Play the full adventure solo
A Deep Cut member accompanies you in a Bot Buddy. Nintendo confirms that everything picked up during a solo raid is kept regardless of the result, making solo the simplest way to explore and learn at your own pace.
1–4 players · Online and local wireless
Splatoon Raiders Multiplayer
Splatoon Raiders Multiplayer
& Co-op Guide
See exactly how many people can play, whether couch co-op is supported, what each player needs, how story progress works and when to use Call for Help.
2–4 online
Nintendo Switch Online required
2–4 local wireless
One system and game per player
No split-screen
Single-system play is listed as 1
Co-op PvE only
No Turf War or competitive PvP
Direct answer
Is Splatoon Raiders multiplayer?
Yes. Splatoon Raiders is a single-player-focused PvE adventure that also supports two to four players online or through local wireless. Friends cooperate against Salmonids and can complete much of the story together; there is no announced competitive multiplayer or Turf War mode.
Planning couch co-op? The current Nintendo listing says one player on a single system. Local wireless means every player needs a separate Nintendo Switch 2 and game copy—it is not split-screen play on one TV.
Mode picker
Choose how you want to play Splatoon Raiders
Select a mode to see the player count, connection and the practical reason to use it.
Play Splatoon Raiders co-op online
Create or join a room and raid with up to three other players. Each person needs a Nintendo Switch 2, a game copy, a Nintendo Account, internet access and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Play together through local wireless
Connect nearby without an online lobby. Each player still needs their own Nintendo Switch 2 and game copy. Local wireless is not same-screen or split-screen co-op.
Request help for one difficult raid
Send a Call for Help before a raid so another online player can choose Go Help and join. A successful helper receives a Help Bonus, and successful requests are followed by a waiting period before you can call again.
Requirements
Splatoon Raiders multiplayer requirements compared
Use this table before buying extra copies or planning a group session.
| Play mode | Players | Systems | Game copies | Nintendo Switch Online | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | 1 | 1 | 1 | No* | Full story at your own pace |
| Online co-op | 2–4 | One per player | One per player | Yes | Playing with distant friends |
| Local wireless | 2–4 | One per player | One per player | No | Nearby players with separate systems |
| Call for Help | Online support | Separate systems | Separate copies | Yes | Getting past one blocked raid |
*Solo play itself does not require Nintendo Switch Online. Online features such as Call for Help do.
Online setup
How to play Splatoon Raiders online with friends
Release-build reviews show multiplayer rooms, friend invitations and password options. Menu wording can differ slightly by region, so use the sequence below as a practical flow rather than a button-for-button manual.
- Step 1
Connect each player online
Confirm that every player has a Nintendo Account, Nintendo Switch Online membership and internet connection.
- Step 2
Create a multiplayer room
The host creates a room from the multiplayer options and chooses whether to invite friends directly or use a password.
- Step 3
Invite friends or share the password
Other players join the room with the matching invitation or password.
- Step 4
Choose a shared unlocked raid
Pick a stage every party member has unlocked. A locked stage cannot be selected for that group.
- Step 5
Check each loadout
Choose Tanks and Gadgets that cover movement, direct damage and battlefield control before launching.
- Step 6
Complete the raid together
A completed eligible level counts as progress for the players involved, according to release-build reviews.
Same room, separate screens
How Splatoon Raiders local wireless co-op works
What every local player needs
- • One Nintendo Switch 2 system
- • One copy of Splatoon Raiders
- • A nearby local wireless connection
- • A save with the chosen raid unlocked
What local wireless does not mean
It does not divide one TV into multiple views, and extra controllers do not create extra players on one console. Nintendo's US listing specifies one player per single system and requires additional systems and games for multiplayer.
Co-op rules
How co-op progress, difficulty and player scaling work
Story progress can count for everyone
Release-build reviews report that completing an eligible level records progress for all participating players. The group cannot select a stage one member has not unlocked.
Players keep their own difficulty
Review testing reports that Tourist, Raider and Survivalist choices remain individual in co-op, so friends with different comfort levels can play together.
Player power scales automatically
Nintendo says player power is adjusted automatically to help mixed-progression groups. Enemy strength also increases for multiplayer according to release reviews.
Loot warning: Nintendo explicitly guarantees item retention after failed solo raids. Do not assume the same protection applies in online or local co-op; clear the objective when collected multiplayer loot matters.
Temporary assistance
How Call for Help works in Splatoon Raiders
Call for Help is for a specific raid when you do not want to form a long-running party. It connects a player asking for assistance with someone choosing to help.
1. Request help
Choose Call for Help before beginning the difficult raid.
2. A helper joins
Another online player chooses Go Help and enters the requesting player's lobby.
3. Finish the raid
The temporary group works together until that raid ends.
4. Helper earns a bonus
Successful assistance awards a Help Bonus; the requester then faces a cooldown before calling again.
Practical team setup
Beginner co-op tips and Tank roles
You do not need four different builds. The simplest team is one that covers movement, immediate pressure and a way to control crowded space.
Speed Tank: move and recover space
Use movement Gadgets to reach objectives, escape surrounded teammates and keep safe ink routes open.
Power Tank: pressure groups and armor
Bring direct attacks when the team needs to break shields or clear Salmonids before the arena becomes crowded.
Tactical Tank: control a second angle
Deploy automatic or linked attacks so the team can damage one area while focusing weapons somewhere else.
Quick answers
Splatoon Raiders multiplayer FAQ
How many players can play Splatoon Raiders?
One person can play solo. Online co-op and local wireless support two to four players.
Does Splatoon Raiders have split-screen or couch co-op?
No. Nintendo currently lists single-system play as one player. Nearby co-op uses local wireless with a separate Nintendo Switch 2 and game copy for every player.
Do you need Nintendo Switch Online for Splatoon Raiders multiplayer?
You need Nintendo Switch Online and a Nintendo Account for online co-op and Call for Help. Solo and local wireless play do not require the subscription.
Can you play the Splatoon Raiders story in co-op?
Yes, most levels can be played cooperatively according to release-build reviews. A group can only select levels unlocked by every member, and a successful eligible level counts as progress for participating players.
Does Splatoon Raiders have online matchmaking?
Call for Help connects a requesting player with someone choosing Go Help. Release-build reviews also show friend invitations and password rooms for normal group play.
Does Splatoon Raiders have competitive PvP or Turf War?
No competitive PvP mode has been announced. Multiplayer is cooperative PvE against Salmonids within the raid adventure.
Can Nintendo Switch players join Switch 2 players?
No. Splatoon Raiders is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, so every participant needs a Nintendo Switch 2 system.
Sources and verification notes
Player counts, subscription requirements, separate-system requirements and automatic power scaling come from Nintendo. Story progression and individual difficulty behavior are identified as release-build review findings, not silently presented as Nintendo specifications.