Quick answer

Splatoon Raiders shifts from turf wars to treasure hunting on the Spirhalite Islands, while Splatoon 3 remains the definitive competitive shooter. Choose Raiders if you want a fresh co-op adventure with gear crafting, or stick with Splatoon 3 for ranked battles and Salmon Run.

Why the switch to treasure hunting?

Splatoon 3 built its identity around 4v4 Turf War, Anarchy Battles, and Salmon Run. Splatoon Raiders abandons that competitive focus entirely. Instead, you explore the Spirhalite Islands, splat enemies, and hunt for treasure. The core loop shifts from ink coverage to loot collection and gadget building.

Gear customization gets deeper

In Splatoon 3, gear affects abilities but is largely cosmetic. Splatoon Raiders lets you customize gear and build gadgets from found materials. This adds a crafting layer that Splatoon 3 never had. If you enjoy tweaking loadouts outside of combat, Raiders offers more meaningful progression.

What you lose by switching

Splatoon Raiders is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, so you cannot play it on original Switch hardware. It also removes ranked matchmaking, competitive seasons, and the battle pass. If your enjoyment comes from climbing ranks or perfecting your Turf War strategy, Splatoon 3 remains the better fit.

Splatoon Raiders vs Splatoon 3: trade-offs at a glance

  • Game mode focus: Splatoon 3 is built around 4v4 Turf War and Salmon Run. Splatoon Raiders replaces those with treasure hunting and enemy splatting on the Spirhalite Islands. Choose Raiders for PvE exploration; choose Splatoon 3 for competitive PvP.
  • Gear and progression: Splatoon 3 uses gear for ability chunks. Splatoon Raiders adds gear customization and gadget building from looted materials. Raiders offers deeper RPG-like progression; Splatoon 3 keeps it simple and ability-focused.
  • Platform and availability: Splatoon Raiders is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2. Splatoon 3 runs on original Switch and Switch 2. Raiders requires new hardware; Splatoon 3 works on your existing console.

Product facts at a glance

  • Splatoon™ Raiders: Splatoon Raiders is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive set on the Spirhalite Islands. You need a Switch 2 to play, and the game focuses on exploration and loot rather than competitive multiplayer.

    Splatoon™ Raiders

    Splatoon™ Raiders

Which one fits you?

Best for

  • Players who want a co-op treasure-hunting adventure with crafting and exploration
  • Fans of the Splatoon universe looking for a fresh, non-competitive experience

Not for

  • Competitive players who live for ranked battles and Turf War
  • Anyone without a Nintendo Switch 2 who wants to play right away