Splatoon Raiders is a single-player game first — but "single-player-focused" isn't "single-player only." Almost every raid can be tackled in 2–4 player co-op, and there's a Call for Help system for when you're stuck. If you came from Splatoon's Salmon Run expecting drop-in chaos, adjust your expectations: this is a slower, loot-driven co-op, and a couple of quirks will trip you up if nobody warns you. Here's the rundown.
First things first: co-op isn't on at the start
You can't jump into co-op the moment you boot the game. Multiplayer — and the Call for Help feature — unlocks a little way into the story, not at the very beginning. So if you and a friend both bought it on day one and can't find the co-op option, that's why: push through the opening stretch solo first, and it opens up.
How "Call for Help" works
Call for Help is your backup button. When a raid or boss is grinding you down, you can pull other players in rather than banging your head against it solo. Think of it as the game's built-in "I need a hand here" — ideal for that one wall boss, or a den that's too dense to solo comfortably. If you're the one answering a call, you're jumping into someone else's raid to help them clear it.
Play smarter as a squad
- Bring different tanks. A squad of four Speed players is chaos. Ideal spread: one Tactical to hold space with a Shot Pot turret and Bombloons, one Power to melt bosses, and Speed players to grab eggs and revive. Diversity covers each other's blind spots.
- Assign the egg-runner. In the heat of a fight, eggs get left on the floor. Have your most mobile player (Speed + an egg-collecting gadget) sweep loot while others hold the line.
- Don't all body the boss at once. Group up and you all eat the same area attack. Spread out so a single telegraphed move can't wipe the squad.
- Turrets and Bombloons love teammates. A Tactical player's deployables shine when the rest of the squad funnels Salmonids into them. Communicate where you're placing them.
- Mind the co-op quirks. Co-op behaves a bit differently from solo — there are specific wrinkles around downs and reviving that aren't in solo play. Until you know them, err toward caution: revive downed teammates, and don't over-extend expecting the solo "no penalty" safety net.
Solo player? You're not missing out
Worth saying plainly: this game is designed to be beaten solo, with your Deep Cut Bot Buddy as your partner. Co-op is a bonus, not a requirement — you won't hit a wall that demands a squad. If the servers are quiet or you just prefer flying solo, lean on the Tactical build and the boss patterns and you'll be fine. Co-op is there for when you want company or a faster farm, not because the game forces it.
Frequently asked questions
Is Splatoon Raiders multiplayer?
It's single-player-focused, but almost every raid supports 2-4 player co-op. Co-op unlocks a little way in, along with Call for Help.
When does co-op unlock?
After the opening stretch of the game, not at the very start. Play through the early story and it becomes available.
How does Call for Help work?
It lets you bring other players into your raid for backup when a raid or boss is giving you trouble.
Do you get the same loot in co-op?
Yes, and since loot doesn't scale with difficulty or player count, co-op is a fast, safe way to farm because clears are quicker.
Is there a death penalty in co-op?
Co-op has quirks that differ from solo, so revive teammates and play cautiously. Solo has no death penalty.
Can I beat the game solo?
Absolutely — it's built to be finished solo with your Bot Buddy. Co-op is optional.
Next: gear your squad with the weapon tier list and best builds, then go hunt bosses together.