Fresh Paint, New Rules: Splatoon Raiders Masters the PvE Grind
Splatoon Raiders isn’t exactly what I expected when the new Splatoon game was announced back in 2025. But when I found out it would be PvE, I was secretly delighted. Despite always being a PVP first franchise, I always preferred the single player components of the Splatoon games. But while Raiders is definitely PvE, it’s very unlike any other Splatoon game I’ve played before.
I’ve been reviewing games for almost a decade at this point, but I’ve been playing games a whole lot longer than that. It’s rare for me to find a game that will easily capture my attention for hours. I’m not talking about mandatory play sessions I do for these reviews. That’s me shouldering through games that might even be fun, but aren’t fun because now I’m playing them for work. Splatoon Raiders was the opposite. I sat and played for hours without even glancing at the clock once. It’s rare that a game just clicks for me like that, but Splatoon Raiders already had a lot going for it from my perspective.
The single player components of Splatoon games have always been unique to the main game modes, and are always very challenging. I also loved the Salmon Run co-op PvE component of Splatoon, and Splatoon Raiders is basically a mash-up between the traditional single player and Salmon Run with character progression. And while Salmon Run is a multiplayer only mode, I was relieved I could play solo.
Which is too bad, because if my whole Salmon Run crew had Switch 2s I would definitely try to get them into playing Splatoon Raiders. But for now, I’ve done all of my raiding by myself. So rest assured, friends aren’t required, but I’m sure they would turn this already addictively fun game into your group’s next Big Thing.
Two things kept me playing Splatoon Raiders for long stretches each day: how great the weapons feel, and the character progression system that allows for some fun gadget and ability combinations. As far as weapons go, all of your favorites are here. From buckets to rollers, most of your favorite paint throwing accoutrements are here–for the most part. There are a few weapons from the greater Splatoon repertoire missing, but there is always a suitable alternative. And as far as how they feel to play, they are exactly what you would think a Splatoon weapon would feel like. From semi-automatic sprayers that pump out each shot like a bullet, to rollers that lay ink on thick.
There are three types of ink tanks in Splatoon Raiders: speed, power, and tactical. While I started out using the tactical tank, by the end of the game I had all of the tanks maxed out and used them all extensively. The tanks themselves have an inherent ability you can unlock after a while, but what they really do is empower the gadgets you have–and allow you to use different types of salmonid relics. At first, you can equip gadgets from the tank you’re using but once you play enough you can equip gadgets from other tanks.
The gadgets themselves can drastically change how you approach the salmonid threat. Some gadgets work as passive abilities–like turrets that will shoot at enemies that pass, or a turbine that will do area of effect damage as long as it’s active. Other gadgets allow for movement abilities, like a ink grapple and leaps that can do damage on ascent or landing. Despite starting out on a tactical tank, i found myself using all three. Sometimes the level would call for a change in strategy, but most of the time I would change it up just for the fun of it.
I mentioned this earlier, but Salmon Raiders can feel a bit grind-y. It requires you to play a series of levels that are similar to one another. Some singleplayer Splatoon levels were more puzzle than action, and Splatoon Raiders mixes in cerebral challenges along with other challenges that are based mostly on combat. And while I would have loved to see a bit more variety in terms of objectives, I was too busy having fun to consider that a dealbreaker. In fact, I was happily replaying levels at their “spicy” difficulty to gather materials or just have fun.
I think that Splatoon Raiders is a proof of concept in a way. It proves that Splatoon can move away from being multiplayer focused. If Splatoon Raiders was able to tie in the magic of splatfests and throw in a little bit more Grizz (I miss that bear) then it would be my favorite Splatoon game. If they incorporated a PvP side mode in the same way that Salmon Run and the singleplayer were treated in the other Splatoon games, we wouldn't really need a Splatoon 4. But as it is right now, Splatoon Raiders is in my top 5 of the year so far, and probably the most fun I’ve had with a Splatoon game since the original.
Comments