Splatoon Raiders, a new single-player spin-off released for the Nintendo Switch 2, has garnered an 8.5 "Great" verdict from VGChartz. Moving away from the series' traditional competitive roots, the title focuses on a treasure-hunting expedition led by the Splatoon 3 trio, Deep Cut.

Gameplay and Performance Findings

Reviewers highlight the game's fluid movement and precise gyro controls as core strengths. The gameplay loop centers on raiding islands, using ink to traverse terrain, and defeating Salmonid enemies. A key mechanic involves managing a "barge" where players use resources earned from raids—such as experience points, weapons, and relics—to customize their builds.

Customization is a major focal point. Players can choose between three tank types—Speed, Power, and Tactical—and equip a wide variety of gadgets and weapons. Critics note that the lack of a competitive PvP requirement allowed the developers at Nintendo EPD to lean into deep, experimental customization options.

Technical Performance

  • Frame Rate: The game maintains a consistent 60 fps, even during intense sequences with heavy ink and enemy activity.
  • Visuals: Sharp, clean graphics with detailed environment and enemy designs that capture a "scrappy" aesthetic.
  • Stability: The title reportedly features no technical hiccups, despite having some of the most hectic screen density seen in the series.

Reported Caveats

Despite the positive reception, the review identifies a few areas of concern for potential players:

  • Repetition: The mission types can feel repetitive during long play sessions, and some grinding for levels is required to tackle more difficult fights.
  • Narrative: The story is described as serviceable but not essential, serving primarily as a framing device for the gameplay rather than a driving force.
  • Audio: The soundtrack includes several "aggressively unsettling" and dissonant tracks. While intended to reflect an alien, inhospitable environment, the review notes this is a point where the game's design may not land for all players.

For those looking to get the most out of the experience, the game supports an online system where players can request or provide help, similar to the asynchronous multiplayer found in the Dark Souls series. It is currently available on the Nintendo Switch 2.