Nintendo promised more information about Splatoon Raiders in a dedicated Direct on June 30, 2026 and delivered with new insights into gameplay. We got to see what it will be like when our new Inkling and Octoling avatars join Splatoon 3’s Deep Cut’s Shiver, Frye, and Big Man on a treasure hunting adventure filled with Salmonid foes. This is our most extensive look so far ahead of its July 2026 debut. First, the video went over the general gameplay loop. For the most part, we’ll look around the islands and find a spot with treasure, entering a stage to get it. Our character will be accompanied by a Deep Cut member who hops in the Exploration Bot. That person can detect the treasure in the unit. However, Salmonids do gather around treasure, requiring us to beat the hordes to get the items. There will also be some challenge stages that force certain gadget usage or ruins that involve constantly digging deeper into new areas for greater rewards. Tourist, Raider, and Survivalist difficulty options will be available, and choosing one doesn’t affect loot acquired. We can play alone or with up to four people via local or online multiplayer. Even when solo, you can “call for help” to get help from someone online for a raid o help someone else who put out the call. Lesser and Boss Salmonids can appear in all areas, with some like the Scrapper returning from entries like Splatoon 3. Lesser Salmonids drop Power Eggs, while bosses drop Mega Power Eggs. These power the Exploration Bot. It might dive down into ruins, where stronger Seasoned Salmonid bosses covered in salt appear. All Salmonids have a chance of dropping gadget parts. Speaking of equipment, the video also highlighted weapons and the gadgets we can use to fight Salmonids, with us able to equip two to our tank at once. There are also tanks that prioritize speed, power, and tactical approaches. These level up as you use them, and can eventually even become strong enough to allow three gadgets to be equipped. While weapons can be used as long as you have ink in your tank, gadgets do feature cooldown periods that you need to wait out in order to use them again. Shiver helps with gadget creation and updating, Frye assists with weapon upgrading and scrapping, and Big Man assists with data compiling and sorting. We can also change clothes and tap amiibo to get new outfits. In case you missed it, here is the full Splatoon Raiders Nintendo Direct. And you can watch the ensuing Nintendo Treehouse Live stream that will last until about 9am PT/11am ET/5pm CET. Splatoon Raiders will launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23, 2026, and Splatoon 3 is on the Switch and Switch 2. We may earn a commission if you purchase from certain links. Learn more here.