Only Nintendo seems capable of crafting a third-person shooter that is devoid of heavy violence and still turns it into a successful multiplayer franchise. With its charming visuals and ear-catching music, Splatoon has carved out a unique identity in the gaming industry. It’s an identity that other titles, such as Foamstars from Square Enix, have tried to emulate but never come close. And for fans hoping for more, good news, the IP is expanding with Splatoon Raiders.
In a surprising move, Nintendo has officially announced the brand-new spin-off project set in the same world. The game marks a fresh direction for the franchise, and is being developed exclusively for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
Unlike the core entries in the series, Splatoon Raiders appears to shift away from fast-paced, competitive multiplayer gameplay. Based on glimpses from the reveal trailer, the game is likely to offer a more narrative-driven experience, possibly centred around single-player or cooperative play.
The footage also showcased various activities, including fishing and exploration, all of which were accompanied by a robotic companion. Of course, the signature colourful ink mechanics remain an integral part of the game.
The story of Splatoon Raiders will revolve around the area of Spirhalite Islands, where players will embark on an adventure alongside the beloved Deep Cut trio: Shiver, Frye, and Big Man. The new setting and gameplay direction suggest that Splatoon Raiders aims to flesh out the lore of the series while offering players a refreshing change of pace.
Nintendo has yet to reveal a release window for the title. However, the company has confirmed that Splatoon Raiders will be the first Splatoon title developed exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, signalling a bold new chapter for the franchise.
In the meantime, Splatoon 3 is getting a new free update on June 13, featuring the Splatlands collection of 30 new weapons from the Barazushi and Emberz brands. A returning stage from the original Splatoon game on Wii U, called Urchin Underpass, will also be added to the stage rotation.
