The sudden arrival of a new standalone title in the ink-flinging universe has left many fans asking: will splatoon raiders have coop? As a single-player focused experience that expands upon the foundations laid by previous expansions, the community was eager to see if they could tackle the new mutated Salmonid threats with friends. We can officially confirm that Splatoon Raiders does indeed feature a robust cooperative mode, allowing players to team up for the first time in a narrative-driven campaign of this scale. Understanding how will splatoon raiders have coop functionality work is essential for players looking to maximize their efficiency against the new mechanical and biological threats introduced in this $50 digital release.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the cooperative mechanics, the new upgrade systems, and how the gameplay loop differs from the traditional Turf War or Salmon Run modes found in the main series.
Cooperative Gameplay in Splatoon Raiders
The headline feature for many returning veterans is the ability to play through the primary campaign with a partner. Unlike the isolated feel of previous single-player entries, Splatoon Raiders was designed from the ground up to support multiple Inklings and Octolings working in tandem. This isn't just a basic "player two" addition; the game scales difficulty and enemy density based on your party size.
The co-op experience is integrated directly into the mission structure. Players can drop into a friend's lobby to assist with difficult boss encounters or to grind for specific tank upgrades. This cooperative focus changes the tactical landscape of the game, as certain equipable items, like the new stationary turret, become significantly more powerful when one player provides cover fire while the other maneuvers for a flank.
| Feature | Single-Player Mode | Cooperative Mode (Co-op) |
|---|---|---|
| Player Count | 1 Player | 2-4 Players (Online/Local) |
| Enemy Scaling | Standard Health/Damage | Increased Health & Mutated Variants |
| Revive Mechanic | Checkpoint Restart | Teammate Assistance/Ink Revive |
| Loot Sharing | 100% to Player | Shared Pool/Individual Rewards |
| Mission Access | Full Campaign | Full Campaign & Special Raids |
💡 Tip: When playing in co-op, ensure at least one player is equipped with the new "Midair Jump" tank upgrade to reach higher vantage points for scouting.
New Mechanics and Tank Upgrades
Splatoon Raiders introduces a deeper level of customization than we have seen in previous titles. Borrowing elements from the "Side Order" DLC, the game utilizes a damage-number system and a wide array of equipable upgrades that fundamentally change how you interact with the environment.
The most notable addition is the "Midair Jump," which can be equipped on all ink tanks. This allows for unprecedented verticality, making the platforming sections more dynamic. Furthermore, the introduction of actual turrets—not to be confused with the Sprinklers of the past—allows players to set up defensive perimeters. This is particularly useful in the "Raider" missions where you must defend a specific point against waves of mutated Salmonids.
Equipment and Customization Options
The customization suite has been expanded to include new hairstyles for both Inklings and Octolings. These aren't just cosmetic; certain gear sets provide bonuses to your cooperative abilities. For example, some gear might increase the speed at which you can revive a fallen teammate or boost the ink recovery rate for the entire squad.
| Upgrade Type | Description | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Midair Jump | Allows a second jump while in the air. | Platforming and Evasion |
| Stationary Turret | Deploys a high-output ink turret. | Area Denial & Boss Fights |
| Tank Expansion | Increases total ink capacity by 25%. | Long-range Weapon Users |
| Aura Pulse | Heals nearby teammates over time. | High-difficulty Co-op Raids |
Facing the Mutated Salmonid Threat
The enemies in Splatoon Raiders are a significant departure from the standard Salmonid variants found in Salmon Run. These "Mutated Salmonids" are faster, more aggressive, and often feature mechanical augmentations. Some enemies may even utilize Inkling-like movement, swimming through their own sludge to surprise the player.
Boss battles are a major highlight of the experience. These encounters are large-scale spectacles that require coordination. Whether it's a giant mechanical Salmonid or a corrupted version of a familiar face, these fights test your mastery of the new upgrade systems. Deep Cut also makes a significant appearance, though their exact role in the story remains a mystery that players will need to uncover as they progress through the campaign.
Warning: Mutated Salmonids can "corrupt" your ink, making it impossible to swim in for a short duration. Always keep a secondary path clear!
Comparing Raiders to Side Order
Many fans have noted that Splatoon Raiders feels like a "larger scale Side Order." While Side Order was a roguelike DLC, Raiders takes those concepts—such as the damage numbers and the chip-style upgrade system—and applies them to a full-length, non-linear campaign.
The game is priced at $50 digitally, reflecting its status as a significant standalone entry rather than a small expansion. The fluid animations and high-fidelity textures suggest that this title was built to push the current hardware to its limits. The inclusion of new Amiibo support also hints at long-term post-launch content, potentially including more co-op maps and gear sets.
For more information on the official release and patch notes, you can visit the Official Nintendo Splatoon Site for the latest updates on the franchise.
Cooperative Strategies for Success
To excel in the cooperative mode of Splatoon Raiders, players should focus on role-based gameplay. While everyone can deal damage, having a dedicated "Mechanic" who focuses on turret placement and tank repairs can make the higher-difficulty missions much more manageable.
- Coordinate Upgrades: Ensure your team isn't doubling up on the same utility upgrades. If one player has the Midair Jump, the other might consider the Aura Pulse for team sustain.
- Use the Environment: Splatoon Raiders features more destructible environments than previous games. Use your ink to trigger traps or create shortcuts for your partner.
- Focus Fire on Bosses: Mutated Salmonids often have specific weak points that are only exposed during certain attack animations. One player should draw aggro while the other targets the weak spot.
| Character Type | Recommended Upgrade | Role in Co-op |
|---|---|---|
| Inkling | Stationary Turret | Defensive Support |
| Octoling | Midair Jump | Scout / Assassin |
| The Mechanic | Tank Expansion | Heavy Ordnance |
FAQ
Q: Will Splatoon Raiders have coop for the entire story?
A: Yes, the entire campaign in Splatoon Raiders is playable in cooperative mode. You can invite friends to join your session at almost any point, allowing you to experience the full narrative together.
Q: Is there local split-screen co-op available?
A: While the game primarily focuses on online play, there is support for local wireless play between multiple consoles. Traditional split-screen on a single console is currently limited to specific mini-games and is not available for the main campaign.
Q: Can I play as an Octoling from the start?
A: Yes, players can choose between being an Inkling or an Octoling right from the beginning of the game. There are also several new hairstyles and customization options exclusive to Splatoon Raiders.
Q: Do I need to own Splatoon 3 to play Splatoon Raiders?
A: No, Splatoon Raiders is a standalone digital release. While it shares the universe and some mechanics with Splatoon 3, it is a separate purchase and does not require the base game to play.