Splatoon Raiders is out now for Nintendo Switch 2, giving Nintendo's ink-splattering series its first single-player-focused spin-off. Nintendo lists the game as a Switch 2 exclusive on its store page, priced at $49.99 in the United States.
The launch follows weeks of Nintendo showing Raiders as a different kind of Splatoon game. Instead of leading with Turf War or ranked multiplayer, the spin-off sends players to the Spirhalite Islands as a mechanic working with Deep Cut, the trio from Splatoon 3.
Raiders puts Salmonids at the center
Nintendo's launch post says players customize their character, equip gadgets and ink weapons, then head into raids against waves of Salmonids. Treasure and salvage gathered during those runs can be used to craft upgrades, improve gear and build out the next attempt.
Deep Cut is not just there as story dressing. During raids, one member of the group can join in a powerful bot that responds to player commands, helps launch the player to higher spots and builds up Showstopper attacks.
Nintendo is describing Raiders as mainly solo, but it is not locked to one player. Up to four players can join online or through local wireless, giving the game a co-op option if players want help clearing raids or collecting loot.
Three tanks shape each raid
The main loadout choice comes from three tanks. The Power Tank is aimed at direct crowd control, the Speed Tank focuses on mobility and the Tactical Tank gives players battlefield-control gadgets. Weapons can also be leveled up, while loot from raids feeds back into further customization.
Raiders also lets players change difficulty at any time. Nintendo says the three difficulty settings affect enemy strength only, so lowering the challenge does not change the loot players can earn.
Splatoon amiibo support is included as well. Any compatible Splatoon series amiibo unlocks an in-game outfit, while the Shiver, Frye and Big Man Splatoon Raiders amiibo figures unlock additional exclusive outfits.
The release lands two days after Splatoon Raiders reviews came in broadly positive, with critics responding well to the game's solo raids and progression loop. A previous Splatoon Raiders trailer gave an early look at the treasure-hunting structure Nintendo is now putting in players' hands.