon 3 and a planner on Splatoon 2 (where he mainly worked on Salmon Run), directed the overall structure and gameplay. Art director Koji Sonoyama, who led UI development for Splatoon 3, oversaw all artwork for Splatoon Raiders. Sound director Shu Tamura, who worked on sound effects and balance for Splatoon 3, handled audio.

Cooperative Chaos vs. Solo Solitude

The game is best enjoyed cooperatively with up to three others. Each player works towards creating their ultimate squid-kid avatar, and the hideout ship serves as a hub for gearing up. The Guardian's review calls it a 'disappointingly run-of-the-mill' experience when played alone, noting that solo play feels like a lesser experience. Levels are straightforwardly constructed to keep groups together, and the fun comes from putting together your kit rather than finding hidden depths through creative tool use.

Yet the cooperative side shines. Splatoon's weapons have always been goofy and playfully designed, and Splatoon Raiders complements them with a suite of augmentable gadgets. As your options accrete and the game escalates in challenge, the repetition inherent in looter shooters becomes a feature rather than a flaw—if you have a squad.

Mixed Reception, Clear Ambition

Reviews for Splatoon Raiders are split. The Guardian's headline declares 'Nintendo's inky shooter fades to grey,' criticizing the spinoff for losing the personality that made the series special. CGMagazine, however, calls it 'proof positive the series can evolve past its competitive multiplayer roots, creating a fun and engaging ARPG experience that's hard to put down.' The Verge praises the game for keeping shooters friendly and approachable, a hallmark of the franchise.

Digitally Downloaded raises a broader concern: single-player spinoffs from multiplayer properties may not appeal to those uninterested in the franchise's aesthetics. If you don't care about the multiplayer that the franchise is built on, the single-player content—which doubles down on in-jokes, characters, and themes—may not win you over.

What the Developers Say

In Ask the Developer Vol. 22, the team explains their thinking. Inoue says he 'charted a new course for the series.' Ito, with his Salmon Run background, brought that cooperative PvE sensibility to the entire game. Sonoyama's UI experience from Splatoon 3 informs the hideout ship menus and mission selection. Tamura's sound design balances the chaos of multiple players firing ink at once.

The interview, conducted before release, reveals a team confident in their direction. They knew they were making something different—a looter shooter that prioritizes approachability over hardcore grind. Whether that gamble pays off depends on how players respond to the shift from competitive to cooperative.

The Bigger Picture

Splatoon Raiders is more than a spinoff; it's a test of whether Nintendo can expand its shooter audience beyond the competitive arena. The series introduced competitive shooters to whole new audiences, and now it's trying to do the same for looter shooters. The mixed reviews suggest the execution isn't flawless, but the ambition is unmistakable.

For players who loved Splatoon's style but bounced off its competitive pressure, Splatoon Raiders offers a gentler on-ramp. For those who want more of the same, it may feel like a step sideways. Either way, Nintendo's inky shooter is evolving—and that alone is worth watching.