Splatoon Raiders Just Got a Disappointing Update

Splatoon games have often received strong support for years after their release, but it seems that won't be the case for Splatoon Raiders. Released on Switch 2 earlier in 2026, Splatoon Raiders is the first spin-off in Nintendo's paint shooting franchise. While previous games in the series put a large focus on competitive multiplayer, Splatoon Raiders features a campaign largely designed for co-op.

Splatoon Raiders has been a critical success, with the game quickly establishing itself as one of the bigger exclusives available on Nintendo Switch 2. Since the original game's debut on Wii U in 2015, Splatoon has grown into a significant series for Nintendo. The change in focus in Splatoon Raiders could have proven controversial, but fans have clearly embraced the spin-off's unique take on the franchise.

Splatoon Raiders Developers Address Hopes for DLC

In an interview with Famitsu, Splatoon Raiders producer Seita Inoue revealed that there are currently no plans to support the game post-launch. That means players should not expect to see DLC for the Nintendo Switch 2 game. Splatoon games tend to get a lot of balance tweaks, but even that won't be the case for Splatoon Raiders. Inoue did note that updates might be released if any major bugs are discovered. However, players shouldn't expect to see any content beyond what's currently offered.

Find all 10 pairs

Regular Cover Art Clean Cover Art

Results

0 — More Games Find all 10 pairs Regular Cover ArtClean Cover Art Results 0 — More Games

The lack of additional content is sure to disappoint a lot of Splatoon Raiders players. More locations to explore and enemies to fight would have helped to keep interest in the game over time. However, Inoue's comments could offer a hint at Nintendo's current priorities. Development on Splatoon 4 has basically been confirmed, with Inoue previously noting that Splatoon Raiders was purposefully designed as a spin-off, so that players would know that competitive multiplayer will remain the focus for numbered games. Essentially, the gameplay fans have come to know and love over the years isn't going anywhere.

Test your knowledge.

Easy · 15s Medium · 10s Hard · 5s Permadeath · 5s

Sign in to claim your place on the leaderboard!

Leaderboard No scores yet. Be the first. 1/10

Question text goes here?

Results

0 Points

—

Sign in to claim your place on the leaderboard!

Leaderboard No scores yet. Be the first.

Splatoon Raiders seems to have been Nintendo's attempt at filling the gap while players wait for the next numbered entry in the series. If the game isn't getting any additional support, that could mean that Splatoon 4 isn't too far away. It's unclear exactly when the next game in the series will be revealed, or released for that matter. Splatoon 3 was released in 2022, arriving five years after Splatoon 2. If history repeats, Splatoon 4 could arrive on Nintendo Switch 2 sometime next year. That would bolster the system's confirmed lineup of 2027 exclusives, alongside Metroid Ravenous, Xenoblade Genesis, Kirby and the World Beyond, and Pokemon Winds and Waves.

For the time being, Splatoon fans don't have any shortage of ways to enjoy the series while playing with or against other players. Splatoon 3's regular updates technically ended in 2024, but the game still receives occasional Splatfests, and there's even been some crossover content based on Splatoon Raiders. It's unclear exactly how long Splatoon 3 will continue to see support, but if Splatoon 4 really is arriving in 2027, Nintendo will want to keep players as engaged as possible up until then.

9/10

Splatoon Raiders

Action Adventure Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 81/100 Critics Rec: 87% Released July 23, 2026 ESRB Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence Developer(s) Nintendo EPD Publisher(s) Nintendo 5 Images

Genre(s) Action, Adventure

Source: Oatmeal Dome

0:00 / 0:00