Is “Splatoon Raiders” A Survival Game? Everything We Know About The Game And What It Could Become

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“Guess I’m buying a Switch 2 after all.”

Nintendo has finally done it.

Following decades of anticipation and community requests, the Splatoon franchise is venturing into uncharted waters with its very first spin-off: Splatoon Raiders. However, this may disappoint longtime fans as it’s been confirmed to be an exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2.

As a dedicated gamer, I was pleasantly surprised when, out of the blue, the Nintendo Today app dropped a bombshell and unveiled a trailer for an upcoming game. This announcement not only caught my attention but also sparked a wave of excitement within me. You see, the game in question is a refreshing pivot for a series that has been under scrutiny for adhering too rigidly to its own formula. In fact, the gaming community has been buzzing with speculation about a Splatoon spin-off for quite some time now.

Since no release date has been disclosed yet and only scant information is available, enthusiasts are meticulously examining the trailer and official resources in an attempt to unravel what this upcoming journey may entail.

Shaking Up The Formula, Addressing Fan Concerns

Over the last twelve months, an increasing amount of enthusiasts have voiced their feelings of boredom with the recurring format of the games, particularly since Splatoon 3 didn’t bring about significant changes in gameplay mechanics.

In the primary installments of Splatoon, a consistent pattern has been observed: they typically involve multiplayer online battles, a single-player narrative campaign, and cooperative horde mode known as Salmon Run.

As a player yearning for some fresh creativity, this game feels like the breath of life I’ve longed for in the main series.

More recently, the downloadable content packages, particularly the “Side Order” which offered a fresh take on the roguelike genre, have functioned as a playground for novel concepts. These add-ons demonstrated that the development team is not afraid to innovate and stretch their creative limits. In fact, many enthusiasts consider these expansions to be the highlight of the entire series.

Raiders might serve as the ultimate manifestation of past DLC content trials: a complete, self-contained game that leverages all the knowledge the team has gathered.

Holiday Vibe And Splatfest Connection

The tone of the trailer is unmistakably summer-y, with a focus on beaches, islands, and adventure.

The atmosphere and motif might go beyond mere aesthetics; it could serve as a thematic connection to the initial Splatfest of Splatoon 3, namely the battle between Gear, Grub, and Fun, where players chose what items to bring to a deserted island.

The team using the “Gear” won the recent Splatfest, and it’s been officially acknowledged by the developers that significant outcomes from these events can shape the future course of the games.

Info We Got So Far

In the role of a mechanic, players will go on an adventure in the mysterious Spirhalite Islands alongside the splat-tacular Deep Cut trio. – Nintendo via Twitter

The island’s name, “Halite” or “Uzusio Shotō,” holds intriguing implications for mythology enthusiasts. Notably, “Halite” is related to rock salt, while the Japanese name “Uzusio Shotō” seems to incorporate words associated with whirlpools and islands. Remarkably, the term “シオ” can signify both “salt” and “tide” in Japanese.

So what’s the salt symbolism about, Nintendo…?

    The new protagonist is an expert mechanic with a mysterious background. They carry a custom ink tank and a robot sidekick.
    The floating ship-like structure acts as the character’s base
    Deep Cut returns in new vacation-ready outfits. The trio seems to be central to the story, a major shift from their passive role in Splatoon 3.
    While Off the Hook got dedicated DLCs in Splatoon 2&3, and the Squid Sisters played major roles in prior story modes, Deep Cut has largely remained enigmatic background figures. The spin-off could finally give them the narrative spotlight that fans have long requested.

Speculations: What Raiders Might Really Be

Nintendo hasn’t specified the game’s category yet, but the title “Raiders” itself provides some hints. In the gaming world, “raiding” is generally associated with activities that involve attacking or exploring places together, suggesting a possible action-adventure or multiplayer game.

  • Squad- or team-based missions, potentially with co-op elements
  • Loot and resource gathering, hinting at open-world or sandbox gameplay
  • Survival mechanics, with players navigating a hostile environment

Based on the mechanical elements, such as the hovering platforms and the distinctive equipment on the characters – for instance, the fishing rod for Shiver and the backpack for Big Man – it’s likely that we’re dealing with a game centered around survival and adventure.

Including freckles on the character model implies that there are more extensive personalization choices, a feature fans have eagerly requested for quite some time.

Are The Salmonids Attacking?

Astute observers spotted various food-related objects, such as a salt and pepper shaker, subtly placed in the backdrop – suggesting possible references to characters like Salmonids, who have appeared in past games.


As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice that the vibrant combination of orange and turquoise in the trailer and logo seems strikingly similar to the colors found in Salmon Run. It’s not just a happy accident, it feels like a deliberate nod to the game’s unique aesthetic, hinting at something deeper.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve been buzzing with whispers about these antagonists taking on a more significant role in the game world. Then, Nintendo’s New Year’s social media post back in 2020, cryptically spelling out “SOS” or “Save our Salmons,” set off a storm of speculation that’s been brewing for years now.

For quite some time now, their narrative has been established, featuring maps and major races known as “Big Runs” in Splatoon 3. This setup highlights their increasing territorial expansion across the lands and their escalating significance or danger within the game world.

In this fresh game, the island vibe seems reminiscent of my usual Salmonids’ territory. It’s not too far-fetched to picture these Salmonids stepping up, perhaps taking on more significant roles, even showing a bit of empathy – maybe they are the native inhabitants of the Spirhalite Islands or even survivors fighting against us raiders themselves.

Conclusion: A New Tide Rolls In

In a new, exciting twist, Splatoon Raiders seems to be steering the series towards unexplored territories (Let’s hope players don’t get overwhelmed like they might during online skirmishes…).

Basking in the salty breeze, donning sandals up on deck, and concealing mysteries hidden below, this offshoot could very well be the daring reinterpretation that establishes a fresh chapter for the series’ history.

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2025-06-12 17:10