Is Splatoon Raiders really a single-player game or just a cosmetic spin-off?

Far from being a mere spin-off, Raiders delivers a genuinely cohesive single-player experience with a deep loadout system, where each weapon has skill points that can be freely redistributed. The game has all the substance of a major release.

Can you play Splatoon Raiders in co-op?

Yes, the game offers a co-op option for up to 4 players. Boss fights in particular take on a whole new dimension with multiple players, with difficulty that scales to team size and roles that emerge naturally depending on loadouts.

How does the gameplay feel compare to previous Splatoon titles?

The shooting mechanics feel smoother and clearer than in previous single-player campaigns. Raiders benefits from the graphical power of the Switch 2 and offers more refined weapon feedback, making the action even more satisfying.

Are there any weak points in this preview?

The main risk identified is pacing: if Nintendo doesn't keep up the momentum in terms of enemy variety and new mechanics, the experience could become repetitive. The story also remains fairly understated despite the presence of Deep Cut and the Spirhalite Islands.

Splatoon Raiders Preview: TheGamer's impressions on the cult franchise's comeback

TheGamer recently had the chance to get hands-on with Splatoon Raiders through a preview demo featuring a handful of levels, some boss action, and the full loadout system. And it's a feeling of cohesion that prevails, apparently far from a weak spin-off.

What works

First off, the journalist talks about the shooting feel, satisfying enough (for example blasting waves of Salmonids with ink shotgun bursts), smoother and more readable than in the previous entries' single-player campaigns. The Switch 2 has something to do with that, as this is the most advanced version of Splatoon so far, and that shows all the way down to the weapon feedback.

Then there's the loadout system. TheGamer expected something superficial just to justify the single-player mode, but it's apparently quite the opposite. There are plenty of weapons available in the shop, unlocked progressively, and each weapon has its own skill points to freely redistribute (fire rate, power, HP), which suggests a real build system is in place, not just a cosmetic showcase.

The co-op boss fights are indeed where Raiders shows its unique touch. With up to 4 players in co-op, the difficulty scales based on team size, and complementary roles emerge through the loadouts. Solo, it works fine according to the journalist, but with 4 players, it's a whole other dimension.

What raises questions

Pacing is TheGamer's first real concern; the preview's levels did alternate well between obstacles and new features, but after all, he only saw a slice of it. If Nintendo keeps up that pace throughout the whole adventure, everything will be fine. If it drags on, or if the bestiary goes in circles, the experience will quickly show its age.

Another weak point, described as minor: the story is present, but rather understated. For a game meant to draw in friends with its solo format, it might have been wise to have more narrative reasons to push forward. Deep Cut is indeed there, the Spirhalite Islands look great - but it stays in the background.

Temporary verdict

Oh yes, it's off to a good start, as long as the content does the job and the variety doesn't dry up after the first few hours of play. On July 23, 2026, we'll see whether Nintendo truly succeeded in opening up Splatoon to a wider audience, without alienating longtime fans. And that's TheGamer saying it!