In Splatoon Raiders, your weapon choice defines your playstyle, whether you prefer the rapid fire of a Shooter or the tactical utility of a Charger. Because weapons are scavenged from the junk found on shipwrecked islands, building your ideal loadout requires understanding how to collect and improve your gear.

How to Acquire New Weapons

Weapons are obtained through gameplay rewards rather than a traditional store. As you explore and clear levels, they drop randomly from defeated enemies and destroyed crates. Because there is no specific pattern to these drops, the most effective way to expand your arsenal is to prioritize clearing enemies and smashing environmental objects whenever you play.

Understanding Weapon Categories

There are 11 distinct weapon categories in the game. Your choice here dictates your engagement range and coverage style:

  • Shooters: 18 models available (including Splattershot and Squelcher variants).
  • Rollers: 12 models; ideal for ground coverage and close-quarters combat.
  • Chargers: 12 models; long-range snipers including 4K and Charger variants.
  • Sloshers: 12 models; bucket-style weapons providing high-ink coverage.
  • Splatlings: 12 models; heavy ink barrage weapons that require charging.
  • Dualies: 12 models; allow for dodge rolls and increased damage output.
  • Brellas: 12 models; defensive umbrellas that can block attacks or be launched.
  • Blasters: 12 models; slow fire rate with high-damage ink explosions.
  • Brushes: 6 models; focused on rapid swiping and mobility.
  • Stringers: 6 models; bow-style weapons that fire multiple shots.
  • Splatanas: 6 models; versatile blades used for fast swipes or heavy charged strikes.

Weapon Rarity and Upgrading

Weapons feature a rarity system ranging from one-star (grey) up to five-star prismatic options. The rarest items, known as Primo weapons, offer the most significant long-term growth; while standard weapons cap at five upgrades, Primo weapons can be upgraded ten times or more.

To manage your collection, visit Frye on your ship:

  1. Upgrade: Use spirhalite and enemy drops to increase a weapon's stats.
  2. Scrap: Break down unwanted weapons to recover spirhalite, which you can then reinvest into your primary gear.
  3. Customize: As you progress, you can swap abilities between your weapons to fine-tune your build.

Note: Upon completing the main story, you are rewarded with a Primo Plastic-Bottle Splattershot.