Does Splatoon Raiders Have Co-Op Or Multiplayer? Online & Local Multiplayer, Explained
Splatoon Raiders is launching as an exclusive Nintendo Switch 2 title on July 23, 2026, marking the first new mainline Splatoon game in four years. As the franchise’s first spin-off title, Splatoon Raiders represents a significant departure from the series’ traditional head-to-head competitive multiplayer format. Instead, it adopts a predominantly single-player experience structured around roguelite and looter-shooter mechanics, introducing a fresh direction for the beloved Nintendo franchise.
Despite its single-player focus, Splatoon Raiders maintains multiplayer functionality through online co-operative play supporting up to four players. This co-op option allows friends to explore the game world together, providing a collaborative alternative to the competitive gameplay the series is known for. The shift toward cooperative gameplay rather than competitive matches reflects the game’s new roguelite-looter-shooter hybrid design.
Pre-orders are now available for Splatoon Raiders, with the game offered in both digital and physical editions. Nintendo is keeping edition options relatively straightforward, without introducing multiple tier variations or exclusive bundles that some other major releases feature. Players can choose their preferred format ahead of the July 23 launch.
This release continues Nintendo Switch 2’s strong 2026 lineup following other major franchises making the leap to the new hardware, including Pokemon, Mario Kart, and Donkey Kong titles. Splatoon Raiders’ exclusive release underscores the publisher’s strategy of leveraging established IP to drive adoption of its new console generation.