Why people call it "Splatoon 4" (and why it isn't)
Splatoon Raiders is the fourth Splatoon title after the Wii U original, Splatoon 2, and Splatoon 3. So when Nintendo revealed it as the next game in the series, a lot of players assumed it would be "Splatoon 4." In a developer interview, producer Seita Inoue addressed that head-on: the team had spent over 11 years on the core competitive formula and wanted to try something different — a slower, single-player take that lifts the non-competitive pieces (the Salmon Run co-op mode and the single-player story modes) out of the mainline games and builds them into a standalone spin-off. Because competitive development continues, they deliberately labeled it a spin-off rather than "Splatoon 4."
So if you are waiting for a true Splatoon 4 with ranked Turf War, this isn't it — but Nintendo has said that kind of competitive entry is still coming eventually.
Raiders vs Splatoon 3, side by side
| Splatoon Raiders | Splatoon 3 |
|---|---|
| Spin-off / side story | Mainline competitive sequel |
| Switch 2 exclusive | Nintendo Switch |
| Single-player raid loop + optional co-op | Turf War PvP, Salmon Run co-op, Hero Mode |
| Loot, craft, level weapons, build a hideout ship | Unlock gear, catalog, locker, Salmon Run rankings |
| Three ink tanks (Speed / Power / Tactical) + gadgets | Main weapon + Sub + Special, per class |
| Difficulty (Tourist / Raider / Survivalist) affects enemy strength only, not loot | Ranked battles, Anarchy Series, leaderboards |
| Deep Cut Bot Buddies (Shiver / Frye / Big Man) ride along | Deep Cut host Splatfests and Salmon Run |
| $49.99 digital / $59.99 physical | $59.99 |
Which one should you buy?
- Get Splatoon Raiders if you love the ink combat and want a solo / co-op "just one more raid" loop, or you already own a Switch 2 and want a meaty exclusive. It is the best-looking, deepest single-player Splatoon yet.
- Stick with (or get) Splatoon 3 if you play for ranked Turf War, Splatfests, and the full competitive package — Raiders has no PvP at all.
- Wait for Splatoon 4 if you specifically want the next numbered competitive entry. It has not been announced, so there is no release date — Raiders is playable now and scratches the Salmon Run itch in the meantime.
Price and where to buy
Splatoon Raiders is $49.99 USD digital / $59.99 physical, Switch 2 exclusive. The Deep Cut amiibo trio (Shiver, Frye, Big Man) launched the same day with Raiders-specific outfits for the Mechanic — they are the Splatoon 3 Deep Cut amiibo set, so they work across both games' eras.
Frequently asked questions
Is Splatoon Raiders Splatoon 4?
No. It is the fourth Splatoon game but a spin-off, not the numbered sequel. Nintendo's producer explained they wanted a different, single-player-focused direction after Splatoon 3 rather than shipping "Splatoon 4." A competitive Splatoon 4 has not been announced, but Nintendo says it will happen eventually.
What is the difference between Splatoon Raiders and Splatoon 3?
Splatoon 3 is the mainline competitive game (Turf War PvP, Salmon Run, Hero Mode). Raiders is a Switch 2 spin-off built around a single-player and optional co-op raid loop: scavenge loot, level weapons, build a hideout ship, fight Salmonids. No ranked PvP, Switch 2 only.
Will there be a Splatoon 4?
Not announced, but Nintendo has said competitive gameplay development continues and a fourth numbered entry is expected. Raiders is a side story that showcases the Salmon Run-style co-op play while the main competitive line stays separate.
Can Splatoon Raiders run on Switch 1?
No. It is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive and uses the newer hardware for the larger Salmonid counts. See the mechanics FAQ for more.
Next: not sure it is worth the money? Read the is-it-worth-it breakdown, or see how many hours you'll get.