The Squid Research Lab has officially broken its silence, revealing a massive wave of content that is set to redefine the franchise. For players looking for a fresh splatoon raid experience, the announcement of Splatoon Raiders marks a significant departure from the traditional turf-war formula. This upcoming spin-off game promises to take players on a grand adventure through the mysterious Spiralite Islands, where the stakes are higher and the gameplay mechanics are more intricate than ever before. Whether you are a veteran Inkling or a newcomer to the Splatlands, this splatoon raid style adventure is designed to push your skills to the limit.
In addition to the spin-off news, Nintendo has also detailed a comprehensive update for Splatoon 3, ensuring that the current community remains vibrant and competitive. From the return of iconic maps to a staggering number of new weapon variations, the 2026 roadmap is packed with content that will keep players busy all summer long. This guide covers everything you need to know about the new hardware requirements, the Splatlands collection, and how the new "Series Weapon Power" stat will change your Anarchy Battle experience.
Splatoon Raiders: A New Horizon on Nintendo Switch 2
The headline of the recent Squid Research Lab report is undoubtedly Splatoon Raiders. Unlike the main series, which focuses heavily on 4v4 competitive ink-slinging, Splatoon Raiders introduces a more narrative-driven, adventure-focused experience. Players will step into the boots of a professional mechanic, working alongside the fan-favorite trio, Deep Cut.
The setting for this new splatoon raid adventure is the Spiralite Islands, a previously uncharted archipelago filled with unique environmental hazards and mysterious technology. As a mechanic, your role extends beyond just splatting enemies; you will be tasked with repairing machinery, navigating complex terrain, and uncovering the secrets of the islands. This title is confirmed as an exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2, utilizing the increased processing power to deliver a scale of world design previously impossible on older hardware.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Setting | Spiralite Islands |
| Protagonist Role | Mechanic |
| Supporting Cast | Deep Cut (Frye, Shiver, Big Man) |
| Platform | Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusive |
| Gameplay Focus | Adventure, Puzzle-solving, & Combat |
π‘ Tip: Keep an eye on the official Nintendo social channels for the "Research Findings" update, which will likely detail the specific co-op mechanics of the Raiders experience.
Splatoon 3: The Splatlands Collection Update
While Splatoon Raiders looks toward the future, Splatoon 3 is receiving a massive free update on June 12, 2026. This update introduces the "Splatlands Collection," a curated set of 30 weapons that bring a fresh aesthetic and strategic depth to the game. These weapons are produced by the Barazushi and Embers brands, known for their rugged, high-performance designs.
These aren't just cosmetic reskins. Each weapon in the Splatlands Collection features a different sub-weapon and special weapon loadout compared to their original versions. This allows players to use their favorite weapon archetypes with entirely new tactical approaches.
New Weapon Brands Overview
| Brand | Aesthetic Style | Gameplay Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Barazushi | Industrial / Tactical | Defensive & Area Denial |
| Embers | Streetwear / Experimental | High Mobility & Aggression |
The update also raises the "Freshness" caps for all weapons. Players who have already mastered their favorite gear will now have new milestones to aim for, complete with exclusive in-game badges to showcase their dedication. If you've been sitting at the maximum rank, June 12 is the day to start grinding again.
Competitive Evolution: Series Weapon Power
One of the most significant changes coming to the Splatoon 3 Anarchy Battle series is the introduction of "Series Weapon Power." This new stat is designed to provide a more granular look at player skill. Unlike the general rank, this stat tracks your effectiveness with specific weapons based on your win-loss ratio.
This data will be used in the matchmaking process to ensure that battles are as fair as possible. For example, if you are a master with the Splat Roller but only a beginner with the Charger, the game will attempt to match you against players with similar proficiency when you switch between them. This prevents "stomp" matches where a high-rank player tries out a new weapon and ruins the experience for lower-skilled opponents.
How Series Weapon Power Works
- Weapon Tracking: The game records your performance metrics every time you enter an Anarchy Battle.
- Win/Loss Ratio: Your power level fluctuates based on your ability to secure victories with a specific kit.
- Matchmaking Integration: The system prioritizes matching you with players who have a similar "Power" rating for their currently equipped weapon.
- Badges: Reaching certain power milestones will unlock new, prestigious badges for your Splashtag.
The Return of Urchin Underpass
Nostalgia is hitting hard in 2026 with the return of Urchin Underpass. Originally a fan-favorite from the first Splatoon game, this map has been meticulously rebuilt for Splatoon 3. While the layout remains faithful to the original, the developers have added modern touches to accommodate the newer movement mechanics like the Squid Surge and Squid Roll.
Urchin Underpass is known for its narrow side alleys and the wide-open central plaza, making it a perfect stage for both long-range chargers and close-quarters sloshers. Its return to the rotation is part of the June 12 update and will be available in both Turf War and Ranked modes.
β οΈ Warning: Be careful in the central plaza of Urchin Underpass; the lack of cover makes you an easy target for the new Embers-branded Specials being introduced in the update.
Cross-Generation Play and Visual Upgrades
With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, many players have been worried about the community being split. Nintendo has confirmed that Splatoon 3 players on the original Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2 will be able to play together seamlessly.
However, players on the newer hardware will enjoy several "Pro" enhancements. These include:
- Higher Resolution: Native 4K support in docked mode.
- Improved Frame Stability: A locked 60 FPS even during the most chaotic special weapon exchanges.
- Detailed Environments: More "clutter" and high-fidelity textures in social hubs like Splatsville and the Grand Festival grounds.
| Feature | Nintendo Switch (Original/OLED) | Nintendo Switch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p (Docked) | 4K (Docked) |
| Performance | Variable 60 FPS | Locked 60 FPS |
| Visual Fidelity | Standard | Enhanced Textures & Lighting |
| Cross-Play | Supported | Supported |
For more information on the technical specifications of the franchise, you can visit the official Splatoon website for the latest developer blogs.
Preparing for the June Update
To make the most of the upcoming splatoon raid content and the Splatoon 3 expansion, players should start preparing now. Since 30 new weapons are dropping at once, you will need a significant amount of Sheldon Licenses.
- Save your Sheldon Licenses: Don't spend them on existing weapon variants if you want to unlock the Barazushi and Embers kits immediately on June 12.
- Farm Ability Chunks: With new weapons comes the need for new gear builds. Focus on farming versatile chunks like Ink Resistance Up and Swim Speed Up.
- Practice in Anarchy Battles: Get your general rank up now so that when the "Series Weapon Power" stat is introduced, you have a solid foundation to build upon.
The splatoon raid style of Splatoon Raiders is going to change how we perceive the world of Inklings and Octolings. By moving away from purely competitive modes and into the adventurous Spiralite Islands, Nintendo is expanding the lore and gameplay possibilities of its most colorful franchise. Whether you're excited for the mechanic-based puzzles of Raiders or the 30 new ways to splat in Splatoon 3, 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest year in the series' history.
FAQ
Q: Is Splatoon Raiders a multiplayer game?
A: While the official announcement focused on the adventure alongside Deep Cut, the Squid Research Lab mentioned that "research is still underway" regarding the full scope of the game. It is highly likely to feature co-op elements similar to a splatoon raid or Salmon Run.
Q: When is the Splatoon 3 update coming out?
A: The free update featuring the Splatlands collection and Urchin Underpass is scheduled for release on June 12, 2026.
Q: Do I need a Nintendo Switch 2 to play the new Splatoon 3 update?
A: No. The Splatoon 3 update is available for all players on the original Nintendo Switch, Lite, and OLED models. Only the spin-off game, Splatoon Raiders, is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.
Q: What is the benefit of the "Series Weapon Power" stat?
A: It provides more accurate matchmaking by measuring your skill with specific weapons rather than your overall account rank, making competitive play more balanced and rewarding for those trying new kits.