Splatoon News
News Four Years After Release, Splatoon 3's Player Numbers Are On The Up In 2026
A Raiders resurgence
It has been quite a big year for Splatoon, and the player numbers for the latest mainline entry apparently show it, even though it has been on the market for four years now. That's according to Splatoon 3 director Seita Inoue, who, in a new interview with Famitsu (translated by Nintendo Everything), said that things have been...
News Splatoon 3's Splatfests Return Next Month With Another Spooky Showdown
Trick or treat, Squidlings?
Believe it or not, Halloween is almost upon us. As has become something of a yearly tradition, Nintendo is marking the occasion with another Splatfest in Splatoon 3. That's right, Splatoween is back, baby. It's another recycled theme this year, with the event asking "What would you be in a fantasy world?" Teams Wizard,...
News Splatoon Raiders Dev Team Apparently Has No Plans For DLC
Or updates related to game balance
If you've been wondering about Splatoon Raiders getting any DLC in the future, there's supposedly nothing on the menu right now. Speaking to Famitsu recently, the game's producer Seita Inoue says there are currently no plans for DLC, or updates related to game balance, as this title is designed to be a complete...
News Dark Horse Comics Announces 'The Art Of Splatoon 3' Hardcover English Release
Available December 2026
If you're a Splatoon fan and love the artwork and designs of the latest mainline release Splatoon 3, you might want to be on the lookout for 'The Art of Splatoon 3' later this year. Dark Horse Comics has this week announced it's releasing this "ink-credible" hardcover art book, featuring over 400 pages of familiar and debut...
News Splatoon 3 Ver. 11.3.0 Update Out Now, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
Claim a new weapon with Splatoon Raiders save data
[Wed 19th Aug, 2026 01:55 BST]: Nintendo has continued to release new updates for the Switch multiplayer Splatoon 3, and the next update is out this week. This will bump the game up to Version 11.3.0, and the changes will be applied to both the Switch and Switch 2 builds. This update includes the...
News Splatoon Raiders Version 1.1.1 Out Now, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
Making a splash with multiple fixes
Following its recent launch, the new first-party Switch 2 exclusive Splatoon Raiders has now received a new update. This patch bumps the game up to Version 1.1.1 and includes a bunch of fixes. This includes one that resolves a loading screen crash. You can now also release a tank's limiter without holding down...
News Tetris 99's New Crossover Event Celebrates Splatoon Raiders, Unlock A Special Theme
Drop in later this week
Following the recent release of Splatoon Raiders exclusively for the Switch 2, Nintendo has announced it will be hosting a new themed event in Tetris 99. If you boot up the Switch Online battle royale title between 7th - 10th August 2026, you can earn event points. As usual, once you've got 100 event points, you'll unlock a...
Guide Every Splatoon Game, Ranked
Can I get a Booyah?
It's easy to forget that Splatoon isn't Nintendo's new kid on the block any more. The series started as a bold swing on Wii U in 2015 - a brand new IP in a genre that Nintendo historically hadn't touched, released solely on its worst-selling console since the Virtual Boy. On paper, the Splatlands were destined to be nothing more...
Guide Splatoon Raiders Guide, Tips & Tricks
Raiders gunna Raid
Whether you're a series veteran or still fresh around the gills, Splatoon Raiders is packed with gameplay, mechanics and upgrades to get your head around. But worry not, we're here to lend a hand. In the following Splatoon Raiders guide, we'll be sharing some hints and tips for surviving the Spirhalite Islands, recommending the...
News Has Raiders Left You Craving A Splatfest? Splatoon 3's Got You Covered Next Month
Summer Nights event returns
We've been so lost in the Splatoon Raiders sauce for the past week that we had started to forget the sweet, sweet taste of Splatfests. Well, worry not, because we're getting a reminder of their brilliance next month. Nintendo has today announced that the Summer Nights event will return to Splatoon 3 soon enough, with the...
Guide Splatoon Raiders: Compass Guide - How To Use Blue Compasses
Point the way
As you explore Splatoon Raiders' Spirhalite Islands, there's every chance that you'll stumble across a blue compass. These collectibles point you in the direction of some bonus levels, but they can be a little tricky to understand at first. In this guide, we'll explain how to use blue compasses and where to look for them. How To...
News Splatoon Raiders' User Scores Are Off To A Splashing Start On Metacritic
Nintendo's fresh take receives a glowing reception
The excitement for Splatoon Raiders might not have been as big as certain other first-party Nintendo titles in the lead-up to its release, but now that it's out, the Switch 2 exclusive is getting a lot of praise from fans. As highlighted by Kotaku, it's been so positively received since arriving on...
Poll What Review Score Would You Give Splatoon Raiders?
Feel Good Ink
Well folks, Splatoon Raiders is finally here. The series' first spin-off launched on Switch 2 last week, and if you're anything like us, then you've likely spent most of your weekend hunting down Salmonids on the Spirhalite Islands. And what a wonderful way it is to spend your time! In our 9/10 review of Raiders, the wonderful Alex...
Woomy for more?
If you rolled credits on Splatoon Raiders' main game after beating the final boss, and still have the hunger for something more, worry not, there's plenty more to sink your teeth into. In this guide, we'll detail everything you can do after rolling credits and explain how to get the Splatoon Raiders true ending. And it should go...
Guide Splatoon Raiders: How to Beat Secret Boss Lord Saltimatum
Gold Member
The Splatoon Raiders secret boss awaits after a gruelling 100 layers of the Bottomless Buffet in the Splatoon Raiders post-game. Congratulations! In this guide, we'll share some things to keep in mind during the fight, before diving into an explanation of how to beat the post-game boss and what can technically be considered the Splatoon...
Guide Splatoon Raiders: All Weapons - Best Picks For Every Weapon Type
Arm Up
So, you've arrived on Splatoon Raiders' Spirhalite Islands, and you immediately want to set about building up your arsenal. Well, you've come to the right place! In this guide, we'll be running through every weapon we've collected in the game so far, explaining where you can find more and how to level them up, and answering a few frequently...
Guide Splatoon Raiders: All Outfits
Dress to impress
The Splatoon series has always had an eye for fashion, and Splatoon Raiders outfits prove that's no exception. There are a bunch of outfits for you to get, and below, we have listed all of the ones we've encountered so far and detailed their unlock conditions. Note: this guide is a work in progress, and we will be updating the...
Guide Splatoon Raiders: Throne Room - How To Beat The Final Boss
Top o' the tower
The end is almost in sight, but before you wrap up the Splatoon Raiders main game, one final challenge remains: a big old boss. The Throne Room boss is the biggest in the game, and it's rather different from those that came before it. In this guide, we'll share how to take it down and give you some general tips to keep in mind...
Guide How Long Is Splatoon Raiders?
What do you get for your 40 squid?
Splatoon Raiders - the largely single-player instalment - has a campaign-style structure that means you can roll credits and call it a day. For those wondering how much time it takes to reach the end, we can speak to our experience with the Splatoon Raiders - with the caveat that there is much more to do after...
Guide Splatoon Raiders: All Gadgets & Parts Guide
Inspect ya Gadget
Gadgets are a new mechanic in Splatoon Raiders, and you're going to need to learn all about them if you want to hold those pesky Salmonids at bay. Fortunately, you've come to the right place. In the following guide, we've listed every gadget in the game, its unlock conditions, and the all-important parts you'll need to level them...
Guide Splatoon Raiders: Tank Upgrades - What Should I Upgrade First?
Tanks a lot
Tanks are one of the many new mechanics introduced in Splatoon Raiders that you need to get your head around if you are going to fend off those pesky Salmonids. In this guide, we'll be breaking down all of the tank upgrades, giving our advice on which ones you'll want to build up first, and explaining everything you need to know about...
Guide Splatoon Raiders: All amiibo Unlocks
Fresh Drip
Nintendo has shown no sign of letting up on amiibo just yet, and Splatoon Raiders keeps the unlockables coming with a range of outfits available to all those who scan 'em. In this guide, we'll run through what every amiibo unlocks in Splatoon Raiders, including the new tie-in Deep Cut figures. Splatoon Raiders: All amiibo Unlocks:...
Guide Splatoon Raiders: Coohla Temple Boss - How To Beat Desshurt
Snow Ball Fight
With Splatoon Raiders' icy islands out of the way, there's just one thing standing between you and the end game: the Coohla Temple boss. In this guide, we'll go through everything you need to know about Raiders' third boss, sharing some general tips to keep in mind during the fight, and providing a play-by-play breakdown of how to...
Guide Splatoon Raiders: Stonuvan Temple Boss - How To Beat Paincourse
Mine Cart Madness
The fiery regions of Splatoon Raiders' Spirhalite Islands are almost behind you, but first you've got to head into the Stonuvan Temple and take on its big bad. In this guide, we'll be sharing some general tips for defeating this second boss before heading into a more detailed breakdown of the battle and how to win it...
Guide Splatoon Raiders: Bowtlode Temple Boss - How To Beat Flappetizer
Shiver me timbers
So, you've sped through Splatoon Raiders' opening islands and you're ready for your first big boss battle. Fortunately, we're here to make that encounter as easy as possible. Below, we'll share some general tips for how to tackle Flappetizer, before diving into a step-by-step breakdown of the fight itself. Flappetizer General...
PSA Splatoon Raiders' Tank Limiter Not Working? You May Be Pressing The Button Wrong
Have a little patience
Splatoon Raiders is out today, and we're sure that a bunch of you are already diving into the Spirhalite Islands and seeing what the spinoff has to offer. However, Nintendo has flagged that a bunch of people seem to be having trouble with the level-up system, and no, it's not a bug. Nintendo took to its Community Support...
News Splatoon Raiders Added To Nintendo Music As A 'Special Release'
Listen to nine tracks now
Nintendo Music has been updated with nine tracks from Splatoon Raiders in a new special release. Coinciding with the launch of the new spin-off on Switch 2, the OST sample should give you a small taste of what the full game has to offer in terms of its excellent music. Splatoon has always been known for its upbeat, funky...
News Xenoblade Chronicles Studio Monolith Soft Helped Out With Splatoon Raiders
It also worked on the previous releases
Splatoon Raiders is a new take on the series, and it seems Nintendo called on the talented team at Monolith Soft to help out. Yes, you read correctly - the Xenoblade Chronicles developer, who has also assisted with multiple other first-party Nintendo projects in between its popular role-playing series, has...
News Splatoon Raiders Switch 2 Launch Update Out Now, Here Are The Patch Notes
The hunt begins
The new adventure Splatoon Raiders is out exclusively for the Switch 2 this week, and like many other first-party Nintendo releases nowadays, there's a launch update. The patch notes aren't available locally just yet, but according to Nintendo's Japanese website, it comes with some adjustments as well as bug fixes to improve the...
Video Splatoon Raiders Gets New Overview Trailer Ahead Of This Week's Release
Get ready to explore the Spirhalite Islands
Splatoon Raiders is out this week, and Nintendo's marketing push is now underway with not only promotional posters and an 'Ask the Developer' interview, but also a brand-new overview trailer. It provides another look at the mysterious Spirhalite Islands and details everything you can expect from this new...
News Nintendo All But Confirms That Splatoon 4 Is On The Way
Turf War fans, rejoice
With Nintendo launching Splatoon Raiders this week, you might be wondering whether the company plans to work on a proper mainline entry in the series, A.K.A. Splatoon 4. Well, according to a new 'Ask the Developer' interview, Nintendo has no intention of deviating from the competitive gameplay that Splatoon is known for. When...
Round Up "Incredibly Compelling" - The Splatoon Raiders Reviews Are In
Or should that be "Ink-redibly Compelling'
Splatoon Raiders, the new single-player (with lots of multi-player) spin-off Switch 2, is right around the corner. You know what that means: it's time to check out some reviews! Before we crack on, let's remind ourselves of what the lovely Alex Olney said in his review right here on Nintendo Life:...
Review Splatoon Raiders (Switch 2) - The Best Single-Player Splatoon Has Fantastic Multiplayer
Salmon point
Whilst it wasn’t part of the original release 11 years ago (yikes), Salmon Run has become a core part of the Splatoon experience, as important as Turf Wars and bizarre single player adventures. Splatoon Raiders is Salmon Run to an extent, but it feels to me like a side mode from 'Splatoon 4' that simply… got out of hand. If...
Guide What Time Does Splatoon Raiders Release?
Ink-case you wanted to play ASAP
Splatoon Raiders, the new largely single-player entry in Nintendo's shooter series announced last summer, is finally releasing this week. As usual for first-party releases, Splatoon Raiders has a Thursday release date, and launches in the early hours of the morning for just about every territory. This guide...
Poll Splatoon 3's Raiders-Themed Splatfest Has Crowned Its Champion
It's about drive, it's about power
[Fri 10th Jul, 2026 10:00 BST]: It's Splatfest weekend, folks! Nintendo technically announced this one back in the June Direct, but with all the Zelda and Xenoblade news, we thought it was only right that we give everyone a little reminder now that it's finally here. The Splatoon 3 Splatfest kicks off tomorrow...
News Splatoon Raiders Demo Now Available At Switch 2 Kiosks (North America)
Splashing news
Ahead of the launch of Splatoon Raiders on the Switch 2 later this month, an in-store demo for the game has gone live. If you happen to be located in the US or Canada, and are near a Best Buy, Walmart, Target or GameStop, you'll be able to go hands-on with the new single-player experience before it's even released. This new kiosk...
Round Up The Final Previews Are In For Splatoon Raiders
Here's what the critics had to say
Nintendo's Splatoon Raiders Direct has now aired, and the final previews for this single-player title have officially gone live ahead of the launch on 23rd July 2026. If you haven't already seen our own "hands-on" here on Nintendo Life, we've got high hopes for this new solo experience: "If the stages themselves...
Guide Splatoon Raiders Nintendo Direct: Every Announcement - How Would You Rate It?
What did you (th)ink?
Not content with multiple trailers and two Treehouse appearances, Nintendo showcased even more of the upcoming Splatoon spin-off, Splatoon Raiders, in a Direct presentation of its own. This 15-minute Direct ran through a bunch of the game's features, and we have listed them all below so you can make sure you're up to date...
Preview Splatoon Raiders Promises The Single-Player Splatting I Always Wanted
Raiders of the Lost Carp
I've had my fingers crossed for a single-player Splatoon game ever since... well, since Splatoon 1, now that I think about it. I love a bit of online Turf War battling, really I do, but the very best parts of the series for me have always been those stellar single-player campaigns, which annoyingly seem to wrap up just as...
Watch Splatoon Raiders Nintendo Direct - Live!
Splateral thinking
It feels like just yesterday that it was announced (in the June Direct, no less), but Splatoon Raiders' stand-alone Direct is almost here! The show will kick off in just a few minutes at 3pm BST / 4pm CET / 7am PT / 10am ET, and it promises to give us a closer look at the upcoming single-player-focused spin-off. There's just 15...
News Nintendo Treehouse: Live Returns Tomorrow With Even More Splatoon Raiders Gameplay
You're joking, aNoTHer one??
We are just one day away from Nintendo's next game-specific Direct, and we now know that it'll be followed by yet another Treehouse: Live show. The Splatoon Raiders Direct gets underway tomorrow at 3pm BST / 4pm CET / 7am PT / 10am ET, where we'll hear "more info on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 game". It's set to last...
Guide Splatoon Raiders Nintendo Direct June 2026: Time, Date, How To Watch
Ink your calendar
Nintendo usually only gives 24 hours' notice before its Directs, but back in the June presentation, it revealed when the next show is heading our way. It's Splatoon Raiders that's being put in the spotlight this time, with Nintendo sharing even more details on the upcoming spin-off ahead of its 23rd July release date. Below,...
PSA Splatoon Raiders' Daily Prologue Comics Start Rolling Out Today
Welcome to Deep Cut's Island Misadventures
We've still got Star Fox and Rhythm Heaven Groove to come, but Nintendo's marketing for its next big July release has stepped up a gear today with the arrival of the first 'Deep Cut's Island Misadventures' comic, the Splatoon Raiders prologue. These were initially announced in the June Direct and tell the...
News Splatoon 3 Version 11.2.0 Update Out Now, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
The devs already have another update in the pipeline
[Wed 10th Jun, 2026 02:30 BST]: Nintendo has announced its team-based squid shooter Splatoon 3 will be getting an update this week, bumping the title up to Version 11.2.0. Inklings and Octlings can expect fresh changes to the game's multiplayer, including weapon adjustments and changes to X...
News New Joy-Con Colours And A Stand-Alone Direct Are Inbound For Splatoon Raiders
Shiver down your spine
Nintendo had more info to share on Splatoon Raiders in today's Direct, but it looks like there is even more in the pipeline. After giving us a closer look at some gameplay (which still looks very Salmon Run-y), we learned that a stand-alone Raiders Direct will be coming our way on 30th June, where we'll hear even more about...
Guide Where To Pre-Order Splatoon Raiders For Nintendo Switch 2, Plus The New amiibo
Raiders of the lost cart
Splatoon is returning soon, this time on Switch 2 and in a single-player focused form we haven't seen before. Spin-off title Splatoon Raiders does have multiplayer, but as Nintendo is at pains to point out pre-release, the solo adventure is the focus here. Scheduled for launch on 23rd July — and a Switch 2 exclusive, no...
Talking Point So, What Are Your First Impressions Of Splatoon Raiders?
Raiders of the lost Shark
Splatoon Raiders has made a big splash today thanks to a big release date trailer. It's our first proper look at the upcoming Splatoon game, which swaps the focus from online multiplayer to single-player, and it's swimming onto Switch 2 on 23rd July 2026. And, amazingly, this is the first time we've seen more of the game...
News Splatoon Raiders' Switch 2 Price And Box Art Have Been Revealed
Unidentified Fryeing Object
After months of radio silence on the Splatoon Raiders front, Nintendo has opened the floodgates today. We now know the release date (23rd July), we've seen the tie-in amiibo, and look, here's the price and box art too! We'll start with that all-important price tag. Splatoon Raiders will set you back £41.99 / $49.99 digi
News A Trio Of New Splatoon amiibo Are On The Way
Launching this summer
Well, this is a nice surprise! Keen to make sure that nobody has forgotten about Splatoon Raiders, Nintendo has today revealed its release date. What's more, it'll have a trio of new amiibo in tow. The new Shiver, Frye and Big Man (Splatoon Raiders Edition) amiibo will launch alongside the game on 23rd July. The figures see...
News Splatoon Raiders Is Alive, And It's Out This Summer On Switch 2
"A single-player-focused Splatoon game"
After months of silence, Nintendo has finally remembered that Splatoon Raiders exists. Showcasing a brand new trailer on Nintendo Today!, we now know the game is coming to Switch 2 on 23rd July 2026 and will cost £41.99 / $49.99 digitally. In the US, the physical version is £49.99 / $59.99. You'll be...
