The ink-splatting world has taken a dramatic turn with the release of the latest single-player epic. If you are looking for a definitive splatoon raiders walkthrough, you have come to the right place to master the secrets of the past. As a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, this title departs from the traditional multiplayer formula to offer a story-driven experience focused on exploration, treasure hunting, and the origins of the Salmonids. Players step into the boots of "The Mechanic," working alongside fan-favorite characters like Big Man to navigate a world shaped by the victory of Team Past.
Navigating this new landscape requires more than just a quick trigger finger; you will need to manage your hideout, develop complex gadgets, and upgrade ancient weaponry to survive. This splatoon raiders walkthrough will guide you through every shard collection, boss encounter, and weapon customization screen to ensure you reclaim the relics of the Inkling world. Whether you are riding on the back of a massive sea creature or tinkering with a rusted Octobrush, the following strategies will prove essential for your journey through the July 2026 release.
Getting Started: The Mechanic’s Hideout
Unlike previous entries, your journey begins on a specialized hideout ship that serves as your central hub. Here, you can customize your character’s appearance, choosing from wild new hairstyles and classic eye colors. As the Mechanic, your primary goal is to collect shards and treasure to fund the construction of your ship and the development of your arsenal.
The hideout is divided into several key areas:
- Construction Bay: Use collected materials to expand your ship's capabilities.
- Gadget Lab: Develop new L and R button abilities like the Tornado or the Bot Buddy.
- Weapon Workbench: Reassign perks and upgrade the levels of your primary ink-spreaders.
💡 Tip: Always check with Big Man in the machine shop after every mission. He often provides specific "Tinker" assignments that unlock high-tier weapon perks early in the game.
Weapon Systems and Loadout Customization
The weapons in this era are "relics"—primitive versions of the gear seen in Splatoon 3. You will encounter the Old Octobrush, the rusted Splattershot Jr., and even a brand-new Axe-style weapon designed for heavy melee damage. Progression is tied to weapon levels; as you use a tool, you earn the ability to slot in specific perks.
| Weapon Type | Primary Function | Unique Perk Slot | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Octobrush | High-speed ink trails | Slash Area Up | Crowd control against small Salmonids |
| Mini Splatling | Rapid fire suppression | Overpowered Attack | Taking down armored Samurid giants |
| Mechanic's Axe | Heavy melee/Armor break | Explosive Steps | Destroying treasure crates and shields |
| Old Bucket | High-arc ink lobbing | Emergency Damage Up | Reaching enemies behind cover or on ledges |
Customizing your loadout is critical for the later stages of the game. You are not just choosing a weapon; you are building a "Relic Power" set that includes your tank capacity, style, and bot buddy behavior.
Navigating the Past: Exploration Mechanics
The world of the past is rugged and untamed. Since Team Past won the final Splatfest, the environment reflects a more tribal, Salmonid-centric history. You will spend a significant amount of time searching for treasure using a localized map. Some areas are inaccessible on foot, requiring you to ride on Big Man—who functions as a powerful aquatic mount—to cross ink-swamps and turbulent seas.
Gadget Development
Your L and R buttons are reserved for gadgets that you develop using shards. These aren't just sub-weapons; they are utility tools that help you solve environmental puzzles.
- The Tornado: Creates a localized ink-vortex that pulls in treasure and distracts enemies.
- The Old Killer Whale: A primitive version of the classic special, used to clear massive blockages and stun bosses.
- Drills: Used specifically for extracting rare shards from the earth in "Bonanza" style bonus rooms.
Perk Progression and Skill Trees
Each weapon can be upgraded across five levels. As you progress through the story, you will find "Relic Shards" that allow you to reassign perks at the workbench. This flexibility is a core part of any successful splatoon raiders walkthrough strategy, as certain bosses are nearly impossible without specific damage buffs.
| Perk Name | Effect at Level 1 | Effect at Level 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Slash Area Up | Increases ink width by 10% | Increases ink width by 50% + Lingering damage |
| Overpowered Attack | 5% damage boost to bosses | 25% damage boost + Armor piercing |
| Explosive Steps | Small ink burst when jumping | Massive explosion on landing from height |
| Emergency Damage Up | +10% attack when low health | +40% attack and temporary invulnerability |
⚠️ Warning: Reassigning perks costs a small amount of "Tinker Shards." Avoid swapping your build too frequently in the early game, or you may find yourself short on resources when you reach the mid-game difficulty spike.
Boss Strategies: Confronting the Samurids
The Samurids are ancient ancestors of the Salmonids we know today. They are larger, more mechanical, and much more aggressive. Many of these encounters require you to use the environment to your advantage. For instance, when facing the "Great Samurid Construct," you must use your Mechanic's Axe to break the robot's leg plating before Big Man can deliver a finishing blow with the Killer Whale gadget.
- Observe the Number Values: Like the "Side Order" DLC, enemies now display health values. Use this to determine if your current weapon level is sufficient for the area.
- Utilize the Bot Buddy: Your robotic companion can be set to "Distract" or "Assist." Against fast-moving bosses, set the bot to Distract so you can charge your Mini Splatling safely.
- Environment Interaction: Look for "Tornado" icons in boss arenas. Using your gadget on these spots often triggers a stage hazard that deals massive damage to the enemy.
For more information on the official lore and updates, visit the official Nintendo website to stay current with the 2026 roadmap.
Treasure Hunting and Ship Upgrades
The loop of the game revolves around the "Search for Treasure" missions. These missions are non-linear, allowing you to explore large open zones at your own pace. The shards you find are used to upgrade the hideout ship, which in turn unlocks higher-level weapon tiers.
- Common Shards: Used for basic weapon maintenance and ammo capacity.
- Relic Shards: Required for unlocking the 4th and 5th level of any perk.
- Ancient Gears: Rare drops from bosses used to construct new gadgets.
FAQ
Q: Is there any multiplayer mode in Splatoon Raiders?
A: No, Splatoon Raiders is strictly a single-player focused adventure. It is designed as a story-driven experience following the events of the Team Past victory.
Q: Can I use my Splatoon 3 Amiibo in this game?
A: Yes, Nintendo has confirmed that existing Amiibo are compatible, providing exclusive gear styles and bonus shards. New Amiibo specifically for the "Raiders" lineup are also scheduled for release in July 2026.
Q: Why do I need a Nintendo Switch 2 for this game?
A: Splatoon Raiders is a next-generation exclusive. It utilizes the increased processing power of the Switch 2 to render larger open-world environments, complex physics for the ink-tornadoes, and high-fidelity textures for the Salmonid creatures.
Q: How long does a standard splatoon raiders walkthrough take to complete?
A: While playtime varies based on how much treasure you hunt, a focused run of the main story takes approximately 15-20 hours. Completionists looking to fully upgrade the hideout ship can expect 40+ hours of gameplay.